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    Bento Express

    4.2 (260 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Bento Express Photos

    Business Info

    BENTO EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Bento Express

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    Reviews With Photos

    Salads
    katey a.

    AMAZING DEALS lunch and dinner bentos! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went for dinner and it's a small place so it gets filled pretty fast.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our bento came with 8 piece California roll, chicken teriyaki, salad, shrimp tempura & vegetable tempura, one egg roll, 2 mandus, and some soup. It was so much that we had leftovers and enjoyed it the next day. The service was great, and we were helped with anything and everything. Wanna come back

    Diana S.

    I loved the quick service and attentiveness. Very sweet people helping you get your food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is a smaller location but super cute![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathrooms are available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the regular ramen and gyoza for less than $20. It was good taste and I would come again

    Albert M.

    This was the first Japanese restaurant I have been to when I moved here 20 years ago. Someone scheduled a work lunch here so I get to finally put in a review. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside is quite cozy, with a ma and pa restaurant vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waiter is like a grandpa, very quiet but very efficient. The dumpling appetizer was amazing. The rolls are pretty good. Just like I remembered

    Bento Teriyaki chicken
    Jason Z.

    I took a friend to Bento Box and the food was good. The tempura, miso soup, teriyaki chicken all were fresh and cooked perfectly. The server was interesting, he was an older man who said very little and grunted when we asked about different items. I would rather have good food and a cranky old server than good service and terrible food. I would go back!

    Unagi Donburi

    This place is awesome. Friendly service and a great unagi rice bowl. First time I've seen an unagi donburi with bonito flakes and tobiko!

    4 pieces of fresh sushi
    Ludger Q.

    Haven't been to Bento Express in years! They're located off Oak and Truxton near Jake's Tex Mex. I got the chicken terriyaki with 4 pieces of sushi lunch bento. Called in the order right when they opened and said come on by. Got there in less than 10 minutes and it was already packaged and ready! Food was great. Fish was fresh. Portions are generous. Service was A-1!

    Britt C.

    This is located at a busy intersection Truxton and Oak. The parking situation is horrible. I have wanted to try this place for a while. It is small inside, so depending on the time you come, you might not get seating. The older man that was the server, let's just say he's not the most friendly. We ordered the bento box with teriyaki beef, and the heart attack appetizer. When we were served the miso soup we didn't receive spoons, seems like the norm. The food was delicious, so we would return for that. 3/11/24

    Island breeze roll
    V. H.

    I love coming here! Its down the block from my work and its my favorite treat-myself-to lunch spot. The service is always so friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is cozy and has a warm feeling about it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I always enjoy sitting by the sushi bar, where the chef prepares my rolls before me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love the sushi here. It's tasty and affordable. I recommend trying this hidden gem.

    Maricel P.

    I have been coming to this sushi spot for years, but it was the first time in a really long time. I had worked downtown for 10yrs and this was my "go to" place since I worked down the street. Not a lot has changed inside and I think the first time we visited was back in 2003-2005ish. The place looks exactly the same. It's crazy to see that this spot used to be our sushi place back in the day and now Bakersfield has tons of sushi places. Our recent service was just okay. The gentleman that was serving us didn't seem too friendly and we felt rushed to eat. It wasn't a busy day, so I know it's not that they needed tables. It just felt like he wanted us out the moment we got in there. The service definitely felt different then a long time ago. It used to be a lady on the floor and she was always pleasant, I wonder if she still works here. I would love to come back again one day, I just don't think it's anytime soon. Parking is small, and lunch rush is horrible. You won't be able to find a parking spot, but dinner time or odd times usually isn't bad. The traffic on both sides of the street doesn't help either. This is a nice sushi place and I think you should check them out, you might have a different experience than me.

    Sushi and Sashimi Combo Boat

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    Review Insights

    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Good & well portioned food, and friendly staff. Little place but has good selection. Will be back when we drive through Bakersfield again.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good food and nice little spot, and the people are so nice I like it there the beef bento box lunch special totally worth it!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Such a great family owned business. Bento box was loaded with options.?Yummy food. Huge portions. I had take out and will return again soon.

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    2 years ago

    Best Sushi in Bakersfield. Love that they have yellowtail in their rolls. Try the Chef Specials! #33 is the best!

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Awesome Pho & love the home made meatballs!!!! Their Korean bbq beef is delicious too.

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    3 years ago

    It's not just a California roll with a different sauce or fish it's amazing the service is always superb

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Amazing service! Really good bowl of simple ramen, nice and spicy! Teriyaki chicken bento with sushi... 5 stars!

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    4 years ago

    This is my favorite sushi place in Bakersfield! The owners are so sweet and the rolls are amazing! Definitely recommend.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    This place is the perfect spot for a quiet lunch/dinner with good company. The servers are also really attentive and friendly.

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I like this place during off hours. The food is good, and the service is okay, but during lunch or dinner, it is crowded and noisy.

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    First time at Bento... the food was delicious. I'll be bringing my husband for lunch soon .

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    4 years ago

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    Page 2 of 7

    Ask the Community - Bento Express

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    Ahi Sushi

    Ahi Sushi

    4.8
    (399 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    Ahi Sushi is a family favorite! We've been coming to this restaurant since it was Ninja…read more This place is a hidden gem, located next to a Little Caesars in the Rosedale Shopping Center. When you walk inside, you're immediately greeted. The service has always been great! It's a nice, cozy vibe. The sushi bar is to the left of the entrance and there's booth-style seating on the right side by the wall. I love ordering their tempura rolls. The hot night roll and super dragon roll are some of my top picks! And their rolls are very filling. Great portion size! I love getting their green tea fried ice cream for dessert. Perfect sweet treat to end the meal!

    Very clean establishment, especially their restrooms. Dim…read morelighting is always a favorite for me, especially when I'm out with my hubby. We had dinner here and it was both of our first-time. I really hate that I have to give this place a 4 but it's because the spicy edamame was not to my liking and they do not carry pineapple soju. The food is definitely a must try, especially the beautiful yellowtail sashimi. The seafood yakisoba was so delicious. I did not care much for the baked salmon roll, Love Sushi takes first place for that roll and Prime Sushi take first place for spicy edamame. The crazy tuna roll I ordered was so big! The crunchy pieces on top can stand to sit in some absorbing paper towels because they were a bit oily but went well with the Tuna dance. I personally did not care for the bluefin tuna. Overall my babe and I enjoyed our dinner and will most definitely return for more.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Tempura , Chicken Teriyaki
    Tempura , Chicken Teriyaki
    Diablo, Salmon sashimi

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    Diablo, Salmon sashimi
    Kyoto Japanese Grill

    Kyoto Japanese Grill

    4.4
    (165 reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    AHHHHHHH!!!I adore this place so much!! Any day I choose to go to this place makes it a great day…read more It has some of the best fried rice I've ever had. Their meats are so tender and their vegetables are so soft. And you are even give sauces to dip them in that make the experience just golden! The service is excellent!! The people behind the counter are so nice! I await my next visit here with great longing.

    I've officially reached my limit with Kyoto! For over $20 a plate, I could go to an actual…read moreteppanyaki restaurant and at least get a dinner show out of the deal. Instead, I'm paying premium prices to sit under fluorescent lights and question my life choices. The "Combo" Math that Isn't Mathing Then there's the pricing logic--or lack thereof. Why does a chicken and steak combo cost 20% more than the steak plate alone? * Standard Logic: A combo price should land somewhere between the cost of the chicken and the steak. * Kyoto Logic: "Since you want both, we're going to tax your indecisiveness." Either they have zero respect for their customers, or they're catastrophically bad at math. I'm betting on the latter. Honestly, I could buy a Blackstone grill for the cost of three or four visits to this place. The "Service" (If You Can Call It That) To top it off, the customer service is abysmal. The staff acts personally offended by your very existence. Even the older gentleman--who I assume is the owner--is the worst of the bunch. He radiates a vibe that says, "I hope you choke on that brown rice." Final Verdict: This is the last time they get a dime from me. I'm taking my business to my backyard.

    Photos
    Kyoto Japanese Grill
    Shrimp plate double rice.
    Shrimp plate double rice.
    Chicken plate

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    Chicken plate
    SushiKo

    SushiKo

    4.1
    (393 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    Updating my review.. They hit all the high notes…read moreWe came at an off peak hour, but the waitress was very attentive & helpful My daughter loved the Miso soup We got a baked lobster roll and the Las Vegas roll. High notes for me, -the rolls were a good size but not so huge that I couldn't eat in 1 bite -the eel sauce & Japanese mayo was perfectly Umami, so tasty -The wasabi was perfectly spicy -food wait time was not too long -our drinks were never empty -the chopsticks were nice, not the cheap trash you usually get -the mood is set bc it's a little dark in there, with good music.hope I get to go on a date here soon .. still a great place for Sushi, They have added Poke bowls too

    I was brought here as a surprise, and what a wonderful surprise it was . The service was fast and…read moreefficient. The waitress was friendly and considerate. The restaurant is clean , modern and feels elegant yet still inviting. We ordered miso soup , shrimp gyoza , mango mango as well as the Cajun roll . I was pleasantly surprised at how fresh everything was. The mango mango roll melted on your tongue ,it was absolutely incredible. This was by far the best mango roll I've ever had . The Cajun roll was spicy and delicious. The miso soup was so flavorful and warm , the perfect temperature.The shrimp gyoza was crispy and bursting with flavor. I enjoyed everything so much , I can't wait to visit again .

    Photos
    Photo of dinning hall
    Photo of dinning hall
    SushiKo
    Junmai Ginjo Sake

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    Junmai Ginjo Sake
    Shoyu Sushi

    Shoyu Sushi

    4.6
    (425 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    Always a great experience here! Even on a busy Friday night, we were seated quickly and the service…read morestayed efficient and friendly. The staff is warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in. The ambiance is lively with an open-concept layout, so if you're looking for a quiet or intimate setting, this might not be the spot, but the food makes up for it! I ordered the spicy chicken noodles, and the portion was very generous. I personally wished it had a bit more heat. We also tried the spicy edamame and the 8-piece gyoza. Both were excellent!

    It had been a few years since our last visit to Shoyu Sushi, so we decided to stop by again, this…read moretime dining inside instead of taking food to go. I'm glad we did, because it gave us a whole new feel for the place. Inside isn't massive, but it's not cramped either. Think of it like the Goldilocks of restaurant spaces: just right. The vibe leans calm and cozy, dim lighting, black walls, and splashes of color here and there. It's got that "peaceful sushi zen" atmosphere without being boring. Our waitress deserves a medal (or at least an extra roll on the house). She was the only one working the floor, yet somehow managed to be friendly, attentive, and efficient all at once. Multitasking level: expert. Now onto the food, which is really why we came back. We ordered a spread: two teriyaki chicken plates, one chicken ramen bowl, an order of sushi crunch rolls, egg rolls, a large pineapple sake, a beer, and two iced teas. (Yes, we came hungry. Don't judge.) Everything came out quickly, hot, and fresh. The chicken was juicy, the rice perfectly cooked, and the little bed of veggies under the teriyaki chicken was tender-crispy and surprisingly addictive. Whoever thought of tucking those under there deserves a raise. The ramen had bold flavors that hit the spot, and the sushi rolls lived up to their name, they really were crunchy and delicious. Now, the egg rolls. Let me tell you, these might just be the best I've ever had. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and stuffed with flavor on the inside. The kind that makes you regret ordering only one plate. Drinks? The beer was cold (and surprisingly affordable), the iced teas were strong and refreshing, and the pineapple sake... well, it was different, let's just say it's not everyone's cup of tea. Personally, I'll stick to tequila, lol, but my husband happily claimed the sake as his new favorite. Win-win. Prices here are fair and budget-friendly, which is always nice to see at a sushi spot. The place was clean and well-kept, and I'm happy to say it still holds up just as well as when I ordered takeout years ago. Bottom line: Shoyu Sushi is still doing its thing, fresh food, good prices, relaxing vibe, and service that makes you feel taken care of. If you want sushi that crunches, teriyaki that comforts, and egg rolls that just might ruin all other egg rolls for you, this is the spot.

    Photos
    Shoyu Sushi
    Shoyu Sushi
    Shoyu Sushi

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    Bento Express - sushi - Updated August 2026

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