Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bento39

    4.7 (134 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Seafood
    Closed Closed

    Bento39 Photos

    BENTO39 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for kids

    More like Bento39

    Recommended Reviews - Bento39

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu as of 2/3/26
    Henry T.

    We started going here after our local restaurant re t closed down. It is good. Simple menu, but good food.

    Beef Teriyaki bento, my 3 year old's fave menu item:)
    Rin G.

    I love the bentos here. A lil pricey imho but the flavor is really good so I personally don't mind it. I saw that the chefs in the back were Japanese women and they smiled whenever they popped their head out from back so from then I had the impression that the food would be made with care & love lol. All jokes aside, it was very authentic tasting. Lived in Asia for a few years and visited Japan often while overseas and this place serves food that tastes like it is made in Japan! We usually change up our orders whenever we visit but my toddler loves the teriyaki beef bento & my husband loves their katsu don. I really like the teriyaki beef taste & I am trying to replicate it at home to little avail haha. But yeah, great place, no complaints, the workers all seem friendly and the food comes out timely & pretty:)

    Lunch special: $12
    Doug R.

    Authentic Japanese bento! It is a small operation with a few tables and plenty of counter space. Yukari is the best owner/chef. She knows her craft! Will I return? Yes!

    Pork bowl
    Joy W.

    I love this place so much. They are so nice and kind and the food is amazing! This is my go to place for amazing Japanese food. The place is small but it feels so big and warm. The prices are so affordable for the amount of food.

    Menu Specials (Friday)
    Albert T.

    Bento39 is an amazing bento restaurant. It's legitimately better than many bento shops in Japan - they actually cook all meals to order instead of having them pre-boxed in the morning and sitting on the counter or in the fridge for hours. You can expect all the fried items to be crisp, the rice to be moist, and the sides to be fresh. They also have rotating specials each day. I always make sure to stop by when I'm in town, which means I went two days in a row this week. Most of the meals come with a variety of sides that are probably changed out on occasion. This time they had: 1. Hijiki - a salad with seaweed, sesame, carrot, pea, white bean, lotus root, shiitake mushroom. 2. A mixed seaweed and sesame salad. 3. Lightly dressed cabbage and cucumber 4. Shredded pickled daikon 5. Mandarin orange jelly - this is extremely soft jelly, falls apart very easily 6. Japanese-style potato salad (more like mashed potato) with a grape tomato and apple chunk. 7. Perfectly cooked koshihikari rice Katsu Curry ($11) - Slight crisp on the katsu, curry is slightly sweet with chunks of carrot and potato. There are small pieces of beef in the curry. Taste is definitely a lot sweeter than, say, S&B Golden Curry. A little spicy too. Traditional fukujinzuke on the side to refresh the palate. Saba-Shio ($11) - The mackerel is fatty with a scorched salty skin, tender meat inside. Just beware of bones while eating this! It came with a a small amount of sweet stewed white beans. Quite sweet and the beans are pretty al dente. Chicken Nanban ($11) - This dish is quite rare to find in the US and Bento39 has a fantastic rendition. Egg battered chicken thigh, almost feels like a fatty skin on the chicken. Comes doused in a sweet and tangy sauce with creamy tartar sauce. Highly recommended. Friday/Saturday special. Spicy Pork Karaage ($11) - Totally different from chicken karaage. Seems to be juicy pork loin, fried without much breading, if any, and dusted with dried seaweed. Not spicy, despite the name. Thursday/Friday Special. Menchi Katsu ($11) - Very interesting, pretty different from the menchi katsu I've had in the past. The meat here isn't as finely grounded, instead is quite coarse and mixed with pickled napa cabbage perhaps. Comes with tonkatsu sauce and a small bit of mustard to dip in. Thursday/Friday Special. Curry Croquettes ($6) - It's a normal mashed potato croquette with curry powder mixed in. Slight crisp, well seasoned, with a side of tonkatsu sauce, and cabbage. They also have complimentary sencha, hojicha, and candies to have with and after your meal. I see some other reviews complaining about portion size - these bentos are Japanese portion sized, not American! If you just want to stuff your face and eat until you are bursting, Bento39 is not the place to go. But if you want delicious authentic Japanese cuisine, look no further. If I lived nearby, I would go to Bento39 all the time...

    Chicken Karage Bento

    The cashier was very friendly and helpful when we had questions about menu items. Overall good experience when ordering and the food itself was really good and tasted very fresh. The only thing I would say is that I just wish the portions were just a smidge bigger but it was still a great deal for the amount of food ! I would definitely come and try other menu items given the chance.

    Christal P.

    A small and casual bento restaurant with friendly staff. A large variety of main dishes, soups, appetizers, and desserts. Complimentary Japanese tea and candy are an added plus. The taste is mediocre. Fine for a quick takeout meal, but I prefer One World Market for larger bentos, better taste, and lower price than Bento 39. That being said, Bento 39 is closer to downtown Northville and is an acceptable option when one is not near the One World Market neighborhood. I eat here around 1-2 times a year, but it isn't good enough for me to crave it often.

    Katsu curry and dashi marinated eggplant- delicious!
    Lani B.

    I stumbled across this gem after getting a massage in the same plaza, and I'm so glad I did! They offer several types of bento, different proteins, different veg, different sauces, as well as onigiri and other Japansse specialties. On my first visit, I had Katsu curry and dashi marinated eggplant and both were excellent! Flavorful and exactly what you'd imagine it would be. I really appreciated that they had large pictures and descriptions of each dish, so rookie eaters cam know exactly what they are ordering! The gentleman working the register was great, and gave me several other restaurant recommendations as I'm new to the area. 10/10 will be back!

    Aliya S.

    A nice new little bento place in Novi. It's a very chill place to just eat by yourself or with some friends. The chicken bento I got was good, but if you aren't used to a softer chicken skin texture , then I don't recommend it (my friend didn't like it). There are many bento options and I definitely want to try some more! The owner was kind and you can buy some snacks there as well.

    Sides and dessert menu
    Tiffany T.

    My friend and I were trying to find a new restaurant to try and they suggested this takeout spot. My friend called to make sure we could dine in and was told that they did offer a few tables that we could eat at. When we arrived we were immediately greeted and I was happy to see pictures of every menu item with English descriptions as well as Japanese. Before we got our food I notice the steady flow of customers so I already knew it would be good. And it was! The soup was perfect. I tried the fried shrimp and fried oysters. It all tasted very fresh and was very filling. Will definitely try it again.

    Hannah C.

    My friends and I went to Bento39 in Novi and was pleasantly surprised. The people were very friendly. Credit cards accepted. I got the Katsu Curry, Teriyaki Salmon and Spicy Pork bentos and they were delicious. The curry was thick and savory and the katsu was juicy. My friends liked their bentos as well. My friend said the sweet and spicy pork was very sweet, not so spicy, and very tender. Prices were reasonable for Japanese cuisine. There is a small place to eat, but would not recommend coming here with a large party. Will definitely go back!

    From bottom up: Chicken Karaage Bento, Dango, Curry Croquette, and Fried Shrimp Bento
    Anna B.

    Delicious authentic Japanese food! The rotating specials add even more diversity to an already great menu. The service and food was excellent. We dined in and enjoyed looking at all the cute Japanese decor. We will be back!

    Oden
    Jacqui T.

    This is one of my favorite places to get lunch in Novi! They are currently doing a special on oden for the winter, which I was very excited about since I haven't seen oden available at a lot of places. Walking in the place is fairly simple with some tables set up for people who want to dine in. The customer service is amazing, and I always feel like I'm eating a home cooked meal when I come here. The oden was light and very tasty, with daikon, chicken, potato, and fish cakes. I also highly recommend the curry rice (some of the best in Novi).

    Katsudon

    See all

    7 years ago

    I love the taste of each item. They are made carefully and mindfully from scratch by a Japanese chef. Also, the price is very reasonable.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julia K.
    49
    129
    48

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Summer F.
    105
    58
    16

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam S.
    0
    30
    64

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian L.
    103
    25
    8

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karen H.
    38
    25
    41

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken T.
    1
    44
    25

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Very welcoming. It is my first time here (here right now), the owners are local, and the food is yummy and reasonably priced!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yuko K.
    14
    94
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N B.
    3
    117
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Customers almost all Japanese. Inexpensive, delicious, and genuine. Packed house.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lin Y.
    11
    28
    0

    7 years ago

    Good fresh authentic Japanese bento box. Price is just right. Cheaper than eating at Japanese restaurant.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly V.
    6
    215
    11

    12 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ellaina L.
    316
    62
    164

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Very authentic Japanese food! The food is fresh and the curry is the best I've had. Would definitely come again

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ashley L.
    196
    26
    23

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M P.
    0
    4
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    hidden gem. they have great food and bento was cooked to order. wish i knew of this place earlier. i'm definitely coming back for more.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 4

    Bento39 Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bento39

    Do they offer substitutions for people with allergies to shellfish? (I love Japanese food, but often have to eat Vegetarian because of the shellfish/crustacean allergy I…

    In my experience, yes! I catered from here for my wedding reception and asked us if there were any food sensitivities that needed any accommodating. Though we did not have any needs to be accommodated at that time, the fact that they asked says to… Read more

    View All 3 Questions

    Tirami Su Italian Restaurant of Northville

    Tirami Su Italian Restaurant of Northville

    3.9
    (176 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Wonderful evening for seven of us. The hostess was able to accommodate a reservation for us. She…read moreworked with us to find a time at the last minute that would work. We much appreciated her help. Service by Jason was very good. We enjoyed the old world ambience, but it was very loud we must say. The food was spectacular. We began with the classic calamari and the daily special stuffed peppers. Both were outstanding. We especially liked the stuffed banana peppers. They were supposed to be very spicy, but they really weren't. Highly recommend them. A few of us had salads, which would nice especially the Caesar. The veal Michelangelo got rave reviews and was outstanding. The seafood was perfectly cooked with the veal and the sauce was amazing. The Veal Marsala likewise was wonderful. The veal was tender, the mushrooms, fresh, and perfectly cooked, and the marsala wine sauce was delicious. I've had this same dish, many places, and without question this was or close to the best I've ever tasted. We had three kids meals, which were all very good and very large portions. The lasagna was a huge hit as the penne pasta. The fettuccine Alfredo was wonderful, but too rich for the kids, so the adults enjoyed it! Desserts were all nice. The peanut butter cake, gelato, and Tartufo Dark. We had tried to order one order of gelato with two different flavors, but it came out with three orders of gelato each with three scoops. So definitely a mistake we got charged for, but it didn't matter because the kids ate it all anyway. The Tartufo Dark was the standout!

    The most lovely and welcoming people work here! Always have to give them A shout out! Tonight, a…read morehuge kudos to Jennifer who remembers each little nuance and special attention to detail. She is so warm and kind! Tonight, we tried one of the specials and I would definitely get this again, it was really excellent! Try the chicken spiedini! Breaded chicken stuffed with ham, mozzarella, onions, and tomatoes. Blanketed with a lemon cream sauce. It was so tender and full of flavor! Hugely tasty! Of course, I had the angel hair and bolognese on the side, the bread bruschetta and the Chicken Piccante.. Tender breasts of chicken topped with mushrooms sautéed in your choice of a flavorful Piccante white wine sauce and lemon butter sauce. A fantastic meal and dining experience!

    Photos
    Dining Area
    Dining Area
    Bread basket, olive oil and butter
    Bread basket, olive oil and butter
    Martinis  on the patio

    See all

    Martinis on the patio

    Bento39 - japanese - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...