Benihana (Chelsea)

I was taken here for a birthday treat and had and enjoyed it although whether it was enough for me to hurry back....I'm not no sure.

I believe that the way Benihana works is well documented, so I won't waste too many words on it other than to say it was entertaining in parts although one or two of our fellow diners didn't seem to be convinced. I guess that brings me on to the aspect of the evening that I never quite came to terms with which is what their clientele / target market is? The night we were there it was an eclectic mix of couples, businessmen, families, wanna-be gangsters and a liberal sprinkling of what were once called Sloane Rangers and are now a hybrid mix of very young but very rich Arabs, Russians and locals. I guess you could argue that it appeals to all, but I was left confused since the atmosphere was frankly a bit weird.

Food was good and our lively chef kept a steady supply coming from the hotplate, certainly no complaints in that department. That said, although I wasn't paying the bill I am aware what they charge so you'd hope that the ingredients would be top drawer.

All told it was an interesting change from the places we normally eat out and a great choice for a celebration, but I think that's probably all. If you're there for the spectacle then it's great, but for food I think you can probably enjoy better at slightly more modest prices elsewhere. Saying that, I guess that's the point, part of the premium is the dining "experience" and this place certainly turns it in to one.
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Bootsy - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, October 09, 2012

We have been twice in Benihana and we loved it on both occasions. The food is cooked in front of you and on both visits the chefs prepared amazing food and entertained us as well. We were a party of 7 with 3 kids and 4 adults. The last time we had Charlie as chef and he has a fantastic show which also includes getting the kids to cook with him. We laughed out loud about some of his show elements and we enjoyed our food for about 2 hours. The food ingredients are of very good quality as far as I can say.

We had a great time and I can recommend this restaurant if you love Japanese food.
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jensk
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 09, 2012

Benihana in Piccadilly, London was a fun dining experience for my boyfriend's birthday. The food was delicious and the entertainment from the chef made it very sociable. I'm not sure if the deal was much cheaper than when we dined there before, but we still enjoyed ourselves regardless. It's worth going if you haven't been before.
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JOHN - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Had a perfect birthday party with my friends at Benihana on King's Road. The atmosphere was lively and our chef was brill... the service was friendly and attentive...great cocktails (a little expensive but I guess it's the same everywhere now..)

Recommend if you go in a group or for occasions like anniversary or birthdays.

Surprised at some previous comments... I enjoyed it and will definitely be back.
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Serena
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, April 13, 2011