+1 619-298-4666
Benihana - San Diego invites you to savor the dynamic and interactive world of Japanese teppanyaki cuisine in the heart of San Diego. Nestled at 477 Camino del Rio S, this renowned restaurant combines culinary artistry and lively entertainment, creating an unforgettable dining experience that delights all your senses.
Step up to the sizzling hibachi grill where expertly skilled chefs, like the much-praised Chef Piña or Jacob, become the stars of the evening, delivering not just a meal, but a captivating performance. Their mastery over the grill transforms high-quality ingredients into dishes bursting with vibrant flavors and perfect textures. From the tender, buttery Hibachi Chateaubriand to the succulent Hibachi Scallops and tantalizing Hibachi Colossal Shrimp, every bite is a celebration of freshness and culinary precision. The Benihana Onion Soup provides a rich, savory start, while the delightfully creamy Green Tea Ice Cream or classic Vanilla Ice Cream offer a soothing finish to your meal.
For sushi aficionados, the restaurant’s Sushi & Sashimi Combinations such as the Nigiri Assortment or the California Roll† highlight the freshest cuts of fish, perfectly paired with rice and garnishes that balance texture and taste. Those craving a fusion twist must try the unique Hibachi Burritos – whether it’s chicken or shrimp, these rolls surprise with their bold teriyaki flair, crispy fried rice, and are served alongside crisp Benihana salad and flavorful dipping sauces.
The atmosphere here is unmistakably vibrant and welcoming, with attentive staff like Cynthia ensuring every guest feels like a cherished visitor rather than just a diner. The interactive cooking show aspect, led by engaging chefs who blend humor, skill, and energy, leaves guests not only sated but genuinely entertained. Real patrons rave about this personal touch; Nicole describes a warmly personalized encounter, while Delilah and Luis Moreno applaud the chefs’ captivating performances and impeccable culinary craft.
While lunch offers a more budget-friendly option with speedy service and refreshing drinks like a cold beer or the tropical Blue Ocean Punch, dinner transforms into an experiential adventure where every detail from sizzling garlic butter to the dramatic onion volcano impresses. Though some visits note the occasional imperfection in rice texture or overcooked scallops, the consistent high quality of ingredients and memorable showmanship keep guests returning time and again.
In every sizzling bite and theatrical flourish, Benihana - San Diego delivers a brilliantly balanced mix of traditional flavors, modern flair, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an interactive Japanese feast, this teppanyaki restaurant promises a vivid dining experience that lingers long after your last bite.
We had lunch on Halloween. The service was good. The chef add a little of the sauce for my spicy chicken on his own and left the rest near my plate without asking me. I ended up adding the rest on my own. Husband scallops were over cooked. The fried rice was Ok not as good as other times. The beer nice and cold. Overall it is definitely cheaper to go during lunch time.
From the moment we arrived, the experience was already off to a great start. Cynthia remembered me from another restaurant, which instantly made the night feel warm, welcoming, and personal. I felt like I was a guest rather than just another reservation. Jacob, our chef, was incredibly talented and entertaining, keeping everyone engaged while showcasing his skill. The food was absolutely delicious, perfectly prepared, and made the whole experience memorable from start to finish. Benihana’s truly delivered on both hospitality and flavor. I’ll definitely be back.
What an amazing experience. Our waiter and show stopper, Pina was amazing. He was captivating and engaging from beginning to end. Absolutely an amazing experience. Definitely recommend.
Absolutely amazing! Food, service, the entire experience. Our server and chef were great, food well cooked and perfectly presented. Definitely recommend and will be back. First time we came it was too busy so we could only sit and eat in the bar area but this time made a reservation, worth the wait!
Chef Piña was absolutely outstanding. From the moment he stepped up to the grill, the energy, professionalism, and skill were next level. The food was cooked perfectly—flavorful, fresh, and exactly how everyone asked for it. Every course came out hot and on point, and the presentation was just as impressive as the taste. What really set Chef Piña apart was the experience. He was engaging, funny, and made sure everyone at the table was having a great time without ever missing a beat on the cooking. You can tell he takes pride in his craft and genuinely cares about giving guests a memorable meal. Hands down one of the best hibachi experiences we’ve had. If you get Chef Piña, you’re in for a great night. Highly recommend.
Brought a party of 24 for a wedding rehearsal. We had 3 tables and 3 fantastic chefs. All super personable and fun interaction with us. The food was fantastic!!! Manager Terri and the whole staff were super accommodating with add on and keeping me on financial track. Thanks you San Diego Benihana for a great evening!
We went here for a birthday celebration. The parking lot was full but vallet was available for only $8. We had reservations at but still had to wait about 20 mins before we were taken to our table. Our waitress was good and checked on us often. It took awhile for the chef to come to our table but once he arrived, things went smoothly. He confirmed what everyone ordered and was entertaining to watch. The onion soup and the salad starters were good. The vegetable side dish had too much onions. It was mainly zucchinis and onions. It was a little disappointing. My shrimps and my steak were cooked well. I do like the sauces we were given with our dinner too.