New York City is filled with big, fancy steakhouses, and you should look no further than Benjamin Steakhouse Prime, where splurging is definitely worth it. This family-owned restaurant was founded nearly twenty years ago and offers the most remarkable cuisine, personable service, and sophisticated setting—making it the perfect place to gather with friends and loved ones this holiday season.
Located in Midtown Manhattan at 23 East 40th Street, the culinary team behind Benjamin Steakhouse Prime provides a refined yet luxurious dining experience that you’ll never forget. Serious steak lovers will especially love this restaurant. Premium meats—including porterhouses, New York sirloins, bone-in rib-eyes, filet mignons, and even rack of lamb—are on the menu for guests to indulge.
On a recent Thursday night in November, The Knockturnal tasted the porterhouse for two, and the execution was flawless. It yielded a succulent and tender tenderloin, while the other side of the bone had a flavorful striploin. It was prepared medium rare and had a deep brown crust, while the inside was tender and juicy. The meat literally melted in our mouths with each bite.
Photo by Tim Stypulkowski
Our fantastic waiter, Chris, recommended that we have the porterhouse “Oscar-style,” where the steak is topped with crab meat, seared asparagus, and a rich Hollandaise sauce. The mix of surf and turf elevated the dish and made it even more extravagant and delicious. We highly recommend trying “Oscar-style.”
As for the sides, Benjamin Steakhouse Prime delivers a good mix of classic dishes and creative twists that offer a balance of flavors and textures that add to the steak entrée. For example, the delectable mashed potatoes were thick yet creamy, the creamless creamed spinach was tasty, the grilled jumbo asparagus seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt was perfection, and the lobster mac and cheese was a real standout. Their version of this high-brow, low-brow mashup had large chunks of lobster that were rich, sweet, and had a buttery flavor that complemented the creamy and cheesy pasta. Definitely order this!
Benjamin Steakhouse Prime also excels with appetizers. Before the steak and sides, order the baked clams, which were a real winner. Also, try the Italian burrata that is served with tomato marmalade, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and aged balsamic reduction. The dish was yummy, as well as the seared scallops with celery root puree and caviar beurre blanc. You can’t go wrong with anything on the appetizers list. The eatery’s menu also includes a fresh raw bar, like a selection of East and West Coast oysters, chilled lobster, and Long Island Little Neck clams. Their seafood section was extremely fresh and quite sublime.
In addition, the lavish restaurant boasts a world-class wine cellar offering outstanding reds and whites as well as stiff and proper cocktails. Their dessert is mighty as well. Their New York-style cheesecake is incredible and to die for. We could eat this every day if we could. Their chocolate molten lava cake is also a must-order.
Owners Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj pride themselves on treating every guest like family, and the service at Benjamin Steakhouse Prime exceeded all expectations. A cadre of servers glided through the stylish dining room and provided the best customer service. Our waiter, Chris, was attentive, knowledgeable about every dish, communicative, and anticipated our needs. He never hovered over us, yet was always present if we needed something. Benjamin Steakhouse Prime’s General Manager, Bruno Brahimaj, was also very personable, approachable, and had a genuine demeanor. He has created an environment that is welcoming for all guests to enjoy a no-fuss meal and feel valued.
Courtesy of Benjamin Steakhouse Prime
Since 2006, the family-owned and operated Benjamin Restaurant Group has continued to provide the most extraordinary dining experience to guests. They also operate Benjamin Steakhouse (located at 52 East 41st Street) and The Sea Fire Grill. Benjamin Steakhouse is an ode to the classic steakhouse, while Benjamin Prime is more of a modern, contemporary take on a steakhouse that highlights the grill with more seafood options. Prime’s space is composed of 10,000 square feet that houses an expansive main dining room featuring classic, comfy décor, accentuated by modern touches, and offers five customizable private dining spaces for seating of 100-plus guests.
Really, there’s nothing better than a satisfying steak. For those looking for premium cuts of meat expertly aged, seasoned, and cooked, Benjamin Steakhouse Prime is the spot. Their exquisite and premium offerings make them one of the best and enticing steakhouses in all of New York City. But it’s their hospitality and pleasant staff that make them a truly outstanding steakhouse and an unparalleled dining experience for any occasion. Make a reservation now!
