Service: you get what you give at Benihana
Saturday, June 07, 2008
My husband and I live close to Benihana in Golden Valley and we dine there about once a month (in fact, we were there last night). I agree with a couple of the other comments about lackluster customer service, as they don't have the most accommodating staff. That said, I think people need to go here expecting to have all members of your party ready to be seated at the same time; it makes sense to me, if you show up with 5 people and are waiting on 1 more, don't expect the other couple at your table to sit there and wait for your 6th to show before they can order...welcome to communal eating, folks. Benihana is usually a hectic place, so I guess I understand why they are a little rough around the edges when it comes to seating people. My husband and I go as a twosome often and NEVER have a problem getting in, even when it's busy. We've also gone dozens times with large groups, which, on occasion, is a little more complicated. Overall, I've found that if you're extra nice to the staff and expect that things can move a little slow here, you won't get all bent out of shape. My opinion is that the food and the chefs are totally worth any drama you get from the hosts or servers. And here's a hint, act like you're interested in the show. Clap for them when they do a trick! Give them a little something to let them know you're engaged and they'll pay you back in spades. The food is consistently very good, and believe me when I say we've had just about everything on the menu. Here's another hint: be assertive with the chef. Let them know how you like your filet cooked or if you want extra shrimp sauce. They'll take care of you! Feel free to joke around with them and you'll have a lot more fun. My favorites include the fried rice, shrimp, scallops, filet, lobster, the onion/zucchini side dish, tuna steak, and of course, the SHRIMP SAUCE. My final hint: pour the shrimp sauce on your fried rice...you won't be sorry=)
Pros: Great food, fun dinner show, lots of free parking, nice bar area to wait in
Cons: May have to wait for a table, have to be patient with host staff