Loud, frenetic and packed with enough theatre to keep diners of all ages entertained, the Benihana chain has been an international success story since launching in New York way back in 1950. This Glasgow site is the first to open on UK shores in over 20 years, and its food menu showcases a mix of classic teppanyaki dishes, as well as sushi and sashimi, salads and hot nibbles (think fried chicken, spring rolls and mushroom gyoza).
Dining here takes place on communal teppan tables, where guests can be entertained by flamboyant at-table chefs who come armed with plenty of kitchen theatrics, and magic up the sizzling likes of steak and chicken, salmon and sea bass, which also come with a prawn appetiser, onion soup, rice and vegetables. Still hungry? Order a side order of lobster tails or shiitake mushrooms.
It’s not all about the food, though, as Benihana also houses a lively bar area, which offers up snacks alongside premium sakés, while a dedicated kids' menu means that this is one of the more fun places to introduce children to Japanese cooking. And while Benihana might not be the cheapest night out, good-value lunch items prove that Japanese food doesn't always have to be expensive.