When people start planning a hibachi party, they usually face the same question: should we book a private chef to come to us, or should we take the group to a hibachi restaurant? Both are great options — but they're very different experiences, and the right choice depends on your group size, budget, and what kind of night you're going for. Here's an honest comparison.
Cost Comparison
Hibachi restaurant: Most hibachi restaurants charge $35–$65 per person for dinner, not including drinks, tax, or gratuity. For a group of 20, expect to pay $700–$1,300 in food alone — plus 18–22% gratuity, drinks, and potentially a private room fee. Total for 20 people: easily $1,000–$1,800.
Private hibachi catering: At HibachiLover, pricing is $55/adult and $30/child with a $550 minimum. For 20 adults that's $1,100 in food plus a travel fee (typically $30–$100 depending on your location). You provide the beverages, which saves significantly. Total for 20 people: $1,150–$1,250 in most markets.
Verdict: Private catering is often comparable in cost for groups of 15–25, and clearly cheaper for larger groups (30+ people) where restaurant buyouts and private room fees add up fast.
Experience Comparison
Hibachi restaurant: The classic experience — crowded tables shared with strangers, loud environment, great for date nights and small groups. The performance is fun but you're one of many tables.
Private hibachi catering: Your chef is exclusively there for your group. The entire performance is personalized — the chef knows whose birthday it is, makes jokes for your specific crowd, and tailors the show to your group's energy. You're at home, everyone is comfortable, and there's no waiting for a table or rushing to free up space for the next reservation.
Verdict: Private catering wins on experience, especially for birthday parties, anniversary dinners, and any event where you want the night to feel personal and exclusive.
Group Size
Hibachi restaurant: Most hibachi grills seat 8–10 people per table. For a group of 30, you'd need 3–4 tables — often split up, hard to coordinate, and noisy. Private room buyouts exist but are expensive ($500–$1,500+) and not always available.
Private hibachi catering: We serve groups from 10 to 150+. Everyone is together, in the same space, watching the same show. For groups of 20 or more, private catering is simply more practical and more fun.
Verdict: Private catering is significantly better for groups of 20 or more.
Convenience
Hibachi restaurant: Everyone has to drive to a single location, find parking, coordinate arrival times, and get seated together. For groups of 20+, this is a genuine logistical challenge.
Private hibachi catering: Your chef comes to you. No one has to drive — guests come to your home or venue, drinks are ready when they arrive, and you start when you're ready (not when the restaurant seats you).
Verdict: Private catering wins on convenience, especially for large groups or events where guests are coming from different directions.
When to Choose a Restaurant
- Your group is 8 people or fewer
- You want a spontaneous night out without planning
- You don't have outdoor or indoor space for a chef setup
- You're in an apartment with no suitable space
When to Choose Private Hibachi Catering
- Your group is 12 or more people
- It's a birthday party, anniversary, graduation, or milestone event
- You want a personalized, exclusive experience
- You have a backyard, driveway, patio, or garage available
- You want to control the drinks, music, and overall vibe
For most parties of 15 or more, private hibachi catering delivers a better experience at a comparable — or lower — total cost. Get a free quote for your event or book your date online. We're available 7 days a week at 646-814-9988.