Exciting things are heating up in Almaden — literally! The world-famous teppanyaki restaurant Benihana is getting ready to open a brand-new location right here in our neighborhood.

According to a recent alcohol license application, Benihana will be setting up shop at 5343 Almaden Expressway, right by PetSmart, See’s Candies, and Yopop Frozen Yogurt. While there’s no official opening date just yet, locals are already buzzing about what this means for our community — and for good reason.

🍤 What Makes Benihana So Popular?

If you’ve ever been to a Benihana, you know it’s not your typical night out.

The magic of Benihana lies in its interactive dining experience. Guests sit around a large grill where skilled chefs prepare your meal right in front of you — complete with knife tricks, flying shrimp, and plenty of laughs. It’s part dinner, part show, and always memorable.

Benihana started back in 1964 in New York City, when founders Yunosuke and Katsu Aoki introduced America to Japanese teppanyaki dining. Since then, the brand has grown to over 70 locations worldwide, known for its fresh flavors, lively atmosphere, and fun-for-all dining experience.

On the menu, you can expect all the classics: hibachi steak, chicken, and seafood (yes, lobster and shrimp too!), plus sushi rolls, noodles, and more. Whether you’re out with family, celebrating a birthday, or just in the mood for something different, Benihana always delivers.

🏡 Why It’s a Great Fit for Almaden

Almaden is known for its close-knit, family-friendly vibe — and Benihana fits that perfectly. Here’s why we think it’s a fantastic addition to the area:

• It’s fun for everyone. The entertaining style of dining is a hit with kids and adults alike. Dinner becomes an experience instead of just another meal.

• It brings variety. Almaden has some great local restaurants, but a well-known spot like Benihana adds another exciting option for nights out and special occasions.

• It’ll energize the shopping center. With neighbors like See’s and Yopop, the new restaurant will bring more evening activity and foot traffic — great news for local businesses.

• It keeps things local. No more driving across town for a teppanyaki dinner — we’ll have one right in our backyard!

What’s Next

There’s no official opening date yet, but with permits and licensing already underway, we can likely expect more news soon. When it does open, you can bet Almaden families will be quick to grab a seat around those sizzling grills.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates — including opening announcements and sneak peeks at the new space — so stay tuned!

Benihana’s arrival marks an exciting addition to Almaden’s dining scene. It’s a place that brings people together, celebrates food and fun, and gives us one more reason to love living here.