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Benihana - DenverBWorth Trying

Name: Benihana - Denver
Address: 3295 S Tamarac Dr, Denver, CO 80231, Denver, United States
Rating: 4.4

3295 S Tamarac Dr, Denver, CO 80231 · Japanese restaurant, Teppanyaki restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (7634 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

High-energy teppanyaki with entertaining chefs and crowd-pleasing hibachi; fun for groups and celebrations but expect waits even with reservations and inconsistent service pacing.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Benihana Denver delivers solid entertainment value with reliable hibachi proteins and fried rice that justify its loyal following, but quality varies noticeably by chef and shift, and reservation waits and pacing issues create friction on busy nights. The high-energy dinner-and-show concept excels for families and celebrations, though it prioritizes spectacle over culinary precision or operational consistency—appropriate for a grade B neighborhood teppanyaki destination.

Restaurant Summary

The scene leans loud and celebratory, with chefs flipping shrimp tails and cracking jokes while servers juggle big groups and birthdays. Guests describe the vibe as a show with dinner, not the other way around: "The chef kept us laughing while cooking everything to our liking." However, expect that the front desk and pacing can get chaotic on busy nights, and waits can run long even with reservations. Cooking here sticks to classic teppanyaki comforts more than culinary stunts. Fried rice is the reliable crowd-pleaser, filet and shrimp shine when the grill master is dialed in, and sushi rolls like Chili Ponzu Yellowtail add a bright counterpoint. It is ideal for those who value dinner and a show over hushed fine dining; perfection varies by chef and shift, so manage expectations on peak weekends. Families do well: kids love the onion volcano routine, simple rolls, and fried rice. With edamame, cucumber and vegetable rolls, and tofu options, there is enough for selective eaters. The hibachi area is high-energy, so consider the lounge for strollers or noise-sensitive kids, and budget for add-ons like fried rice or sauces.

At a Glance

Entertaining chefs deliver a fun, high-energy group experience
Fried rice, filet, and shrimp are consistent crowd favorites
Long waits past reservation time on busy nights
Service and cleanliness consistency vary by shift
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

tableside_teppanyaki_show
strong_bar_team_following
birthday_celebration_focus

What People Love

Playful, interactive teppanyaki show
Friendly servers and managers who personalize celebrations
Bar team that keeps drinks timely even when packed
Fried rice and hibachi proteins cooked to preference

Points of Concern

Reservation delays common during peak periods (30-90 minutes reported)
Front-of-house coordination and pacing can feel chaotic
Inconsistent doneness and occasional quality slips (overcooked meats, shells in rice)
Review patterns show signs of mixed quality by shift; manage expectations on weekends
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$45-$65 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Edamame ($6) and a Spicy Tuna Roll ($6.06) if you plan a full hibachi set
Pescatarians: Salmon/Yellowtail nigiri plus Shrimp Hibachi Rice ($9.03) makes a solid light meal

Perfect For

Birthday dinners with friends
Family nights where kids want a show
Casual date night at the hibachi table
Sitting at the bar for quicker solo or duo visits

Location Insights

Area: Suburban south Denver corridor with offices, apartments, and shopping; attracts families and groups for celebrations.

Safety: Generally safe, car-centric zone with steady foot traffic near retail; typical suburban lighting and maintenance.

Nearby: Near I-225/Hampden commercial strips, hotels, and business parks; destination for group dining and birthdays.

Cherry Creek SouthCherry Creek South is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and residential areas. The dining scene includes a mix of casual and upscale restaurants catering to families, professionals, and tourists. The atmosphere is generally safe, accessible, and vibrant with a suburban yet polished feel.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–22:00 Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–23:00 Saturday10:00–23:00 Sunday10:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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