Quick answer: Most Benihana restaurants in the U.S. start serving lunch around 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. The lunch menu usually ends between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Many locations serve it Monday through Friday only, but a few also serve it on weekends. Times differ by city, so check your local page before you go.
If you are planning a sizzling hibachi lunch, a little prep saves you from showing up hungry to a closed grill. Here is everything you need to know.
What Are the Daily Lunch Hours at Benihana?
Weekdays are the safest bet, usually from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weekends depend on your location.
Benihana lunch hours follow a simple weekly pattern at most restaurants. Here is the typical start and end time for each day:
| Day | Start Time | End Time |
| Monday | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Sunday | Varies by location | Varies by location |
Some restaurants close lunch at 2:00 p.m., so treat 3:00 p.m. as the latest end time you will see. Always confirm with your nearest location.
What Are Benihana’s Lunch Hours in 2026 by Location?
Lunch usually starts around 11:00 a.m. and ends between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Some locations close lunch earlier, around 2:00 p.m.
There is no single schedule for the whole country. Each restaurant sets its own times based on local demand, mall hours, and staffing.
Here is how the schedule looks at a few U.S. locations:
| Location | Lunch Start | Lunch End | Lunch Days |
| Bethesda, MD | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Monday–Sunday |
| Golden Valley (Minneapolis), MN | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Monday–Sunday |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Monday–Friday |
| Milwaukee, WI | 11:30 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Monday–Friday |
| North Little Rock, AR | 11:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Monday–Friday |
| North Little Rock, AR (Sunday) | 11:30 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | Sunday only |
Think of this table as a guide, not a promise. Hours can shift with the season or a holiday.
What Time Does Benihana Start Serving Lunch?
Most locations open their lunch service at 11:00 a.m. A few start at 11:30 a.m.
The earliest start is common in busy malls and downtown areas. Smaller markets sometimes open a bit later.
Here is a simple rule of thumb:
- Mall and tourist spots: Usually 11:00 a.m.
- Business districts: Often 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.
- Smaller cities: Can vary, so call ahead
Arriving right at opening is smart. You get a calmer room, faster service, and a better shot at the table you want.
What Time Does the Lunch Menu End?
The lunch menu ends between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on the restaurant.
After that, the restaurant switches to its regular menu. Some locations take a short break before dinner. Others stay open all day.
For example, some restaurants stay open straight through from lunch to dinner. Others, like Milwaukee, close after lunch and reopen around 5:00 p.m. for dinner.
So if you plan a late lunch, aim to be seated at least 30 minutes before the cutoff. Hibachi cooking takes time, and the chef will not rush the shrimp for you. Nobody wants a half-cooked steak anyway.
Which Days Does Benihana Serve Lunch?
Monday through Friday is the safest bet. Some restaurants also serve lunch on Saturday or Sunday.
Weekday lunch is the standard. Weekend schedules are less predictable.
Here is what we see across locations:
- Weekday-only lunch: Salt Lake City, Milwaukee, and North Little Rock
- Daily lunch: Bethesda and Golden Valley
- Sunday lunch: Available at some spots, like North Little Rock, with slightly later times
On Saturday, many locations only open for dinner. If you want a weekend meal, double-check the hours first.
What Is the Benihana Power Lunch?
The Power Lunch is a weekday deal priced at $15.95. It is built for people who want a fast, filling meal on a work break.
The deal rolled out at restaurants across the country in 2025. It later got longer serving hours, which made it easier to fit into a busy day.
It is a lighter version of the full Benihana show. You still get fresh hibachi cooking, but with less time and fewer theatrics. That is great if you only have an hour, or if you are shy about the onion volcano.
Keep in mind that the Power Lunch and its exact hours can differ by location. Ask your restaurant if it offers it
How Much Does Lunch Cost at Benihana?
Lunch costs less than dinner. Some deals start around $16, while full hibachi entrées run higher.
Prices depend on your city, your protein, and the extras you add. Lunch plates usually include a few classic items:
- Soup and salad
- Hibachi vegetables
- Fried rice
- Your choice of chicken, steak, or shrimp
Here is a quick price snapshot for planning:
| Item | Typical Price Range |
| Power Lunch (weekdays) | $15.95 |
| Appetizers (sushi, sashimi, rolls) | About 8–16 |
| Hibachi entrées | About 21–49 |
| Limited-time four-course special | $39 per person at select locations through Dec. 31, 2026 |
Prices change often, so treat these as a starting point.
One more thing to watch: some locations add a service charge on hibachi table seating. For example, the Minnesota restaurant adds 20% for dine-in at teppan tables and 5% on takeout. Sitting at the bar or lounge avoids it there.
Does Benihana Have Happy Hour After Lunch?
Yes. Many locations run happy hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This is a handy plan if you miss the lunch cutoff. Happy hour usually covers drinks and small bites at the sushi bar or lounge.
Some restaurants advertise “Sips & Dips” starting at $6. Others promote $3, $6, and $9 deals. Menu items vary by location, and most offers are for dine-in only.
It is a nice backup plan when your meeting runs long.
Can You Make a Reservation for Lunch?
Yes, and it is a good idea. Reservations are recommended at most locations.
Hibachi tables seat groups together, often up to eight guests. If the restaurant is slow, you might share with strangers. That can be fun, or it can be a very awkward chopstick moment.
Some restaurants take reservations only by phone. The North Little Rock location, for example, requires you to call. Others use online booking.
Tips for a smooth reservation:
- Book at least a day ahead for groups
- Call early on Fridays, which are busier
- Mention allergies or special occasions when you book
- Arrive 10 minutes early
What Should You Know Before You Go?
Check your local page, plan for the lunch cutoff, and ask about deals.
A few quick tips can make your visit better:
- Check the location page first. Hours can change for holidays and events.
- Call if you are unsure. A two-minute call beats a closed door.
- Ask about birthday perks. Joining the email club can earn a $30 birthday discount at some locations.
- Consider takeout. Most locations offer pickup and delivery, often starting about 30 minutes before dining room service.
- Go early. Arriving at opening often means calmer service.
Fun Facts About Benihana
Benihana is one of the best-known hibachi brands in the world, and it has been around for decades.
A few quick facts that make your meal more interesting:
- Rocky Aoki founded Benihana in 1964.
- The chain serves teppanyaki-style food, where chefs cook right at your table.
- Benihana has more than 100 restaurants worldwide.
- The brand is known for its flame tricks, knife skills, and the famous onion volcano.
Read more:
Taco Bell Lunch Hours 2026: Daily Schedule and Menu
LongHorn Steakhouse Lunch Hours 2026: What Time Does Lunch Start & End?
Olive Garden Lunch Hours 2026: Start & End Times
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benihana open for lunch on weekends?
Some locations are, but many are not. Several restaurants serve lunch only on weekdays. A few offer Sunday lunch, and some serve it every day.
What is the cheapest way to eat at Benihana?
The weekday Power Lunch is the best-known budget option, at $15.95. Happy hour and the birthday offer can also help you save.
Do all Benihana locations have the same hours?
No. Hours vary by city, mall, and season. Always confirm with your local restaurant.
Is lunch at Benihana worth it?
For many diners, yes. You get the same fresh cooking at a lower price, and the experience is quicker than dinner.
Final Thoughts
Benihana lunch hours are easy to remember once you know the pattern. Most restaurants start around 11:00 a.m., end between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and focus on weekdays. The exact schedule depends on your city.
Before you head out, take a minute to check your local restaurant. Look for the Power Lunch, think about happy hour as a backup, and book a table if you are bringing friends.
Show up hungry, bring your appetite, and keep an eye on those flying shrimp. Your lunch break just got a lot more fun.
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