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    Bento Express

    4.2 (260 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed Closed

    Bento Express Photos

    BENTO EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Bento Express

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    Reviews With Photos

    Salads
    katey a.

    AMAZING DEALS lunch and dinner bentos! We went for dinner and it's a small place so it gets filled pretty fast. 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. The place is a smaller location but super cute! Bathrooms are available. 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. The inside is quite cozy, with a ma and pa restaurant vibe. 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. The ambiance is cozy and has a warm feeling about it. I always enjoy sitting by the sushi bar, where the chef prepares my rolls before me. 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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    Photo of Dave R.
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    4 months ago

    Great location that feels like you're in another country. Friendly and close to downtown!

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    18 days ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    MY FAVORITE PLACE EVERRR! food is always amazing here and the service is a 100/100 love it so much

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    4 months ago

    Amazing service and great food. Beautiful atmosphere with a very welcoming vibe. A must try.

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The best affordable Japanese food in Bakersfield. The staff is always friendly too :)

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    I love everything about this place. The food is always fresh and delicious! Owners and chefs are amazing. Always fantastic service and food!

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

    One of the best places to get sushi in town. Owner is very welcoming and kind, gives recommendations on what to try.

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    The intimate atmosphere, service, and outstanding food combine for a genuine Japanese experience.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Bento Express

    Is it all you can eat?

    No. But well worth the price!

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    Kuma Sushi

    Kuma Sushi

    4.7(299 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$
    Takes reservations
    Happy hour specials

    Kuma Sushi was a pleasant surprise. The ambiance is contemporary with a unique feel. The space is…read moreopen and airy, making it comfortable and inviting. One thing I noticed was the mix of different tables and chairs throughout the restaurant. It almost feels like a hodgepodge of furniture, but somehow it works and fits the contemporary vibe rather than feeling out of place. The food was excellent, the service was friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. We received our food surprisingly fast, which was a nice bonus. There was a mistake with one of our rolls, but the staff handled it well. They quickly remade the roll and brought us a replacement at no charge, which I really appreciated. One of the highlights was a custom roll with jalapeño, avocado, and asparagus. I added cream cheese and had it deep fried, and it honestly tasted like a sushi version of a jalapeño popper. It was absolutely amazing and something I would order again in a heartbeat. Overall, it was a great experience from start to finish. Good food, good service, reasonable prices, and a unique atmosphere. I would definitely recommend giving Kuma Sushi a try.

    Had ordered from the restaurant before on DoorDash and this time I decided to pop in. I was…read morepleasantly surprised at how cute the space is. The parking is a bit of a challenge right now due to the construction in downtown. However, there is a lot right next to them that you can park in and there is also parking on the street directly in front of their door. The restaurant is modern and decorated in Asian theme. The bathroom and the restaurant is very clean. And the staff was very attentive, professional, and very pleasant. I enjoyed the food I ordered via DoorDash, but this time I got it fresh right out of the kitchen and the counter, and it was amazing. We started with the jalapeño bomb, and mixed tempura in a size small. Both those appetizers were delicious and perfect for sharing. Then we ordered a California roll on soy paper, the Kuma special sushi roll, and the creamy salmon roll. Everything was fresh and very shareable. We could've easily shared our meal with two other people needless to say we had leftovers to take home. I definitely recommend this place and I look forward to going back. There are other things on the menu such as fried rice, udon, and teriyaki plates. They also had a couple of desserts, so I am definitely planning on trying one of those. Enjoy!

    Photos
    Kuma Sushi
    Kuma Sushi
    Kuma Sushi

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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
    Ahi Sushi - Interior

    Interior

    Ahi Sushi - Tempura , Chicken Teriyaki

    Tempura , Chicken Teriyaki

    Ahi Sushi - Diablo, Salmon sashimi

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    Diablo, Salmon sashimi

    Kyoto Japanese Grill - Chicken teppanyaki and spicy tuna roll

    Kyoto Japanese Grill

    4.4(167 reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    SUCH GREAT FOOD!! All the high quality and freshness of a Japanese restaurant, served faster than…read moreany fast food restaurant. The dining area was very clean and tastefully decorated. From what I could see of the kitchen, it was so shiny and spotless. The gentleman that took my order was very professional and helpful, the lady that gave me my order was very polite and attentive. The menu is simple but perfect, I had their salad with ginger dressing, and the best Las Vegas roll I have EVER had in my whole life. The breading tastes like a perfectly fried hush puppy, and WOW! This is definitely my new go to spot for Japanese food

    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
    Kyoto Japanese Grill - Shrimp plate double rice.

    Shrimp plate double rice.

    Kyoto Japanese Grill - Front entrance

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    Front entrance

    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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