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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Long-standing local Japanese restaurant with traditional decor prepares sushi & other favorites.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 16 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 773-5555
Website: http://sushiman.com/
Menu Photos
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Benkay Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Since opening in 1997, BENKAY led the pack that transformed Portland into city full of excellent Japanese restaurants. Located in Portland’s Old Port – in the …
Benkay Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar | Portland ME – Facebook
Benkay Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar · Details · Links · Services · Contact info. . (207) 773-5555. . [email protected]. Photos. See all. Posts.
Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar – Portland, ME
At BENKAY Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, we offer a traditional Japanese dining experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Reviews
Katrina Daoud
Really enjoyed our sushi experience! Nice menu, lovely and quick service, and nice ambiance.
We particularly loved the gyoza and the tuna tartare special. The spicy crunchy tuna roll was also a fave.
… moreWe particularly loved the gyoza and the tuna tartare special. The spicy crunchy tuna roll was also a fave.
Pamela A
The food and service were great. The restaurant is comfortable, but doesn’t appear very Japanese, except for the sushi bar. The smell of fried tempura was a little much. My clothes have that lingering odor. Need better ventilation. We got a nice window table. I think it’s overpriced a bit, but will come back for the nice service and good food. I spent $120 before tip and didn’t have any alcohol. Just hot tea.
… moreJustin Gaines
I’m a committed atheist but I swear I saw God when I tasted the sashimi omakase that Chef Hiro and his colleagues presented at this perfectly located Portland gem. The service was second only to the quality of the fish, and I had a wonderful conversation about whiskey regions with the chef. I’m already planning a return visit, and I’m only here for the weekend.
… moreZhilin R
I love the sweet potato tempura! Maine rolls are amazing.
… moreMichael Roberts
Y’all are GOOFIN up.
This is hands down the best Japanese restaurant that you will find in Maine.
Hiro is the chef and he is absolutely KILLING it.
Having lived in Japan, I can tell you this is as close as it gets.
Perfect. Clean. Polite. Fast. Delicious.
Do no sleep on this place. GO HERE.
… moreThis is hands down the best Japanese restaurant that you will find in Maine.
Hiro is the chef and he is absolutely KILLING it.
Having lived in Japan, I can tell you this is as close as it gets.
Perfect. Clean. Polite. Fast. Delicious.
Do no sleep on this place. GO HERE.
Gage Gray
Benkay is very
The chicken don-kastu was very delicious the chicken was well seasoned and was very juicy
The rice was perfectly made and was a very good addition to the dish, the dish was a amazing mix of sweet, savory and umami and was well paired with the veggies which gave a nice lightness to the meal
Would recommend to try this place, especially if staying around the area
… moreThe chicken don-kastu was very delicious the chicken was well seasoned and was very juicy
The rice was perfectly made and was a very good addition to the dish, the dish was a amazing mix of sweet, savory and umami and was well paired with the veggies which gave a nice lightness to the meal
Would recommend to try this place, especially if staying around the area
Austin
Let me begin by saying:
The smells alone changed me as a person.
First Whiff
My human brought home a warm bag from Benkay, and the moment it entered the car, I knew greatness had arrived.
The aroma hit me like a spiritual awakening:
– Fresh salmon
– Warm rice
– Tempura dreams
– Soy sauce destiny
I inhaled so deeply I nearly levitated.
The Bag
I tried to stick my entire head inside.
My human said “no.”
I pretended not to hear.
I tried again.
Still no.
Oppression.
The Takeout Spread (As Experienced Through Smell Only)
– Sushi: I could smell the ocean. I could taste the ocean. I was not allowed to eat the ocean.
– Tempura: Crunchy, golden, life‑changing. I know this because I heard the crunch and felt joy in my soul.
– Miso soup: Warm, comforting, and apparently “not for dogs,” which feels discriminatory.
– Ginger: I sniffed it. I sneezed. I regret nothing.
♂️ My Human’s Behavior
They sat down with chopsticks like a civilized adult.
I sat down like a starving Victorian street dog.
I gave them my best “I haven’t eaten in 400 years” eyes.
They gave me… a single grain of rice.
A single. Grain.
I accepted it with dignity.
Emotional Arc
– Hope
– Anticipation
– Betrayal
– Acceptance
– Renewed hope when the bag rustled again
– Betrayal (it was just napkins)
Final Verdict
Benkay takeout: 10/10
My human’s sharing skills: 2/10
Would I eat an entire sushi boat if given the chance? Absolutely.
Would I do crimes for a piece of salmon nigiri? Without hesitation.
Highly recommend. Will beg again.
… moreThe smells alone changed me as a person.
First Whiff
My human brought home a warm bag from Benkay, and the moment it entered the car, I knew greatness had arrived.
The aroma hit me like a spiritual awakening:
– Fresh salmon
– Warm rice
– Tempura dreams
– Soy sauce destiny
I inhaled so deeply I nearly levitated.
The Bag
I tried to stick my entire head inside.
My human said “no.”
I pretended not to hear.
I tried again.
Still no.
Oppression.
The Takeout Spread (As Experienced Through Smell Only)
– Sushi: I could smell the ocean. I could taste the ocean. I was not allowed to eat the ocean.
– Tempura: Crunchy, golden, life‑changing. I know this because I heard the crunch and felt joy in my soul.
– Miso soup: Warm, comforting, and apparently “not for dogs,” which feels discriminatory.
– Ginger: I sniffed it. I sneezed. I regret nothing.
♂️ My Human’s Behavior
They sat down with chopsticks like a civilized adult.
I sat down like a starving Victorian street dog.
I gave them my best “I haven’t eaten in 400 years” eyes.
They gave me… a single grain of rice.
A single. Grain.
I accepted it with dignity.
Emotional Arc
– Hope
– Anticipation
– Betrayal
– Acceptance
– Renewed hope when the bag rustled again
– Betrayal (it was just napkins)
Final Verdict
Benkay takeout: 10/10
My human’s sharing skills: 2/10
Would I eat an entire sushi boat if given the chance? Absolutely.
Would I do crimes for a piece of salmon nigiri? Without hesitation.
Highly recommend. Will beg again.
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.
… more“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.
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.
… moreDeoranie 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!
… moreFor 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!