Benihana in the Amwaj Rotana Hotel & Resort is a theatrical Japanese restaurant with real flair. The surrounds have a traditional feel to them, with slatted light wood room dividers, sake barrel decorations and slick grey marble floors. When it comes to where to sit and enjoy your meal there are a couple of options. There is, of course, a main dining room where generously sized and well-spaced tables are positioned, with the added benefit of a terrace where you can choose to dine from should the weather be warm. Alternatively, if you fancy a little more theatre, you can plump for a position at one of the Teppanyaki bars where you’ll be treated to a show from one of the globally-renowned Benihana chefs who will cook your meal directly on the grill in front of your table. Typically there will be all kinds of extras to watch, whether that’s the grill being flame lit for a few seconds of showmanship, or whether that’s the chefs throwing up and catching eggs, not to mention some diner participation which often sees guests having to catch food in their mouths which is flicked off the grill at them.
The Teppanyaki menu includes soup, salad, grilled prawns, rice and dessert, as well as your choice of mains. Combination sets are a favourite of diners, which see things like Black Angus tenderloin paired with a lobster tail for a fun take on surf and turf, or a seafood medley which includes salmon, lobster, prawns and seabass. If you prefer you can also order from the a la carte, which includes a whole line-up of sushi as well as favourites like chicken ramen, udon noodles of steak and teriyaki sauce.
To finish why not treat yourself to one of the sweets on offer – from chocolate fondant to a Japanese cheesecake with green tea ice cream, there’s something here for everyone.