I just left Benihana in Bethesda and was absolutely appalled by the service we received from our server, Jabari. From the start, he was disrespectful, condescending, and cocky, making us feel like he was above us. He never even came back to check on us, yelled at us and our chef, and created an awkward and tense atmosphere. He didn't set our chef up for success, didn't ask us the temperature for our steak, and overall, made a complete mess of our dining experience. To make matters worse, when we brought the issue to the manager's attention, he was too busy getting drunk behind the bar, putting alcohol in his kid's cup, and laughing at the staff to effectively address the situation. The lack of professionalism and respect shown by the staff was astounding. I would not recommend this location to anyone and will not be returning. The behavior of Jabari and the manager was unacceptable and left a sour taste in our mouths. A complete disappointment from start to finish.
Lamar S.
My wife and she I loved eating dinner here our server was a gentleman named Mylez he'd did a great job and we will definitely be back
Cat M.
The food was okay, and the service was decent. However, this cat never got to show off their fast cucumber catching reflexes.
Cate Yaus
Our server Mimi was amazing! I will definitely be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak
Alva
Went to celebrate two birthdays. 5 people in party, only one oerson had a drink. Food was bland - only salt and pepper and then sauces to drench the food in. Was disappointed with the $300+ bill. Not worth the price. Won't likely return anytime soon.
Jill Marks
I ate in for my birthday coupon (which, if you don't know is a FABULOUS deal. Sign up for Chef's Table!). I go every year, and this year, Ricardo was our chef. He was a great chef and cooked delicious food - exactly as we'd ordered. I was appalled at how the other guests at our table treated him - barking out tailored orders left and right at him. He handled it with astonishing grace and poise. I can't imagine trying to cook five meals and appetizers, doing a show, and having customers tell me personalized things they wanted all through the cooking. Ricardo, on behalf of my table's terrible manners, I offer my apologies and want you to know you did a fabulous job and showed much grace under pressure. I am sorry for the treatment you received. The meal was superb, even if our guests were not (two of the guests reeked so strongly of pot, we were gagging - even sitting across the table from them). Ricardo was a really great chef!
Awesome staff members and wonderful food. My family and I enjoyed dining here. Would definitely recommend. ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Surf and Turf, Hibachi Chicken Rice, Hibachi Steak
Chapis lima
I went to pick up an order and the girl who served me was rude and rude.. I waited 40
Service: 1
DeeBee
Unfortunately, this wasn't the best dining experience. The chef was amazing, and the food was great. However, there were a few mishaps with my beverage and our server was not at all accommodating. We ultimately spoke with a manager who rectified the problem, but he should not have needed to be involved. Weird energy and vibe from our waitress.
Ashanti W.
This review is purely for happy hour. On a Monday this is one of the few places in Bethesda that has happy hour from 3p-7p. The drink selections were great, I just wish there were more or better food options for happy hour. For happy hour they had martinis, punch, sake and other drinks on special. Additionally they had spring rolls, sushi rolls, wings and dumplings on their happy hour menu. I opted for the red plum sake sangria, a side of chicken fried rice and spicy salmon roll. The food was all delicious, I do wish the sangria was a little bit stronger but it was still tasty.
The service and food were both great. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant and there was some type of generator device that was extremely noisy and made it difficult to converse with others. Not sure what was going on but it was definitely a distraction.
The restaurant is in need of upgrades. Everything seemed dated and not in good working order. Server did not bring our white rice until the check came. Our chef (I think his name was Allen) was awesome!
Jordan A.
If you want to be packed around the cook top like sardines, elbow to elbow with complete strangers on Valentine's Day... definitely recommend. I however, was not too thrilled to be elbowed my entire dinner by another stranger. I barely could lift my arms or reach for my drink, it was that packed! 8 people (4 couples) all extremely disappointed to be sharing what should be a nice, relaxing intimate dinner for 2 with 6 other RANDOS! Definitely will not be back to dine in!! I will give our chef, Luis props for the very tasty food. Otherwise, extremely disappointed. I would share pictures but I couldn't reach for my phone without bumping the person next to me. Maybe next time, NOT!
bran
if you like another hibachi place, just go there. this place doesn't live up to the hype at all, they don't even put sauce on chicken, just dry chicken breast for $40? The filet mignon was certainly worth it. Also i had to pay for fried rice here, instead of substituting it for my steamed rice (which i didn't get, just had to pay an additional $7 for fried rice). Then was rushed out by our server and couldn't even finish our ice cream (that was apart of the meal that i had to specifically ask for after she gave me my check) without the bussers standing right behind us waiting for us to get up. Honestly would not come here again or recommend.
Susan Liles
Food was good but the chef only cooked at the table, he didn't do any of the fancy tricks you expect. Guess he was new. Disappointed.
I just left Benihana in Bethesda and was absolutely appalled by the service we received from our server, Jabari. From the start, he was disrespectful, condescending, and cocky, making us feel like he was above us. He never even came back to check on us, yelled at us and our chef, and created an awkward and tense atmosphere. He didn't set our chef up for success, didn't ask us the temperature for our steak, and overall, made a complete mess of our dining experience. To make matters worse, when we brought the issue to the manager's attention, he was too busy getting drunk behind the bar, putting alcohol in his kid's cup, and laughing at the staff to effectively address the situation. The lack of professionalism and respect shown by the staff was astounding. I would not recommend this location to anyone and will not be returning. The behavior of Jabari and the manager was unacceptable and left a sour taste in our mouths. A complete disappointment from start to finish.
My wife and she I loved eating dinner here our server was a gentleman named Mylez he'd did a great job and we will definitely be back
The food was okay, and the service was decent. However, this cat never got to show off their fast cucumber catching reflexes.
Our server Mimi was amazing! I will definitely be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak
Went to celebrate two birthdays. 5 people in party, only one oerson had a drink. Food was bland - only salt and pepper and then sauces to drench the food in. Was disappointed with the $300+ bill. Not worth the price. Won't likely return anytime soon.
I ate in for my birthday coupon (which, if you don't know is a FABULOUS deal. Sign up for Chef's Table!). I go every year, and this year, Ricardo was our chef. He was a great chef and cooked delicious food - exactly as we'd ordered. I was appalled at how the other guests at our table treated him - barking out tailored orders left and right at him. He handled it with astonishing grace and poise. I can't imagine trying to cook five meals and appetizers, doing a show, and having customers tell me personalized things they wanted all through the cooking. Ricardo, on behalf of my table's terrible manners, I offer my apologies and want you to know you did a fabulous job and showed much grace under pressure. I am sorry for the treatment you received. The meal was superb, even if our guests were not (two of the guests reeked so strongly of pot, we were gagging - even sitting across the table from them). Ricardo was a really great chef!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Chicken Rice, Benihana Salad, Shrimp Hibachi, Ginger Sauce
Awesome staff members and wonderful food. My family and I enjoyed dining here. Would definitely recommend. ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Surf and Turf, Hibachi Chicken Rice, Hibachi Steak
I went to pick up an order and the girl who served me was rude and rude.. I waited 40
Service: 1
Unfortunately, this wasn't the best dining experience. The chef was amazing, and the food was great. However, there were a few mishaps with my beverage and our server was not at all accommodating. We ultimately spoke with a manager who rectified the problem, but he should not have needed to be involved. Weird energy and vibe from our waitress.
This review is purely for happy hour. On a Monday this is one of the few places in Bethesda that has happy hour from 3p-7p. The drink selections were great, I just wish there were more or better food options for happy hour. For happy hour they had martinis, punch, sake and other drinks on special. Additionally they had spring rolls, sushi rolls, wings and dumplings on their happy hour menu. I opted for the red plum sake sangria, a side of chicken fried rice and spicy salmon roll. The food was all delicious, I do wish the sangria was a little bit stronger but it was still tasty.
Restaurantji Recommends
The service and food were both great. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant and there was some type of generator device that was extremely noisy and made it difficult to converse with others. Not sure what was going on but it was definitely a distraction.
The restaurant is in need of upgrades. Everything seemed dated and not in good working order. Server did not bring our white rice until the check came. Our chef (I think his name was Allen) was awesome!
If you want to be packed around the cook top like sardines, elbow to elbow with complete strangers on Valentine's Day... definitely recommend. I however, was not too thrilled to be elbowed my entire dinner by another stranger. I barely could lift my arms or reach for my drink, it was that packed! 8 people (4 couples) all extremely disappointed to be sharing what should be a nice, relaxing intimate dinner for 2 with 6 other RANDOS! Definitely will not be back to dine in!! I will give our chef, Luis props for the very tasty food. Otherwise, extremely disappointed. I would share pictures but I couldn't reach for my phone without bumping the person next to me. Maybe next time, NOT!
if you like another hibachi place, just go there. this place doesn't live up to the hype at all, they don't even put sauce on chicken, just dry chicken breast for $40? The filet mignon was certainly worth it. Also i had to pay for fried rice here, instead of substituting it for my steamed rice (which i didn't get, just had to pay an additional $7 for fried rice). Then was rushed out by our server and couldn't even finish our ice cream (that was apart of the meal that i had to specifically ask for after she gave me my check) without the bussers standing right behind us waiting for us to get up. Honestly would not come here again or recommend.
Food was good but the chef only cooked at the table, he didn't do any of the fancy tricks you expect. Guess he was new. Disappointed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2