Seattle diners will soon see the return of a familiar name to the city’s restaurant scene. After nearly a decade away from Seattle, Benihana is making a comeback with a new location planned for South Lake Union.
The return marks a long-awaited comeback for Seattle fans after Benihana’s downtown location closed in 2016. That restaurant later became Hamanasu before shutting down permanently in 2019.
The Japanese-inspired restaurant chain will soon occupy nearly 9,000 square feet inside Lake Union Piers at 901 Fairview Avenue N., according to The Puget Sound Business Journal. The waterfront development has undergone a major transformation in recent years as owner Vulcan Real Estate works to position the area as a destination for dining, retail, and office space.
The restaurant space has seen several proposed concepts over the years. One Group Hospitality, which owns Benihana, initially planned to open an STK Steakhouse at the property. In 2024, the company shifted direction and pursued plans for Kona Grill, its Hawaiian-inspired concept, before ultimately deciding to bring Benihana back to Seattle instead.
“When we rebranded to Lake Union Piers, our goal was to revitalize this awesome waterfront location with vibrant restaurants and water-related retail and office tenants,” said Geralyn Vannoy, Vulcan’s director of commercial marketing and leasing, according to The Puget Sound Business Journal.
Benihana traces its roots back to 1964, when founder Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki opened the first location in New York City. Inspired by his parents’ small Tokyo coffee shop, Rocky created America’s first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, known for chefs preparing meals tableside on steel grills amid traditional Japanese farmhouse-style interiors.
Benihana joins other tenants at Lake Union Piers such as Daniel’s Broiler and The Cove wine bar. The redevelopment now includes 60,000 square feet of retail space, with renovated 1980s-era buildings, updated pedestrian access, and redesigned parking areas.
Although no opening date has been announced, “coming soon” signage has already appeared at the future restaurant site. We will keep you updated!
