Few restaurants combine food and entertainment quite like Benihana. Known worldwide for its lively hibachi-style dining, where chefs cook right in front of you with dramatic flair, Benihana has become a go-to destination for birthdays, celebrations, and family nights out.
In Los Angeles, the Encino location stands out as a favorite for families. Our family of four recently visited to see if it lived up to its reputation as the ultimate family hibachi experience. Here’s everything you need to know—from the food and atmosphere to pricing, service, and insider tips.
First Impressions: Walking Into Benihana Encino
The moment you step inside Benihana Encino, the energy hits you. The restaurant buzzes with laughter, sizzling grills, and the rhythmic clang of spatulas hitting steel.
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Ambiance: Fun, lively, and welcoming.
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Décor: Traditional Japanese accents mixed with modern comfort.
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Family Feel: Families celebrating birthdays are everywhere—kids wearing balloon hats, parents snapping photos, and chefs putting on shows.
💡 Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and birthdays.
The Hibachi Show: Dinner + Entertainment
At Benihana, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a performance. Each hibachi table seats 8–10 guests, often shared with other families or groups.
Chef Entertainment Highlights
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Tossing shrimp tails into his hat or pocket.
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Building a flaming onion volcano.
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Egg-spinning tricks before cracking them for fried rice.
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Quick jokes and banter with guests (our daughters loved this part).
For kids, the entertainment is nonstop. For parents, it’s a relief to watch kids so engaged while waiting for food.
Menu Highlights: What to Order at Benihana Encino
Starters & Sides
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Benihana Onion Soup: A simple, flavorful starter with mushrooms and green onions.
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House Salad with Ginger Dressing: Refreshing and included with most entrées.
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Edamame: Always a kid-friendly favorite.
Hibachi Entrées
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Chicken: Tender, flavorful, and a go-to for picky eaters.
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Steak: Cooked to order, juicy and well-seasoned.
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Shrimp: Fresh, garlicky, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Filet Mignon: Worth the splurge for adults.
Combination Options
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Many entrées can be combined—steak & shrimp, chicken & scallops, etc.—ideal for families who want variety.
Kids’ Menu
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Includes smaller portions of hibachi chicken, shrimp, or steak.
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Comes with soup, salad, rice, and ice cream.
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Generous for the price (around $30).
Desserts
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Ice Cream: A sweet, playful way to end the night.
Drinks: For Parents & Kids
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Signature Cocktails: Mai Tais, Benihana Punch, and saké cocktails.
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Beer & Wine: Japanese beer options like Sapporo and Kirin.
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Non-Alcoholic: Fun mocktails and smoothies for kids.
💡 Parent Hack: Order one of the large, shareable cocktails for a festive touch.
Pricing: Is Benihana Worth It?
Benihana isn’t a cheap night out, but it’s more than just food—it’s an experience.
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Adult Entrées: $50+ depending on protein.
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Kids’ Meals: $30+.
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Cocktails: $16+.
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Family of Four: around $200+ before tip.
👉 When you factor in the entertainment, portion sizes, and atmosphere, the value feels justified.
Service: Friendly and Family-Focused
Our chef was engaging, funny, and attentive to everyone at the table. The waitstaff kept drinks full and quickly cleared plates.
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Kid Consideration: Staff were patient and checked in often with our daughters.
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Efficiency: Food came out steadily, paced with the chef’s performance.
Family Perspective: What Worked & What Didn’t
What Kids Loved
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The onion volcano and egg tricks.
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Having their food cooked right in front of them.
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The ice cream dessert at the end.
What Parents Loved
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Fresh, hot food with no guesswork.
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Cocktails and the festive vibe.
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Seeing the kids entertained and happy.
What Could Be Better
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Noise level: it’s loud, which might overwhelm sensitive kids.
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Sharing tables: fun for social families, but less private.
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Price: high for casual dining, though the entertainment offsets it.
Best Times to Visit Benihana Encino
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Early Dinners (5–6 p.m.): Quieter, faster seating, easier with kids.
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Weeknights: Less crowded than weekends.
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Birthdays & Celebrations: Staff make it feel special with singing, dessert, and photos.
Tips for Parents
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Make reservations in advance.
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Tell staff if your child is shy—the chef can tone down tricks.
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Opt for a kids’ meal—great value and portion size.
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Bring a camera—the onion volcano is Instagram gold.
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Be ready for leftovers—portions are generous.
How Benihana Encino Compares to Other LA Family Dining Spots
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Katsuya Brentwood: Trendier sushi, quieter vibe, but less entertaining for kids.
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Maybourne Terrace: Gorgeous golden hour setting, but pricier and less consistent.
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Pizzana Brentwood: Gourmet pizza, casual but less of an “event.”
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Terranea’s Nelson’s: Scenic coastal dining, more relaxed.
Beyond Dining: Why Benihana Is a Family Tradition
Many families treat Benihana as more than dinner—it becomes a tradition. Birthdays, graduations, or “just because” nights often bring repeat visits. Our daughters now ask when we’ll go back, which says a lot.
There’s something special about a restaurant that entertains kids, feeds parents well, and makes the whole family leave smiling.
FAQs
Is Benihana good for birthdays?
Yes! Staff sing, take photos, and offer dessert—making birthdays extra memorable.
Do they have vegetarian options?
Yes—hibachi vegetables, tofu, and fried rice can be made vegetarian.
Is Benihana too loud for small kids?
It’s lively, but most kids enjoy the energy. If your child is noise-sensitive, request a quieter table.
How long does dinner take?
Expect 90 minutes to 2 hours for the full hibachi experience.
Do you need reservations?
Yes, especially on weekends. Walk-ins can mean long waits.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Family Hibachi Experience
Our night at Benihana Encino was everything a family dinner should be—fun, delicious, and memorable. From the chefs’ dazzling tricks to the satisfying hibachi entrées, it was an experience that engaged both kids and adults.
Is it pricey? Yes. Is it loud? Definitely. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
👉 For families looking for a dining experience that entertains, delights, and satisfies, Benihana Encino truly delivers the ultimate family hibachi experience in Los Angeles.
