Tom Parker Bowles reviews disappointing dishes at Benihana in London
- Benihana, founded in 1964, was once a chic dining destination in Manhattan, attracting celebrities.
- A recent visit to the Chelsea location revealed a decline in food quality and overall dining experience.
- Despite the restaurant's weekend popularity, the reviewer concluded they would not return due to the disappointing meal.
Benihana, an international teppanyaki chain, has seen a decline in its charm since its inception in 1964. Located in Chelsea, the restaurant was once a trendy dining spot frequented by celebrities. However, during a recent visit, the atmosphere felt stale, with a half-empty dining area and a scent of burnt fat. The meal began with a disappointing watery onion soup and a lackluster iceberg lettuce salad. The tempura prawns and sushi failed to impress, while the chef's antics felt tired and unoriginal. Although the fillet steak was acceptable, the overall dining experience was marred by underwhelming dishes and a lack of excitement. Despite the restaurant's popularity on weekends, the reviewer expressed no desire to return, highlighting a significant drop in quality and enjoyment over the years.