Restaurants Where The Chefs Cook In Front Of You Near Me

Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Shari Mason

If you have ever been to a Japanese restaurant, chances are you have witnessed the impressive culinary skills of chefs as they cook right in front of you. The experience of dining in hibachi and teppanyaki restaurants is truly extraordinary and memorable. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious food, but you also get to be entertained by the chef’s tricks and showmanship. So, if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, here are some highly recommended teppanyaki and hibachi restaurants where the chefs cook in front of you.

Top 20 Extraordinary Restaurants Where the Chefs Cook in Front of You

1. Fuji Hibachi

Address: 321 West 42 Street, New York, NY 10011
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday-Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Fuji Hibachi is a casual Japanese-style steakhouse with an open kitchen and hibachi grill table where you can witness the chefs in action. During our visit in March, the attentive staff made our dining experience even more memorable. Fuji Hibachi creates delicious traditional Japanese food with a flair that only a master chef can provide.

2. Flame

Address: 100 W 82nd Street, New York, NY 10024
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Flame is renowned for its remarkable food presentations, hibachi grilling experience, sushi bar, and Asian bistro cuisines. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the expert chefs cook before our eyes, creating a spectacle with their flaming grills and entertaining food grilling tricks.

3. Benihana

Address: 47 W 56th Street, New York, NY 10019
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Benihana is one of the most famous hibachi-style restaurants in the US, known for its modern hibachis. Founded in 1964, it was one of the first hibachi restaurants to open in the country. We tried their hibachi dishes, sushi, sashimi, seafood, and steak, particularly the filet mignon. Benihana offers an excellent dining experience, combining delicious dishes with impressive chef skills.

4. New York Sushi Ko

Address: 91 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002
Opening Hours: Permanently Closed

New York Sushi Ko was a Japanese restaurant known for its intimate 11-seat omakase-style dining experience. Unfortunately, it permanently closed in January 2018. Nevertheless, we highly recommend trying their sushi samplers if you ever come across a similar restaurant. One unique aspect of dining here was the prohibition on taking photos or using mobile phones, creating an exclusive and special atmosphere.

5. Shogun

Address: 470 N.Halstead St. Pasadena, CA 91107
Opening Hours:
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Shogun is a hibachi restaurant located in southern California. It offers a wide selection of sushi bar entrees and teppanyaki steak dishes, including filet mignon and New York steak. Shogun has gained popularity in the region due to its skilled chefs who excel in slicing and preparing food right in front of you.

6. Nikko

Address: 325 Arlington Ave #108, Charlotte, NC 28203
Opening Hours:
- LUNCH:
  - Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- DINNER:
  - Sunday-Tuesday: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  - Wednesday-Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Nikko is a Japanese restaurant that offers a sushi bar where the chefs prepare the food in front of you. Along with the sushi bar, they have an impressive drinks and cocktails menu. Nikko caters to special events and provides different dining experiences, from private dining to a club-like atmosphere, accommodating diverse preferences.

7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Address: 620 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a unique hibachi restaurant that offers a twist. You become the chef and cook your own food on a small charcoal grill at your table. This concept adds a fun and interactive element to the hibachi experience. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is similar to the famous Dons Bogam Wine Bar, but it specializes in Japanese food.

8. J-Spec

Address: 239 E. 5th Street, New York, NY 10003
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday: Closed

Like other hibachi restaurants, J-Spec offers an entertaining show as the chefs cook your meal. J-Spec, short for Japan-Specification, is known as a premier Wagyu destination. During our visit, we were impressed by their two-restaurant experience under one roof, offering a great sushi bar menu, seafood dishes, and the highest grade of Japanese Wagyu meat.

9. The Chef’s Table

Address: 431 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:45 PM

The Chef’s Table is a prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant located at Brooklyn’s Fare. Inspired by Japanese cuisine and French techniques, the restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience. The chefs at The Chef’s Table create exquisite dishes using fresh ingredients, seafood, and meat. Keep in mind that reservations are required, and a formal dress code is expected.

10. Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse

Address: 8812-14 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar offers a luxurious dining experience with their impressive hibachi grilling tricks performed by skilled chefs. The tables are communal, making it a great restaurant for families. Plus, kids eat for free! However, they have recently added Japanese alcoholic beverages to their menu, so you might want to enjoy those responsibly.

11. Yakiniku Futago

Address: 37 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Last seating at 9:30 PM)
- Sunday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Last seating at 8:30 PM)

Yakiniku Futago offers high-quality meat dishes that are sure to please. This hibachi restaurant delivers fresh seafood and meat dishes cooked right in front of you. It is a perfect place for a dinner date or a special occasion. Yakiniku Futago is an upscale Japanese BBQ house known for its steak dishes.

12. Odo

Address: 17W 20th Street, New York, NY 10011
Opening Hours:
- LUNCH:
  - Wednesday-Sunday: 11:45 AM to 2:30 PM
- DINNER:
  - Tuesday-Saturday: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  - Monday: Closed

Odo is a Japanese restaurant that offers kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The restaurant has a modern and sophisticated outdoor setting, providing a unique atmosphere. Their dishes are prepared fresh and cooked right in front of you. However, do note that Odo’s menu is not suitable for plant-based diners, as they do not offer vegan options.

13. KanaHashi

Address: 981 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Thursday: Closed

KanaHashi is a Japanese hibachi-style restaurant that specializes in dinner hibachi-style food. Their professional chefs prepare and cook the food right in front of you, ensuring a delightful dining experience. This restaurant is known for its deliciously fresh offerings, including organic miso soup and hibachi steak.

14. MOMO Hibachi Steakhouse & Bar

Address: 1901 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM

MOMO Hibachi Steakhouse is an excellent choice if you’re in Brooklyn and craving Japanese dishes, hibachi, sushi, and steak. When dining at MOMO, keep in mind that hibachi dinners require a minimum purchase of two orders per table. Apart from their excellent Japanese dishes, the restaurant offers a wide range of cocktail drinks to complement your meal.

15. Sushi Suite 101

Address: Hotel 3232, 32 E 32nd St Suite 1001 Suite 1001, New York, NY 10016
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Sushi Suite 101 is a high-end restaurant that offers hibachi-style foods prepared and cooked by a private chef. What makes this restaurant unique is that it is the world’s first hotel room turned restaurant, providing a truly exclusive dining experience. We highly recommend trying their 17-course omakase-style dining, where you can hire a private chef for 60 minutes in a 4-seating capacity. While it may be expensive, it’s a culinary experience worth trying.

16. Fogo De Chão

Address: 800 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Fogo De Chão is a Brazilian restaurant in America specializing in churrasco. Their extensive menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from succulent steaks and seafood to flavorful lamb and chicken. Our dining experience was truly memorable as the meats were incredibly tender and the selection was outstanding. Fogo De Chão is a must-try if you’re looking for Brazilian-inspired dishes cooked right at your table.

17. Dons Bogam Wine Bar & BBQ

Address: 17 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016, United States
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Dons Bogam Wine Bar and BBQ offer a more intimate hibachi dining experience. During our visit to NYC, my partner and I were in search of a hibachi restaurant that leaned more toward fine dining. At Dons Bogam, you can sit close to the chef, but if you prefer a private table, that option is available as well. The restaurant also serves Korean food, so we’re looking forward to returning in the future.

18. Del Frisco’s

Address: 1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, United States
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 04:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Del Frisco’s is an excellent steakhouse for dining with family and loved ones. While the chef doesn’t cook in front of you, the food preparation occurs tableside. During my visit, the waiter expertly guided me in choosing the perfect wine to pair with my Prime Ribeye. Don’t hesitate to seek their assistance as the staff at Del Frisco’s are well-trained and knowledgeable.

19. 99 Favor Taste

Address: 285 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 1:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 MN

For those occasional cravings for Chinese food, stop by 99 Favor Taste for a quick fix. This hot pot restaurant sets up your orders on the table, and the waiter assists with the hot pot. The best part is that you become the chef, as you get to add the ingredients yourself. The hot pot dishes at 99 Favor Taste are flavorful and satisfying.

20. Boucherie

Address: 99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 MN
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

If you’re looking for an authentic French dining experience, Boucherie is the place to be. You don’t have to travel to France to indulge in their delectable French cuisine. When you dine at Boucherie, I recommend sitting at their butcher counter and watching the chef expertly prepare the meats. In addition to the mouthwatering dishes, their cocktails are a pleasant surprise, especially when you can watch them being prepared.

FAQs

Let’s Sum It Up

If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, consider trying hibachi and teppanyaki restaurants where the chefs cook the food right in front of your eyes. While these restaurants specialize in Japanese cuisine, many also offer Western-style steak dishes. Fuji Hibachi, Yakiniku Futago, Arirang, and MOMO Hibachi Steakhouse are just a few examples. For a more intimate experience, Dons Bogam Wine Bar & BBQ is highly recommended. Remember to make reservations in advance to secure your seat at these highly popular restaurants.

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