If you’re planning a trip to this famous Japanese steakhouse, the Benihana price menu is your first stop for budgeting your meal. Lunch specials and dinner courses are clearly separated, making it easy to decide what fits your schedule and wallet. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a fun night out, knowing the costs upfront saves you from surprises.
Benihana isn’t just about food—it’s a show. Chefs cook right at your table with flair, flipping shrimp tails into their hats. But that entertainment comes with a price tag that varies by location and time of day. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll pay for each category.
Benihana Price Menu
The main menu splits into lunch and dinner, with dinner being pricier due to larger portions and premium ingredients. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, usually from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, though hours vary by location. Dinner runs all evening, including weekends.
Lunch Specials Overview
Lunch at Benihana is a steal compared to dinner. You get the same show and quality food, but smaller portions at lower prices. Most lunch entrees include soup or salad, vegetables, fried rice, and your choice of protein.
- Chicken Lunch: $12.50 – $15.00
- Steak Lunch: $14.00 – $17.00
- Shrimp Lunch: $13.50 – $16.50
- Combination Lunch (steak & chicken): $16.00 – $19.00
- Vegetable Lunch: $10.00 – $12.50
- Salmon Lunch: $15.00 – $18.00
These prices are averages. Your local Benihana might charge a dollar or two more or less. Always check the specific menu at your chosen location before ordering.
Dinner Course Pricing
Dinner courses are the heart of the Benihana experience. They include a larger portion of protein, more vegetables, and often a choice of soup or salad plus fried rice. Dinner prices are higher but still reasonable for the quality and entertainment.
- Chicken Dinner: $22.00 – $26.00
- Steak Dinner (New York Strip): $28.00 – $33.00
- Filet Mignon Dinner: $34.00 – $39.00
- Shrimp Dinner: $24.00 – $28.00
- Scallops Dinner: $27.00 – $31.00
- Salmon Dinner: $25.00 – $29.00
- Lobster Dinner: $38.00 – $45.00
- Combination Dinners (e.g., steak & shrimp): $30.00 – $38.00
Most dinner entrees come with a side of dipping sauces, including ginger sauce and mustard sauce. The fried rice is cooked right at your table with eggs, butter, and soy sauce—it’s a highlight of the meal.
Appetizers And Sides
Before the main show, you can order appetizers to share. These are separate from the meal price and can add up quickly. Popular choices include:
- Edamame: $5.00 – $7.00
- Spring Rolls: $6.00 – $8.00
- Shrimp Tempura: $8.00 – $11.00
- Chicken Wings: $7.00 – $10.00
- Seaweed Salad: $5.00 – $7.00
- Spicy Tuna Roll: $9.00 – $12.00
Sides like extra fried rice or vegetables cost around $4.00 to $6.00 each. If you’re hungry, consider ordering a side of fried rice—it’s delicious but not included in some lunch specials.
Beverages And Drinks
Benihana offers a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Prices vary widely by location, but here’s a general guide:
- Soft Drinks: $3.00 – $4.00
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: $3.00 – $4.00
- Beer (domestic): $5.00 – $7.00
- Beer (imported): $6.00 – $9.00
- Wine by the Glass: $7.00 – $12.00
- Cocktails (like the famous “Benihana Punch”): $10.00 – $14.00
- Sake (hot or cold): $6.00 – $12.00 per serving
If you’re on a budget, stick with water or a soft drink. The cocktails are tasty but can double your bill quickly.
Dessert Options
Desserts are simple but satisfying. Most are under $10.00. Options include:
- Green Tea Ice Cream: $4.00 – $6.00
- Fried Ice Cream: $6.00 – $8.00
- Chocolate Fondue: $8.00 – $10.00
- Cheesecake: $7.00 – $9.00
Many people skip dessert because the meal itself is filling. But if you have room, the fried ice cream is a fun finish.
Kids Menu
Benihana has a separate kids menu for children 12 and under. Prices are lower, and portions are smaller. Typical kids options include:
- Kids Chicken: $9.00 – $12.00
- Kids Steak: $11.00 – $14.00
- Kids Shrimp: $10.00 – $13.00
- Kids Vegetable: $8.00 – $10.00
Kids meals come with a drink and a small dessert. It’s a good deal if your child isn’t a big eater.
Lunch Vs Dinner: What’s The Difference?
The main difference is portion size and price. Lunch specials are about 30-40% cheaper than dinner courses. But you get the same cooking show and quality ingredients. Dinner includes a larger protein portion, sometimes double the amount of meat or seafood.
Another difference is the soup. Lunch usually comes with onion soup, while dinner includes a choice of onion soup or salad. The salad at dinner has a tangy ginger dressing that’s famous.
Fried rice is included in both lunch and dinner, but dinner portions are bigger. Some locations also offer a dessert with dinner, though this isn’t standard.
When To Choose Lunch
Lunch is perfect if you want a lighter meal or are on a tight budget. The show is the same, and you’ll leave satisfied. Lunch specials are only available Monday through Friday, so plan accordingly.
If you’re dining alone or with one other person, lunch is a good choice. The tables are shared with other parties, so you might meet new people. This is part of the fun.
When To Choose Dinner
Dinner is ideal for celebrations or when you want a full experience. The larger portions mean you’ll likely have leftovers. Dinner also has more premium options like filet mignon and lobster.
If you’re going with a group, dinner is better because everyone can order different proteins and share. The atmosphere is more lively in the evening, with more people and energy.
How To Save Money At Benihana
Benihana isn’t cheap, but you can reduce your bill with a few strategies. Here are practical tips:
- Go for lunch instead of dinner. You’ll save $10-$15 per person.
- Skip appetizers and desserts. The main meal is filling enough.
- Drink water instead of cocktails or soda.
- Share a meal. Some locations allow splitting an entree for a small fee.
- Use coupons. Check the Benihana website or apps like Groupon for deals.
- Join the Benihana rewards program. You earn points toward free meals.
- Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Another tip: order a combination lunch. It’s often cheaper than ordering two separate entrees. For example, the steak and chicken combo lunch is around $18, while ordering them separately would cost $27.
Group Dining And Parties
Benihana is popular for group events. If you’re bringing 6 or more people, you might get a group rate. Call ahead to ask about party pricing. Some locations offer a fixed price per person for groups, which can be cheaper than ordering individually.
Birthday parties often get a free dessert or a small discount. Mention it when you make your reservation. Also, check if your location offers a “birthday special” on their website.
Location-Based Price Variations
Benihana prices are not the same everywhere. A steak dinner in New York City might cost $38, while the same meal in a suburban location might be $30. Factors that affect pricing include:
- Cost of rent and labor in the area
- Local competition
- Tourist vs. residential area
- State and local taxes
For example, Benihana in Times Square is more expensive than one in a mall in Ohio. Always check the menu online for your specific location before you go. The Benihana website has a “Menu” section where you can select your local restaurant.
Online Ordering And Delivery
Some Benihana locations offer takeout or delivery through third-party apps. Prices for takeout are usually the same as dine-in, but delivery apps add fees. If you order directly from Benihana’s website, you might avoid those extra charges.
Takeout is a good option if you want the food without the show. You’ll miss the chef performance, but you’ll save on tips and drinks. The food travels well, especially the fried rice and steak.
What’s Included In The Price?
When you order a lunch or dinner entree, it typically includes:
- Soup or salad
- Vegetables (zucchini, onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts)
- Fried rice (cooked at the table)
- Your choice of protein
- Dipping sauces (ginger and mustard)
- Green tea or a soft drink (sometimes included with lunch)
Dinner often includes a larger portion of vegetables and protein. Some locations also serve a small dessert with dinner, but this is not universal. Ask your server if dessert is included.
Extra Charges To Watch For
Some items are not included in the base price. These can add $5-$15 to your bill:
- Extra fried rice (if you want more than one serving)
- Substituting a different protein (e.g., upgrading from chicken to filet mignon)
- Adding a second protein to your entree
- Beverages (except water)
- Desserts
- Appetizers
- Gratuity (18% is often added for groups of 6 or more)
Always read the menu carefully. Some locations list “market price” for lobster or specials, meaning the cost changes daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Benihana Have A Senior Discount?
Some locations offer a small discount for seniors, usually around 10%. You need to ask at the restaurant. Not all locations participate, so call ahead.
Can I Get A Benihana Price Menu For My Local Restaurant Online?
Yes. Visit the Benihana website, select your location, and view the menu. Prices are listed for lunch and dinner. Keep in mind that online menus may not always be up to date.
Is The Benihana Price Menu The Same For Takeout And Dine-in?
Generally yes, but takeout might have a small packaging fee. Delivery through third-party apps adds service fees and delivery charges, so the total will be higher.
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Benihana Price Menu?
The vegetable lunch special is usually the cheapest, around $10-$12. For dinner, the chicken entree is the most affordable at $22-$26.
Do Prices At Benihana Include Tax And Tip?
No. Prices listed are before tax and gratuity. Expect to add about 8-10% for tax and 15-20% for tip. For groups of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity is often automatically added.
Final Tips For Your Visit
Plan ahead. Check the Benihana price menu online and decide what you want before you go. This helps you avoid impulse ordering. If you’re on a strict budget, stick to lunch specials and water.
Arrive early for dinner to avoid long waits. Benihana doesn’t take reservations for small parties at some locations, so you might wait 30-60 minutes. Lunch is usually less crowded.
Don’t forget to tip your chef. The entertainment is part of the experience, and chefs work hard. A tip of $5-$10 per person is standard for good service.
Finally, enjoy the show. The food is good, but the real value is the performance. Watch the chef flip shrimp and make a volcano out of onion rings. It’s a meal you’ll remember.
With this guide, you’re ready to navigate the Benihana price menu like a pro. Whether you choose lunch or dinner, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Happy dining!