Benihana: Teppanyaki Dinner Choices, Takeout Orders, Gift Cards and Rewards

Benihana is the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant chain where a chef cooks at a large iron griddle in front of your table. Diners come as much for the show as for the steak, chicken, seafood and fried rice.

A Benihana visit goes well when you understand how the meal is structured, book for the right time and use the gift card and rewards offers the chain runs through the year. This guide covers dining in, takeout and paying less.

How a Benihana dinner works

A Benihana hibachi entrée typically comes as a set meal: soup, salad, a shrimp appetiser, vegetables, rice and the main protein, all cooked at the table. The entrée price covers the full course, so compare entrées rather than adding extras by default.

Combination entrées pair two proteins, such as steak and shrimp or chicken and scallops. They cost more than a single protein and are the usual choice for a first Benihana visit.

Hibachi chicken rice is commonly an upgrade from steamed rice. Check the current Benihana menu for which items are included and which carry an extra charge.

Seating and booking

Benihana seats guests at shared teppanyaki tables of around eight. Smaller groups are often seated with other parties. For a private table, book a larger group or ask when reserving.

Book ahead for weekends, birthdays and holidays. Benihana takes reservations online and by phone at most locations; walk-in waits on a Saturday evening can be long.

Birthdays are a Benihana tradition, with the staff often marking the occasion at the table. Mention it when booking.

Ordering Benihana takeout and delivery

Benihana offers takeout through its website and app, and delivery through partner platforms in many areas. Takeout hibachi meals are cooked in the kitchen rather than at the table, so you get the food without the show.

Compare the Benihana site with delivery platforms. Platform menu prices and fees can be higher, and Benihana's own codes usually only work on direct online orders.

Order ahead at busy times and check the estimated pickup time. Fried rice and noodles travel better than delicate seafood.

Sushi, sides and the rest of the menu

Most Benihana locations serve sushi and rolls alongside the teppanyaki menu. They make a good shared starter while the chef sets up the grill.

Dietary needs are worth raising early. Benihana cooks on a shared griddle, so tell the server about allergies before the chef starts. Check the allergen information for each location.

Kids' meals are available at Benihana and are a much cheaper way to seat younger children at the table.

Gift cards and the Benihana rewards programme

Benihana regularly runs gift card promotions, especially around the holidays, where buying a set value earns a bonus card for a later visit. Bonus cards usually carry an expiry date and a valid-from date, so read the terms.

Benihana runs a loyalty programme for regular diners, with points or rewards for spending and birthday offers. Sign up before your first visit so the meal counts.

Check whether a bonus card can be combined with a coupon. At Benihana, promotional cards often cannot be used with other discounts.

When Benihana is cheapest

Lunch menus at Benihana are cheaper than dinner for similar food, where lunch is served. Weekday visits are quieter and easier to book.

Holiday gift card promotions are usually the best-value moment. Buy cards in December and use the bonus in the new year.

Drinks add up quickly at a Benihana table. Cocktails and sake are priced like any sit-down restaurant, so a round for the table can cost as much as another entrée. Set a budget before the chef arrives, and check whether your local Benihana runs a happy hour at the bar.

Where the Benihana savings are

The $50 code is the biggest here and is likely tied to a larger Benihana order, such as a group takeout or a gift card purchase. Read the terms for a minimum spend.

The $25 code suits a family takeout order. As a flat amount, it beats 10% on any order under $250, which covers most Benihana baskets.

The 10% code is the fallback, and useful for a very large catering-style order where a percentage grows with the bill.

Benihana codes generally apply to online orders rather than dine-in bills, and they do not stack with gift card bonuses or each other. Check at checkout before placing the order.

Common questions

Is a Benihana dinner a full meal?

Yes. Hibachi entrées at Benihana include soup, salad, a shrimp appetiser, vegetables and rice.

Can a small group get a private Benihana table?

Usually only a full table. Smaller groups are often seated together; ask when booking.

Do Benihana codes work in the restaurant?

Most apply to online orders. Ask your Benihana location before relying on one for a dine-in bill.

When do Benihana gift card bonuses run?

Most often around the winter holidays. Check the bonus card's valid dates.