Benihana Columbus, OH: The Ultimate Teppanyaki Experience for Ohioans

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Benihana Introduce

For those of us in Ohio seeking not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience, Benihana in Columbus offers a unique and entertaining option. This iconic Japanese steakhouse has perfected the art of teppanyaki, turning dinner into a theatrical performance right at your table. Located in the vibrant Polaris area, Benihana brings a blend of delicious food, skilled chefs, and lively entertainment that keeps locals coming back for more. This article will provide a detailed look into what makes Benihana a premier Japanese dining destination for the Ohio community.

Benihana's story began in New York City in 1964, pioneering the concept of communal hibachi tables where highly trained chefs cook and entertain guests with dazzling knife skills and playful banter. This innovative approach transformed traditional Japanese cooking into a captivating dinner show, quickly making Benihana a global phenomenon. For Ohioans, the Columbus location continues this legacy, offering an immersive "eater-tainment" experience that appeals to all ages. It's not just about the food; it's about the show, the shared experience, and the memories created around the hibachi grill.

What sets Benihana apart in the competitive Columbus dining scene is its unwavering commitment to this unique hibachi style. While many restaurants offer Japanese cuisine, few deliver the interactive and personalized show that Benihana provides. From the moment you're seated at a shared teppanyaki table, your personal chef takes center stage, preparing your meal with flair and precision. This direct interaction with the chef, combined with the aroma of sizzling meats and vegetables, creates an atmosphere that is both exciting and inviting. Beyond the entertainment, Benihana prides itself on using quality ingredients, including USDA Choice steaks and fresh seafood, ensuring that the food itself lives up to the spectacle.

Location and Accessibility

Benihana in Columbus is conveniently located at 8781 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. This address places it within the bustling Lifestyle Center of Polaris Fashion Place, a major commercial and retail hub in northern Columbus. Its prime location makes it easily accessible for residents across Central Ohio, including those from nearby communities such as Dublin, Westerville, Worthington, and Lewis Center.

The restaurant's proximity to major roadways, particularly Interstate 71 and Polaris Parkway, ensures excellent vehicular accessibility. There is ample parking available in the surrounding lots within the Polaris Fashion Place complex, accommodating a high volume of visitors even during peak dining hours or holidays. For those who prefer public transportation, various COTA bus routes service the Polaris Parkway area, providing accessibility for a broader range of local users.

Being situated in such a popular and accessible area means that Benihana is an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're planning a special celebration, a family dinner, or a memorable night out with friends, getting to Benihana is straightforward. Its location within a vibrant dining and entertainment district further enhances the overall experience, allowing diners to combine their meal with other activities in the Polaris area.

Services Offered

Teppanyaki Dining Experience: The signature service where highly skilled chefs prepare meals, including steak, chicken, and seafood, on a hibachi grill right at the communal dining tables, providing entertainment and fresh, hot food.
Sushi Bar: In addition to hibachi, Benihana typically offers a full sushi bar with a diverse selection of signature sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, expertly crafted by their sushi chefs.
Full Bar Service: A wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, Japanese sake, wine, and beer to complement the meal.
Lunch and Dinner Menus: Comprehensive menus offering various entrées, appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts for both lunch and dinner. Lunch specials, often called "Power Lunch," may be available.
Takeout & Delivery: Customers can order their favorite Benihana dishes for pickup or delivery through online platforms and third-party services like Grubhub and Postmates, allowing them to enjoy the flavors at home.
Group & Private Dining: Benihana specializes in hosting memorable group events, offering semi-private spaces for celebrations, corporate gatherings, and special occasions.
Catering Services: Treat your family or event guests to Benihana favorites with family-friendly takeout options or larger catering orders.
Specialty Experiences: Some Benihana locations offer unique culinary experiences like "Sushi & Me" classes (for adults and children) or "Be the Chef" sessions, where guests can learn to prepare dishes with a master chef.
Loyalty Program: "The Chef's Table" email club offers exclusive promotions, including a special birthday discount.

Features / Highlights

Interactive Hibachi Show: The primary highlight is the captivating entertainment provided by skilled teppanyaki chefs who perform culinary artistry, including knife tricks, flame displays, and playful banter, while cooking meals tableside.
Freshly Prepared Food: All dishes are cooked to order right in front of the guests, ensuring maximum freshness and allowing for custom cooking preferences.
High-Quality Ingredients: Benihana uses USDA Choice steaks, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables, complemented by homemade sauces and salad dressings made from scratch.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The interactive nature of the hibachi show makes it a hit with families and children, providing entertainment for all ages.
Diverse Menu: Offers a wide range of Japanese dishes beyond hibachi, including a comprehensive sushi and sashimi selection, various appetizers like gyoza and tempura, and delightful desserts.
Signature Sauces: Known for their unique and delicious homemade dipping sauces that perfectly complement the hibachi grilled items.
Special Occasion Destination: Benihana is a popular choice for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events due to its festive and engaging environment.
Skilled and Entertaining Chefs: Customer reviews frequently highlight the exceptional skill and entertaining personality of the chefs, who truly make the dining experience special.

Contact Information

Address: 8781 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Phone: (614) 436-3705

Mobile Phone: +1 614-436-3705

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in the Ohio region, particularly those in Columbus and its surrounding areas, Benihana offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. Its unique blend of authentic Japanese cuisine and engaging hibachi entertainment makes it a standout choice for various occasions.

Firstly, Benihana provides an immersive "dinner and a show" concept that is perfect for celebrating special moments. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a desire for an extraordinary night out, the interactive cooking performance by the skilled teppanyaki chefs creates lasting memories. This experiential dining is a significant draw for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for something more exciting than a traditional sit-down restaurant. The positive customer reviews consistently praise the chefs' entertainment value and the overall fun atmosphere, underscoring its appeal for locals seeking a vibrant social dining setting.

Secondly, the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients ensures that the food itself is as impressive as the show. From perfectly cooked steaks and chicken to flavorful seafood and fresh sushi, diners can enjoy a delicious meal tailored to their preferences, cooked right before their eyes. The ability to customize cooking temperatures and seasoning, combined with the iconic homemade dipping sauces, adds to the personalized experience that many Ohioans appreciate.

Furthermore, Benihana's location in the easily accessible Polaris area makes it a convenient choice for a wide demographic across Central Ohio. Ample parking and proximity to major highways mean that planning a visit is hassle-free, whether you're coming from nearby suburbs or further afield. The option for takeout and delivery also adds flexibility for those who wish to enjoy Benihana's flavors at home.

In essence, Benihana provides a consistently high-quality, entertaining, and memorable Japanese dining experience that caters to a desire for both excellent food and engaging social interaction. It's a local institution where Ohioans can celebrate, connect, and enjoy a unique culinary spectacle, making it an ideal destination for any occasion.

Benihana Location

Benihana

Ohio Delaware County Columbus Polaris Lyra Drive

8781 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Benihana Reviews

i loved it here. staff was amazing, my chef was beyond the words AMAZING. food was so good. i never eat all my food but last night i sure did eat all of it! i added the chef i had. didn’t catch his name so if you see him ask for him. he will make your night amazing!!
Jul 27, 2025 · mya Randall
What an amazing hibachi dinner! From the moment we sat down, the energy was fantastic. Our chef "Chul" put on an incredible show with impressive knife skills and playful banter. Beyond the entertainment, the food itself was top-notch – perfectly cooked chiken, and those fried noodles were to die for. We left feeling completely satisfied and already planning our next visit."Thanks Chul for best experience
May 23, 2025 · Vinay Varma
Today I had one of the most disheartening dining experiences I’ve ever encountered — one that left me feeling overlooked, dismissed, and questioning whether bias played a role.Two families were seated — mine and another. Both of our children ordered white rice. The server brought it promptly for the Caucasian family’s child, but forgot my daughter’s. I let it go, hoping it was just a simple oversight.Then both I and the other father ordered drinks. His arrived. Mine, once again, was forgotten.Still, I tried to stay patient. I was juggling three young kids, trying to keep them calm and respectful in a public space. When I asked to check out early to avoid further disruption, she acknowledged me — but still took the payment device to the other family, who had just ordered dessert and weren’t even preparing to leave.At that point, I couldn’t ignore the pattern. I brought it up to the manager. They were kind and offered 20% off, which I appreciated. But the one person who truly treated us with care and respect was the cook — I wanted to tip him directly, but was told I couldn’t split the tip. As a single mother who doesn’t carry cash, I was left with no way to show my gratitude to the person who deserved it most.As someone who works in a service profession myself, I go out of my way to tip generously and show grace. But this wasn’t just a series of minor mistakes — this was three separate incidents where my family was consistently overlooked while another was fully served without issue. Whether it was conscious or unconscious bias, I don’t know. But I do know how it made me feel: unseen, unimportant, and unwelcome.This experience hurt more than I can explain — and sadly, I won’t be returning.
Jul 11, 2025 · Londan Bri
This is a great place for lunch or dinner. Each table seats 10 around the hibachi grill. If you're in a smaller group, you'll be sharing the space with other smaller groups. Sometimes it's fun to meet new people. Other times, you're just sitting next to people you don't know.The servers were great, and the portions were adequate; worth plenty of menu options for everybody.
Jul 27, 2025 · Jennifer Mance
I came here on my birthday with my fiancé and close friends. 1. we waited over an hour before the chef ever came out. 2. The waiter was absolutely trash, he never even filled our water cups. I mentioned i had an allergy to the garlic butter and he didnt even acknowledge it so the chef didnt know. 3. Our reservation was for 5pm and we walked out at 7:30. 4. We didnt even get our desserts then once we did there wasn't anything in the cup. Barely a scoop and we got it to go. 5. When we were checking out he wouldn't even use my birthday coupon. It was just an absolutely terrible experience on my birthday.
May 19, 2025 · Brie Lemon