Teppanyaki Dinner at Benihana

Benihana @ Fairmont Royal York

We got a Groupon to try out Benihana at the Fairmont Royal York in Downtown TO. We tried several teppanyaki places in the GTA and we have been to the Benihana in Manila. So, we were curious to try if this Benihana was good.

Our Groupon set meal included a starter of Salmon Sashimi. It was very fresh and we enjoyed it. There was a choice of appetizer:  Avocado Cucumber Maki or Chicken Karaage (Marinated Chicken Thigh Coated with Seasoned Rice Flour Served with Togarashi Cream Sauce). We got the Chicken Karaage which was nicely seasoned and had a good sauce. Overall, it was just ok and bordering on the dry side.

Benihana @ Fairmont Royal York

The choices for teppanyaki  entrée include: Teriyaki Chicken, Hibachi Steak, Hibachi Ahi Tuna, or Vegetarian Saishoku (assorted seasonal vegetables). Hubby and I both got Hibachi steak. It was beautifully done, but I wished it had more flavour. It was better dipped in the miso-ginger sauce and I would have preferred the steak to hold its own. The meal came with Japanese onion soup, salad, grilled shrimp, Hibachi vegetables (onions, zucchinis, and mushrooms) and steamed rice. We upgraded our steamed rice for Benihana fried rice (additional $6 each). You can also get tiger shrimp, scallop, and/or lobster for an additional fee. 

Benihana @ Fairmont Royal York

The choices for dessert were vanilla, green tea, red bean or lychee ice cream or sherbet. The lychee ice cream was good and it was served with some green tea as well.

lychee ice cream @ Benihana

Service was great and we were stuffed. Entertainment-wise, Benihana Manila chefs showed more skill and the teppanyaki show here was pretty much the same as what we saw in other teppanyaki places. Taste-wise, the quality is not leaps and bounds better than other teppanyaki places. I actually like Kimpura Manila’s fried rice and Hibachi steak more, at least from what I remember. Hence, I don’t think it should command the premium it has over others. It was good and we enjoyed dinner but am glad I got it on Groupon.