Wow I didn't think it was possible, but they've improved a lot since taking over the old bento39. They're a 5 star restaurant now, and my biggest advice is to eat from their side menu. I will often skip the bentos and just get several sides because they are THAT good. Don't be scared of the side menu that have weird sounding items to Americans like the chicken skin, tendon, cartilage, etc., because they are amazing if you're into that texture. read more

I love Japanese bento and always stop by this place for lunch takeout whenever I am in Novi. I had Japanese style hamburger steak bento with ponzu & diakon oroshi sauce. The hamburger was good but the ponzu sauce didn't taste right. So I ate with soy sauce and daikon oroshi. I also ordered fried oyster bento for my husband. It came with both tartar sauce and tonkatsu sauce. The tartar sauce was store-made. Rice is high quality short grain Japanese rice. I really enjoyed overall. read more

Wonderful food which was not expected at this small nondescript place in a strip mall. Love the curry rice and quick and friendly service.

After eloping in New York City, my parents graciously hosted an impromptu wedding reception for my husband and I in my childhood home. We catered from Bento39 because my family is Japanese-American and we wanted to serve the food that we grew up eating and love. Though this store is known mostly for serving bento-style lunches, when we requested they cater our reception they happily accepted and exceeded our expectations! The spread that they prepared for us had tons of variety. It contained lesser known in America staples such as oseki-han (red rice that's eaten traditionally during celebrations), osechi (traditional New Year's foods such as fish and stewed vegetables), and better known foods such as chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and tonkatsu (pork cutlet fried with panko). I felt that it struck a good balance between traditional and modern Japanese food and it pleased all of my guests. The chicken karaage was particularly popular and delicious and I really enjoyed their potato salad. Bento39 also takes into consideration food sensitivities and preferences so I think that catering and eating lunch here can be a wonderful experience for everyone. In addition to the delicious food, the service is excellent. The owner, Yukari, took the order in such short notice and even offered to give us more chicken (sadly we didn't have enough time to wait for her complimentary chicken as we were in a rush to pick up our order!) and was just a delightful and warm person to interact with. I'd highly recommend coming into lunch and order catering here, the people truly care about their customers and the food is truly delicious. read more

See all

Food is fresh, made to order. Portion size seems a little small, but maybe that's because I am used to American sizes. Friendly manager.

This restaurant is very consistent and very good at what it does. The menu is quite limited though, and even before covid their kitchen is small. Food can take a little while to come out to you especially with their long order queue. The curry (tokatsu) is probably their best item, followed by the onigiri. I wish they had more items on the menu sometimes. They had closed for a while and reopened sometime during covid. read more

Thanks, Andy S., for the great review that inspired me to try Bento39! They recently put up a facade sign (about a month ago), so maybe this gem won't be quite so hidden going forward. When you walk in, you won't be able to read the menu unless you read Japanese. Not to worry, because there is a picture of every dish offered that day posted on a bulletin board. And if you ask the owner, as I did, he won't shy away from telling you what you should order. I followed his recommendation and ordered a delicious pork dish whose name I can't recall. It was pork, deep fried, then cooked with an egg. It was lightly covered in a delicious sauce over a bed of rice. And it was accompanied by a pickled root vegetable of unknown (to me) origin. Maybe parsnip? Anyway, it was yum, yum, yummy! My choice cost me only $9.00. Some choices are as low as $8.00. What a tasty, darn good deal! Thank you, Bento39, for being around the corner from my house. read more

Bento39 - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

We really enjoyed Bento39! We got the saba and katsu bento. Customer service was very friendly and efficient. Pandemic protocol was also well done with masks, sanitizer and distancing. The cost was very reasonable. Get your bentos!! read more

Bento39 - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

Learned from my coworker that Bento39 re-opened so we went there for lunch a few weeks ago. It is their start-up period, so I do see a lot of potential for the two new owners. The kitchen is run by two Japanese women and the food tastes very homemade. I had the saba shioyaki (grilled mackerel) bento and it was quite filling and really good. As another user stated, there was quite a bit of rice, but you can definitely eat everything in one sitting. It came with a lot of different okazu (side dishes) and a random dessert of the day. (Ex. A slice of baumkuchen / red bean mochi) This is currently a good place to go for lunch in Novi during the weekday since there's little to no wait time. The kitchen works its magic quite quickly. Tip: There's free hot tea and water if you dine in. If you call to place your order you can do it in Japanese or English. read more

Bento39 - Saba shioyaki bento - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

Very fresh and very tasty. Very high quality food! Every side dish is well prepared and delicious. I never expected the chicken to taste this good! Bravo Bento39. I will have to come back and try every other menu choices. read more

This is the best Japanese food I had in last 10 years. Excellent service and welcoming staff. I give 10 out of 10. Classical music added some relaxing environment. The best part was the food. It cannot be more delicious and authentic family meal than this. I ordered deep fried oyster bento and chicken karaage. Visual presentation is way higher than this price range. I was pleased and surprised with the prices, too. I left here with a big smile. read more

Honestly the BEST bento box -Salmon teriyaki and Chicken karaage - dine in the Japanese style bench table. Cutest Hole in the wall Bento to go place read more

See all

Great food and service. First time today but won't be the last..that's for sure! The food is fresh and the portion is sufficient as a bento box should be. read more

Nothing special. Beef teriyaki with hardly any sauce and tiny portions. Won't be returning.

My friend Katie recommended this bento shop. Its amazing. The owners are very nice..I say try everything because they never disappoint you. I enjoy eating here with Katie. I will akways come back here with my family from Hawaii. read more

I finally decided to try this place out. My overall experience was a very pleasant one. I really do think I will come again. Food: I got the pork cutlet bento. And it was great! The bento box reminded me of a cute bento box your mom and grandma would have prepared for you growing up. Pork was crispy. I liked the pickled side and mashed potatoes. It was also a fair serving for it's price. I also ordered the croquettes. It was delicious. The potatoes were very well mixed with veggies for the croquette. They have tea bags and water on the side for customers to help themselves. They also sell a small variety of bottled drinks. Price: I would say it is an extremely affordable place. Most bento boxes range from $8-$13. While appetizers and desserts are also around $4-$6. The portions are also pretty fair for it's price as well. Service: Upon entering, I was greeted by the cashier. He was very kind. He waited for me to decide on my order and took the order in very quickly and politely. He is also in charge of bringing the orders out and was very considerate in bringing utensils and napkins that you might need. Atmosphere: The place is extremely small so you will feel crowded. However, it gives off a very nice small cafe vibe where you can really just talk and get to know the others who are also eating there. read more

Bento39 - Pork Cutlet Bento - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

Hidden gem in a nondescript strip mall. Great quality bento boxes that is very reasonably priced. Gentleman taking orders and register is very professional and helpful. Each box is meticulously prepared with high quality ingredients. I recommend the tonkatsu bento. read more

Maybe I am missing something but I ordered the chicken and steak boxes with pot stickers and an octopus app and everything was meh. I am not sure if I should have asked for sauce or something but all of the food was insanely boring. I am not asking for the entire dish to be drenched in sauce but white rice with chicken and lettuce is bland AF. If someone can fill me in on what to expect maybe that will help. Overall the food was definitely not worth the hype. $30 down the drain. read more

Bento39 - Waste of $30 - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

First, this place has amazing food. It's just such a great deal for the quantity and quality of food you get. They have a really wide selection of options from fish and oysters to chicken and pork etc. Plus appetizers and dessert options! I've grabbed a bento for lunch here a few times and have never been disappointed! Second, the staff are always friendly, very attentive. The gentleman that I've interacted with on the register is super professional yet familiar. I feel very welcome here despite not having much experience with Japanese cuisine. Any questions I have had about food or availability of dishes he has been helpful and patient. If you're thinking about going here, make sure you give them a try! read more

I was shopping at Twelve Oaks when I decided to check this place off my list. While I was deciding what to order, I saw a sign stating that they are permanently closing December 23rd. I chose the chicken karaage bento and the pork katsu bowl. I chose two meals since they're closing soon. The chicken was moist and delicious. I had chicken karaage the previous week at Johnny Noodle King, and they are nowhere near Bento 39's level with this dish. The pork katsu is also another great choice. I'm going o miss this place, and I've only been here once. Other reviewers have me wanting to try the shrimp tempura. I must return before the 23rd. read more

They make a really amazing katsu curry. It's out of the way for us on most days, but its a must to eat here every time we're in the Novi area. read more

They have dango and mochi. Only place you can buy in Michigan which are not frozen. I live there lunch box too. Highly recommended

SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS PLACE! Yes, you can go to One World and get a bento box but the hospitality here is unmatched. I was told these are the new owners and they are just so lovely and friendly. The wife is in the back cooking and the husband is at the front of the house. I highly suggest eating there, as my dining companion and I made a friend (another diner) there during our first visit. I've only eaten the salmon bento box so far. FYI--If you dine in, you get a free water bottle. If you want portion control and good quality food, give this place a try. Don't come here to feast on big portions though, this isn't the place to do so, lol. Bon appetit! read more

Bento39 just re-opened last week after the last owner retired. The new owners used to run Sanka Tei back in day and are back! We ordered the salmon teriyaki box, hambagu and pork ginger, overall it was very tasty and I look forward to their upcoming new menu items! read more

Bento39 - Open until 8pm! - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

See all

This is a wonderful little authentic Japanese lunch spot. it is Novi's best keep little secret. Try it and you will love it.

Super authentic Japanese bentos. This is not a sushi restaurant! Fantastic curry, and delicious food made the proper Japanese way. Great prices, extremely polite small business owners. Fun Japanese drinks and free hot tea and bottled water. Definitely a must try for a real Japanese experience. read more

I ordered today's special (Japanese meatloaf) for Saturdays. It was delicious and very authentically Japanese. New owners but the chef is Japanese and they have excellent food and a good balance of meat, rice, and vegetables. A bit on a pricey side ($10.60 w tax) but I like the variety (10 or so menu items) which a nearby Japanese grocery (One World market) does not offer. It's very nice this place reopened and I'll be a regular customer here. read more

Bento39 - Japanese Near Me - Novi, Michigan

I'm in love with a bento....this delicious restaurant has bento boxes ranging from Katsu, ginger pork, karagee, and mackerel. I tried the karagee and it was delicious. The cooks and staff were so sweet and care about their products I can't wait to get back in Novi to try a more adventurous option. The price point was good at 10.00 or so for everything you get in the box including the protein, cabbage, rice, Kim chi , edemame, and other little surprises tucked in. My favorite potato salad was in this box. Help your self to complimentary water or hot tea! read more

I love their katsu curry. Super tasty ! The owner is very friendly and welcoming ! I will go back for sure

This place is the real bento place. Chicken nanban, as special menu every Friday, is the gem. Heavily recommend!!

The place is clean and the people were nice. The menu is not extensive, but the options were pretty good. The prices were reasonable. We enjoyed the bentos we picked up - Chicken Teriyaki, Katsu Don, curry rice and katsu, and shrimp tempura don. Would recommend to anyone who wanted a quick carry out of Japanese food. read more

Excellent food. Perfectly marinated. Chicken was crispy but not oily. The grilled mackerel was tasty. The best part was the owner. He was the most kind pleasant gentleman. read more

I love variety so I love a good bento and this place is a great addition to the area, even with One World nearby. The sort of place where it's worth going back for the changing daily specials too. read more

You can't beat this place's taste, home made nutrition, take out convenience, and reasonable cost all in one package! read more

See all

Stopped by for lunch. We got the takoyaki, tonkatsu, and ginger pork. Seriously the best takoyaki I've ever had (I haven't been to Japan yet). Both bento boxes had really delicious sides. The rice was plain, it would have been nice if it had been flavored with some vinegar. Overall, super tasty and fresh. Really friendly service as well. read more

I really enjoyed eating the food. I called ahead and asked if I could get a vegetarian bento and the person on the phone was so nice and willing to make a custom bento for me and it was surprisingly good. I tried their Chicken Karaage bento and it was delicious. Overall It was a perfect place to go pick something up and was still warm after a 20-minute ride home. read more

Their management was changed and they rebooted as new Bento 39.

This is another of those "hidden gem - buried in a strip mall" kind of places and, if you like Japanese food, definately worth checking out. The bento is fresh made to order so all the crispy things are still crispy and everything is fresh. Lots of different appitizers/sides are available and modest selection of canned and bottled Japanese beverages are as well. It's the best straight up bento I've had in years and reminds me of the great handmade bento at Koyama Shoten back in the 90s. read more

I made an order before I picked up. They were extra cautious about disinfection. It made me safe feeling Ordered Shiosaa Bento. Taste : 5 star Variety of side dishes: 5 stars Staff's service : 5 stars I was getting tired my cooking, it was yummy relief! read more

We frequent bento39 about once a week. It's nice to have a bento option in the novi area. Staff is very friendly and food is always delicious. read more