Benihana Lunch Hours: Lunch Start & Ending Time 2026
Quick Answer: Benihana lunch hours typically run from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, varying by location.
You’ve been craving hibachi all morning and you’re wondering if Benihana is even open for lunch. In 2026, Benihana lunch hours are more limited than most people expect and the window is shorter than it looks. Getting there on time means the difference between a relaxed lunch and a disappointed drive home.
This covers exact start and stop times, the lunch versus dinner menu, city-specific hours, and tips for making the most of your visit. You’ll also find holiday schedules and the best items to order at lunch. Let’s start with the hours.
What Are Benihana Lunch Hours in 2026?
Benihana lunch hours in 2026 run from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday at most locations.
Hours may vary by location some Benihana restaurants extend lunch until 2:30 PM or offer Saturday lunch at select spots.
What Are Benihana Lunch Hours?
Benihana serves lunch during a tight 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM window that applies to most weekday locations across the U.S.
The good news is that the lunch experience is full-service hibachi not a reduced or abbreviated version of dinner.
Benihana Lunch Hours Schedule
The standard Benihana lunch schedule runs Monday through Friday weekends typically follow dinner-only service at most locations.
Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so Saturday lunch availability varies significantly from city to city.
| Day | Lunch Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | Dinner only (select locations offer lunch) |
| Sunday | Dinner only |
What Time Do Benihana Lunch Hours Start?
When Does Benihana Start Serving Lunch?
Benihana starts serving lunch at 11:30 AM on weekdays slightly later than most casual dining competitors.
Plan to arrive by 11:30 AM on the dot hibachi tables fill up fast and the best seats go to early arrivals.
What Time Does Benihana Stop Serving Lunch?
Benihana stops serving lunch at 2:00 PM on weekdays last seating is typically around 1:30 PM for a full experience.
Do not arrive after 1:30 PM expecting a full hibachi lunch most locations will not seat new lunch tables that late.
Benihana Opening and Closing Lunch Hours
Benihana’s lunch service opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 2:00 PM, giving you a 2.5-hour window to visit.
Hours may vary by location always verify your specific Benihana restaurant before scheduling a weekday lunch reservation.
Why Benihana Lunch Hours May Vary
Benihana lunch hours vary because locations are a mix of corporate-owned and licensed restaurants with different operational agreements.
Local factors like mall leases, hotel partnerships, and staffing levels can all push lunch hours earlier or later.
Reasons your local Benihana’s lunch hours might differ from the standard schedule:
- Location type — hotel-based Benihana restaurants sometimes start lunch at noon instead of 11:30 AM
- Staffing constraints — smaller locations may not open for lunch every day due to teppanyaki chef availability
- Local demand — high-traffic urban markets often run extended lunch hours compared to suburban locations
- Day of the week — Friday lunch tends to run slightly later since transitions into happy hour service
Benihana Lunch Hours in Major U.S. Cities
Most major Benihana locations follow the standard 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM weekday lunch schedule without major deviations.
Hours may vary by location even within the same metro always verify your specific Benihana restaurant before heading out.
| City | Typical Lunch Hours |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Los Angeles, CA | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Chicago, IL | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Miami, FL | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Houston, TX | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Las Vegas, NV | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Atlanta, GA | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (weekdays) |
| Orlando, FL | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (select locations) |
Benihana Lunch Hours During Holidays
Benihana stays open on most major holidays in 2026, but lunch service is often suspended in favor of dinner-only hours.
Always call your local Benihana before visiting on a holiday lunch availability is the first thing that shifts on those days.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Dinner only | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Valentine’s Day | Dinner only | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Limited lunch | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Independence Day | Dinner only | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Labor Day | Limited lunch | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving | Dinner only | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Limited | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Varies | Closed or dinner only |
Benihana Locations in the USA
Benihana operates over 60 locations across the United States, concentrated in major metro areas and tourist markets.
Locations span from New York and Los Angeles to Orlando, Las Vegas, and Honolulu use the official site to find yours.
Lunch Menu vs. Dinner Menu Comparison
Benihana’s lunch menu offers smaller hibachi entrée portions at lower price points typically $8 to $12 cheaper than dinner.
Both menus include the same full hibachi experience theatrical cooking, onion volcano, and fried rice at your table.
Key differences between Benihana lunch and dinner menus:
- Price: Lunch entrées run $18–$28; dinner equivalents typically range from $28–$45 at most locations
- Portion size: Lunch plates are slightly smaller the protein portions are reduced while sides remain comparable
- Soup and salad: Both lunch and dinner include Benihana onion soup and house salad as part of the meal
- Seafood options: Dinner offers more premium seafood choices lobster and scallop combos appear mainly at dinner
- Dessert: The full dessert menu is available at dinner lunch service may offer a limited selection only
Popular Items Available During Benihana Lunch Hours
The Hibachi Chicken is Benihana’s most-ordered lunch entrée tender, flavorful, and always a safe first-visit choice.
The Hibachi Steak and Chicken Combo is the top upgrade pick two proteins, ideal if you want variety at lunch.
Other popular items worth ordering at Benihana lunch:
- Hibachi Shrimp — light, quick to cook, and one of the leanest lunch options on the menu
- Hibachi Salmon — a fan favorite that appears at lunch pricing and pairs beautifully with fried rice
- Benihana Onion Soup — the iconic starter that regulars order the moment they sit down every single time
- Hibachi Vegetables — a great add-on for the table that rounds out any protein-focused lunch order
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hibachi Chicken | Grilled chicken with fried rice & vegetables | $18.00 – $22.00 |
| Hibachi Steak | Tender steak hibachi-grilled at your table | $22.00 – $27.00 |
| Hibachi Shrimp | Seasoned shrimp with fried rice | $20.00 – $24.00 |
| Hibachi Salmon | Fresh salmon with house sides | $21.00 – $25.00 |
| Steak & Chicken Combo | Two proteins, fried rice & vegetables | $24.00 – $28.00 |
| Hibachi Vegetables | Seasonal vegetables grilled tableside | $14.00 – $17.00 |
Prices are estimates and vary by location. Check the Benihana website or call your local restaurant for current lunch pricing.
Takeout Options During Lunch Hours
Benihana offers takeout during lunch hours at most locations a solid option if you can’t stay for the full hibachi show.
Call ahead to place your order Benihana’s lunch takeout window fills up quickly, especially on Fridays near office areas.
Holiday and Seasonal Changes to Lunch Hours
Benihana often suspends weekday lunch service on major holidays, defaulting to dinner-only schedules during those periods.
Seasonal changes also apply some Benihana locations add Saturday lunch service during peak summer and holiday travel months.
Here’s what to expect during peak seasons and holidays:
- Summer months: Select tourist-market locations add Saturday lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Holiday weekends: Memorial Day and Labor Day often include lunch service call to confirm in advance
- Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve: Dinner-only, no lunch service, heavily booked — always reserve early
- Restaurant Week periods: Some cities include Benihana in local dining weeks with extended lunch availability
How to Check Benihana Lunch Hours Near You
Confirming Benihana lunch hours before your visit takes less than two minutes and saves a completely wasted trip.
Use any of these four methods to get accurate, location-specific hours directly no guessing required.
- Google Search: Type “Benihana near me” today’s hours appear in the right-side results panel immediately.
- Google Maps: Search Benihana, tap your nearest location, and current hours display alongside photos and reviews.
- Official Website: Visit benihana.com, use the restaurant locator, and view location-specific hours and menus.
- Direct Phone Call: Call the restaurant directly the most reliable method, especially before holidays or weekends.
Tips for Visiting Benihana During Lunch Hours
Always make a reservation for Benihana lunch walk-ins are accepted but hibachi tables get claimed fast on weekdays.
Arrive at 11:30 AM sharp on your first visit early seating means you get the full show without feeling rushed.
A few more tips to get the most out of your Benihana lunch:
- Book online through benihana.com — it’s faster than calling and confirms your table size immediately
- Ask about the lunch combo deals — some locations offer discounted lunch combination plates not listed on the main menu
- Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday — those are consistently the least crowded weekday lunch days at most locations
- Budget for drinks separately — beverages are not included in the lunch entrée price and can add up quickly
Read: McDonald’s Lunch Hours
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Benihana lunch hours in 2026 run 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays tight enough that a reservation is always worth making ahead. Check your nearest location’s schedule online or by phone before you plan the trip.
