Popular Florida Japanese Steakhouse and Habachi, Benihana, Shut Down After State Inspection

Photo byKelly Cookson from Lafayette, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From articles that I write about restaurants, I have come to believe that many Floridians enjoy Japanese steakhouses with Hibachi. You can see the food cooked right in front of your eyes so you know it will be hot off the grill and fresh. Plus the chefs sometimes are entertaining the watch. Unfortunately, a chain restaurant in this genre, a Benihana in Miramar, was recently temporarily shut down after a state inspection.

About Benihana: This is actually a chain, but to be clear, the issues in question relate to the Miramar, Florida location. The first location opened in 1964. By 1972, there would be six locations and now there are more than 70, with 100 million meals served.

Benihana is a traditional Japanese steakhouse with food prepared on steel teppanyaki grills right in front of customers.

The restaurant located at 3261 SW 160 Avenue has been reviewed over 3,800 times and receives 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Many reviewers mentioned the fun atmosphere, customer service, and tasty food. A reviewer named Adrielle gave a somewhat typical positive review writing, in part:

"All I can say is this place has a great atmosphere! The service was amazing and the food was delicious! Our bartender/ waiter Johnathan was the star of the show!.. He made sure the drinks came out on time. He made sure our food was good to our liking!... Coming to Benihanas for years, I can truly say this place has stepped up its game and we will continue coming back!"

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on October 11, 2024. At that time, two violations were noted.

Floors were covered with standing water and sewage was backing up through floor drains.

Notes indicate: "observed employee stepping on sewage" and "one employee peeling raw shrimps."

As a result of the above the restaurant was temporarily shut down. At a follow-up inspection on October 12th, the restaurant "met inspection standards" and was free to reopen.

Please note that an inspection is one moment in time and not necessarily how a restaurant conducts itself every day.