ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Sushi Rolls in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Bento NYC
7.6
Bento NYC is a compact sushi and bento counter on Third Avenue that leans hard into lunch combos and takeout. Office workers and locals rely on it for fast maki sets, teriyaki bentos, and straightforward rolls that are easy to grab between meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maki roll combo lunch specials, Chicken teriyaki bento lunch, Any 3-roll lunch set with miso soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Grab-and-go sushi and bento shop built around efficient lunch specials.
Who should go: Office workers needing fast, affordable sushi or bento.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush when combos turn over quickly.
What to order: Any 2–3 roll lunch combo, chicken teriyaki bento, miso soup.
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip the line during peak lunch hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Third Avenue is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and practical — office attire, athleisure, or jeans are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service bustle during lunch, otherwise fairly quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes at most for takeout; rarely any meaningful wait.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical; 15–20 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, veggie tempura, and vegetable bentos.
Vegan options: Limited — a few simple roll and bento-friendly options without sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and rice-based items work, but soy sauce and tempura are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date — it’s better suited for quick bites or takeout rather than lingering conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — but seating is very limited and most guests opt for takeout; arriving outside peak lunch helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple rolls, teriyaki, and bento boxes are great for kids, though stroller space inside is tight.
Best For
Better for: Fast lunch combos, affordable sushi rolls, and no-frills bento that fits into a tight workday schedule.
Skip if: You’re looking for an ambiance-driven dinner, a full-service experience, or premium-grade sushi.