BentOn Introduce
BentOn: A Taste of Authentic Japan in the Heart of New York City
In the vibrant and fast-paced environment of Midtown Manhattan, finding a truly authentic and high-quality meal that is both healthy and convenient can be a treasure hunt. BentOn, located at 156 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, is one such hidden gem. This unique establishment is more than just an Asian fusion restaurant; it's a dedicated Japanese delicatessen that specializes in traditional bento boxes and other Japanese comfort foods. BentOn proudly positions itself as a destination for "Japanese Healthy Fast Food," a concept that perfectly suits the needs of busy New Yorkers. The food here is a comforting escape, offering a taste of authentic Japanese home cooking with a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients. Unlike many commercialized Asian eateries, BentOn maintains a genuine connection to its Japanese roots, providing dishes that feel both simple and deeply satisfying. This commitment to authenticity is a major draw for both locals and visitors who are looking for more than just a quick meal; they are seeking a culinary experience that feels genuine. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Japanese cuisine or curious to try something new, BentOn offers a warm and welcoming introduction to the art of the bento box and beyond. The casual atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for a midday break or a quick dinner on the way home, providing a much-needed moment of calm and deliciousness in the middle of a bustling city.
Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Midtown East Gem
BentOn's location at 156 E 45th St places it squarely in the heart of Midtown East, a bustling business district teeming with office buildings, hotels, and commuters. This strategic position makes it an ideal spot for professionals seeking a high-quality lunch break that is a step above standard fast food. The restaurant is easily accessible from Grand Central Terminal, a major transportation hub that connects the city's subway lines and commuter rail networks. Its proximity to this station means that BentOn is a convenient stop for anyone traveling into or through the city. The surrounding streets are well-trafficked and pedestrian-friendly, making for a pleasant walk from nearby offices or subway stops. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, though it can be competitive in this busy area. While the reviews note that this specific location does not offer seating, the ease of access for takeout and delivery makes it a prime choice for a quick, on-the-go meal. The overall accessibility of the location is a key part of its appeal, allowing BentOn to serve a wide range of customers who value speed and convenience without sacrificing quality.
Services Offered: Catering to the On-the-Go Lifestyle
BentOn's service model is built around the needs of the modern urban dweller, prioritizing convenience and speed without compromising on the integrity of the food. The primary service options include delivery, takeout, and dine-in, although reviews indicate that the specific location at 156 E 45th St is primarily a takeout spot with no seating. This focus on grab-and-go convenience is a major advantage for its target audience of busy professionals and solo diners. The efficiency of the service means that customers can quickly pick up a prepared bento box or bowl and be on their way. BentOn is particularly popular for both lunch and dinner, offering a seamless experience for those with limited time. The offerings are centered around comfort food and healthy options, providing a balanced and appealing menu. Whether you're in the mood for a satisfying and substantial meal or a light, healthy bite, BentOn has something to offer. The concept of "Japanese Healthy Fast Food" is a service in itself, promising a quick and guilt-free meal. This unique combination of traditional food and modern convenience makes BentOn a standout choice for those seeking a quick, delicious, and healthy meal in a city where such options can be hard to come by.
Features and Highlights: Authentic Flavors and Thoughtful Offerings
What makes BentOn a truly special place are the unique features and authentic touches that distinguish it from other Asian eateries. The menu is a major highlight, focusing on traditional Japanese dishes like fresh daily bento boxes and donburi bowls, which are rice bowls with various toppings. These bento boxes are a complete meal, often featuring a variety of small, flavorful items, providing a balanced and exciting dining experience. Customer reviews highlight the authentic nature of the food, noting that it tastes more traditional than what is often found at more commercialized establishments. The variety of options is also a key feature, with a constantly rotating selection of daily bento boxes and bowls, keeping the menu fresh and enticing for repeat customers. The drink selection includes a variety of bottled teas like Green Tea, Roasted Green Tea, and Oolong Tea, complementing the meals perfectly. Beyond the main dishes, BentOn also offers traditional Japanese pastries and snacks, such as Japanese Pastry and Chocolate Mochi Doughnut, adding a sweet note to the savory options. The emphasis on healthy options and a quick bite makes BentOn a great choice for those who are health-conscious but don't want to spend a lot of time waiting for their food. The casual atmosphere makes it a relaxed and unintimidating place to grab a meal, and the acceptance of various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, adds to the convenience. The friendly and accommodating staff, as mentioned in customer reviews, also contributes to a positive and welcoming experience.
Contact Information
For more information or to inquire about their daily specials, you can contact BentOn at their Midtown location. Here is the key contact information:
- Address: 156 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017
- Phone: (212) 922-9778
What is Worth Choosing? The BentOn Advantage
Choosing BentOn is a decision to embrace a unique combination of authenticity, health, and convenience. In a city saturated with dining options, BentOn stands out by offering genuine, traditional Japanese cuisine that is both comforting and quick. The pre-packaged bento boxes are a fantastic solution for the busy New Yorker, providing a complete, balanced meal that is ready to go. The daily specials add an element of surprise and ensure that the food is always fresh and seasonal. For those who are looking for a healthy alternative to greasy fast food, BentOn's focus on nutritious, home-style dishes is a major draw. It caters perfectly to the solo diner, offering a non-intimidating and efficient experience. The affordability of the menu items is another significant factor, making high-quality, authentic Japanese food accessible to a wider audience. While the lack of seating might be a consideration for some, it is precisely what allows BentOn to excel at its core mission: providing excellent, ready-to-eat meals for those on the move. The positive reviews and dedicated customer base are a testament to the fact that BentOn has successfully carved out a niche for itself as the go-to spot for a quick, delicious, and genuinely Japanese meal in the heart of Midtown. It’s worth choosing BentOn for a meal that feels both special and incredibly convenient.
BentOn Vibe
Drink
- Green Tea (Bottled) $3.00
- Green Tea With Macha Powder (Bottled) $3.00
- Roasted Green Tea (Bottled) $3.00
- Oolong Tea (Bottled) $3.00
- Jasmin Tea (Bottled) $3.00
Pastry
- Japanese Pastry $3.50
Daily Bento
- Fresh Daily Bento (B) $16.00
- May, 21,Thursday-B $15.00
Teryaki chicken shrimp fry/white fish fry broiled eggplant with wafu sauce takoyaki /white rice.
- May, 21,Thursday-A $15.00
Broiled salted yellowtail, pork meatball with wafu veggies sauce braised vegetables, tofu, and kale salad(ume dressing), red quinoa mixed rice ぶりの塩焼き, 豚のミートボール和風野菜ソース, 野菜の煮物, 豆腐とケールのサラダ(梅ドレッシング), キヌアと白米の混ぜご飯.
Daily Bowl
- Fresh Daily Bowl (C) $13.00
- Fresh Daily Bowl (D) $13.00
- Cold Noodle (Hiyashi Chuka) $13.00
- Teriyaki Chicken SOBORO Don $13.00
☆English menu☆ -Teriyaki Chicken, Scrambled eggs, Cooked Salmon Flake over white rice -Red ginger pickles ☆Japanese menu☆ 照り焼きチキンそぼろ丼(鮭フレーク|照り焼きチキン|炒り卵) 紅生姜
BentOn Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid street parking
BentOn Photos










BentOn Location
BentOn Reviews
pricejapaneseonigirisellbakerydonutskaraagemochicafenoon
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I wouldn’t recommend the vegetarian bento but I would say it was more traditional than many other Asian bento boxes so I would try others with fish if I’m in the mood for more of a traditional bento. I would not recommend this for people who only like sushi and teriyaki tofu
April 29 · Jaye Aster BroderI love bento, especially if it is authentic Japanese bento. This spot call their offering “Japanese Healthy Fast Food” and offer bento box, sushi, donburi, and some pastries and other little snacks.I finally got to visit the store in Midtown on one weekend for lunch. The staff (lovely Japanese female) told me that shortly before we arrived, a large group of people came and bought out most of their bento boxes!!! So, there was not much selections left… And, it seems like their donburi items are offered during weekdays, not on weekends. Double punch there…We looked through their limited options, and picked up a few things that still looked really great. Since there is no seating in this location, we decided to take them home. The first item was their Pork Cutlet Curry, which comes with a small drink of your choice. We also bought a couple of rice balls and a Chocolate Mochi Doughnut.They were all rather simple yet comforting and pretty good flavor. I was super happy I finally got to visit BentOn. I would definitely go back again when I want something quick, comforting, tasty, and Japanese. They are super affordable, and if you get there before they ran out of their offerings, it is pretty enticing and exciting. I wish if this store was close to my office, then I could go there more often… Read my full review of this spot and food on my food blog, foodlovergirl.
June 01 · Foodlover GirlFood was decent and a little cheaper than other places. However, you need to get there at noon to get the best selection because they sell out quick. Got there at 12:30 and there was limited dishes left. Would try again.
September 14 · John LiangLet's get a Bento at Benton! This is a cute little place to get your lunch. Concentrating on home made style Japanese dishes, this take out joint puts it all together in a neat colorful package. If you think that's all they have then you are mistaken. They also have bread, ramen, curry, rice bowls, onigiri, soba, just to name a few. And on top of that, they have a menu that changes everyday. Pricing is average for a take out place like this.
November 30 · Charles YipThis place is amazing. They publish different menu everyday and when you go there you can choose between 3-4 options on daily basis. The food is perfection. Just be careful on time though. They are usually out of food by 2, so try going around noon.
May 23 · Garima Agarwal
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