This Benihana’s is an iconic restaurant along the St. Lucie River. Built in the early 1970’s, Benihana’s has been in the Stuart community for a long time. It is an extremely popular restaurant, and thus making a call for reservations is highly recommended.

If you only want to visit the bar area “downstairs”, no reservations are necessary, but it does fill up fast. You actually seat yourself. The Happy Hour has reduced drink prices and several appetizers at half price. We enjoy the Shrimp Tempura.

Many people come here to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or just to be with friends. You can go on line and fill out a form to receive a $30 voucher for your birthday.

“Upstairs” It is your traditional hibachi cooking style format. We never tire of the routine of “tossing a shrimp in the hat,” or “the onion volcano.” It is exciting to see this experience through the eyes of a child.

The food is good. There is your typical shrimp, steak, chicken, scallops and even calamari dinners or lunch.

I like to order the special friend rice made with vegetables and chicken. Normally, white rice or brown rice will come with your meal.

As for starters, the traditional and tasty “onion soup,” is served first, and then a small salad with ginger dressing. We always ask for “extra ginger” dressing.

We are never disappointed. Sometimes the wait is longer than expected, but we are there to have a good time. The service, too, is attentive and most of the cooks (mostly Latin these days) have a good sense of humor.

This Benihana’s is well managed.

If you have time, a walk around this water-front property is pretty. At sunset, there is usually a beautiful setting along the St. Lucie River by the bridge.

Benihana has a tradition that a picture of you and the family is part of the whole experience.