Benihana Lunch Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Benihana typically serves lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, though hours may vary by location.
You’re craving hibachi and that sizzling onion volcano, but you’re not sure if lunch pricing is still available. Benihana lunch hours in 2026 follow a fairly tight window, and missing it means paying dinner prices instead.
This guide walks you through exactly when Benihana starts and stops serving lunch, including weekends, holidays, and menu availability. Whether you’re planning a business lunch or a midday treat, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What Time Does Benihana Start Serving Lunch?
Benihana generally starts serving lunch at 11:00 AM, Monday through Friday at most locations. That said, individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so it’s worth confirming.
Some locations open slightly later on weekdays depending on staffing and local demand. Calling ahead or checking online saves you from arriving before the hibachi grills are ready.
Benihana Lunch Hours, The Exact Start Time
The exact start time across most Benihana restaurants is 11:00 AM, consistent throughout the weekday lunch window. A few locations near business districts may open slightly earlier.
Because hours may vary by location, it’s smart to confirm the exact time for your specific restaurant. This matters most if you’re booking a group hibachi lunch in advance.
What Time Does Benihana Serve Lunch Until?
Lunch service typically ends at 2:00 PM, when the menu transitions into dinner pricing and larger portions. After that point, lunch-priced hibachi entrees are no longer available.
Some guests squeeze in a late lunch order right up until the cutoff, so arriving by 1:30 PM is safest. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules for this cutoff.
Does Benihana Serve Lunch All Day?
No, Benihana does not serve lunch all day at most locations. Lunch pricing and portions are only available during the designated 11 AM–2 PM window.
Once 2 PM hits, the menu switches fully to dinner-sized hibachi plates and higher prices. Missing the cutoff means ordering from the full dinner menu instead.
Benihana Lunch Hours on Weekends
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Dinner menu only, no lunch pricing |
| Sunday | Dinner menu only, no lunch pricing |
Most Benihana locations do not offer lunch pricing on weekends, switching straight to dinner service. Some locations open as early as 12:00 PM on Saturdays.
Because hours may vary by location, a handful of restaurants do offer limited weekend lunch specials. Checking Google before heading out avoids ordering off the wrong menu.
Benihana Lunch Hours on Holidays
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open, dinner hours only | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Easter Sunday | Open, limited hours | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | N/A |
| Christmas Eve | Open, reduced hours | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed | N/A |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Benihana closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and many holidays shift the schedule to dinner-only service. Lunch pricing is often unavailable entirely on major holidays.
Individual franchise locations set their own holiday schedules, so confirming ahead of time is essential. A quick phone call prevents a disappointing drive to a closed restaurant.
Benihana Lunch Menu Availability
The lunch menu is available only during designated weekday lunch hours, generally 11 AM to 2 PM. It includes smaller hibachi portions of chicken, steak, and shrimp at lower prices.
Once lunch hours end, those smaller portions and lower prices disappear from the table completely. Hours may vary by location, so exact lunch cutoff times can shift slightly.
Typical Benihana Lunch Patterns
Weekday lunch tends to be busiest between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, driven by nearby office workers on breaks. Reservations fill quickly during this narrow midday window.
Arriving right at 11 AM or after 1:00 PM usually means shorter waits for a hibachi table. Individual franchise locations set their own peak patterns based on local foot traffic.
How to Check Benihana Lunch Hours Near You
The fastest way to confirm hours is a quick Google Search for your specific location’s name. This pulls up current hours directly in the search results.
- Google Search – type “Benihana lunch hours near me” for instant results
- Google Maps – check the listed hours and any holiday notices
- Official Website – use the location finder to view store-specific hours (Benihana)
- Direct Phone Call – speak with staff for same-day confirmation and reservations
Hours may vary by location, especially around holidays, so double-checking is always worth the extra minute. our full guide to hibachi restaurant hours for more tips.
Popular Benihana Lunch Menu Items
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hibachi Chicken Lunch | Grilled chicken with fried rice and vegetables | $14–$17 |
| Hibachi Steak Lunch | Grilled steak served hibachi-style | $16–$20 |
| Hibachi Shrimp Lunch | Grilled shrimp with fried rice and vegetables | $15–$19 |
| Bento Box Lunch | Sampler with sushi, tempura, and rice | $16–$21 |
| Chicken Fried Rice | Individual portion, popular add-on side | $6–$9 |
These lunch-sized hibachi portions are noticeably cheaper than their full dinner counterparts. Hibachi Chicken Lunch remains one of the most ordered items during the weekday window.
Tips for Visiting Benihana During Lunch
Arriving right when doors open at 11:00 AM helps you beat the midday hibachi rush entirely. Booking a reservation confirms both hours and table availability ahead of your visit.
- Visit before 12 PM or after 1:00 PM for shorter waits
- Ask about daily lunch specials not listed online
- Book group hibachi tables in advance for lunch parties
- Confirm holiday hours a day in advance when traveling
Individual franchise locations set their own busy periods, so local knowledge from staff can be genuinely useful. A quick call often reveals the quietest lunch slot to visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Knowing Benihana lunch hours in 2026 means fewer wasted trips and better odds of catching lunch pricing before it disappears. Hours generally run 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays, but always confirm locally before you go.
