Benihana is modeled after a Japanese-style hibachi steakhouse, or "teppanyaki". You and your party are seated around 3 sides of a table (if you can't fill the table, you will be sitting with people you don't know), with the fourth side open for the grill top and your chef.
You have several different kinds of meat to choose from (beef, chicken, shrimp, scallops, etc.) and I always like to choose a combination of 2. Every entrée comes with a small salad and a bowl of miso soup. After those are finished, the fun really begins!
Depending on who your chef is, the atmosphere can get pretty crazy, and by this point in your meal, you've probably already observed other tables having shrimp tossed in their mouths and huge flames erupting from the grill.
The chef bring out large bowls of rice and vegetables, and will make a large display of chopping the vegetables - it's pretty noisy! Then, he'll start the fried rice and shrimp... everyone at the table, who is willing can try to catch a shrimp that the chef throws in your mouth! Also, the good chefs can toss the shrimp tails up in the air and catch them in their tall narrow chef's hat.
Overall, the food is pricey and you are definitely paying for the "show", but it's a great place for a group of people who like to have fun!
Also, it should be noted that Benihana has a large sushi menu, with regular tables for customers not interested in hibachi.
more