Benihana

Austin, Texas

One place we believe EVERYBODY should experience at least once, is Benihana. In Austin you can find it at the corner of Burnet and Research, but they have locations all around the globe. Benihana is a "Teppan-yaki" style restaurant. (Teppan meaning "steel grill" and yaki meaning "broiled".) Where the highly trained chef prepares dinner for you right at your table. This is not just dinner though, it's an entertainment experience you won't forget.

Benihana makes a terrific change from the norm of ordering dinner from the waitstaff and waiting around for it to be prepared. Start to finish, the chefs put on a dazzling show of twirling knives and spatulas, food and fire tricks, and a little comic relief as they go. It's really a lot of fun.

Aside from the show, we were then also dazzled by the delicious food. Starting off with an onion soup and a grilled shrimp appetizer prepared in a flash, which was so tasty, we were anxiously awaiting the next course. The chef made the fried rice right in front of us, and of course added that Benihana flare to it's preparation and delivery.
We were "ooohing and ahhhing" the entire time, but when it was time to eat we finished every last bit of a generous serving.

We absolutely LOVED the steak and lobster, which we asked for the steak to be cooked medium-rare. The chef removed the lobster from the shell, chopped it into bites, seasoned and grilled it, then served it to us in the shell. This actually allowed the lobster meat to create it's own sort of sauce in the shell which was mouth-watering. It almost makes you want to order "lobster and lobster". But the steak was tender, had great flavor and you wouldn't want to miss out on that part of it.

It's really amazing that these guys are able to put on such a show and still cook the food exactly the way it's supposed to be. When dinner is served the chef takes his exit bow and allows you to enjoy his craft.

Though they are known for the Teppan-yaki style format, they also specialize in Sushi. If you are more into Sushi, there's plenty to choose from. These chefs are actually artists who display their works of art on a daily basis.

If you are having a party, Benihana makes a great place for group outings. (adults or families) The tables seat about eight people per chef, both adults and kids are astounded by the show. If you haven't been there yet you're missing out, grab some friends and try it for yourself.

Curious how they got started? Their story is very interesting. Benihana History

Benihana
9070 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 451-7505

Hours:
Mon -Thu 5p-10p
Fri 5p-11p
Sat 11:30a-11p
Sun 11:30a-10p