It’s 1 p.m. on a Thursday, and the dining room at Benihana in San Francisco is completely deserted. Nary a sizzle of an onion hitting a flattop grill can be heard throughout the windowless room in Japan Center. 

When the host spots me looking like a deer in the headlights, I sheepishly tell her I’m here for the Power Lunch.

Yes, I’m here solo at the mecca for teenage birthday parties because of a deal that’s increasingly hard to find in SF these days: a meal under $16. The weekday $15.95 Power Lunch deal launched at Benihana restaurants across the country a year ago but recently extended its hours. “Power Lunch is served in only 45 minutes or it’s free!” read the bubbly email in my inbox. As a busy downtown office worker with a limited lunch budget, I was sold. 

Article continues below this ad

The exterior of Benihana on April 16, 2026, in San Francisco.

The empty grill table set for eight at Benihana on April 16, 2026, in San Francisco.

As I was seated by myself at an empty grill table set for eight, a clubby pop song played overhead. The room was a little drafty, so I huddled up to the hot grill. Perusing the menu, I discovered that the Power Lunch is a condensed version of the traditional five-course Benihana meal: your choice of soup or salad to start and your protein choice of chicken, shrimp or tofu, plus hibachi vegetables, fried rice and dipping sauces. For an additional $4, you can upgrade your protein to filet mignon........

© SFGate