Benkay Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
| Address: | 2 India St, Portland, ME 04101, USA |
| Phone: | +1 207-773-5555 |
| Site: | sushiman.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
A
A Private User
I love sushi, but Im always hesitant to go to a sushi-based restaurant (mostly because, as a vegetarian, what options am I really going to have that I cant just get at Whole Foods for cheaper? Its a crappy mentality, I know!). That being said, Benkay has always intrigued me: its this ominous looking building that sushi lovers always seem to rave about. I finally had my chance to try it - and: I. LOVED. IT. The interior/atmosphere feels clean and calm in its simplicity. While the menu was overwhelming, the veggie options werent, so my selection was easy enough: tofu dumpling soup and the vegetarian sushi roll. The dumpling soup was plentiful, warm, and had really bold, distinct, earthy flavors. And the vegetarian sushi roll? Ive NEVER had anything like it - it was AMAZING. There were six VERY large pieces (were talking the size of a small donut) filled with carrot, asparagus, and avocado drizzled with a tangy, thick sauce. They tasted fresh and flavorful - I wanted more. The best part? The prices seemed totally reasonable - more so than a lot of other places in Portland, truth be told. The only reason I didnt give this place a 5-star rating is because of the staff - specifically the sushi makers behind the counter. They made me feel slightly uncomfortable as they stared openly, pointed, and talked about me (in a different language). It made feel like I was personally on display or something and I was with a group of people! That was the only negative, and it isnt enough to stop me from going again (Ill just be asked to be seated away from them). Love sushi and are a vegan, vegetarian, total carnivore? Do yourself a gastronomical favor and try Benkay.
LA
Laura Iliana Corey
My fiancé read good reviews of this place on Facebook. We checked the pictures of the dishes and they seemed great. We went on a Saturday at noon and the restaurant was almost empty. We asked for the menus and to our surprise, none of the dishes posted on their Facebook account could be found there. Either the choices were too much (like a $35 huge meal) or too small (appetizers). I felt disappointed (and a bit deceived) because I couldnt find anything I wanted to try, and I am a fan of Asian food. I also forgot to mention we arrived with our 3-year-old. I could tell the owner (or manager, not sure) was NOT pleased with us because of it. She was constantly hovering over him despite me being on top of him. The worst was when she wiped his face just mere seconds after he had taken a bite. We quickly finished our entrees (which were pretty unremarkable) and asked for the bill. Since parking is impossible in Portland (and given the fact that the nice weather meant TONS of tourists), my fiancé asked the same woman if we could leave our car in their parking lot for a short time (he was expecting even paying a small fee for that). Her response: "What car do you have?" "A red Camry"-we replied. "If I come out and your car is here, Ill have your car towed". Now we know why this place was empty. Do yourself a favor a go someplace else. There are plenty of good Asian restaurants in Portland that have better service and food.
A
A Private User
Benkay easily has the freshest and best sushi and maki in portland. after trying them all this is the best Sushi in town by far. one of the major factors in a good sushi place is whether or not they know how to cook the rice! sounds too simple, but its true. almost every other sushi restaurant ive been to always over-cooks the rice to the point that its a mushy chunk. like overcooked pasta in an Italian restaurant, it is unacceptable. benkay also keep it simple, and what i assume to be traditional. no need for spiced mayo sauces to cover the taste of fish that has gone past its time. The waitresses are also outstanding, friendly, and just attentive enough. i will always choose Benkay.
A
A Private User
Chef Ando & Hiro are a truely amazing!!! 10 years ago, I moved to Maine from DC and I was delighted to find out that Ando (who worked at Tono) was now living here. Benkay is the only sushi restaurant that I go to. The staff makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. The food is fresh. They cater to people who are trying sushi for the 1st time to people who lived in Japan and have had it all there lives. Benkay is a must, when in Portland!!! Thanks Ando & Hiro!!!!
BE
Benjamin White
I have been eating at Benkay for a while, it is the best sushi experience that I have ever had in the states. The chef is dedicated to detail and providing quality fish. The waitstaff are graceful and attentive to your needs. The portions are large and the daily specials are a quality mix of exotic fish from Japan, and local seafood straight off the Portland docks. I would highly recommend Benkay to one and all
A
A Private User
Food is wonderful. Chef Ando works hard to deliver a mix of traditional Japanese food taylored to the customers. Benkay is a place you come to on a regular basis; they know your name, they know your likes, and they know how to feed you. Ive seen reviews about service being less than perfect, perhaps, but come back a few times and youll clearly see why Benkay is a place to eat frequently.
A
A Private User
We stumbled upon this hidden jewel on a weekend trip to Portland a couple years ago and keep going back for more. Its totally worth our hour and a half drive from Massachusetts! Sit at the bar and chat with Chef Ando for some interesting conversation and even better food. The flounder with wasabi olive oil is to die for. Every meal we have there is better than the last!
JE
jean JJ
What I must say first is that the service was pretty good, so as the deco and the ambiance. However, food was less than average I must admit. tuna tataki was tasteless (a first), so as the noodles, the soup and the dessert. A good place for teenagers with no taste and expectations that;s for sure. Food is better at Yosaku.
A
A Private User
This is the best sushi Ive ever had!! Ive eaten at the best places in America (Nobu, O Ya, etc...) and Chef Ando & his team do it just as good at a fraction of the price! The wait staff is very attentive & spot-on with their sake recommendations, they are also very happy answer any questions you have about sushi.
JO
John Vedral
Good food, although somewhat pricey. Wide selection of cold sake plus one hot sake choice. There are a number of Japanese restaurants to choose from in Portland, but I choose this one most of the time even when others are closer. I like the quality of the food and the atmosphere.
A
A Private User
they have really good japanese food. sushi lovers will not be disappointed. The setting is really nice too (not to mention free parking)The only down side to the place is that prices are a bit expensive but the food wont give you the impression you paid way too much.
MA
Mango22
3rd generation sushi chef working his magic. I had the 10 Omakase. What amazing quality and flavors. Also, the fried mackerel appetizer was visually food magazine worthy and tasted as beautiful as it looked. Im glad I found this place. I will surely return here!
A
A Private User
I frequent Benkay and as a Portland resident, can honestly say it is the best sushi place in the area. Fish is always fresh, staff is very friendly, not to mention there is actual parking (a plus). I highly reccommend Benkay :)
