Hibachi on Central Avenue

Intrigued by the imposing square new building on Central Avenue, we stopped by Banzai Steak House to explore what was inside. This new hibachi venture was constructed on the site previously occupied by Carvel and is at least five times the size of the former ice cream shop.

We went on a Saturday night, and once through the heavy glass entrance doors, we found a crowd in the front, awaiting seats at hibachi tables. The three-story high ceilings and interesting décor had me suddenly disoriented and I wasn’t sure whether to stay or to go; but the hostess explained that though the large hibachi tables were already booked, we could sit in the adjacent bar area where the same menu was available.

From the bar area we were able to see the hibachi chefs performing their magic, tossing salt and pepper shakers in the air and flashing their knives. Though the noise decibel was on the loud side, on a chilly night it was nice to be in a bustling, lively place. Many of the groups of diners included children who were having fun watching the chefs’ tricks and seeing dinner cooked at the table. Lucky for us, Banzai did not have their liquor license yet, and that meant free glasses of wine for us.

The friendly waitress brought over menus which featured both hibachi style meals and a full sushi selection. From the hibachi menu, you could choose filet mignon, steak, shrimp, salmon ,scallops or chicken, - or a combination of any three. The hibachi dinners were accompanied by miso or onion soup, stir fried vegetables, brown or white rice and desert. From the sushi bar, there were a variety of rolls, and sashimi and the menu included Japanese selections including tempura, teriyaki, and shumai.

We opted for a hibachi meal and a couple of rolls and everything arrived quickly. Portions were large and dinner was hot and tasty. When the meal ended, our waitress “Ivy” offered us some saki on the house, and returned with three glasses. She poured one for each of us and poured herself a glass too. We all had a laugh as we toasted to the success of Banzai and downed our warm shots.

Banzai
95 South Central Park Avenue
Hartsdale, NY 10530-2315
Phone: (914) 997-7888

Monday – Friday 4:30 pm – 11 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm – 11 pm