Benihana Lunch Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Benihana lunch hours typically run from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday and Saturday, though hours vary by location.
Planning a Benihana lunch is a little more involved than hitting a drive-thru and that’s part of what makes it special. In 2026, Benihana lunch hours follow a fairly consistent pattern, but there are real differences worth knowing before you go.
Benihana is a full-service teppanyaki restaurant, not a fast food chain. That means there’s no breakfast service, no drive-thru, and lunch is a defined window not an all-day affair. Hours may vary by location based on region, day of the week, and local demand, so doing a quick check before heading out is always the smart move.
What Time Do Benihana Lunch Hours Start?
Benihana lunch hours typically begin at 11:30 AM Monday through Friday at most U.S. locations. Some locations open lunch service as early as 11:00 AM depending on the market.
Saturday lunch usually starts at 11:30 AM as well, though hours may vary by location. Weekend lunch at Benihana tends to fill up faster, so arriving right at opening is a smart strategy.
What Time Does Benihana Stop Serving Lunch?
Most Benihana locations stop serving the lunch menu at 2:00 PM on weekdays. After that, the kitchen takes a break before dinner service begins around 5:00 PM.
That gap between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM is important Benihana is typically closed during those hours. If you arrive at 2:30 PM expecting a meal, you’ll be turned away until dinner opens.
Benihana Lunch Hours Schedule
| 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 | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (some locations vary) |
| Sunday | No lunch service at most locations |
Sunday lunch is not available at the majority of Benihana restaurants most locations open only for dinner on Sundays. Always confirm Sunday availability at your specific location before planning around it.
Dinner service typically runs from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and slightly later on weekends. If you miss lunch, dinner is your next window and the menu is largely the same.
Why Benihana Lunch Hours May Vary
Benihana operates corporate-owned and franchise locations, and individual franchise locations set their own schedules within a general framework. City, foot traffic, and staffing all play roles.
A Benihana in a busy downtown area may start lunch at 11:00 AM and run until 2:30 PM, while a suburban location might stick to a tighter window. Hours may vary by location, so never assume the schedule from a different city applies.
Benihana Lunch Hours in Major U.S. Cities
| City | Typical Lunch Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Midtown location may vary |
| Los Angeles, CA | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Multiple locations; confirm individually |
| Chicago, IL | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | River North location popular for lunch |
| Miami, FL | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Aventura location offers extended hours |
| Houston, TX | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Most close mid-afternoon before dinner |
| Las Vegas, NV | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Strip location hours may differ |
Does Benihana Have a Drive-Thru for Lunch?
No Benihana does not have a drive-thru. It is a full-service teppanyaki restaurant where meals are prepared tableside by skilled hibachi chefs.
Benihana does offer takeout and online ordering at select locations for lunch. If you’re short on time but still want the food, check their website or call ahead to confirm takeout availability at your nearest spot.
Can You Order Benihana Lunch Items During Breakfast?
Benihana does not serve breakfast the restaurant opens directly for lunch at 11:30 AM. There is no morning menu or early service to work around.
This keeps things simple: your first opportunity to eat at Benihana on any given day is when lunch doors open. If you arrive before 11:30 AM, you’ll be waiting in the parking lot the kitchen simply isn’t running yet.
Popular Items Available During Benihana Lunch Hours
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hibachi Chicken | Tender grilled chicken with fried rice and vegetables | $18–$24 |
| Hibachi Steak | Flame-grilled sirloin with house dipping sauces | $22–$30 |
| Hibachi Shrimp | Jumbo shrimp cooked tableside with garlic butter | $20–$26 |
| Lunch Bento Box | Combination plate with soup, salad, and protein | $16–$22 |
| Seafood Diablo | Spicy scallops and shrimp with zucchini and onions | $24–$30 |
| Vegetable Delight | Grilled seasonal vegetables with tofu and fried rice | $14–$18 |
| Benihana Onion Soup | Classic clear broth with mushrooms and crispy onions | Included with combos |
The Lunch Bento Box is the best value during Benihana lunch hours it includes soup, salad, and your protein of choice at a lower price than the dinner equivalent. Ordering it is the move if you want the full experience without the full dinner bill.
Benihana Lunch Hours During Holidays
Benihana is open on most major holidays, but lunch hours may be reduced or replaced by an extended dinner-only schedule. Hours may vary by location significantly on holidays.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Lunch Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open (dinner-focused) | Call to confirm lunch |
| Valentine’s Day | Open | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Easter | Open | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Mother’s Day | Open (very busy) | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| 4th of July | Open | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving | Most Open | Limited — call ahead |
| Christmas Day | Some Closed | Varies — call ahead |
Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are the two busiest days of the year at Benihana. Lunch reservations on those days book up weeks in advance if you want a table, start planning early and don’t rely on walk-ins.
How to Check Benihana Lunch Hours Near You
Before you head out, it takes less than two minutes to verify your local Benihana’s schedule. Individual franchise locations set their own hours and those hours can change seasonally.
- Google Search: Type “Benihana near me” the search results panel shows current hours and whether the lunch window is open right now.
- Google Maps: Pull up your specific location to see live operating hours, peak busy times, and recent customer-confirmed updates.
- Official Website: Visit benihana.com and use the restaurant locator to find your nearest location it also shows reservation availability and online ordering options.
- Call the restaurant directly: Especially important for holidays or if you’re planning a group visit staff can confirm exact lunch hours and help with reservations at the same time.
Tips for Visiting Benihana During Lunch Hours
Benihana seats guests at shared hibachi tables, which means you may be seated with strangers if your group is small. Arriving right at 11:30 AM on a weekday almost always gets you the freshest table and shortest wait.
Making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended, even for weekday lunch. In 2026, walk-in availability is common on quiet Tuesdays and Wednesdays — but Fridays and Saturdays fill up fast. Booking ahead through the website takes two minutes and guarantees your spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Benihana lunch hours in 2026 run from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at most locations a focused window that rewards early planners. Check your local restaurant’s schedule online, book a reservation, and arrive ready to enjoy the show.
