Benihana - Temecula, CA

Review summary

1. C

   Christopher

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined today

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

   Wait times were ridiculous even with a reservation. Entire table next to me hit up and left. Service was exceptionally slow.
   

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2. D

   Dominique

   VIP

   San Diego

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined today

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

   I’m inclined to believe that this franchise is owned by someone who only concerns themselves with dividends. The food was not of poor value, ordered and my main course and it was cold (Hibachi shrimp w/steak, veggies and fried rice). I was initially concerned when the salad smelled foul. The manager resolved the majority of our issues, thankfully. Other than the professional and waitress and manager, I was disappointed and flabbergasted at the inept attempt to replicate the standard of Benihana’s well-known high quality food. Never again.
   

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3. a

   alex

   VIP

   Orange County

   13 reviews

   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined today

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

   My complaint is being sat 45 minutes after my reservation.
   

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4. M

   Melissa

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   We loved our Chef Abel. He even had the babies cheering and clapping!
   

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5. A

   Ashley

   Greater Boston

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   Had reservations at 6:30, checked in at 6:15 but didn’t get seated til 6:45 and had a long wait at grill because of chef shortages. Our food didn’t start getting cooked til a little after 8pm. Manager did give us 50% off our meal which was appreciated.
   

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6. K

   Kathy

   Palm Springs

   10 reviews

   4.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   Drinks took 30 mins to arrive, it was not a busy day. Chef was ok, he made weird voices, almost like he had turrets and he repeated everything he said twice. Food was a little too salty also. Server was friendly. Restaurant was clean.
   

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7. M

   Mike

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   We had an 845pm reservation and didn’t get sat until 10pm. What’s the use of making reservations. The hostess was very rude. And we were told that the restaurant general manager left at 6pm to celebrate the new year. What restaurant GM leaves the restaurant on the busiest night of the year? In general I always love Benihana but I think if I’m in Temecula we will skip Benihana and go to Shogun.
   

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8. L

   Leah

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   We made reservations New Year’s Eve for dinner. Unfortunately staff weren’t telling guests there was a 2 hour delay. Many guests had small children and plans for later that evening. One group after us were told around 1130pm (they had an 845pm reservation) that it would be another hour, so if they stayed, they would miss New Year’s. The drinks, food, chef and waitresses were great as always. Unfortunately, the restaurant was overbooked and understaffed. We were not offered any discounts or extras for our troubles. We will still be back, but never again for any holiday.
   

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9. C

   Christie

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   Chad the chef was awesome - food was amazing I had the lobster, shrimp and scallops, chicken fried rice! Highly recommend
   

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10. P

    Paula

    VIP

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

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

    Usually a great experience but we waited 30 minutes after our reservation time to be seated with no explanation or assurance from the staff. It was NYE and the restaurant began to get crowded after our reservation time. The bar didn’t honor the “happy hour” boards and charged full price without advising in advance - when I asked about they just said it doesn’t apply during holidays and walked away.
    

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