Benihana

For those in California seeking a dining experience that's as entertaining as it is delicious, Benihana in Santa Monica stands as an iconic choice. Far from a typical Japanese restaurant, Benihana is the original pioneer of the theatrical hibachi grill, where highly skilled and charismatic chefs transform your meal into a captivating culinary show right at your table. This unique approach, combining fresh ingredients with dazzling knife work and playful banter, has made Benihana a beloved institution for generations of Californians, perfect for celebrations, family outings, or simply an evening filled with excitement and flavor. If you're a local looking for more than just a meal, but an unforgettable experience, Benihana in Santa Monica is ready to impress.

The core of the Benihana experience lies in its "teppanyaki" style of cooking, where individual grill stations serve as the stage for your personal chef. Here, fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables are expertly sliced, diced, and grilled before your very eyes, accompanied by impressive knife skills, juggling acts, and even onion volcanoes. Customers consistently rave about the "awesome and well-trained" chefs who not only cook your food to perfection but also create an "energetic atmosphere" that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout your meal. This interactive element sets Benihana apart, fostering a lively and communal dining environment that encourages laughter and shared memories.

Beyond the captivating show, Benihana is committed to delivering a satisfying meal. From classic hibachi chicken and steak to fresh seafood selections, the menu offers a range of options cooked exactly to your preference. Long-time customers of the Santa Monica location speak highly of the consistent quality and the exceptional service, highlighting attentive staff like "Tyler" and engaging chefs like "Joey" who ensure that every aspect of your visit is pleasant and seamless. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Benihana in Santa Monica promises a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and a show that will have you thinking about your "next visit while you’re still eating."

Benihana in Santa Monica is conveniently located at 1447 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, a bustling and easily accessible area in Los Angeles County. Its position on 4th Street means it's just one block off the famous Third Street Promenade, known for its shopping, entertainment, and vibrant street life, and also close to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this Benihana location. Being in a major urban hub, it is well-served by public transportation options. For those driving, while Benihana does not offer on-site parking, there are numerous public parking structures within easy walking distance. For instance, Parking Structure 5 at 1431 4th Street offers free parking for the first 90 minutes on weekdays and weekends, with competitive rates thereafter. Other nearby options include various paid garages and valet services, ensuring that finding a spot, while requiring some planning, is certainly feasible. This central and well-connected location makes Benihana Santa Monica a highly convenient choice for locals and visitors alike, whether they're coming from work, enjoying a day out in Santa Monica, or celebrating a special occasion.

• Hibachi Dining (Teppanyaki): The signature service, where a trained chef prepares your meal on a hot teppanyaki grill directly in front of you and your dining companions, complete with entertaining culinary theatrics.
• Dine-In Service: Offers a lively and energetic atmosphere in the hibachi dining rooms, as well as a more traditional lounge and sushi bar area.
• Full Bar Service: Provides a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, sake, and signature cocktails like "Rocky's Margarita."
• Lunch and Dinner Menus: Features extensive menus for both lunch and dinner, offering a variety of hibachi entrees, sushi, sashimi, appetizers, and other Japanese specialties.
• All-Inclusive Hibachi Meals: Most hibachi entrees come as a five-course meal, including Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, and steamed rice, providing a complete dining experience.
• Sushi Bar: For those who prefer traditional sushi, Benihana typically offers a dedicated sushi bar with a range of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls.
• Private Dining/Group Events: Given the communal nature of hibachi tables, Benihana is well-suited for group celebrations, corporate events, and large family gatherings.
• Take-Out & Delivery: Offers convenient options for ordering food for pickup or delivery through various online platforms.

• Interactive Hibachi Entertainment: The primary highlight is the captivating show put on by the "awesome and well-trained" hibachi chefs, who cook meals with flair, humor, and impressive knife skills. This theatrical element creates a unique and memorable dining experience.
• Energetic Atmosphere: The restaurant is known for its lively and dynamic environment, making it a great place for celebrations and group outings. The energy from the chefs contributes significantly to the overall ambiance.
• Excellent Service: Customers consistently praise the service, with staff members like "Tyler" highlighted for being attentive and ensuring "full glasses of water and Hibiscus Tea throughout." The chefs also contribute to the positive service experience with their engaging personalities.
• Special Birthday Treats: Benihana is a popular destination for birthdays, and they offer "special treats" (typically a complimentary dessert and song) for those celebrating their special day, as noted by customers. Joining "The Chef's Table" loyalty program can also provide a $30 birthday certificate.
• Consistent Quality: Long-time customers attest to the consistent quality of the food and experience at the Santa Monica location over "many dozens of times over the past many many years."
• Wide Menu Selection: Beyond the hibachi mains, Benihana offers a variety of appetizers, sushi, and other Japanese dishes, ensuring there's something for every palate.
• Award-Winning Team: A customer review specifically calls out the "award-winning team" (referring to the server and hibachi chef), indicating a high level of professionalism and skill among the staff.

Benihana in Santa Monica consistently offers a range of promotions and special offers designed to enhance the dining experience and provide value to its customers.

• Happy Hour Specials: Benihana offers a popular "Happy Hour" menu with discounted drinks and small bites. At the Santa Monica location, Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The menu often features items at $3, $6, $9, $12, and $35 price points, including appetizers like Vegetable Spring Rolls, Pan Fried Gyoza Dumplings, and Crispy Rice, along with various sushi rolls (e.g., Spicy Salmon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Chili Shrimp Roll) and beverages (beer, cocktails like Rocky's Margarita). Happy Hour is available in the sushi bar and lounge for dine-in only.
• Birthday Certificates: Benihana is renowned for its birthday celebrations. By joining "The Chef's Table" loyalty program, members receive a complimentary $30 Benihana Birthday Certificate during their birthday month. This certificate is typically redeemable during dinner hours, Monday through Thursday, after an initial $30 purchase. For children aged 12 and under, the "Kabuki Kids®" program offers a special email certificate for a free souvenir mug with the purchase of any Kabuki Kids® meal.
• "Taste of Benihana" Menu: This special offer features an exclusive five-course meal at a set price (e.g., $39 per person). It includes signature hibachi items like fried rice, hibachi steak or chicken, Benihana soup and salad, fresh sushi, and dipping sauces. This menu is available in the bar and lounge area for dine-in only.
• Seasonal Specials: Benihana frequently introduces seasonal drink lineups or limited-time menu items, such as the "Sip into Summer" drink specials or "Wagyu of the World" menu which features a six-course Wagyu experience. It's advisable to check their website or inquire with the staff for the latest seasonal offerings.
• "Power Lunch": Available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM in the dining room, this offer provides a quicker, more focused lunch experience for those on a schedule.
• Family Meals: Benihana offers specially curated family meals for takeout and delivery, such as "Sushi for 4" or "Tokyo Wings & Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice for 4," providing convenient options for larger groups to enjoy their food at home.

It's always recommended to visit the official Benihana Santa Monica website or call the restaurant directly for the most current information on promotions, terms, and availability, as these may vary.

To experience the engaging hibachi dining and delicious Japanese cuisine at Benihana in Santa Monica, or for any inquiries, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1447 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
• Phone: (310) 260-1423
• Mobile Phone: +1 310-260-1423

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, given the popularity of the hibachi experience. You can typically make reservations through their website or by calling the restaurant directly. The staff is ready to assist with booking your table, explaining specials, or answering any questions about their menu and services.

For residents of Santa Monica and the broader California community, Benihana offers a distinctive and highly suitable dining experience that caters to a variety of local preferences and occasions. It stands out not just as a restaurant, but as a destination for entertainment and celebration.

Firstly, the interactive hibachi grill experience is a major draw. Californians often seek out unique and engaging activities, and the theatrical culinary show put on by Benihana's "awesome and well-trained chefs" provides just that. It's an energetic and communal dining format perfect for friends, families, and even first dates, fostering shared laughter and memorable moments. This interactive element makes it more than just a meal; it's an event, appealing to the desire for dynamic social experiences.

Secondly, Benihana's suitability for celebrations, especially birthdays, is a significant advantage. The special treats offered for birthdays, combined with the lively atmosphere, make it a go-to spot for marking milestones. The ability to sign up for "The Chef's Table" loyalty program and receive a $30 birthday certificate further enhances its appeal, providing a tangible benefit for celebrating locals. This focus on special occasions helps build strong community ties and encourages repeat visits for annual celebrations.

Moreover, the consistent delivery of excellent service and delicious food is paramount. Long-time customers vouch for the high standard maintained at the Santa Monica location, highlighting attentive servers and engaging chefs. This reliability in both service and food quality ensures that patrons can expect a pleasant and satisfying experience every time, a crucial factor for building local loyalty. The full meal package that comes with hibachi entrees also offers great value and convenience.

Finally, its prime and accessible location in Santa Monica is highly beneficial. Being just off Third Street Promenade and near the beach, and with readily available public parking structures nearby, makes it a convenient choice for a wide range of outings. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner after a day of shopping or a planned family gathering, the ease of access adds to its overall appeal.

In conclusion, Benihana in Santa Monica is highly suitable for locals because it provides an exciting and interactive dining experience, excels at hosting celebrations, consistently delivers quality food and service, and benefits from a highly accessible location. It's a place where food and entertainment combine to create a truly memorable outing for the California community.

Benihana

1447 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA