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Benihana

Discussion in 'Area Restaurants, Dining and Food' started by ExRIGuy, Apr 6, 2008.

  1. ExRIGuy

    ExRIGuy New Member

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    We went to the new Benihana Friday night in the Dulles mall parking lot. I have been waiting to go and I came away thinking it is an excellent value. Anyone who's gone to B-school of course has read HBS cases on Benihana, and for me that added a bit to the fun.

    For $22 I had the terriyaki steak with fried rice (excellent), shrimp appetizer (small but excellent), onion soup (rather bland), and salad (small but excellent) (all are included in the price)! The Filet was $30, again with all courses included -- and of course you get a 30 minute show in addition to the meal with the chef trying to entertain you right at your own hibatchi, and maybe you get to strike up a conversation with someone new if you/they feel like it. We can't wait to go back. They even do lunch for less $$, though not sure if you get the same show/courses.
     
  2. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    When I worked in Bethesda several years ago we used to go to a Benihana there for lunch sometimes. They had great lunch specials (around $6.95) and they still cooked at the table. I've never been for dinner so I don't know if they do everything the same, but it was good for lunch. I haven't tried the one here yet.
     
  3. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    We went there recently and had great meal for reasonable price... Lot's of food for the money. 2 can share 1 meal even...
     
  4. jjenkins

    jjenkins New Member

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    I still prefer Nagoya in Ashburn Farms....I find their food to be better.
     
    Haewon Hinton likes this.
  5. ExRIGuy

    ExRIGuy New Member

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    Almost forgot to mention that kids meals are $10, bit pricey, but they are getting the same shrimp, steak, chicken etc. that adults get -- albeit less quantity -- but not much less. Also, wouldn't go with any child less than 6 in my opinion, as hot hibatchi could be stressful.
     
  6. Mom8386

    Mom8386 Member

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    We went a few weeks ago and I was not impressed. Nagoya is much, much better and a little less expensive. I didn't like Benihana's soup as much and definitely prefer Nagoya's salad dressing and fried rice. I had eaten at Benihana's in the 80's and didn't remember much about it. It's just not worth the cost. Nagoya also trims the fat off of the meat and discards it. Benihana's did not, they just cut it up and cooked it all together. This was the consensus of myself, my husband, and our two grown sons (both in their 20's). We've all had much better and not just at Nagoya, but in other states as well. We won't go back.
     
  7. MamaBear

    MamaBear New Member

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    Anyone know when the Otani on Waxpool will open?
     
  8. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    I tried the Benihana a few weeks ago as well and was not at all impressed with it. The food wasn't that great. I can't say exactly what it was that I didn't like, but it was just an overall opinion. The seating arrangements were bad (they packed us in like sardines), the salad wasn't good, the selection of food wasn't the best, and the experience just wasn't what I was hoping for.

    I won't be going there again and Nagoya in Ashburn Farms will forever have my business.
     
  9. ChrisL

    ChrisL Member

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    Nagoya is the best Hibachi I have ever had. I definately recommend it.
     
  10. jaxmanjoe

    jaxmanjoe Blah, Blah, Blah

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    Driving by Otani this morning I saw a sign that said it is now open. I work right across the street from Otani in Chantilly but I've never been...
     
  11. Flying Ace

    Flying Ace New Member

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    Here's an update for Benihana. Don't waste your $150 for dinner for 3, unless you like indifferent service, bland and overcooked cheap food (plenty o' onions), and uninspired tableside fun. The sushi was a cut below the all-you-can eat places. Only bright spot, the hostess was friendly. Inexplicably, the place was busy on a Saturday night with diners that were soon to regret their decision. Go to Nagoya instead.
     
  12. Rhaegar

    Rhaegar Member

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    Unquestionably correct in my opinion. The untalented chefs from the 7-11 parking lot even make the kids groan compared to Otani. The service is robotic and earned the only $0 tip I can recall that I have given in years. Overpriced, bleached and corporate...a truly cringe worthy experience.
     
  13. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    Have to agree. Went for the first time in like 15 years and when it was over felt robbed. I know I am paying for the "experience", but even that was unimpressive at best.
     

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