The Birthday Everyone Remembers

At Benihana, a birthday is more than a meal—it’s a celebration.

For generations, guests have gathered around our iconic hibachi grills to mark birthdays with unforgettable food, show-stopping chef entertainment and memories made tableside. Between the flaming onion volcanoes, flying shrimp and world-famous chef performances, every birthday feels bigger around the grill.

There’s a reason so many birthday traditions start at Benihana, and keep coming back. With more than 75 locations across the country, there’s one ready to turn your next gathering into an experience.

At Benihana, dinner is more than a meal—it's a celebration. For generations, guests have gathered around our iconic hibachi grills to mark life's biggest milestones with unforgettable food, show-stopping chef entertainment and memories made tableside.

Why Birthdays Belong Around the Grill

At Benihana, the guest of honor doesn’t sit at the end of a long table. Everyone gathers around the same hibachi grill while our chefs create a dining experience unlike anywhere else. So the show happens to the whole group at once.

Let us know it’s a birthday when you reserve, and tell your chef when you sit down. Every chef brings something of their own to the grill, so no two celebrations are quite the same.

a chef standing next to a woman and a man in a restaurant

More Than Just Dinner

Big moments deserve big celebrations. From our signature five and six course hibachi meals to premium Wagyu of the World offerings, signature butters, handcrafted cocktails and fresh sushi, there’s something for every occasion, and every budget.

Every hibachi dinner comes with soup, salad, hibachi vegetables and rice alongside your entrée, from chicken and steak through to filet mignon and lobster.

Looking for value? Explore our Taste of Benihana menu, or join us for our expanded $3, $6, $9 Happy Hour featuring appetizers, cocktails, beer, sake and more.

The Best Lunch Deal Near You

Planning a Kids Birthday Party?

Celebrate your child’s birthday with our exclusive Benihana Kabuki Kids® program, just for kids ages 12 and younger. Members receive a special email certificate for their birthday that entitles them to the free souvenir mug of their choice with the purchase of any Kabuki Kids® meal.

Ask your local Benihana about our Kabuki Kids® Birthday Parties. Party options, group sizes and what’s included vary by restaurant, so the team there will talk you through what they can do and how far ahead to reserve.

Supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® Dine With Purpose
The best celebrations aren't just remembered—they're experienced.

The More the Merrier

Larger birthday parties gather across two or more hibachi grills, each with their own chef and their own performance. Some locations also offer private and semi-private dining.

Group and private dining is arranged directly with your restaurant. Minimum party sizes, set menus and room availability vary by location.

 

Two ways we spoil you for your birthday

Friends With Benefits®. We believe in spoiling our most loyal friends, so you’ll enjoy a $50 birthday reward—just because. Sign up for Friends With Benefits®, Benihana’s loyalty program, at least one week before your birthday, plus exclusive offers throughout the year.

Kabuki Kids®. Members ages 12 and younger receive a special email certificate for the free souvenir mug of their choice with the purchase of any Kabuki Kids® meal.

Celebrating at Home

Can’t get everyone to the table? Order Benihana favorites for takeout, or talk to us about offsite events and catering. Availability varies by location.

Birthday Questions, Answered

Do you need a reservation for a birthday at Benihana?

Reservations are recommended, especially for evenings, weekends and any group larger than a single grill. Walk-ins are welcome where there’s space, but a birthday group is much easier to seat when you reserve ahead.

How far in advance should I reserve a birthday dinner?

For a small group, a few days is usually enough. For larger parties, private dining or a weekend evening, contact your restaurant one to two weeks ahead. Dates around the holidays and graduation season fill earlier.

How many people can sit at one hibachi grill?

Each grill seats a group around it, and larger parties gather across multiple grills with a chef at each. Table sizes vary slightly by restaurant, so mention your group size when you reserve and the team will plan the seating.

Can I bring a birthday cake to Benihana?

Outside cake policies are set by each restaurant. Ask your local Benihana before your visit and they’ll let you know what they allow and whether there’s a charge.

Can I decorate the table for a birthday?

Decoration policies vary by location. Ask your local Benihana when you reserve.

Is Benihana good for a kids birthday party?

Yes. Kids watch our chefs cook right in front of them, the Kabuki Kids® menu is made for guests ages 12 and younger, and Kabuki Kids® members receive a special email certificate for a free souvenir mug on their birthday. Ask your local Benihana to arrange a party.

How much is a birthday dinner at Benihana?

It depends on what you order. There’s something for every occasion and every budget, from Taste of Benihana and our hibachi chicken and vegetable entrées through to filet mignon, lobster and Wagyu of the World. Every hibachi dinner includes soup, salad, hibachi vegetables and rice.

Does Benihana give a free meal on your birthday?

Friends With Benefits® members enjoy a $50 birthday reward rather than a set free meal. Sign up at least one week before your birthday.

What's the difference between hibachi and teppanyaki?

Teppanyaki is the style of cooking on a flat iron griddle that Benihana has been doing since 1964. Hibachi is the word most guests use for it. When someone says they want hibachi for a birthday, Benihana is what they mean.