Excellent food, fun and entertaining service, expensive but please consider where you are eating -- I've always wanted to try Benihana so we decided to go for my birthday. Right before we went over i decided to browse yelp (never do this) and I have to say i wasn't feeling great after reading through some of the mixed reviews. But i had a great time! the food was really good, and i was reminded aside from personal preference, some of yall really do not know what you are talking about. "different coloured butter" that is herb butter man. and they use a lot so i don't see how anything was bland? also 80's decor? everything had stylish mid century touches true to the franchise - it felt like an episode of mad men. the steak cuts were marbled and clean, no grizzle or fat. our cook was entertaining and did his job well.
As for criticisms - probably, the ice cream could have been better. I would put black sesame on there instead of red bean. i guess the kappa maki did not look too impressive but if you are ordering that at a steak house that is more on you.
lastly i'll address the cost. this restaurant is like $$$$$. but it is also technically a hotel restaurant (the royal york hotel) not some box unit in a commercial lowrise up in RH/markham. you are going to pay a premium.