Hana Japan Steak & Seafood

2.5 star rating
130 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Steakhouses, Seafood

7298 San Ramon Rd
(between Dublin Blvd & Amador Valley Blvd)
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 829-7491
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Hours:

Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm

Mon-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm

Fri 5 pm - 11 pm

Sat 4 pm - 11 pm

Sun 4 pm - 9:30 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"...watching the food be cooked right in front of you." (in 3 reviews)
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"I had filet and scallops with fried rice, all was terrific." (in 20 reviews)
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"...have fond memories of a Benihana that we frequented when we..." (in 21 reviews)
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130 reviews in English

  • Review from Sara J.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 198 reviews

    Danville, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/9/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here

    We had a 7pm reservation for 6 last night; it didn't seem to matter, we weren't seated until close to 7:30p.  Lame.  It didn't help things that i had a small snack to hold me over; i was pretty starving and the fact my meal was delayed didn't bode well.

    Finally seated, we were served waters right away.  She took our drink orders and I requested a straw for my water.  Drinks came; no straw.  I had to ask her again for a straw a few mins later; she grabbed some for the whole table which was nice but they mostly went to waste.

    She took our orders; since there was a bday in the group and a gift certificate, she kindly reminded me one bill one discount.  She didn't mind creating a separate bill for the bf and i, which was super appreciated.  The bf and I wanted to split a meat plate; it costs a whopping $10 to split a plate (with the child exception.)  Give me a BREAK!  We ordered separate meals...grrr.  I ordered the chicken meal for $15.95; it was either that or tofu was the most affordable.

    Our "soup" came, ie mushroom broth, and it was much needed since i was starving.  However, our salad never came.  The couple on the other side had to tell the sushi chef when he FINALLY arrived!  He told someone right away and we finally got our salads a few minutes later.  Overall frustrating, but we were just thrilled to eat.  Our chef was super fun and made us forget about the service.

    The main course was pretty good; i'd requested extra veggies and he obliged.  The veggies were perfectly cooked and quite tastey.  The chicken was standard; the dipping sauces definitely complimented the protein.  The bf got the filet mignon; later in the eve he said his stomach didn't agree with him and i told him next time he should've gone with something that was fully cooked and not a med-rare piece of beef!

    Not sure I'd bother coming back; never been a huge fan of this place to begin with.

  • Review from Sir B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Union City, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/4/2012

    We'll never know whether they are any good because the hostess had a crappy attitude and clearly did not care whether we ate there or not.  So we returned a Groupon that may have been the beginning of a long-lasting customer relationship.  

    We hadn't ever eaten at this place so the Groupon we bought would have been the reason to try it.  They refused to accommodate us even though they had availability.  I asked to speak with a manager -- wasting more time just to eat at their place -- and to no avail, they didn't want our business.  So now I have my money back and will continue to pass this place each time we drive up or down San Ramon Rd.

  • Review from Errol V.

    •  
    • 64 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I went to HanaJapan without reading the reviews and I'm surprised. Sure, this place isn't really ideal compared to their sister location in Berkley but the staff was nice. Just make sure you have an id for birthdays and you have a group of 4+ for a free meal! Otherwise, the whole Benihana ideal is pretty much expected. Onion Volcano, Fried Rice Beating Heart thing, and catching pieces of egg in your mouth (which I successfully did!) Anyways, it was a good time going here and I wouldn't mind going back if it weren't for the prices.

    Note: Get Vinh as your server! He said it was his first day working today but I'm pretty sure it wasn't ;D Oh and the Hana coupons don't include tip so make sure to bring cash on hand.

  • Review from Kelly H.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Ramon, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/8/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    The service was excellent. I had a Yelp coupon and it was my daughters birthday and we got our discount for both.  The food was Excellent and the show was very entertaining. Will definitely be going back.

  • Review from Foodie M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Union City, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/4/2012

    Teppanyaki was fun for the kids. Great deal if you use a coupon. Their sushi was unique and pretty good. Restaurant is clean and well kept. I would go back.

  • Review from Kasey L.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/8/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here

    Dang! We had to wait about an hour in a half for a table...with a baby...and we had reservations. Love the food, just didn't like the wait. And as other people have mentioned, they went for a birthday and were able to use the groupon certificate...well they did NOT let us combine it. Maybe we'll have to go back another time without the baby...

  • Review from Holly G.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Livermore, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/10/2012

    Good Customer Service Follow-Up!
    Updating my last review because as soon as it posted I received an email from the owner acknowledging the Yelper"s feedback, and the credit card mix-up that I had there. She indicating they are looking into our feedback, and to me - being someone that works with customers all day long, that went a long way with me.
    The food is always good, and the dinner is entertaining. We will continue to go back there, just because we do really enjoy the food and entertainment. Hopefully the customer service and other little issues will in fact improve.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      9/14/2011

      My familly and I used to frequent, but like some of the other customers, I've recently noticed them… Read more »

  • Review from Sergio G.

    Castro Valley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    Came here the other night to have a late late night dinner. I am not going to compare them to their Benihana but all I can say is that we had a great time. The service was totally cool and for a change I didn't have the Saporro beer. I had the Asahi and it was just as good. The accountant had a beer as well. The diva brats had their Shirley Temple's and dinner was off the hook. Kids no longer eat children meals. They want to go at full force and have adult meals and save left overs for next day. So be it!!

    Very simple. Shrimp combo w/ steak for kids, accountant had NY steak w/ Lobster Tail & I had the Filet Mignon w/ Lobster tail. Did I need it NO, I DIDN'T one day we'll start to budget but not  today. How much did we pay? Ummmmmmm not important, we had fun and dinner and service was great.......  will we come back?????? Damm Right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Review from Joey M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    I went with 4 of my friends, the food is okay, just wasn't into the whole food throwing/games. If your with someone who doesnt have a sense of humor, this may not be the place for you. The Chief would routinely aim to get the steamed rice to miss and go down your girl's blouse/shirt. No harm or anything but if your with your family, someone may take offense. It was fun, I enjoyed the experience of watching the food get made, I got the salmon meal and it was nicely done.

  • Review from Sandi W.

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    • 9 friends
    • 189 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    After reading mixed review, we gave this place a try.
    Surprisingly, the steak was good.
    As long as you can ignore the decor, you will be fine....

  • Review from Jesse G.

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    • 1 friend
    • 34 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    Hana japan is hit or miss.

    I've been to Hana Japan a few times and here are the things that I have derived from my experiences.

    1. The steak is good.
    2. The chicken is average
    3. DO NOT COME HERE FOR LUNCH

    I cannot over-emphasize the third point enough. They undercooked everything because we were the only people there and the food tasted terrible. If you're going to come here DEFINITELY come for dinner.

  • Review from Arleen K.

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    • 9 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Danville, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/2/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here

    The place is a bit loud.  The food is very good and the entertainment of the chefs are pretty much the same.  For first timer's it's always entertaining, 2nd timer's and on gets a bit old..........

  • Review from Brian R.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/6/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    I took my family of 5 for dinner here last week to celebrate my son's 13th b-day.  I made reservations for 7pm, showed up about 10 minutes early, but still had to wait a little while until another couple arrived.  Once seated, our server was very courteous and prompt.  The chef did a great job.  Having the $20 for $10 Yelp deal helped as well as getting one dinner on the house for the birthday.  I let my son get the lobster & steak, the most expensive item on the menu.  They took my dinner off the bill and not my son's, but I kinda expected that to be the case with the free b-day dinner offer.
    Bill for the 5 of us after deals and tip was around $160.  Certainly more than I like to pay for dinner with the family, but it was a special occasion and we all enjoyed it.  The food was good and my wife and kids had no complaints, but I did think the lobster was a bit overcooked.  Too bad they don't sell their $100 for $75 certificates at Costco any longer.

  • Review from Marti S.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Oakdale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2011

    Went there last night for surprise date night.  Pros:  Service is attentive and quick, chef is entertaining, food is WONDERFUL.  I've had Benihana and their meat is way better.  Cooked to perfection and a wonderful, tender, flavorful cut.  Scallops (which, if overcooked are rubbery) were PERFECT!  Veggies, miso, wonderful.  Cons: It's noisy and hot and smoky - but the food is wonderful and the company is good - even people you don't know at your table are chatty and happy.

    Overall, I will def go back.

  • Review from Michael C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Leandro, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/30/2011

    The food here was great, it was the front end staff that left sooooooo much to be desired...  I think I can best explain by attaching this letter.

    Hello,

    I am not usually one to make complaints, but I had a horrible experience at your dublin location.

    My party of 10 came in on September 23rd at 6:30pm.  We made reservations early since we had two toddlers with us and your resteraunt doesnt really have room for strollers.  We made sure when making the reservations that they would have two highchairs available.  We were told it was on our reservation and it would be no problem.  When the first of our party arrived they comfirmed that the highchairs were available and once again were told that they were and there was no problem.  Our entire party arrived 10 minutes before our reservation.  When we did the final check in we were told that our table was almost ready.  In the meantime, a walk-in was seated and given two highchairs.  One for a child, and one just to hold a carseat.  When our name was calld we were informed that there was only one available highchair as the other one that we reserved had been given out.  I told them that we needed it and that is why we reserved it.  The only responce from your manager was "Well, what do you want me to do?"  I told him that we reserved two, confirmed they were available, and we needed it.  Once again, "Well, what do you want me to do?"  
    He then told us that if we wanted another highchair we would have to wait for one to become available.  When I asked how long it would be, he said "Well, I just gave it out so it will probably be a while."  WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THAT???
    Since our party was there and waiting, we asked that when one became available if he could just bring it to us.  He said he would.  When another party left, the highchair that they were using was given to another person that had just arrived.  This left us with a large party of people passing a toddler around.  On top of being inconvenient since we planned ahead and reserved the chairs, it is NOT SAFE for a child to be without a chair when the whole table is a cooking surface.
    That manager is without a doubt the rudest, least customer oriented person that I have encountered.  When people are spending over $250 for dinner, the least that you could do is accomodate the reservation after you make a mistake.
    We very frequently visit your Berkeley location and from this experience, your Dublin location will not be on our list again.
    I hope this complaint will be taken seriously and reviewed so other families will not encounter the same treatment.
    I would like to hear back from you regarding this matter.  

    Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Jennifer G. of Hana Japan Steak & Seafood 9/30/2011   
    We have privately messaged this reviewer.  And, we are… More »
  • Review from Jonette J.

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    • 18 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Walnut Creek, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/30/2011

    I was born and raised in Dublin and have eaten at Hana Japan more times than I can count.  My bff and I decided to head there for dinner tonight, but I wish I'd stayed home and pulled each of my toe nails off without vodka in my system!

    We got there at 10:27PM, which seemed like no big deal since it says all over earth that they are open until 11pm.  The lobby/bar area smelled like stale urine.  The hostess looked at us, but didn't care to even say hello.  We busied ourselves looking at the photos on the wall.  Then, at 10:30pm the hostess said hello right before telling us they were closed.  How are you closed when it's only 10:30pm and you don't close until 11pm?  She said that it takes 10 minutes for the stoves to warm up and it just wouldn't leave enough time for us to get our food before they needed to start closing.  How difficult would it be to advertise that you close at 10:30pm instead of 11pm?  This is not rocket science.

    I give them 1 star for the hostess being crafty enough to make us wait 3 minutes before speaking so that she could make us too late to be seated.  I will never be back to this restaurant and told the manager as much.

  • Review from Raymond M.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 177 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/4/2011

    The numbers:

    Food:  3 stars
    Atmosphere:  4 stars
    Prices:  4 stars (for a Japanese steakhouse)
    Service:  5 stars
    Staff:  6 stars

    My mom had gift certificates.  My family and my brother's family ate here for dinner.  The last time we ate at a steakhouse was in 2001.

    My food opinion is biased.  My household eats steak regularly.  The steak our chef cooked tasted close to home cooked steak.  The chef didn't cook our steaks to what we wanted.  The medium I asked was cooked medium rare.  A few of my scallops had dirt.  The stir fry vegetables tasted good.

    The atmosphere was good for a steakhouse.  I smelled grease, lard, and steak throughout the eating and cooking area.  It was dark, yet it had enough light to see our meals and ourselves.  There was closeness between each table; however, when your chef started cooking and entertaining, you forget the other customers.

    The prices were typically on the high side.  It was $27 for steak and scallops that included rice, vegetables, and soup.  Each customer received complementary two pieces of stir fry shrimp.

    Service was fantastic.  Everyone knew what they were doing.  Fast, friendly, and efficient.

    The staff was trained as if they worked at Southwest.  The waitresses and hostesses wore kimonos.  The cooks wore their cooking uniforms and they looked sharp.  They went above and beyond to make sure the customers come back.  For instance, my nephew and niece were hungry and the waitress gave them a bowl of rice.  The waitresses took the initiative to take pictures of a group of customers when they see digital cameras.  A note to the waitresses:  please avoid blocking the flash with your fingers.

    Steakhouses are meant to eat once in a while.  I plan to come back at another time.

  • Review from Vi N.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 26 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    I went here for my friend's birthday. I've never been to a place like this where they cook right infront of you. I was obviously entertained since my eyes were glued to the chef doing some cool stuff. I loved how they interacted with you and the chef was really friendly. I did enjoy the food here and I really like the shrimp. I believe that it is seasoned very well and it gave it much flavor. The entertainment is great here, I loved the show they put on for us and all the tricks they did to keep us entertained. Great for kids, teens, adults, family, etc.

    It is pricey and could get stuffy from all the smoke from the cooking. Get ready for your clothes to smell like Hana Japan when you walk out!

  • Review from Jackie T.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Castro Valley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    4/11/2011

    This place is such a generic, knock off, cheap imitation of Benihana's, it's a joke. In the building there are about 12+ tables where there should be 8. The smoke gets everywhere, my son kept getting burned by the grease on his arm and the chefs were right up against each other. We were about 2 feet from the wall which was right next to the bathrooms. The food portions were good, the fried rice was much better at Benihana but for that price take the trip to Burlingame or San Francisco and experience the real thing - Benihana!!

    Now I know why Costco was selling the gift cards for 1/2 off!!! I won't be going back.

  • Review from Michael H.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/15/2011

    I was recently contacted via email by somebody that I would presume is the owner or manager. They apologized for the experience we had and talked about the improvements that they are making in the restaurant. The air of the email was apologetic as well as positive. I was very impressed with them reaching out to me and being concerned with my opinion and experience.  While my initial dining experience wasn't positive, I give them a great deal of credit for reaching out to a customer on an individual basis. Well done! I will definitely give them another shot.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      6/26/2011

      My wife and I went here for a Saturday night date dinner. We had eaten at Benihana a few times but… Read more »

  • Review from Erika D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/8/2010

    Boyfriend & I came here during lunch. I ordered chicken & salmon and he ordered chicken & shrimp. We both got their fried rice and the total came out to be roughly $40... but I ain't complaining, why?

    1. The food is cooked right in front of you, you know it's fresh and it's nice to know what goes in your food
    2. The chefs are entertaining, and they become even more friendly when you spark a conversation, so don't by shy to comment on their mad knife and cooking skills ;P
    3. The food isn't bad... as a matter of fact... I thought it was good and enjoyed it... I cleaned up my plate so good it looked as though it was a brand new one ;)
    4. THEY DID NOT LOAD UP ON THE BUTTER, it seemed just the right amount to have it cooked and their food is actually quite healthy (right portions and a good amount of vegetables)

    Bottom Line: Boyfriend & I enjoyed our lunch together and we walked out feeling full and good. We (or should I say he) didn't mind paying the $40 because the point of going to this place is partly the entertainment of watching your food being cooked. I will be coming back :)

  • Review from Welldone F.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Livermore, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/16/2010

    I am giving 2 stars because the food is good but not good enough.  
    If you are even slightly closterphobic, you do not want to step foot in this place.  We were stuffed into the tiny waiting area, shoulder to shoulder with no where to sit and no way to move.  The room was so stuffy and smelled of assorted strong perfumes mixed with body odor and alcohol!  
    We desperately wanted to leave but could not get to the front door because of the crowd.
    They finally called our table and it took us several minutes to sqeeze our way through to the dinning area, only to find that they had placed all 3 of us at the end of a table (3 adults!) that should only seat 2.  
    We won't be back.  I would rather go to Macnamara's and be sitted quicker, be able to hold a conversation without screaming, and have some room to breath!!!!!

  • Review from Erin B.

    •  
    • 188 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    1.0 star rating
    4/30/2011

    I really need to change our birthday dinner tradition to fondue or something because this place is gross.  Right when you walk in the door, there is a musty odor which is probably explained by the constant steam of food cooking and no ventilation.  The chefs are fun to watch and I get the whole idea of having food cooked right in front of you, but that's about as good as it gets.  The food is not good.  The soap... I mean soup... which tastes like soap, is like warm water with fungi floating in it.  The filet mignon is always rubbery and fatty.  After fifteen years of going there, I still don't understand why they cover your plate with seven pounds of bean sprouts at the end.  I've never seen anyone eat them.  They have no dessert.  Last time I was there, I got a dirty look from the waitress after I asked for a wine glass without someone else's lipstick on it.  Then after getting the new glass, the wine was warm.  
    Overpriced, dark, musty, unsanitary, bad food, unfriendly service.  Save your time and go to fondue.

  • Review from Kenny L.

    Placentia, CA

    1.0 star rating
    5/30/2010

    Yet another "Asian" restaurant where only my family are the only Asians there besides the wait staff.

    Just stop. After visiting Koi Garden in Dublin for the Nth time and Bridges in Danville for the first this weekend, I can safely say that this place is a big fat rip off for the amount of $$$ you spend.

    $22.95 for scallops? $28.95 for filet mignon? You can get much better quality food for comparable prices at the two previous places I just mentioned.

    And the dashi "soup" was just sad. I mean, REALLY???

    We came here because of the free birthday meal (my cousin's 14th) and not only do you have to show official ID like the TSA, her meal was only comped for up to $19.95.

    If you want entertainment with your food, I'd provide it for less, and with less clothing if need be.

    And to the idiots that complain that you have to share a table, It's teppanyaki!

    But to the nisei waitress that served us, I'd love to take you elsewhere ;)

  • Review from Ash P.

    •  
    • 23 friends
    • 127 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/18/2010

    I went here last night with a group of friends and I really enjoyed the food and cooking.

    The food was on the pricey side but the cooking tricks were original.  I really enjoyed my dinner (the shrimp and chicken combo).  

    The tables are on the smaller side and they seat 8 people which is great if you go with a group of 8.  Unfortunately for us we were sharing the table with a family of 4 and my husband got stuck next to the wooden pole that supports the house structure and he was cramped the whole night.

    All in all I'd come back here again and recommend this place to friends.

  • Review from Staci B.

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    • 4 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/1/2011

    I frequent Benihana a lot, and I used to go to Hana Japan quite a bit as well. But it has definitely gone down hill. The last time I went there, the food and service had completely changed. The waitresses were rude, the chef seemed like he might be neurotic (he was moving 100 miles a minute. you couldn't understand a word he said, and the food reflected his speed). The food is NOT what it was supposed to be. The only thing that tasted the same was the soup. The salad dressing was all wrong, the rice had NO taste, the shimp was alright, the chicken was bland. And the sauces :( I live for those sauces. And Hana Japan ruined them. The ginger sauce was practically water, and the mustard sauce wasn't much better. I'm really disappointed with this place.

  • Review from Rachel S.

    Pleasanton, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/8/2010

    We've generally visited Hana Japan for birthdays - mine or my brothers. When I got older, I wanted the fried rice from there, so dragged my boyfriend along with me. It's probably been about a year...maybe a year and a half since we've been here.

    The prices have gone up and the menu did change a little bit. We arrived about 6:15 on a Saturday night, didn't have reservations and waited about 15 minutes. We ordered drinks at the bar while we waited, I ordered a Mai Tai and he ordered a Jack and Coke. The bill came to $17, seems a little high, but whatever.

    We decided to get the Hibachi Chicken and then share the Shrimp and Mushroom appetizer because it would be cheaper than ordering the Chicken and Shrimp combo. Plus, the appetizer is better than the entree. The cook was one of the better ones we've had. The chicken was actually better than it used to be, more tender and not dry. I ordered a soda as well and they charge for refills now. I usually understand if they have cans...but almost all places don't charge for soda refills, especially out in suburbia.

    So even though their prices have gone up a little bit and they charge for soda refills, we'll probably still visit at least for a birthday once per year. But more than that? Probably not.

  • Review from Gio G.

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    • 323 friends
    • 247 reviews

    San Leandro, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/15/2010

    Presentation was good, and our Teppen Chef, MOOGI, was great...
    The food was alright, but easily forgettable. I had the Steak and Scallops with fried rice.  Moogi had cool tricks with the egg and YES, i caught the tossed shrimp!  The prices also seemed a bit much for what we got. I did enjoy myself though.  And like the fact that Birthday meals are free with parties of 4 or more.

  • Review from Anshil P.

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    • 7 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/15/2010

    You don't go to this place expecting great food, or hearty portions.
    If you go, just go to enjoy a one of a kind experience.
    Food is pricey, and it doesn't live up to the hype that people claim to see.
    Entertainment wise, the chefs are funny and they'll do tricks that will leave you mind boggled. But I go to a restaurant with one goal, to eat.
    &The food tasted far too bland for the price.
    It's worth a try if you're looking for entertainment. Past that, I wouldn't go to Hana Japan for the food.

  • Review from Marisa G.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 142 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/12/2010

    I only come to this restaurant when it's someone's birthday so I can take advantage of the "free meal".  

    The food isn't as good as other places of it's kind but it's the only one in the Tri-Valley so it'll do when I want some buttery fried rice and ginger sauce!

  • Review from Rachelle H.

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    • 4 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/10/2011 5 photos

    I've eaten at Benihana's and House of Genji in San Jose.  Most noticeable difference is that the former are consistent and clean compared to Hana Japan.

    When you first walk into this restaurant, you must also pass through the bar which smells funny.  Don't know if it's just the smell of old grime or old alcoholics, who knows?

    I was excited to think there was a Japanese steakhouse near us.  Food and wine was good and as expected to be.  So if you are coming for the food, can't really be disappointed there as it's basically food cooked teppanyaki style.

    That said, these types of places you pay for a "show".  I think we got the 2nd string chef on a Saturday night.  Noticed another table with a much more skilled chef.  Ours seemed a bit clumsy--- when he flipped cups of rice on a spatula, he missed catching it several times.  He also lost control of an egg that he was trying to spin on the grill.  Should have had our chef practice on the lunch crowd before allowing him to do dinners.

    This place is dimly lit, but when you compare it to Benihana's and House of Genji the place is downright dirty.  I'll post photos to show what I mean.

    Owners, please shampoo the carpets, wipe down the walls, turn up the lighting and call those restaurant professionals who clean up grease accumulation.  Your restaurant could be so much better!!!

  • Review from Henry S.

    •  
    • 249 friends
    • 901 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/31/2009

    Yes, its a fun time out with friends.

    Yes, its kinda entertaining watching the chef cook right in front of you.

    Yes, when Sake, Sapporo and Kirin is involved you're going to have a good time.

    Yes this place is WAAAAY over priced.

    Yes, the facilities are old and out dated and needs a deep cleaning.

    Yes, the food is not very good (especially the so called NY Strip)

    Yes, you are going to have sticker shock when the bill comes.

    and

    No, I wont want to come back.....even on my birthday!

  • Review from Patrick S.

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    • 12 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Lorenzo, CA

    1.0 star rating
    9/30/2009

    I read a few of the yelp reviews before going and to my surprise, EVERYTHING WAS TRUE!!!!

    Even with reservations, there is a decent wait which can be contributed to the limited number of chefs they had. The guy's restroom is old and dirty and you can assume the girl's one is no different. The place smells not so great and so will you. Our chef plays soccer way better than he could hold a conversation, cook, or multitask. This place uses crappy splinter trap chopsticks, their food is whatevs, and anyone with internet wouldn't be impressed with our chef's performance unless it was seriously bumped up a few notches. Most places give you a decent treat for your birthday, but I'm not going to ruin the surprise for those of you who will be going to eat casino food at HanaMexico.

  • Review from Ed C.

    •  
    • 190 friends
    • 246 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/2/2008

    Teppanyaki = Japanese Cuisine for Beginners

    I don't know what people like about Teppanyaki, but I don't think that I will ever figure it out.  The food is overpriced and tastes like grease and butter (it doesn't matter what you order), but I guess you can say that about all Teppanyaki places.  

    Ambiance is horrible as well as the decor.  The place gets really crowded on the weekends.   Everybody wants to celebrate their birthday's here.  That might be the only time I think it might be worth it to go (it's free for the b-day person).  Any other time, I would recommend you to stay away and save your $40+ dollars.

    2 stars only because I do enjoy the onion volcano.

  • Review from Robby F.

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    • 26 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/6/2010 8 Check-ins Here

    I do like Hana Japan.  Their fried rice is pretty dang good (must be all the delicious butter they use).  They have a decent bar, which is essential because you may have to wait if you just walk in.

    If I were to simply rate this restaurant based on the food alone, I would give it 3 stars because honestly it's decent...not amazing.  But I do give the extra star for the show.  This is the real reason you come in.

    Come for the show, stay for the food.

  • Review from Fred C.

    •  
    • 44 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    1.0 star rating
    2/2/2009

    If I could give it zero stars, I would. Even if the food were free on my birthday, I would not subject my dining partners to this torture.

    I came here for a friend's birthday lunch and I was disgusted and utterly disappointed. First of all, the general ambiance and decor of the place reminded me of an oily dungeon.  

    The food was bland despite the copious amounts of margarine/fat that the cook slapped onto it. Additionally, the chef was sloppy -- there were dropped utensils, dropped pepper shakers, and splashed water. To add insult to injury, the price was through the roof and they charged us $2/person for watered down hot tea.

    I will never go back and I hope you that you never will either. Save yourself the pain. Don't go.

  • Review from David R.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/10/2008

    I will never EVER come to this restaurant again.  My wife had made reservations for my birthday and she, my 2 year old daughter, and myself were waited in the lobby until our table was ready.  The hostess then said to us, "Does your baby cry?  The other people at the table are having a business meeting and they don't want a crying baby".  Our daughter is really good in restaurants, but who can guarantee that a two year old will not cry.....  We explained that there was no guarantees, to which the hostess said, "I think it will be OK, she doesn't look like she cries".

    We explained that we would rather not sit at a table and incoveinence anyone, to which the hostess told us it would be a half hour to get us in another table.

    We decided to leave and have chosen to never return.

    I would stay away from Hana Japan.

  • Review from Marchi A.

    •  
    • 38 friends
    • 166 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/28/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    went for my dad's & cousin's birthday tonight and...i wish we went elsewhere.

    there's a reason why you can buy their $100 gift certificate for $80 at costco  (jk, i know it's to "save" money...right?).

    anyway, the restaurant is too small. our hostess was EH, she seemed tired & i'll kinda let that slide because it was 8PM by the time we were able to order (they cleared everything at 9PM, even if it says they're open until 10PM). the food was mediocre...i will say that our chef managed to NOT overcook my scallops and my mom's salmon, so one star for that. however, my sister asked for medium rare for her steak and it was more medium/medium well.

    ummm...

    there are no refills on soft drinks...really? it's not like you're serving it in a can. wtf. cheap.

    i won't complain about the portions because i couldn't even finish my meal. however, prices are WAY too high...it's a rip-off.

    entertainment? eh. the chef was nice...but it was BORING. my 2 year old nephew wasn't even impressed. lol jk, he liked the egg in the hat trick.

    i'd rather go to benihanas...even then, i'm not much of a fan.

    maybe i should just steer clear from teppanyakis...yeah, i'll stay away from them.

    happy birthday dad!

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  • Review from Amber u.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/23/2008

    I'm really torn over this place. I love it and hate it. I love the sake but hate the pricing and by the end of the night I'm so dehydrated because it's oily and salty. I prefer to see a japanese man or woman chef not a white guy. It doesn't make sense. It's entertaining for the kids but the pricing, again, is on the higher side.

    Reading all the other reviews, I completely agree, you'll smell like funky dunk by the end of the night so don't wear an outfit that needs drycleaning because after you leave this place you'll smell a little funky and please be sure to have a gallon of water by your bed.

  • Review from Aly R.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/28/2011

    We have been to Hana Japan before over the years and I remembered it being better.   We went last night for my daughter's bday. ( By the way, they no longer give you a free bday meal if you are using the Costco giftcards, it's one or the other.)  It seemed ok as we were eating, although I will agree that it is very overpriced.  My kids were entertained and the food was good, however, I was up all night with a dry taste of salt and even this morning it will not go away.  I'm not sure if it's too much salt or perhaps something else they use in their food, but it is enough to go to Benihana next time for sure.

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