Benihana - Carlsbad, CA

Review summary

1. R

   Ryan

   Washington DC7 reviews

   1.0

   Dined today

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

   Unfortunately, this was the worst restaurant experience we've had. Our reservation was at 7:30pm and we weren't seated until 8:40pm and we finally got our drinks an hour and a half later at 9:00pm. Upon arriving and checking in and the front desk, the hostess was shockingly rude - we couldn't figure out what we did to upset her or have her talk to us like we were such an inconvenience. She initially told us it would be. 20 minute wait - had she told us we'd be siting in the lobby with our baby for over an hour, we would've left and eaten elsewhere. At the table, our waitress took our orders and asked each person, "would you like stewed or fried rice?" Each person answered "fried rice, please" and it wasn't;t until the bill came did we realize that there was an extra $7.50 added per person for the "rice upgrade." It's not that big of a charge, however, it felt really misleading and it surprised us to see it on the bill for each of us (including the kids' meals) for our 7 person party. Perhaps it was busy and that's why it was so loud and slow - and perhaps why the hostess and server seemed annoyed to have to deal with people (the people behind us were so offended by the hostesses attitude to them, they just turned around and left). However, we're not coming to a restaurant to enjoy the experience, and spend a few hundred dollars, to be treated like we are an annoyance. Unfortunately, it gets worse.. our orders were wrong, things that we were told would be brought were completely forgotten about more than once, and with the misleading feeling of the bill, it just was a major let-down.
   

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2. B

   Brett

   Orlando3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined today

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

   Horrible experience. Been to multiple restaurants around the country and took us a hour to get fried rice and steak in the lounge. Not busy enough for that
   

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3. F

   Foodrocks VIP

   Chicago1 review

   1.0

   Dined today

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

   Ridiculously long wait times. Had a reservation but was seated over 45 minute after the reservation time. Approximately 1 hr 30 minutes to have the chef come to the table. The chef and waiter were attentive, but the wait times made the experience miserable.
   

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4. R

   Rachael VIP

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   My mother & I had a fun lunch Friday afternoon at the Benihana Cbad! Lauren & Vlad took such great care of us!! Lauren was so sweet and went out of her way to make us feel special & took our picture, ensuring that there was no glare. Vlad was so funny &, not only was the food delicious, but his entertaining skills were top notch! We really enjoyed ourselves & can’t wait to dine again with friends and family.
   

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5. N

   Nicole

   San Diego1 review

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   I had a reservation and was excited for my first time. It was my birthday. We waited almost 2 hours for the chef to come to the table and our server had an attitude. It was bummer. The chef was entertaining and if not for him I would be giving this experience a 1.
   

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6. J

   Jana

   San Diego4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   I love Benihanas. The food is amazing and the show is perfect!
   

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7. L

   Laura

   San Diego2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Everything was bad. Avoid if all possible! They bumped their reservations for a larger party, which goes back to management and reservation updating on online platforms. Multiple parties left and waited over 45 mins- an hour to get seated. The price paid was not worth the wait, nor treatment.
   

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8. K

   Kelsey

   San Diego1 review

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   We had to wait an hour to be seated even though we had a reservation.
   

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9. L

   Lombo VIP

   Tampa23 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   The food and the service were good, but the price was too expensive for hibachi. We had two sushi rolls and hibachi, no alcohol and it was $250 with tip. Way to much!!!
   

   Benihana - Carlsbad, CAResponded 1 day ago

   Dear Lombo, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the food and service during your visit. We strive to provide a high-quality hibachi experience, but we understand your concern about pricing. Our pricing reflects the quality of ingredients, skilled chefs, and the overall dining experience we aim to deliver. We truly appreciate your input and hope to have the opportunity to serve you again, ensuring a memorable experience that meets your expectations. Best regards,
   

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10. MP

    MaryP

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

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

    Our chef was Arthur, and we enjoyed his entertainment, and he is a wonderful chef!!
    

    Benihana - Carlsbad, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Hey Mary, We're over the moon to hear that you had a fantastic time at Benihana - Carlsbad, CA! It's great to know that our chef's entertainment added to your dining experience and that you enjoyed our food. We strive to provide the best service and value, and your feedback reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. We can't wait to welcome you back for more entertainment and delicious meals!
    

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