BENIHANA bosses have given Glasgow diners a first look inside the teppanyaki restaurant as it prepares to open in the City Centre.

The Evening Times first reported at the beginning of last month how the Japanese favourite would be adding to Glasgow’s vibrant food and drink scene.

It is taking over the former Carluccio’s unit on West Nile Street which was asked to vacate the premises by its landlord earlier than expected.

The Italian eatery was due to close at the end of the year, but had to shut its doors for good on October 1.

READ MORE: Mystery as massive Glasgow City Centre BBQ restaurant suddenly shuts

Now, globally recognised teppanyaki steakhouse Benihana will soon be opening its doors with a 400m2 restaurant able to accommodate over 100 guests.

It is scheduled for opening in early 2019.

Benihana Glasgow will feature nine teppan tables where guests can experience a fast-paced performance of chopping and juggling by their own personal chef, something bosses say creates an “exciting and entertaining” teppanyaki-style dining experience for all ages.

The ground floor restaurant will occupy a dominant position, less than 100 metres from Glasgow’s prime shopping location on Buchanan Street, and close to Central Station.

READ MORE: City Centre basement bar shuts its doors to customers before Christmas

Guests will experience, for the first-time, a new interior design at Benihana, featuring a minimal palette and authentic materials, complemented by Japanese aesthetics.

Artist’s impressions released by the company show charred timber detailing and anime wall graphics.

Those passing and entering the restaurant will be greeted by a striking three-dimensional timber cladding exterior entrance.

The menu will showcase iconic teppanyaki favourites like Hibachi steak, chicken and shrimp, as well as sushi and sashimi.

There will also be a lively bar area for guests to enjoy an array of small dishes, sakes and beverages, including drinks from a newly-launched cocktail menu.

READ MORE: Carluccio’s Glasgow City Centre to shut earlier than planned

The opening is an exciting development for brand as it celebrates its 55th anniversary next year with the international group’s first venture into Scotland.

These developments are part of the planned expansion following the investment by billion-dollar Asian hospitality, lifestyle and restaurant leaders Minor International, that bought a 75% stake in Benihana (BAPL) earlier this year in April.

Richard Mackay, managing director at Benihana Ltd, described how the brand is a “pioneer” in introducing Japanese cuisine to global palates and has been “entertaining guests from all over the world” for over 50 years.

He added: “As the first restaurant to open in more than 20 years in the UK, it’s a milestone in our growth strategy for Benihana.

“This is an important period as the prised restaurant looks to evolve, both through new bricks and mortar, as well as culinary experience.”