Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar, Portland, ME

Rating:

 4.5

Cost:

$30 – $50

Long-standing local Japanese restaurant with traditional decor prepares sushi & other favorites.

Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar

Discover Benkay in Portland, ME

Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar in Portland, ME, stands out as a casual spot for enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine in a welcoming setting. With its traditional decor and focus on fresh sushi and sashimi, this restaurant offers a menu that includes familiar favorites like miso soup and other classic dishes, complemented by a selection of beverages such as sake and cocktails. The emphasis on high-quality ingredients ensures a delightful dining experience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking sushi options in the area. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating add to its appeal for a wide range of visitors, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Insights from Recent Feedback

Visitors to this Portland sushi spot often rave about the fresh and flavorful sushi rolls and sashimi, highlighting how the quality makes every bite memorable and satisfying. While most folks appreciate the relaxed vibe and attentive service that make meals feel effortless and enjoyable, a few mentions of delivery inconsistencies remind us that takeout experiences can vary. Overall, the consensus leans toward it being a solid pick for anyone craving top-rated Japanese fare, with many noting the balanced flavors and welcoming atmosphere that keep them coming back. If you're exploring sushi places near you, this location delivers a generally positive vibe that's worth trying for a tasty, straightforward meal.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

East Bayside
16 Middle St
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-5555

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Parking:Entrance:Restroom:Seating:

Parking Options

Free street parking:Paid street parking:Valet parking:Paid garage parking:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:

Reviews

  • SADNA AND KIDS  5

    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!

  • Breanne Pelletier  2

    Ordered thru GrubHub. Delivery was fine but the sushi? Disgusting! Warm, even though it only took the driver 7 minutes to deliver. The salmon was crunchy in places; I think it might have been scales? Just a guess, but why else would salmon be crunchy? I asked for the rolls to be cut into 8 pieces each and they were in the standard 6. Smelled very fishy! I know it's fish, but good sushi does not smell this strongly. I couldn't finish it! 🤢 Also, I ordered a bottled water and the website said it would be Perrier. I got a bottle of plain old Poland Springs. Water is water but don't advertise something you won't deliver. Gross and disappointing!!! 10 out of 10 do not recommend!

  • Matthew Rideout  5

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

  • Sarah Hodgman  5

    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  5

    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.