Benihana - Carlsbad, CA

Review summary

1. G

   Gloria

   Washington DC

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   I reserved a table for two and I arrived on time. Then I was told I should wait 45 to one hour for the table to be ready. They don’t respect the reservations. Never again there.
   

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2. J

   John

   Orange County

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Apparently corporate handles the reservation system and double booked tables. We waited an hour and a half for our table with two toddlers and two seniors. The staff did the best they could. It was New Years Eve and people made their plans months ago. Food and chef were good. Corporate needs to do some damage control on this one.
   

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3. m

   michael

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Like many who dined here on New Years it was a disaster.we arrive at 725 pm with a reservation for 6 we’re told the wait is more than an hour everyone super mad we’re told it was new owners fault as they removed booking restrictions causing the problem one group of 16 eventually got sat at 820 with a reservation at 6 Manager was nowhere to be seen no apologies they could have offered everyone a complimentary drink.unlike any Benihana I’ve been to.i asked “you texted me multiple times reminding me of reservation had me confirm I was coming etc.Why couldn’t they text me the reservation issues and they said they can’t What do u do on New Year’s Eve ? Look for another restaurant ! How does a group of 16 find another place …..our meals included dessert and they brought the final bill without even offering dessert Id never go back !!
   

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4. P

   Priya

   VIP

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   I would not recommend for NYE. We waited 1hr beyond our reservation time. Staff was friendly and nice enough but it felt like our chef had to rush through cooking and entertaining because of the table volume.
   

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5. D

   Dalyce

   VIP

   San Francisco

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   We will never go there again on NYE for sure. We had a reservation for 6:15 and didn’t get in till 7:45. We didn’t get out till 9:45. There were not enough server’s and cooks. It took 20-30 minutes after being seated before we had anyone come to serve us. Our chef Trevor and server were awesome. The food was delicious. Trevor cooked everything perfect. Many many unhappy people that had reservations which didn’t seem to matter. Very disappointing.
   

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6. C

   Chris

   VIP

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   A reservation is pointless. They still make you wait, in our case over an hour. Apparently corporate creates unlimited reservations to increase their demand and revenue. At least the staff was nice and friendly and the rest of the experience is what you expect from Benihana. We won’t be returning.
   

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7. J

   Jenifer

   VIP

   San Diego

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We had a 5:30 reservation. Arrived right on time and were told it would be a 45 minute wait. We were seated at 6:45. Ridiculous with reservation made a month in advance.
   

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8. J

   Justin

   VIP

   San Diego

   12 reviews

   1.0

   12 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Arrived for reservation a few minutes early. Chaos in the entry area. Disorganized. Extremely loud. Waited patiently for 40 minutes to be seated. We left because we weren’t seated. Talked with another man that had a reservation 15 minutes before us - he was not seated. I go to another teppanyaki place and wanted to celebrate at Benihana this time. It’s a shame.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   David was our chef this evening (12/30/24), and he made it a great experience. We took a family of 4 who were all first time guests, along with our family of 4 and David made it very enjoyable. We will request him in the future for our next visit.
   

   Benihana - Carlsbad, CAResponded 1 day ago

   Dear Guest, thank you for choosing Benihana for your dining experience. We’re grateful for your review and pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We look forward to having you with us again!
   

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10. L

    Lilia

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    My family enjoyed the fun and entertaining show with Jorge. The service was great and the food was amazing!!
    

    Benihana - Carlsbad, CAResponded 1 day ago

    Dear Guest, we appreciate you dining with us at Benihana and taking the time to share your positive feedback. We’re grateful for your kind words and thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience. We look forward to your next visit!
    

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