Benihana — Restaurant in Memphis

I had been looking forward to dining at Benihana for years. Growing up, Benihana was always talked about with such joy and excitement. It was seen as a fun, somewhat upscale place to go eat—almost like the "cool" spot for a night out. I had never had the chance to go until tonight, and I was excited to finally experience it. Unfortunately, my experience at the Memphis location was nothing short of disappointing, and I left feeling frustrated and let down by both the service and the overall experience.

I arrived at 6:20 PM and was seated immediately in the main lounge bar area. However, after being seated, I waited 10-15 minutes without a single check-in from the staff to offer drinks or take my order. When I finally got my drink and placed my order, I appreciated that the bartender made an exception and allowed me to order the Wagyu burger, which is usually a happy hour item (though I believe the happy hour should last at least until 7 PM, not 6 PM).

After that, I waited for my food for over 30-45 minutes. During this time, a couple seated after me received their food before I did, but only because they had been there for so long that even I noticed how long it was taking them to get served. It wasn’t until I mentioned this to the hostess that they were finally attended to. The woman at the table even mentioned that poor service and high turnover in management are common at this location, which speaks volumes about the ongoing issues here.

Despite all of this, none of the meals were comped. Instead, myself and the couple next to me were given complimentary appetizers as if that was enough to make up for the terrible service. At that point, it felt more like an insult than an apology.

I do want to give credit where it’s due—the bartender was polite, professional, and did his best to provide good service despite the circumstances. However, the rest of the staff and the overall management left much to be desired.

When my Wagyu burger finally arrived, I noticed the cook had to personally bring it out because no one else picked it up. This was incredibly disappointing, as it’s not the cook’s job to deliver food to guests. It was clear that had he not done so, my burger would’ve sat there and likely become cold. The food itself was mediocre at best. The rice bowl I had was the highlight, but the $18 watermelon drink was underwhelming, especially since I asked for salt on the rim and received sugar instead. I can’t understand how something that simple could be messed up.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this Benihana location. The combination of lackluster service, high prices, and mediocre food made for an overall unsatisfactory experience. For the prices they charge, I could have gotten a better meal and service at places like Genghis Grill or other restaurants for the same or even less money. The atmosphere of the restaurant has the potential to be fun and exciting, but the poor customer service doesn’t match the quality you’d expect from a brand like Benihana.

It’s such a shame because I’ve heard so much about Benihana over the years growing up and expected a much better experience. If this location doesn’t improve its service and management, I don’t see it lasting much longer. As it stands now, I won’t be coming back, and I certainly won’t recommend it to...

Recent Dining Experience at Benihana of Memphis

I would like to provide feedback on our recent dining experience at Benihana of Memphis, a restaurant my wife and I have cherished for its cuisine and fine dining atmosphere for the past two decades.

Despite our longstanding appreciation for the establishment, our visit last weekend marked a significant departure from the high standards we have come to expect, particularly in light of the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Upon arriving for our reservation at 6 pm on a Friday, we were informed of a one-hour wait due to a shortage of staff. While I understand the challenges many businesses face in these trying times, the situation left us somewhat disheartened. The subsequent delay in seating and further wait for the chef's arrival added to our disappointment.

Furthermore, it was noticeable that the culinary team on that evening did not align with the traditional Japanese expertise we associate with Benihana. The absence of chefs from the Asian culinary tradition impacted the overall dining experience, particularly in the context of the Japanese culinary show that Benihana is renowned for. The skills and tricks typically displayed were notably lacking, making the experience akin to attending an air show that featured only trains or boats. It felt like a departure from the anticipated standard, reminiscent of a performance falling short of expectations, much like a Milli Vanilli concert.

Compounding matters, our waiter seemed overwhelmed, likely due to being stretched too thin in managing a larger area than manageable. Consequently, the overall service suffered, adding to our sense of disappointment. While I must acknowledge that the food itself was not subpar, it did not meet the usual standards we have come to associate with Benihana.

In light of these circumstances, I believe that the entire experience should have been discounted or some form of compensation offered, considering the premium price expected for such a dining experience. I would like to suggest that Benihana considers updating its website description to reflect the current reality, emphasizing the need for reservations and managing customer expectations during these challenging times.

In summary, we hope that Benihana of Memphis can address these issues to maintain the high standards that have defined our previous experiences at your establishment. We look forward to future visits that align more closely with the excellence we have come to associate with Benihana.

This is what is on the website:

EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL® Welcome to Benihana, where you’ll find a dining experience unlike any other! Highly skilled and well-trained, your personal chef will entertain you while cooking such favorites as steak, chicken, seafood and fresh vegetables in traditional Japanese style on a hibachi table. Reservations are recommended at select locations.

This is what they should change it to:

EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL Welcome to Beni haha, where you’ll find a dining experience unlike any other! Low skilled and un-trained, your personal chef will entertain you while cooking such favorites as steak, chicken, seafood and fresh vegetables in traditional free style on a hibachi table. Reservations are recommended at select...

Arrived at 6:55 pm, reservation at 7:00 pm. Party of 4. Seated at 7:20 pm. Server visited table at 7:45 pm took drink, appetizer and dinner order for entire table. Guests at other end of grill were served drinks by a different server who only took drinks to certain types of customers -throughout the entire restaurant. Our drinks were served separately 1 of our party was a Pepsi, his was served last. Drinks served at 8:15 pm. Server confirmed our food orders at 8:30 pm. Sushi arrived at 8:45 different server, appetizer different server at 9:00 pm cold. Returned. Ordered 2 beers 9:00 pm, was served 2 beers and a flight of saki at 9:15 pm refused flight different server said too bad and left it on table. It was not consumed. We tried to get the attention of the manager and asked about our order. He disappeared for 20 mns. And avoided us at all costs. We cancelled our orders and we were charged full price for everything. When checking out a server approached myself and my friend whom I had met there and told us “it isn’t her fault” pointing to the person checking us out. I let her know that server never served us. She then told us how our server was in the back crying. How the kitchen lost her ticket and a few other excuses of why we were not taken care of well. The manager NEVER came to our table. NEVER addressed us or our concerns and AVOIDED our table at all costs. I have never been so disappointed in a restaurant in it’s entirety before but now I am. I have never been to a restaurant that had no clean silverware. A bus person was wearing a red hook restaurant shirt. The bartender didn’t know “where the wine is kept”. Until my friend showed him. Our server Tericka was sweet and trying. I think she was set up to fail by poor management and coworkers who don’t care. She was definitely new to food service and had no knowledge of how to do her job efficiently. I felt very sorry for her. This restaurant was highly recommended by my friends. We have been so excited for weeks. Disappointed does not cover the feelings I have for this experience. When meeting friends out for dinner after a stressful week at work. I shouldn’t be bothered with all the junk I was dealt. We all left hungry and at least $60 poorer. The absolute disregard for patrons in the restaurant by the manager makes me sick. He visited other tables. Where the people were happy and eating. But completely ignored the table with 2 parties. 4 adults and 1 adult with 2 young children. As we left at 9:30 pm the chef showed up and the kids finally got fed. Unacceptable. Just unacceptable. The children and adult were served their drinks by the 1 server who only served certain people and our end was completely ignored. The looks she gave us let us know not to ask her for anything. It was blatant. And sickening. Unfortunately my friends, who have visited several times will never go back. My husband and I will never go back. And the 4 of us will...