The history behind Benihana is an interesting one. Tracing its roots to New York – but serving traditional Japanese and Oriental food – Benihana eschewed all pretences of a ‘kitchen’ and instead pioneered the innovative Hibachi Grill, where a talented chef prepares all your meals stood at a table that is enveloped by the diners. This semi-interactive experience is much more than a gimmick – it allows diners to see their food being prepared, sample a range of other dishes and engage with other diners.

‘An experience at every table’ is the tagline of Benihana; this experience consists of a delicious array of Japanese dishes that are comprised of rich, fresh and seasonal ingredients and cooked to perfection. The lunch menu is light and exquisite, with specials including the Benihani Pine (tender chicken and jumbo prawns fused together) and the new Benihani Plum, which is a choice of lobster, teriyaki steak or hibachi. Traditional hibachi lunches are offered too, while the mains consist of an outstanding Kaiseki Dinner (a five-course spectacular), a number of splendid house specials, brilliant vegetarian dishes and Hibachi dinners too. Sides, rices, desserts, teas, coffees, beers and wines complete this wonderful package.

This theatrical cooking and dining style also incorporate ‘Teppan-yaki’ meals, where a steel grill is employed to ensure a sizzle and a broil is suffused into a number of dishes delivered at Benihana. While the chefs may dazzle, the décor and waiting staff impress too, delivering a soothing and intimate atmosphere and attentive and courteous service respectively.

Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 15:00 & 17:30 - 22:30, Sunday: 17:00 - 22:00