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Welcome to Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar

Benkay Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, located in the heart of Portland, ME, is a beloved culinary gem renowned for its dedication to authentic Japanese cuisine. Diners rave about the exceptionally fresh seafood, with the sashimi and sushi standing out for their pristine quality and expert preparation. The warm, inviting ambiance complements the delectable dishes, making each visit a memorable experience. Guests appreciate the attentive service and elegant presentation, which enhance the overall dining pleasure. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch or a special dinner, Benkay promises a delightful culinary journey through the rich flavors of Japan.

Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar: Reviews & Ratings

Sarah Hodgman
Sarah Hodgman

We had an amazing lunch at Benkay during our first visit to Portland. We love sushi and have tried many sushi restaurants in destinations across the country. This is definitely one of our favorites so far! Delicious food, great service, relaxed vibes, and price wasn’t bad given the high quality. No pics of the sushi - it looked so yummy, we just had to dig in!

SY J
SY J

I highly recommend visiting at least once. The seafood is incredibly fresh, which makes it taste deliciously sweet. The flavor and service are top-notch. If you live nearby, it's the kind of taste you'd want to enjoy every day.

Aliyah Mohammed
Aliyah Mohammed

The freshest fish I've ever had! Worth the price for the quality of fish.

Matthew Rideout
Matthew Rideout

Benkay is an institution. It's the Japanese staple of Portland. Just really good Japanese food. The sashimi quality is top tier.

Deoranie Ali
Deoranie Ali

My family and I recently visited this Japanese restaurant for dinner, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. For our appetizers, we ordered miso soup and seafood soup, both of which were warm, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Along with the soups, we selected a variety of dishes that you can see in the accompanying pictures, each beautifully presented and incredibly fresh. For the main course, we indulged in a stunning spread of sashimi and sushi. The sashimi was expertly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and paired wonderfully with the accompanying garnishes. The sushi rolls were equally impressive, with balanced flavors and immaculate presentation. Each bite was a testament to the quality of ingredients and the chef’s skill. The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience—it was cozy yet elegant, with a calm and inviting atmosphere. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, making us feel welcome and ensuring our dining experience was seamless. If you’re a fan of authentic Japanese cuisine or simply looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal, I can’t recommend this restaurant enough. It’s definitely a spot we’ll be returning to!

Billy Taylor
Billy Taylor

If the presentation of the food isn't enough, the flavor will knock it out of the park for you. The atmosphere is very welcoming and comfortable. Menu selection can be overwhelming, but speaks to their wide variety of cuisine. 10/10 service, food, drinks and cleanliness. If sushi is your taste, please don't miss out on this gem!

Taffy Visher
Taffy Visher

Comfortable, clean, tranquil and the food is so authentic and delicious. The Chicken Katsu Don was absolutely spot on, the poke (tuna) appetizer was splendid, the ginger dressing tasted so fresh, with a lovely citrus back. Amazing experience.

Sandy “The Boozy Foodie Lady” Anania
Sandy “The Boozy Foodie Lady” Anania

LOVE THIS PLACE "When you have a lovely, friendly staff such as this place....you get 3 hearts of love, joy, and happiness from me! From the server to the sushi chefs great genuine vibes." The menu at Benkay features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and noodles. The sushi is fresh and delicious, and the sashimi is expertly prepared. The restaurant also has a sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare your sushi. Benkay also has a full bar, which offers a variety of Japanese beers, sakes, and cocktails. Benkay is a great place to enjoy a delicious Japanese meal. The food is fresh and delicious, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. I highly recommend Benkay to anyone looking for a great Japanese restaurant in Portland, Maine.

Location

If you're seeking a culinary retreat into the heart of Japanese cuisine, look no further than Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar. Nestled in the vibrant streets of Portland, Maine, this establishment offers an authentic dining experience that has garnered praise from locals and visitors alike. Located at 16 Middle St, Benkay is just a phone call away at +1 207-773-5555.

Benkay isn't just a restaurant; it's a beloved institution within Portland. Customers rave about the freshness of the seafood, which brings an unmistakable sweetness to each dish. As Sarah Hodgman noted, "Delicious food, great service, relaxed vibes" make for a perfect lunch spot. The ambiance balances comfort and elegance, ensuring diners feel at home while indulging in expertly crafted cuisine.

The highlight of any visit to Benkay is undeniably the sushi and sashimi. Patrons like Aliyah Mohammed emphasize that this is the "freshest fish I've ever had," showcasing the superior quality that endears this restaurant to sushi lovers. With each bite, you can taste the craftsmanship that goes into selecting and preparing the ingredients. The sashimi is described as "melt-in-your-mouth fresh," perfectly showcasing the skill of the chefs.

For those who want to start with something warm, the miso and seafood soup come highly recommended. Deoranie Ali's family enjoyed these flavorful staples, which serve as a delightful precursor to the array of sushi rolls that follow. Visibility matters at Benkay; the presentation of each dish invites diners to feast with their eyes before the first bite.

In a city teeming with dining options, Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar stands out as a treasure trove of flavor, freshness, and tradition. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, make it a point to experience this gem. The combination of exquisite dishes, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures your visit will be unforgettable. Don't just take our word for it; join the ever-growing list of sushi enthusiasts who have made Benkay a favorite destination.