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Bento NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bento NYC
7.6
Bento NYC is a compact sushi and bento counter on Third Avenue that leans hard into lunch combos and takeout. Office workers and locals rely on it for fast maki sets, teriyaki bentos, and straightforward rolls that are easy to grab between meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maki roll combo lunch specials, Chicken teriyaki bento lunch, Any 3-roll lunch set with miso soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Grab-and-go sushi and bento shop built around efficient lunch specials.
Who should go: Office workers needing fast, affordable sushi or bento.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush when combos turn over quickly.
What to order: Any 2–3 roll lunch combo, chicken teriyaki bento, miso soup.
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip the line during peak lunch hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Third Avenue is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and practical — office attire, athleisure, or jeans are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service bustle during lunch, otherwise fairly quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes at most for takeout; rarely any meaningful wait.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical; 15–20 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, veggie tempura, and vegetable bentos.
Vegan options: Limited — a few simple roll and bento-friendly options without sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and rice-based items work, but soy sauce and tempura are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date — it’s better suited for quick bites or takeout rather than lingering conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — but seating is very limited and most guests opt for takeout; arriving outside peak lunch helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple rolls, teriyaki, and bento boxes are great for kids, though stroller space inside is tight.
Best For
Better for: Fast lunch combos, affordable sushi rolls, and no-frills bento that fits into a tight workday schedule.
Skip if: You’re looking for an ambiance-driven dinner, a full-service experience, or premium-grade sushi.
Bento NYC
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Bento NYC is a Murray Hill workhorse for roll combos and Japanese comfort plates, leaning heavily on maki sets that travel well for takeout. With affordable two- and three-roll lunches plus larger sushi-sashimi trays, it’s a go-to when you want reliable rolls on a tighter budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Any 3-roll lunch special, Sushi regular with California roll, Tuna Lover sushi and roll combo
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume roll shop with generous combos and delivery-friendly sushi.
Who should go: Office crowds needing fast, affordable roll sets.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours for best roll combo pricing.
What to order: Any 3-roll lunch, Sushi Regular, Tuna Lover combo.
Insider tip: Stack a three-roll lunch with miso and salad for a full dinner-sized meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; nearby garages are the most reliable option during business hours.
Dress code: Casual to business casual — office attire, jeans, and sneakers all fit in easily.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally calm enough for solo meals and business conversations.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dinner hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days due to quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, cucumber avocado, sweet potato, and tofu-based options.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable rolls and plain avocado or cucumber rolls are the safest choices.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and some rolls can be modified, but cross-contact risk exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works better for casual lunch dates than romantic dinners — the vibe is practical and quick rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in successfully, especially during lunch and early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi and rice bowls; there is no dedicated kids menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Affordable roll combos, fast service, and consistent takeout reliability compared to pricier Murray Hill sushi spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want omakase, a romantic atmosphere, or highly creative specialty rolls.