Dining at Benihana remains a cornerstone of the American teppanyaki experience. Known for the theatrical flair of its chefs and the communal seating around a sizzling grill, the restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it is a performance. However, for those planning a visit in 2026, understanding the current Benihana menu with prices is essential for budgeting, as the cost can vary significantly depending on whether you are visiting for lunch, a celebratory dinner, or ordering for a large group.

The pricing structure at Benihana is generally designed around a multi-course meal concept. When you order a hibachi entree, you are rarely just paying for the protein. Instead, most dinner entrees include a five-course progression: Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad with ginger dressing, a hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, and steamed rice. This comprehensive approach justifies the higher price point compared to standard casual dining.

Starters and Small Plates

Before the main show begins at the grill, many diners opt for starters from the kitchen. These items are particularly useful for those waiting for their full party to arrive or for guests who want to sample Japanese flavors without the full hibachi commitment.

  • Edamame: A classic choice, served warm and sprinkled with sea salt, typically priced around $10.50. For those preferring a kick, the spicy edamame sautéed with spicy tsuyu no moto sauce is usually about $11.50.
  • Gyoza: The pan-fried pork or chicken dumplings remain a staple. A six-piece order generally costs $13.00 to $18.00 depending on the specific location and whether they are served with the signature spicy sesame soy dipping sauce.
  • Tempura: The shrimp tempura, featuring crunchy lightly battered shrimp, is priced at approximately $22.50. Vegetable-only versions are often available at a slightly lower price point.
  • Tokyo Wings: A fan favorite that has seen increased popularity recently. These come with a choice of black pepper teriyaki, spicy sauce, or sesame garlic sauce. A six-piece starter is roughly $24.50, though better value is often found in the larger family-sized portions.
  • Tuna Tartare: For a lighter, more refined start, the tuna tartare with avocado and green onions, topped with crispy onions and microgreens, sits at the higher end of the appetizer scale at approximately $32.50.

Traditional Hibachi Lunches

Lunch at Benihana is one of the most effective ways to experience the teppanyaki show at a reduced cost. Lunch portions are slightly smaller than dinner, and the course progression is usually abbreviated (often omitting the shrimp appetizer), but the quality of the ingredients remains the same.

  • Hibachi Chicken: The most accessible entry point on the lunch menu, usually priced at $22.50. It features chicken breast grilled with butter and lemon.
  • Hibachi or Teriyaki Steak: For beef lovers, this lunch option generally ranges between $26.00 and $29.50. The steak is typically an aged sirloin cut to bite-sized pieces for quick searing.
  • Filet Mignon: The most tender cut available for lunch, this usually costs around $31.00 to $34.50.
  • Hibachi Salmon or Prawn: Seafood lovers can expect to pay between $22.00 and $26.50 for these lighter grilled options.
  • Vegetable Delight: A solid vegetarian choice including miso soup, hibachi vegetables, and tofu steak, usually priced around $16.00 to $19.50.

Signature Hibachi Dinner Entrees

The dinner menu is where the full Benihana experience truly shines. These prices reflect the five-course meal mentioned earlier, providing a substantial amount of food.

  • Hibachi Chicken: Grilled with mushrooms and butter, the dinner portion is typically $29.95. Guests can often choose between the original style or a teriyaki glaze.
  • Hibachi Sirloin Steak: This aged sirloin is a benchmark for the restaurant, generally priced at $39.95.
  • Filet Mignon: For those seeking a leaner, more tender cut, the filet is usually $45.95. It is typically sautéed with the Benihana original garlic sauce.
  • Hibachi Prawns: Large, juicy prawns grilled in lemon and butter, usually priced at $37.95.
  • Teriyaki Sirloin Steak: Sliced thin and served with a rich teriyaki sauce and mushrooms, this option is usually $40.95.

Specialty Dinners and Combinations

Most regular diners at Benihana gravitate toward the specialty combinations. These allow you to sample both land and sea proteins, providing the best variety for the price.

  • Rocky’s Choice: Named after the founder, this is arguably the most popular duo on the menu. It features hibachi steak and hibachi chicken. The price is typically around $45.95.
  • Benihana Delight: A combination of hibachi chicken and juicy prawns, priced at approximately $40.95 to $47.95.
  • Shogun’s Feast: A hearty pairing of hibachi steak and prawns, usually found at $50.95 to $52.95.
  • Land & Sea: This premium combo pairs filet mignon with miso black cod, reflecting a price point of about $53.95 to $61.95.
  • Benihana Special: This dynamic combo includes hibachi steak and a lobster tail, generally costing $58.95 to $72.95 depending on the market price of the lobster.
  • Seafood Palace: For the ultimate seafood enthusiast, this includes lobster, black cod, salmon, and scallops, usually priced at $63.95 to $66.95.
  • Benihana Royal: The most expensive standard combo, featuring chateaubriand (the center cut of the filet), scallops, and lobster tail, often priced around $69.50 to $72.95.

The Wagyu Experience

In recent years, Benihana has expanded its menu to include high-end Wagyu beef for diners looking for a luxury experience. These items are priced significantly higher due to the quality and marbling of the meat.

  • Wagyu A5 Japanese Tokyo Broil: This is the pinnacle of the steak menu. A 5 oz portion of authentic Japanese Wagyu is usually priced at $68.00. It is served as part of a 5-course meal including soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, and more.
  • Rocky’s Wagyu Burger: A more casual way to experience Wagyu, this burger is topped with gochujang mayo and asian slaw, typically priced at $18.00 and served with fries.
  • Wagyu Steak Fried Rice: An upgrade to the signature fried rice, this version uses succulent Wagyu beef and is usually priced around $24.00.

Sushi and Sashimi Selection

While the hibachi grills are the main draw, Benihana also operates as a full-service sushi bar. The sushi menu is extensive, ranging from simple rolls to elaborate platters.

Specialty Rolls

  • Spicy Tuna Roll: A standard favorite, usually priced at $16.50.
  • California Roll: Generally ranges from $6.90 to $12.00 depending on the size and complexity.
  • Shrimp Tempura Roll: Usually around $9.80 to $15.00.
  • Las Vegas Roll: Often deep-fried and more complex, priced near $15.00.
  • Dragon Roll: Typically features eel and avocado, priced around $18.00.

Sushi Combinations

  • Deluxe Sushi Lunch: A great value at $13.00 to $15.00, usually including tuna, salmon, and prawn nigiri along with a salmon roll.
  • Sashimi Sampler: Usually around $22.50 for a selection of tuna, salmon, and snapper.
  • Sushi Garden: A large platter for sharing, often including seaweed salad, various nigiri, and several signature rolls like the Rainbow and Philadelphia rolls. This can range from $135.00 to $149.00.

Family Meals and Party Menus

Benihana is a popular venue for birthdays and celebrations. To accommodate large groups, they offer family-style meals and preset party menus that streamline the ordering process.

  • Tokyo Wings & Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice for 4: A comprehensive delivery or takeout option that includes salads, edamame, wings, and a large portion of fried rice for roughly $70.00.
  • Appetizer Box: Designed for sharing, this $85.00 box typically contains wings, gyoza, shrimp tempura, edamame, and spring rolls.
  • Party Menus (Per Person): These are often used for private events. Prices typically range from $52.00 (Kabuki menu with chicken and steak) to $72.00 (Ninja menu with Canadian lobster and filet mignon). These menus almost always include edamame, soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, rice, and dessert.

Signature Sides and Add-ons

No Benihana menu discussion is complete without mentioning the "extra" items that many consider mandatory for the experience.

  • Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice: This is the most famous side dish. While the meal comes with steamed rice, most guests pay the upgrade fee (usually $4.50 to $10.50 depending on portion size) to have the chef prepare the garlic butter chicken fried rice on the grill.
  • Spicy Sauce or Ginger Sauce: While complimentary with the meal, extra pints for home use are often sold for around $8.50.
  • Lobster Tail Add-on: You can generally add a lobster tail to any entree for approximately $38.00.
  • Scallops or Spicy Prawns: Adding a seafood side to your steak dinner typically costs about $9.50.

Desserts and Beverages

To finish the meal, the dessert menu offers a mix of traditional Japanese and Western sweets.

  • Mochi Ice Cream: Usually $7.45 to $7.95 for a selection of flavors like green tea, vanilla, or mango.
  • Ice Cream or Banana Tempura: A warm, fried dessert often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, priced around $7.45.
  • Specialty Cakes: Multi-layered chocolate cakes or cheesecakes for sharing (serving 4) are often priced at $42.00.
  • Beverages: Signature lemonades (strawberry, mango, passion fruit) are roughly $10.00 for a half-gallon, while Japanese Green Tea is usually $3.00 to $5.00 per pot.

Understanding the Value: Tips for Dining

When looking at the Benihana menu with prices, it is easy to experience sticker shock. However, there are ways to manage the cost without sacrificing the experience.

  1. Prioritize Lunch: If the "show" is your main goal, the lunch menu provides nearly the same theatrical experience for about 40% less than the dinner price. The main difference is the absence of the shrimp appetizer and slightly smaller protein portions.
  2. Share an Appetizer Box: If you are with a group, skip individual starters and go for the shared boxes or family meals. The cost per person is significantly lower.
  3. The Fried Rice Strategy: Instead of everyone ordering a separate bowl of fried rice, consider ordering one large portion for the table to share. The "serves 4" portion is often more economical than four individual upgrades.
  4. Join the Chef's Table: Benihana frequently offers a rewards program (The Chef’s Table) which often provides a $30 gift certificate during your birthday month, which can significantly offset the cost of a specialty dinner.

Dietary and Menu Variations

Benihana has made efforts to be inclusive of various dietary needs. Their menu now clearly marks gluten-sensitive and keto-friendly options.

  • Gluten-Sensitive: Many of the hibachi proteins can be prepared with gluten-free soy sauce upon request. It is important to inform the server and chef immediately so they can clean the grill surface accordingly.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: The "Vegetable Delight" is the primary option here. While the show involves meat, the chefs are generally very accommodating about cooking the vegetable portions first to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Considerations on Pricing

It is important to note that a discretionary service charge (often around 12.5% in international locations or standard 18-22% gratuity in the US) is typically expected. Because the chef provides a personal service at your table, the gratuity is a significant part of the total cost.

Additionally, prices can fluctuate based on the specific city. A Benihana in Las Vegas or New York City may have prices $5-$10 higher per entree than a location in a smaller suburban area. Always check the specific digital menu of your local Benihana before arriving to ensure the most accurate budgeting.

In summary, while Benihana is positioned as a premium dining destination, the multi-course nature of the menu provides a level of value that is often overlooked. Whether you are going for the $22 lunch chicken or the $72 Royal combo, you are paying for both the sustenance and the specialized skill of the teppanyaki chef. Planning ahead and understanding the menu structure allows you to enjoy the "Onion Volcano" and the "Heart-Shaped Rice" without any surprises when the check arrives.