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Benu Reviews List
Benu
Benu is a small restaurant housed in a historic building in SOMA. We aim to distill fine dining down to the elements we find most important: precise and thoughtful preparation, exceptional products and caring service. We offer an a la carte menu and a chef's tasting menu that is globally inspired, personal and comprised of the best products we can find.
Benu offers a Tasting Menu and an a la carte Menu Tuesday through Thursday. The Tasting menu will be the only menu served on Fridays and Saturdays.
Please note that in order to provide you with the best dining experience, we require advance notice for any guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. We may not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions communicated to us upon your arrival. Please indicate all allergies and dietary restrictions when making your reservation.
See more Benu details
Benu offers a Tasting Menu and an a la carte Menu Tuesday through Thursday. The Tasting menu will be the only menu served on Fridays and Saturdays.
Please note that in order to provide you with the best dining experience, we require advance notice for any guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. We may not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions communicated to us upon your arrival. Please indicate all allergies and dietary restrictions when making your reservation.
178 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 178 reviews
5 stars
(131)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(138)
- special occasion(123)
- notable wine list(81)
- romantic(64)
- hot spot(29)
- neighborhood gem(17)
Benu Reviews List
Review 1 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was a great experience. Pricey but WELL worth it. A great place for a special occasion and to try something new and exciting. Blew our taste buds away and interesting to think about all the different techniques used to create the food. Very inventive and fun!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"If you love Asian food, great presentation, complex and subtile flavors, and pairing with wines/sakes/beers that make sense rather than wines that are well known and expensive, then Benu is the place for you."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 3 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benu Celebration
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing!!! 18 courses of mouthgasms. No ingredient was particularly unique or rare. However, the combinations of ingredients and the way they were presented, cooked, made were amazing. Certain twists on common dishes were jaw-droppingly, salivating. Ok enough with the adjectives you just gotta try it. Oh and the service was phenomenal. So attentive, yet made you feel at home. Cracked jokes with the servers and even met Chef Lee. AMAZING!!!!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benu Takes Food Art to a New Level
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I recently hosted a client dinner and Benu, and it did not disappoint. The food was outstanding delectable works of art, featuring exotic food combinations that surprise and delight. The tasting menu takes the dinner through a long and incredible journey of tastes throughout the meal. The service is excellent and spot on at all times. And a wine list that tops them all!"
Dined on 6/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 5 for Benu
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointing and dull
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant failed us in terms of Michelin starred dining as we found the food to be bland and poorly presented. Not worthy of two stars in our estimation."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
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Review 6 for Benu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very inovative food. Professional and astute service, and gorgeous but oddly stuffy."
Dined on 6/14/2012
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 7 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was curious to try Benu seeing it rated in one publication as one of the 10 best restaurants in the world and then getting such mixed reviews in Trip Advisor. I am not sure it's in the top 10 of the world, but it deserves a higher ranking in Trip Advisor. The service was exquisite. The food is fusion Asian and very well done. Our entrees consisted of a squid, trout and quail. All of us totally enjoyed the unique presentations and wonderful flavors. No need to order dessert, the petit fours were dessert enough. The wine list is extensive, however the wines by the glass are completely adequate. I was stunned to see an Austrian white on the by the glass offering and it was amazing. We found everything about Benu to be 5 stars."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Benu was a gem of a find and we loved the food when we dined there recently! Especially loved the blending of Asian flavours.
Good service though the venue was a little noisy with a loud group seated behind us! Good service without being too invasive!"
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 9 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"it is a great dining experience."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 10 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Another great dining experience at Benu. Chef-owner Corey 's creativity is boundless. The chef tasting menu was again filled with unique ingredients, each course was different and full of flavor, texture and taste harmonized , tantalizing at every bite.
Friendly , knowledgeable sommelier .
Service was responsive and very attentive.
Outstanding team work."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 11 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benu Review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were a party of 5 and dined on a Friday so only the tasting menu was available. So that's $180pp. With beverage pairing an additional $150 pp. Chef Lee was at The French Laundry for awhile so with that pedigree and expense a lot was demanded. The 15 serving tastes met the challenge. Every course was delisciously prepared and presented and the beverages were occasionally surprising (sour beer and an amazing junmai ginjo sake- but i'm a push over for great sakes!) but always worked well. Then we got to spend a little time with chef Lee in the kitchen. He was very kind, but I forgot to ask him if he does a truffle dinner!
I look forward to our next dinner there! Awesome!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Benu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tasting menu disappointment
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very pricey and very inconsistent. The fried items--chip with squid and strangely shaped tube to dip into creme fraiche were terrible. No coherence to the tasting menu. I felt ripped off."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 13 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Benu is one of the best restaurants you will have the pleasure to enjoy. The 16 course tasting menu was the best meal we have ever eaten. Clearly comparisons to other restaurants are subjective and can vary depending upon the menu severed. Benu far exceeded our expectations and provided a level of exceptional service -warm, hospitable, prompt, and knowledgable-that complimented the sublime food. The ambiance was understated elegance with a noise level so minimal that you can actually hold a conversation without shouting - a rare treat at many of the best restaurants these days who seem to think high noise levels equals a good time! But the guest will have the pleasure of one of the best meals you will ever eat."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mouthfuls of Artistry
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Having read multiple "hate" reviews of Benu, I booked a table for a date with much skepticism. However, the service staff quickly eased my doubts that my date might end at the dumpsters. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and provided an excellent recommendation that satisfied my date's requirements.
I felt that the ingredients used in each dish challenged conventions. As Asians, the ingredients / dish names were familiar, but how Chef Corey Lee put them together blew our minds. That said, every single dish on the tasting menu was amazing.
However, Benu is not the place for a quiet or romantic date - the decor is modern and open, which allows the noise from the other tables to bounce all over the place and dampen your conversations."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service and spectacular food. Take advantage of the wine expertise"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 16 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unique dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My dining companion and I were truly humbled by the food. I do not cook, but I do know tremendous work goes into every dish of this quality; a fifteen course meal with beverage pairing. Benu took pains to make a special vegetarian menu for my friend. Expensive and worth every cent!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for Benu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Benu Review
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"15 course meal that was yummy, but not excellent for its price point. Highlights or homeruns for the evening included the monk fish liver, pork belly appetizer, salt and pepper squid, eel roll, and the beef. One dish that was mediocre with was the squab soup with herb at the end.. it would taste better at the beginning of the meal instead of the end before dessert. Good eats included the lobster dumpling, the Peay 1/2 bottle wine, and quail. Tips for the chef's course - starve yourself during the day - otherwise you may not be able to finish everything. Service and presentation gets 5 stars....They addressed gluten and shrimp allergies."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 18 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and service were excellent, definitely should be upgraded to 3 Michelin stars in the next guide."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 19 for Benu
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
erratic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"truffles were good; some dishes plates were very good; some were mediocre or worse; this is not tolerable at this price range. The service was for the most part excellent except for the "bon appetits"--are we back in the 1960s?"
Dined on 9/19/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Benu was recommended to me by a friend who is a former professional chef. I chose to order from the a la carte menu and the food was truly excellent. I will have to try the tasting menu next time."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 21 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
tasting menu at Benu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Flew in from LA to celebrate 2 of my girlfriends birthdays and Benu was our destination. The restaurant looks like it belongs in montecito county. Beautiful yet serene garden that leads you to the restaurant. modern yet with no frills. quiet and elegant. Friday dinner was a 15 item tasting menu. started off with their version of lavash. it was made from buckwheat and nori with sesame seeds. thin as paper and tasted incredible. Set your pallet for the tasting menu without making you feel full. I wish I can describe every single one of the dishes but, there is no space for that. Notable dishes: oyster. pork belly, kimchi. incredibly delicate yet full of flavor. left us all wanting for 20 more. I recommend this restaurant for every occasion."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 22 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Such artistry in presentation and excellent, courteous, gracious service only enhanced exquisitely delicious food. The tasting menu was delightful and delicious. Hype notwithstanding, this restaurant is special and worth the price! Bravo!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 23 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As usual, Benu's food is great and never fails when I need to wine and dine important people."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 24 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not to Bad at all!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've had the great pleasure of dinning in Chef Cory Lee's restaurants before (Per se & TFL) and I have to say, he's getting even better. I haven't dined at Benu since it opened a while back. While I enjoyed that meal I felt that the kitchen was still going through growing pains.
This experience was much different and much more fluid and effortless both shown in the food and the service. The wine staff was very accommodating and very helpful with the wine selections that I let them pick out. The intensity of the food was brilliant and focused without being rich and weighty.
I was very impressed and I can't wait to go back soon!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 25 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Top of the line for food Amazing flavors"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 26 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Atmosphere and Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a really good experience first time here. I think the service was probably the the best part of the meal. The food was very unique and was worth it."
Dined on 3/21/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 27 for Benu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall my wife and I were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall my wife and I were pleased. We went on Saturday for the tasting menu. Overall the menu is Asian with a lot of Chinese elements to it. The cuisine is definitely refined. The dishes all did have a 'wow' factor, I think that's what the team was going for when creating the dishes. The highlight of the evening was the dessert. The pastry chef made the best truffle we have ever tasted. I think it was definitely over priced. I wasn't a big fan of our server who seemed annoyed when we didn't order wine, since we had spent the last 6 hours in Napa, and also annoyed when I asked if coffee was included in the meal, it was just a joke, relax. There are more affordable options in SF. If we return it would be for the a la carte menu."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 28 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We did the 17 course tasting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We did the 17 course tasting menu. The whole experience from the taste, presentation, service, beverage pairings was amazing. That was by far the most money we have ever spent on a night out but we were thrilled with the evening and would recommend it to anyone."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Benu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was excellent but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent but didn't wow me. The service was exemplary."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is a bit eclectic - this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is a bit eclectic - this is not a criticism - simply an observation. Asian fusion is probably a good characterization. Very clean kitchen. Platings are impeccable."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best restaurant in San Francisco.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best restaurant in San Francisco."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 32 for Benu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Service, food Good not Great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We did the a la carte menu on a Thursday night. Our server was the best, period. The staff was superb. The food while inventive and very good, was not as good as I expected it to be. I like the creativity, but at the end of a meal like this, you want it to be outstadning, not just good. I would like to try the tasting menu, as I think this might be something very special. However, at $180 per person plus wine on top of that, I am not sure if it is worth it."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 33 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We did the Chef's tasting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We did the Chef's tasting menu which for 3 of the 4 was incredible. We were disappointed that 1 person in our party who was a pescaterian was given all the same dishes- if the dish had meat the meat was left out- so 4 of he courses were awful. At such a high end, sophisticated, culinary gem you expect them to have substitutions for dietary restrictions not just remove the meat leaving you with an incomplete entre which was flavorless. The service was impeccable. Great wine list."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 34 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A delightful and tasty evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Superb tasting menu by a brilliant chef. Each course small enough not overwhelm and delicious enough to stand on its own. Quiet and classy setting that lets you settle on the company and the food. Service is precise, attentive and yet, not annoyingly intrusive. Very much looking forward to our next chance to go."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 35 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A meal to remember!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Benu to try the tasting menu after reading about it in Food and Wine magazine. We were treated to one of the best meals of our lives. The unique ingredients, variety of courses, cleaver use of serving ware, and attentive, knowledgable servers made it an experience to remember. The price of the tasting menu is high, but we appreciated its worth once we saw all of the hard work that went I to it. The decor is pleasant but non-descript, allowing the food to provide the true flavor for the evening. It you are looking for a truly special meal, Benu will not disappoint!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Benu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Foodies would love it but,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Foodies would love it but, I am not a foodie. The "tomato jelly" starting bite was a bit too tricked-out for me. High quality food and attentive service but, it seems as if they are trying to be too creative with their menu selection."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 37 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
wow!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing! We dined ala carte. Each dish was perfection. The marriage of flavor, texture and presentation was impeccable. Certainly lives up to a ** Michelin rating. Service was warm and efficient. The dishes have an etherial quality; portioned to please and excited, without hindering enjoyment of the next course or a walk afterward. When in San Fran again, will make a point of setting aside time for the tasting menu. Only surprise was the number of twenty-somethings dining as such an upscale restaurant."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 38 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What i feel in Benu.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to Benu late night around 9p.m. First, i saw energetic kitchen scene before i walk inside to Benu. It made me so excite for sure. Then i sat look around restaurant i was feel quite comfortable people looks enjoy the food. I had 15 courses tasting menu. Actually i can't describe in my word. It was way beyond what i expected. Each courses so amazing and fabulous. Service was perfect. I want to go again so bad."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 39 for Benu
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Experiencing the range of fine dining cuisines from French Laundry, Gary Danko, La Folie, and numerous restaurants throughout France, the Virgin Islands, and a plethora of other countries, the food at Benu was mediocre at best. Although the service was phenomenal, the food significantly palled in comparison. It was very disappointing considering the highly rated reviews on Yelp. Though with further examination, the seasoned foodies who did review Benu agreed with the poorly thoughtout menu and culinary execution. Overall, this restaurant is all hype."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
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Review 40 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent All Around
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"An excellent tasting menu with very unique wine, beer, and sake pairing. We found this to be an exceptional meal. Everything seemed to be the right amount of food. We left satiated but not stuffed or hungry. The service was stellar without being stuffy. They also were very able to handle our food allergies. Certainly not cheap but a special 3 hour plus dining experience. I can't wait to return."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible, savory and artful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredible, savory and artful food. We did everything a la carte and loved it - abalone grenebloise, sea urchin with fromage blanc, quail with wood ear mushrooms...all visually and palatably delightful. The wine service was also excellent - speedy and knowledgeable sommeliers, with a short but sophisticated list by the glass. The architecture and decor are muted beautifully so you can focus on the incredible food. Highly recommended to any serious food lovers!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 42 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very expensive. Food always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very expensive. Food always beautifully presented, some dishes more beautiful than tastey."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 43 for Benu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overpriced for what is presented
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overpriced for what is presented"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 44 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
we had the tasting menu...wow.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we had the tasting menu...wow. great place for a food focused celebration."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 45 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
noteworthy experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to Benu for my wife's birthday and had a great experience. This was our first time at a Michelin rated restaurant and they definitely lived up to their accolades. I was really impressed with the inventiveness of the dishes. My wife and I are both Korean, so it was really interesting to have some familiar flavor profiles shine through in completely new ways. Great meal, great staff, overall a memorable dining experience."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 46 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything you'd expect!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Beautiful restaurant, amazing food, well executed, reasonably priced, everything you expect from a two star Michelin rating (inevitably a 3 star). Would live to have seen Corey, but other than that, met all of our expectations! The wine Som was also great!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 47 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible experience. Elegant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredible experience. Elegant decor with superb food and service to match."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 48 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benu provided me with one
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Benu provided me with one of the most unforgettable dining experiences of my life. It was truly incredible."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 49 for Benu
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Not 2 star worthy
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had the abalone starter - was way over cooked & dripping in oil. Mains, lobster spaghetti - very small portion & lobster was either minced / diced up. You dnt taste the lobster. The best part of the meal was the dessert - had the white choc pudding. My friend had the duck egg for starters, the trout for mains & almond tart. He wasn't very impressed & said the overall the food was just ordinary.
There were just too many waiters serving us! Think throughout our meal we had 5 but none of them explained the menu. When we ordered our food no one made any suggestions. When the food was served, they just repeated what was in the menu. Didn't explain if we should eat it in a certain way...etc."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
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Review 50 for Benu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Out of this World Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's understandable why this place has three Michelin Stars. The food is amazing--the tastes, textures, presentation all reflect a very imaginative and highly sophisticated mind. Each dish hits on multiple levels and the many ingredients in each blend beautifully together. The service was the best I think I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The room's aesthetic is exquisitiely simple--which makes the enjoyment of the 'food ceremony' that much easier. It's not inexpensive, but it is well worth the price. Highly recommend to anyone to have the experience of eating at Benu at least once."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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