Benihana Burlingame: Where Culinary Art Meets Entertainment

Benihana Introduce

benihana restaurant burlingame california, benihana burlingame burlingame ca, benihana in burlingame

For Californians seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary meal, Benihana in Burlingame offers an iconic blend of culinary artistry and captivating entertainment. More than just a Japanese restaurant, Benihana is a theatrical performance where highly skilled chefs prepare your meal with flair and precision right before your eyes on a sizzling hibachi grill. This interactive style of dining has made Benihana a beloved destination for generations, perfect for celebrations, family outings, or simply an unforgettable night out.

At Benihana, the focus is not just on the food, but on the entire experience. From the moment you're seated at a communal hibachi table, you become part of the show, witnessing the expert knife work, playful banter, and fiery displays that accompany the preparation of your chosen steak, chicken, or seafood. Beyond the hibachi, the Burlingame location also boasts a bar section with intimate tables offering views of the San Francisco Bay, providing a different, yet equally enjoyable, atmosphere for those seeking a less elaborate but still delightful experience.

## Location and Accessibility

Benihana in Burlingame is majestically situated at 1496 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. This prime waterfront location offers diners stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, enhancing the overall dining ambiance. Its position on Old Bayshore Highway makes it easily accessible from major freeways, drawing patrons from across the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and the wider Peninsula.

The restaurant typically provides ample parking, a significant convenience for a popular dining spot. Its proximity to hotels also makes it a popular choice for visitors to the area. Whether you're driving in for a special occasion or looking for a unique dining experience near the water, Benihana's location is both scenic and highly convenient.

## Services Offered

Benihana is renowned for its signature dining experiences and offers a variety of services to accommodate its guests:

Hibachi Dining: The quintessential Benihana experience, where skilled chefs prepare your meal (steak, chicken, seafood, vegetables) on a teppanyaki grill directly at your table, providing entertainment along with your food.
Sushi Bar & Lounge Dining: For a different ambiance, the restaurant features a bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy a more intimate setting, often with views of the Bay. This area also serves their full menu, including sushi and other offerings.
Takeout & Delivery: Benihana offers convenient takeout options and partners with various third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and Postmates, allowing you to enjoy their dishes in the comfort of your home.
Private & Group Dining: The Burlingame location is equipped to host private and semi-private events, perfect for corporate gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, or any large celebration. They offer tailored menus and dedicated service for groups.
Full Bar Service: A wide selection of beverages is available, including specialty cocktails, sake, wine, and beer, to complement your meal.
Online Reservations: Guests can easily make reservations online through their website or platforms like OpenTable to secure their preferred dining time.

## Features / Highlights

What sets Benihana apart and makes it a cherished destination for many Californians?

Interactive Teppanyaki Show: The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the live cooking show. Chefs entertain diners with their dazzling knife skills, comedic timing, and impressive culinary tricks, making every meal a memorable performance.
Signature Fried Rice: Often praised by customers, the hibachi fried rice is a standout, perfectly cooked and flavored, often cited as a favorite component of the meal.
Freshly Prepared Main Courses: Guests choose from a range of high-quality proteins including Hibachi Steak, Filet Mignon, Chicken, Shrimp, Scallops, and Lobster, all cooked to perfection on the grill. They also feature premium options like the Wagyu of the World menu.
Scenic Bay Views: The Burlingame location offers beautiful vistas of the San Francisco Bay, especially from the bar area tables, providing a serene backdrop for your dining experience.
Consistent Quality (Main Courses): While appetizers may vary, the main hibachi entrées are consistently praised for their taste and preparation, with guests appreciating the freshness of the ingredients cooked right in front of them.
Attentive Service: As highlighted by a customer review, servers like Philip contribute significantly to the positive experience with their attentiveness and knowledge of the menu.
Versatile Dining Environments: Whether you prefer the lively communal hibachi experience or a more intimate setting in the bar area, Benihana offers options to suit different moods and occasions.
Specialty Cocktails & Beverages: Their drink menu features a range of unique cocktails, traditional sake, and a curated selection of wines and beers, designed to pair well with Japanese cuisine.

## Promotions or Special Offers

Benihana frequently offers compelling promotions and special deals to enhance the dining experience:

$3, $6, $9 Happy Hour: Available Monday through Friday, typically from 3-6 PM in the sushi bar and lounge area for dine-in only (menu items, pricing, hours, and availability may vary by location). This Happy Hour features discounted edamame, spring rolls, various sushi rolls (like Spicy Salmon, Spicy Tuna, California), gyoza, beer, sake, wine, and signature cocktails. There are also $12 options for items like Chili Shrimp Roll, Crispy Rice, and Tokyo Wings.
$39 Taste of Benihana: Enjoy an exclusive five-course meal for $39 per person, featuring fan favorites like fried rice, hibachi steak or chicken, Benihana soup and salad, fresh sushi, and homemade dipping sauces. This menu is often available daily in the bar and lounge area for dine-in only.
Wagyu of the World Menu: A premium six-course menu featuring mouthwatering cuts of Wagyu, paired with traditional Benihana accompaniments like soup, salad, hibachi vegetables, and steamed rice.
Chef's Table Loyalty Program: By joining "The Chef's Table," members receive the latest news, special offers, and a complimentary $30 Benihana Birthday Certificate during their birthday month (with specific redemption terms and minimum purchase requirements).
Seasonal Drink Lineups: Benihana introduces limited-time seasonal beverages, such as the "Sip into Summer" menu featuring unique cocktails like the Summer Passion Margarita and Blue Energy Mojito.
45-Minute Power Lunch: Offered Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM in the dining room, this expedited lunch option includes soup or salad, hibachi vegetable rice, hibachi vegetables, dipping sauces, and a choice of entrée (e.g., Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu, Filet Mignon, or NY Strip) at a special price.

## Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about private dining, or get more information about Benihana in Burlingame, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1496 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
Phone: (650) 342-5202

## Conclusion: Why Benihana is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, especially those in the Bay Area, Benihana in Burlingame is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a cherished institution and a go-to for memorable dining experiences. Its unique hibachi concept, where skilled chefs entertain while cooking fresh, high-quality ingredients right at your table, creates an engaging and festive atmosphere perfect for any occasion – from casual family dinners to grand celebrations. The interactive nature of the dining ensures that every visit is not just a meal, but a show, making it a favorite for all ages.

Beyond the spectacle, the Burlingame location offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, adding another layer of appeal, particularly for those looking for a more intimate setting at the bar. With a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, including their highly praised fried rice and an array of steak, chicken, and seafood options, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Coupled with attentive service and a range of special offers like their Happy Hour and Chef's Table loyalty program, Benihana consistently delivers value and entertainment. It’s a place where locals can reliably create special memories, making it a cornerstone of the Bay Area's vibrant dining scene.

Benihana Photos

Benihana Location

Benihana

California San Mateo County Burlingame Old Bayshore Highway

1496 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

Benihana Reviews

I recently dined at Benihana and was thoroughly impressed with the main course, especially the fried rice, which was absolutely delicious. However, I found the Fried Calamari to be quite disappointing—it was the worst I’ve ever tasted, and I usually order calamari whenever I dine out. On a positive note, our server, Philip, was exceptional. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and provided great explanations of the menu offerings. Thank you, Philip, for making the experience enjoyable!
Apr 07, 2025 · Teresito Cunanan
For a more, well less elaborate experience, the bar section has tables that are right on the window that views the bay. Perfect for a more intimate experience and conducive to conversation. I canceled my reservation and had the best experience ever at this location.
May 31, 2025 · Стефан Бро
I like to visit this location because of the great happy hour options and prices. Philip is another reason we like this location. He is always attentive and greets us like friends rather than just a customer. It’s nice to be remembered when we visit. Oh and the waterfront views are priceless. Food is delicious as always. I enjoyed the $9.00 Wagyu burger during my last visit.
Mar 28, 2025 · Andrea Ramos
Beef Julienne and ShrimpThis is my go-to lunch special at Benihana when I get the chance to visit on a weekday.Today, my family and I went to Benihana for lunch again. There were two other families besides us, and they, like us, were looking through the menu, seemingly searching for something.I asked first, “Why isn’t the lunch menu here?” The other person replied, “I was looking for that too!” We called the server over and asked if they had the lunch special. They said they did and brought us the menu.Why didn’t they give it to us in the first place? Why not provide the lunch menu when it exists? Isn’t that bad business practice?Maybe that was where my dissatisfaction began. Today, the food was noticeably less enjoyable compared to other visits. The beef wasn’t cooked evenly, and the vegetables were inconsistent in texture.What about the table behind us?They also weren’t given the lunch menu. Everyone at that table ended up ordering from the dinner menu, spending $50–55 per person for lunch.I can’t help but think this kind of business practice is wrong.
Jan 07, 2025 · Daniel
Make sure to check the pictures I’ve shared below before considering a visit to this place. It’s really dirty—oily and greasy ceilings, rusty spots, and utensils that weren’t even clean. The whole place felt like a mess, though I’ll give credit to the chef’s performance and the service from Mehmet, who did a great job.The restaurant itself is very old, and the staff at the front desk come off as cold and rude, with a noticeable attitude. I’m not saying I expected to be treated like royalty, but for a place that markets itself as upscale restaurant, some basic politeness would’ve been nice. And just to be clear, I’m not even talking about respect here.
Jan 27, 2025 · Yahya Kalkan