LOCATIONSurfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIABenihana is a must for a memorable night out. Diners are treated to a five-star traditional Japanese experience where soothing oriental melodies create a relaxed mood. The warm decor adds to the exotic atmosphere as the calm, friendly staff attend to diners’ drinks. This gentle pace precedes a sudden change as the fascinating entertainment of teppan cooking begins. The Marriott’s highly skilled teppanyaki chefs work through a seemingly hectic routine of chopping, cooking and juggling as they prepare and present fresh ingredients on an open grill at an hibachi table, which doubles as a stage for the chefs’ showmanship.
Chefs delight diners with tricks galore – they can flip a prawn from the grill straight into your mouth. It is an exciting and enjoyable way to eat, and a great way to savour all the flavours on the menu. The fun continues with the hibachi chicken rice. Whole eggs are balanced on top of each other on the grill but with a quick toss, a juggle, and an amazingly fast chop, an omelette appears. Teppan cooking is Benihana’s speciality, but there is a superb selection of sushi and sashimi style dishes. All teppanyaki entrees are served with traditional Japanese onion soup, which is a light and refreshing starter. The side salads feature an exquisite dressing and the restaurant’s delicious teppanyaki meals range from tofu, chicken and steak to seafood, hibachi vegetables and steamed rice. If you are unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine or are dining in a large group, the set menu option will be sure to please.
Catherine Taylor, May 2008
DETAILSThe Gold Coast is home to Australia's largest specialist teppanyaki restaurant. Benihana Japanese Steakhouse is located on the third floor of the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa and is a must for lovers of quality of Japanese food.
