Benihana lunch menu and prices offer a more accessible way to experience teppanyaki dining. You can enjoy the same knife tricks and sizzling grills at a lower cost during midday hours. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you go.
Benihana is famous for its theatrical chefs who cook right in front of you. But dinner can get pricey fast. The lunch menu gives you a taste of that experience without the full dinner bill. Let’s look at what you get, what it costs, and how to make the best choice.
Benihana Lunch Menu And Prices
The lunch menu at Benihana is available Monday through Friday from opening until 3 PM. It includes smaller portions of classic teppanyaki dishes. Prices are roughly 20 to 30 percent lower than dinner prices. You still get the same show, just with a smaller entree.
Here is a quick overview of the main lunch categories and their starting prices. These prices may vary by location, so always check your local Benihana before you go.
- Lunch Specials: Start around $12 to $15
- Benihana Lunch Combinations: Range from $15 to $20
- Lunch Sushi & Rolls: Priced between $10 and $18
- Lunch Appetizers: Usually $5 to $10
- Lunch Sides: Around $3 to $6
Lunch Specials Explained
These are the most popular lunch items. They include a smaller portion of protein, fried rice or steamed rice, and vegetables. You also get soup or salad to start.
The lunch specials are designed for a quicker meal. You are in and out in about 45 minutes if you want. But you can still watch the chef cook your food at the grill.
- Chicken Lunch: $12.50
- Steak Lunch: $14.50
- Shrimp Lunch: $14.00
- Salmon Lunch: $15.00
- Vegetable Lunch: $11.00
Each lunch special comes with your choice of onion soup or a garden salad. You also get the signature ginger dressing on the side. The vegetables are grilled right at your table with the chef’s special sauce.
Benihana Lunch Combinations
If you want more than one protein, go for a combination plate. These give you two items from the grill. They are a good value if you are hungry.
Combinations include the same sides as the lunch specials. You still get soup or salad, rice, and vegetables. The difference is you get two types of meat or seafood.
- Chicken and Steak Combo: $16.50
- Chicken and Shrimp Combo: $16.00
- Steak and Shrimp Combo: $17.50
- Steak and Salmon Combo: $18.00
- Filet Mignon and Lobster Combo: $22.00
The filet mignon and lobster combo is the most expensive lunch option. It is still cheaper than the dinner version of the same dish. You get a small filet and a tail of lobster tail grilled to order.
Lunch Sushi And Rolls
Not everyone wants teppanyaki for lunch. Benihana also offers a full sushi menu during lunch hours. You can sit at the sushi bar or at a regular table.
Sushi lunches come with miso soup or salad. Some rolls are smaller than dinner portions. The prices reflect that.
- California Roll: $7.00
- Spicy Tuna Roll: $8.50
- Salmon Avocado Roll: $8.00
- Shrimp Tempura Roll: $9.50
- Dragon Roll: $12.00
- Rainbow Roll: $13.50
You can also order a sushi lunch combo. This gives you a few pieces of nigiri and a roll. Prices for combos start at $14.00.
Lunch Appetizers And Sides
If you want to add something extra to your meal, the lunch appetizers are a good choice. They are smaller than dinner appetizers but still tasty.
- Edamame: $5.00
- Gyoza (6 pieces): $6.50
- Spring Rolls (4 pieces): $5.50
- Sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad): $4.50
- Seaweed Salad: $5.00
Sides are also available if you want extra rice or vegetables. The fried rice is a popular add-on. It costs $4.00 for a small order.
How The Lunch Menu Compares To Dinner
The main difference between lunch and dinner is portion size and price. Dinner entrees are larger and cost more. Lunch portions are about two-thirds the size of dinner portions.
Another difference is the sides. Dinner includes a full appetizer like the onion soup or salad. Lunch gives you a choice of one. Dinner also includes a dessert, while lunch does not.
Here is a quick comparison for the steak lunch versus steak dinner:
- Steak Lunch: 5 oz steak, soup or salad, rice, vegetables. $14.50
- Steak Dinner: 8 oz steak, soup, salad, rice, vegetables, dessert. $28.00
You save about $13.50 by choosing lunch. You get less food, but you still get the full teppanyaki experience. The chef still performs the same tricks and uses the same sauces.
What You Get At Lunch That You Do Not Get At Dinner
Lunch has a few advantages besides price. The restaurant is usually quieter. You can often get seated faster. The chefs may have more time to chat with you.
Another perk is the lunch specials are not available at dinner. Some items like the vegetable lunch are only on the lunch menu. If you want a lighter meal, lunch is the way to go.
How To Order From The Lunch Menu
Ordering at Benihana is simple. You sit at a teppanyaki table with other guests. The chef comes to your table and cooks your food in front of you.
Here are the steps to order your lunch:
- Tell your server you want the lunch menu. Some locations have a separate lunch menu card.
- Choose your protein or combination. Decide if you want chicken, steak, shrimp, or a mix.
- Pick your soup or salad. The onion soup is a classic choice. The salad with ginger dressing is also popular.
- Decide on your rice. Most lunches come with steamed rice. You can upgrade to fried rice for an extra charge.
- Add any appetizers or sides if you want. Edamame or gyoza are good starters.
- Wait for the chef to arrive. The show begins when they start cooking.
You do not need to order drinks separately. Your server will ask if you want soda, tea, or water. Alcoholic drinks are available but cost extra.
Tips For Getting The Best Value
To get the most for your money at lunch, follow these tips:
- Go on a weekday. Lunch is only served Monday through Friday.
- Arrive before noon. The restaurant is less crowded and service is faster.
- Skip the appetizers. The lunch specials are filling enough without extras.
- Choose a combination if you are hungry. Two proteins are better than one.
- Share a side of fried rice. It is cheaper to split than to order two.
- Use the Benihana rewards app. You can earn points on lunch purchases.
Some locations also offer lunch specials that include a drink. Ask your server if there are any current promotions. These deals change often.
Popular Lunch Menu Items And What To Expect
Some lunch items are more popular than others. Here is what you can expect from the most ordered dishes.
Chicken Lunch
The chicken lunch is the most affordable protein option. You get a 5 oz piece of chicken breast. The chef cuts it into bite-sized pieces on the grill.
The chicken is cooked with butter, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. It is served with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. The flavor is savory and slightly sweet.
This is a good choice if you want a light meal. The chicken is lean and not too heavy. You can add a side of fried rice if you want more carbs.
Steak Lunch
The steak lunch uses a 5 oz cut of sirloin. The chef cooks it to your preferred doneness. Medium rare is the most common choice.
The steak is sliced thin and served with the same vegetables. The meat is tender and has a good beef flavor. It is a step up from the chicken in terms of richness.
If you want a better cut of beef, order the filet mignon lunch. It costs more but is more tender. The filet is about 4 oz and cooked to order.
Shrimp Lunch
The shrimp lunch comes with about 8 to 10 large shrimp. The chef removes the tails and cooks them in garlic butter. The shrimp are plump and juicy.
This is a popular choice for seafood lovers. The shrimp are not too heavy. They pair well with the ginger dressing on the salad.
You can also get the shrimp tempura lunch. This is a different dish. The shrimp are battered and fried, not grilled. It is served with rice and vegetables.
Salmon Lunch
The salmon lunch uses a 5 oz fillet of Atlantic salmon. The chef cooks it skin-side down first. Then they flip it and add a lemon butter sauce.
The salmon is flaky and moist. It has a mild fish flavor that is not too strong. The lemon butter adds a tangy richness.
This is a healthier option compared to steak or chicken. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It is a good choice if you are watching your calories.
Vegetable Lunch
The vegetable lunch is the only vegetarian option on the lunch menu. You get a mix of grilled vegetables. These include zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and bean sprouts.
The chef cooks the vegetables in a light soy sauce. They are tender but still have some crunch. This dish is served with rice and soup or salad.
It is a good option if you want a light meal. You can also add tofu for an extra charge. Ask your server if tofu is available.
Drinks And Desserts At Lunch
Lunch does not include a free dessert like dinner does. But you can order desserts from the regular menu. They cost extra.
Popular lunch desserts include:
- Green Tea Ice Cream: $4.00
- Fried Ice Cream: $5.50
- Chocolate Fondue: $6.00
- Mochi Ice Cream: $4.50
For drinks, you can order soft drinks, iced tea, or hot tea. These are usually $2.50 to $3.00. Alcoholic drinks like sake or beer cost more.
If you want a cocktail, the Benihana Lunch Menu And Prices include some lunch-sized drinks. The mai tai and the lychee martini are popular choices. They cost around $8.00 to $10.00.
How To Find Lunch Specials Near You
Not all Benihana locations have the same lunch menu. Some offer additional items. Others may have different prices.
To find the exact lunch menu for your local Benihana:
- Go to the Benihana website.
- Click on “Locations” at the top of the page.
- Enter your zip code or city.
- Select your nearest location.
- Look for the “Menu” tab. Some locations list lunch separately.
- Call the restaurant directly. Ask for the lunch menu and current prices.
Prices can vary by about $1 to $3 depending on the city. Locations in New York or California tend to be higher. Locations in the Midwest are usually lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is lunch served at Benihana?
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from opening until 3 PM. Some locations start lunch at 11:30 AM. Check your local restaurant for exact hours.
Can I get the lunch menu on weekends?
No, the lunch menu is only available on weekdays. On weekends, Benihana serves the regular dinner menu all day. You can still order lunch items if they are on the regular menu, but they will be dinner portions and prices.
Is the Benihana lunch menu cheaper than dinner?
Yes, lunch prices are about 20 to 30 percent lower than dinner prices. Portions are smaller, but you get the same teppanyaki experience. You save money by going during lunch hours.
Does the lunch menu include the onion soup?
Yes, the onion soup is included as a choice. You can pick either the onion soup or the garden salad with ginger dressing. Both are included in the lunch special price.
Can I order from the dinner menu during lunch?
Yes, you can order dinner items during lunch hours. But you will pay dinner prices. It is better to stick with the lunch menu for the best value.
Are there any vegetarian options on the lunch menu?
Yes, the vegetable lunch is a vegetarian option. It includes grilled vegetables and rice. You can also order a salad or soup as a starter. Some locations offer tofu as an add-on.
Do I need a reservation for lunch?
Reservations are not required for lunch, but they are recommended. Lunch can get busy between 12 PM and 1 PM. Call ahead or book online to save time.
Final Thoughts On The Lunch Menu
The Benihana lunch menu and prices give you a chance to enjoy teppanyaki without spending too much. You get the same chef performance, the same sauces, and the same fun atmosphere. The only difference is smaller portions and a lower price.
If you have never been to Benihana, lunch is a good way to try it. The cost is low enough that you are not taking a big risk. You can see if you like the experience before committing to a dinner reservation.
For regular customers, lunch is a smart way to get your fix more often. You can go once a week without breaking your budget. The combinations give you variety without the high cost.
Remember to check your local menu for exact prices. Some locations have special lunch deals that are not listed online. Always ask your server about current promotions.
Go during the week, arrive early, and enjoy the show. The Benihana lunch menu is one of the best values in teppanyaki dining. You get a meal, a performance, and a good time for a reasonable price.