Bento Japanese Street Food & Izakaya in Leeds

If you are in the area you MUST visit this restaurant! We went before going to a gig and I would've stayed there all evening if I could. I ordered Katsu Chicken with the runny egg and it was delicious. My boyfriend ordered sushi, tried some of mine... then ordered a bowl of Katsu Chicken aswell! We couldn't resist the idea of the chocolate pancakes... I don't like English / American pancakes but I adore the Japanese ones and I found that out here. I will definitely drive up and down the M1 just to come here again! The atmosphere is so cosy and authentic. The staff are so warm and polite. Please visit here, it's so excellent.

Really quick service and great tasting food for a reasonable price

Had a lovely belated birthday meal here 2 weeks ago with my son and his mate, absolutely fabulous food, we chose 6 street food to share and had 3 more after that, the food is amazing, Tempura prawns, fish, katsu chicken, an omelette to die for and various other street food, going again tonight if we can get in. 😀

Super friendly staff, well organised. Food was flawless.

Such a gem! Amazing food and amazing staff- so welcoming and attentive!

Got off to a bad start with no Asahi. Ordering was difficult as they don't accommodate allergies willingly. The Gyoza had been under a heat lamp and was inedible. Octopus was so tough it was inedible too. Won't be back.

i came here with my fiance and ordered the miso ramen but chose to make it spicy and it is literally the best food i’ve ever had in my whole life

Friendly staff and despite it being busy were always attentive. Food was good quality.

Only came for some hot sake & tempura, needed something light, but the vibe was relaxed and chill, feels like a nice escape from the busy city - the owner is also very friendly! Open kitchen too and cool TVs that show interesting videos about Japan - as well as k-pop!

Tried the Bento signature ramen (I’m not sure if the name was like this), it has prawn, chicken and beef inside of it. The chicken is proper delish. The ramen overall is superb!!! The price is actually nice, my bowl of ramen was about £10. If I didn’t remember wrongly, a bowl of chicken ramen was about £9.

A wonderful cosy spot with great food. All the dishes are good size portions without compromising on quality.

A fantastic spot for delicious traditional Japanese food. The bento boxes are incredible.

Delicious food with lots of veggie and vegan options! Lovely staff too.

ok good nothing to write home ago, tempura was very oily

The chicken katsu was really good. Perfectly fried that crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Added the runny omelette for £2.5 gave you an extra bit that went well with the curry and rice but without it will still be delicious. Others were quite different from what we anticipated.. maybe the pictures could be self-explanatory.

Great place with amazing authentic Japanese food. Service was great and the food was amazing we’ll definitely be going back again

The ramen is average but cheap, however they add a 10% service charge which the staff never informs customers about. They don’t serve pork and I found it unusual when there is no chashu in ramen. The menu is not available online so I’m attaching the pictures.

Stopped in for a bite to eat - we had the mixed mushroom miso udon, bento mixed miso noodles and the teriyaki chicken yakitori donburi. The place was lovely, the gentleman who served us was wonderful and the food was absolutely delicious, I would highly recommend a visit!

We ordered a Japanese BBQ eels don, a chicken katsu curry rice bowl and a grilled chicken fried rice. They are scrumptious and smell so good. Although they have been catered, they are still quite close to the original Japanese taste. I'm happy with their portion size.

For me as a vegan, this place is incredible! A big vegan menu with loads of options of food I've never had before. Absolute heaven. For my gluten free partner it's a little bit more complicated. Staff was keen to help but it didn't seem 100% clear what wasn't and wasn't gluten free. He did end up with a tasty meal though. They have gluten free soy sauce available if you ask for it. Fine for people with some intolerance, but probably not recommended for celiacs.

Really amazing find. Food was fantastic and the service was great.

Money's worth guaranteed. Highly recommend the chicken katsu donburi - super crispy, not too oily and the portion size is huge.

Lovely atmosphere and delicious food!!

Amazing food & lovely restaurant!

The place is quite small and cosy. It's more of a negative than a positive. Thankfully, the food makes up for it!

Excellent food, varied menu, efficient staff. Will go again.

Went there last week with my boyfriend, the food was incredible and came out super quick, huge portions. The staff were very attentive and polite, and when I complimented the sauce the owner gave me a little pot to take away which was very kind! Will definitely be back 😊

Absolutely incredible food, with great staff and service, and Japanese music playing throughout with travel documentaries showing on the screens. I had the seafood okonomiyaki, by far my favourite Japanese food in general, and was surprised to find that (I think) it was a Yamaimo okonomiyaki made using Japanese yam instead of the traditional flour. Definitely a plus as it made a much more solid pancake, and made it easier to eat using chopsticks, though it could be chewier than normal.

Very cosy little Japanese place. We had the pumpkin croquettes, vegan lemon bento, and truffle mushrooms noodles. All were very yummy but the truffle mushroom noodles were the star of the show. Will be back.

Takoyaki Takoyaki The best takoyaki I have ever eaten in Ritz so far. The seasoning and crispness of the skin are just perfect. The only thing you need to pay attention to is to be careful when eating! ! Oyakodon Oyakodon (including miso soup) Overall, except that the rice is a bit too hard, it's pretty much the same as an ordinary parent-child donburi. It's a very safe bet and you don't have to worry about stepping on the wrong side. But if there are people who don’t eat green onions, onions, and zucchini, remember to say so. Then there is quite a lot of miso soup, but it is a little salty for me. The space in the store is not large but the atmosphere is very good. It is suitable for eating alone or with 2-3 friends. The attitude of the service staff is also very good. They are very polite and always smiling when facing customers.

Very friendly food very average

Amazing Donburi and Bento Box, very attentive staff and the food was quick out of the kitchen. Thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will be back. Apologies to the amazing chefs that I couldn't finish the generous portions served

I wanted to love it but the food was bland and the sushi so plain. Even the wasabbi had no flavour. They also service charge single customers.

The waiter was so nice! We had a bouquet of flowers with us to give to a friend and they brought over a vase for us so that we could let it stand while we eat ♡ the music was good as well as the food, definitely recommend

Amazing food. Clean plates all round. I had prawn and chive gyoza (fried) then the special truffle mushroom udon which was delicious.

Second time here and I could say the Streer foods are quite authentic. I am not too impressed with the bento and ramen as it tasted too standard. The rice is not fresh as well and it loses the sweetness of fresh cooked Japanese rice

Amazing izakaya that reminded me of my trip to Japan! 5/5 on everything. Reasonably priced, good portions, and umeshu! What more could you want.

This is the cosiest place with the nicest staff. The food is rather democratically priced, so you can try many things, especially when it comes to small dishes. I haven't loved every dish I tried (there is some pretty weird stuff for a western palate, let's face it), but all the food is interesting and very well prepared. You will not find neat sushi here, mayo makes an appearance, but the food is really fun and homely. Even my normally very fussy child funds plenty that he likes. I love the place and will be back.

Amazing food, amazing atmosphere, great portions and great prices. What more can you ask for? 5*. Will definitely return on my next visit!

I only stayed for a short meal here but I had the seafood okonomiyaki, which I'd never had before, and it was really nice and so so filling. I was not disappointed with the portion sizes at all, it was also really nicely presented and the little pan dish the okonomiyaki came in was so cute. I'll definitely go back to try more of the menu and maybe some of the whiskey/sake selection. Staff were so lovely too, definitely recommend!

Delicious bento, friendly staff and informal pleasant atmosphere.

Been here countless times and never been disappointed. Fantastic fresh food and lovely staff members.

Amazing little place, cosy, nicely decorated, friendly staff, food was amazing. Glad we explored and found it!

Bento has quickly become one of my favourite restaurants in Leeds. It has a cosy atmosphere with fun touches like the televisions showing Japanese tv. The food has been delicious every time I’ve visited and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.

The food was really good and the lime & honey tea I had was very refreshing, totally recommend it! The place had a very nice and cozy atmosphere and the staff were friendly too. It was an overall really good experience , definitely a place I'll visit again when I'm in Leeds.

Damn good grub! Shame there isn't one near me otherwise I'd be there once a month

The staff was super friendly and was ready to welcome you as soon as you entered. Menu was presented and the options were explained and recommendations were made. We ordered a good selection of Sushi and it was FRESH and delicious. We also had Gyozas - they were hot and crispy with a scrumptious filling. The place is located slightly outside the City Centre which is a shame as not many people have heard of it. We would recommend anyone to go here. We have even shared it on FB. It’s all about the smaller individual places and not alway the bigger chains. Thanks Bento - we will back soon.

Really authentic Japanese izakya experience! The classic okonomiyaki, miso karaage and pumpkin croquettes were all excellent!

A great atmosphere with kind and attentive staff but the sushi and onigiri was awful. It was perhaps the worst I've had in a while. I will not be going back!

Real hidden gem!! Super small restaurant with lovely, attentive staff and our food arrived very fast. I thoroughly enjoyed my chicken katsu curry with omelette - and my partner enjoyed their chicken teriyaki miso ramen!

We had bento boxes, gyoza and some drinks. The food was a solid 7 out of 10, nothing too exciting really but the price was fair. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was OK too. There are some big screens showing films from Japan - I am not personally sure about this, didn't make me want to hang around after the meal but maybe that's deliberate! A good busy happy place serving decently authentic Japanese food - generous portions and good value for money. Try it - it's a decent option in the center of town for a quick casual dinner without needing a reservation.

Really good AND reasonably priced Japanese food. Some less common dishes and a carefully thought out vege menu. 👍👍👍

Enjoyed it. Good choice of rice or noodle dishes with lots of smaller dishes to share or eat as an appetizer. Food was tasty and piping hot. Vegetarian and vegan menu if required. Friendly staff. Reasonabe prices. Clean toilets. Thank you.

일본사람이 하는 일식집은 아닌 것 같습니다. 일본음식이긴한데 뭔가 나사가 하나씩 빠져 있습니다.

Muy bueno! De los mejores restaurantes de la zona. Definitivamente volvería. Sabor auténtico y platos de buen tamaño, no hay nada peor que comer poco y pagar mucho cuando la calidad es mala, acá todo lo contrario, muy bien.

Yummy food served in large portions, with great service – highly recommended.

Really great food, will definitely be returning!

Loved the food, atmosphere, speed of service and the waiter was incredibly professional.

Amazing food, fast and amazing customer service. Atmosphere is super chilled

Ordered Takoyaki and Gyūdon (on reflection, the Gyūdon was enough on its own, but the Takoyaki was delicious so I'm glad I got it). The restaurant is very small and cosy which gives it an authentic Japanese feel. Great atmosphere at night time. The price was very reasonable. All my food and 2 asahi came to £30. Staff were friendly and attentive. Great job!

Really tasty food and really kind staff. Highly recommend the Yakitori!! 🍢

Food average, service perfect, owner is foul. My daughter ordered the 'small chicken kebab style/pinto style chicken with cheese on top'. (£2). She took a bite and wretched, I took a bite and did the same, it tasted like chemicals, I then smelt it and it was COMPLETELY off. I went up to the chef and the owner came up behind me and asked me what the problem was, so I told him. He TOLD me to sit down and he would "find out". More than 10 minutes later, he came to our table and stated, "There's nothing wrong with it, it's just the ALCOHOL in the marinade". (Erm, I don't think so). Utter nonsense! It STUNK of rotten chicken. Me and my daughter straight after did nothing but wretch into our serviettes. Our stomachs were in turmoil. He had the audacity to bring another one in replacement, we refused (thank you very much) and he shrugged his shoulders, went back to the kitchen and pretty much taunted us by standing and eating it in front of us. We tried to find him once my daughter finished her rice but he spinelessly made himself scarce. He took NO responsibility. And bringing us ANOTHER one?? Why would you do that?? What does that prove? ...Oh... (and as a foot note aside from the rancid meat), when it states, "chicken with cheese"... The cheese is a TINY piece of Dairylea type of piece of plastic orange square "cheese" (on top of the tiny skewer of rancid chicken). Which, is NOT classified as real cheese. The 'cheese' of the 1970's, is in fact CLASSIFIED as plastic, that's why it's so cheap! and that's why it DOES NOT MELT. ' It just goes BLACK, once subjected to hea, because it is NOT CHEESE... it will NEVER melt. All you will get is black plastic on top of the orange plastic 'cheese'. So there you have the quality of 'food', and the owner who provides the very WORST customer service imaginable. The best thing I can say is that I haven't eaten a thing today because my stomach is screaming at me DO NOT EAT today. (So I might lose weight)!

Lovely warm, intimate. Great good and reasonable prices, the food was delicious and service impeccable. I’d love to recommend to my friends :)

Food was delicious, highly recommend!!

I tried Deep Fried Tofu Teriyaki, which was satisfying. Stuff is helpful. I would definitely try again.

I had a great experience at the restaurant! The food was delicious and arrived quickly, the atmosphere was cozy, and I especially enjoyed what was playing on the TV. Definitely a place I'd visit again!

Haven't been to Bento for a while. They used to offer good food in my opinion. I had a chicken curry omelette rice and a Japanese omelette and I was disappointed.

An excellent menu, (with a separate vegan one), with tasty food, perfect service, and a nice atmosphere.

Ramen is too too soft ! The Soap base is tasteless !! Very Very disappointed ! First time and is last time ! Master chef winner 🤔🤔🤔 😂🤣😂🤣

Hands-down the best Japanese restaurant in Leeds. We have a great experience every time.

Food was simple, good quality and delicious! We had ramen, prawn gyozas, and chilli prawn bao bun. We had an early dinner, the atmosphere was relaxed, which we appreciated.

The food make me felt disappointed... 😞

Really nice good service lovely food...

Love it. Great food. Friendly staff. Will be going back!. Good vegi options

Feels like stepping into an Izakaya in Japan. Really great simple authentic for speedily made.

Quiet place. Friendly staff. Delicious food. The soft-shell crab udon is interesting. Highly recommend!

原本諗住香港人開的應該好過local開，但食物方面有些少失望同比較貴，落完order 2~3minutes 已經上枱快過快餐店，食物質素一般同價錢不成正比，縵魚只有一小嚿，最大問題係啲飯唔新鮮太硬冇珍珠米口感，如果你哋純粹係想幫襯下香港人開的餐廳我覺得你哋不用來試了，想食日本野可以揾間有日本廚師的比較好。

Best katsu I've had outside Japan. Chicken and pumpkin katsu both great. Excellent service. Plum wine and delicious vegetables Gyoza. Full vegan menu with lots of options. Small plates or big mains.

I was so impressed by this hidden gem. The atmosphere and ambience of the restaurant was beautifully simple and the hosts were so genuine and polite. Incredible service with a heartfelt smile, not to mention delicious food. I can’t think of the words to express how wonderful the staff were. Thank you for giving us a wonderful evening. Will definitely come back again!

I suggested Japanese street food to colleagues, and we hit this one. My okonomiyaki was delicious, and my colleagues enjoyed their ramen. The atmosphere is lovely, some peace in this rough street.

It's a very neat store has this narrow passage before the diner kind of reminds me of those Japanese side streets. The chefs dont speak but I'm ok with that proper japanese chefs they cook well. The server was friendly and suggested we try the new dishes my wife did try one but I wanted another dish. Food came fast and was hot and cooked cannot fault it. I do like my gyozas.

Terrific restaurant. The food was delicious. Great venue. Excellent service.

*chefs kiss* Unreal. Been twice. Second time was even better. Thank you for authentic flavourful Japanese food in Leeds. We will be back again soon. Excellent food, great location, staff, vibes.

Such a lovely welcoming environment with great food. A must try! Great value for money too 👍🏻

Food is good and service is even better

Had the special miso ramen here and it didn't disappoint. 3 types of meat cooked to perfection - a satisfying and flavourful meal, fast service, and nice cosh atmosphere

Absolutely amazing food. The crispy chicken was like nothing I’ve ever had before and kimchi eggs were amazing. I had a ramen dish with was very large generous with incredibly tender pork. Charred squid was a little chewy for me, but still 5 out of 5 at the end of the day.

Service is great. Food is excellent.

Small cosy restaurant. You’re very close to other tables. Decently priced food. Staff were amazing. Didn’t feel rushed even though it was busy. Food was overall tasty, but the Ramen was a bit mediocre. Need to try other items on the menu.

One of my favourite restaurants in Leeds. Delicious food, good prices and beautiful, relaxing atmosphere, would definitely recommend!

Had the bento munchie box, takeaway through Uber Eats. Food was quite bland, compared to others in the area. The salt and pepper chicken was actually frozen chicken nuggets - quite insulting to the proper dish. You should say what they are if different from the norm. I wouldn’t have bought the box if I had known this. The spring rolls and gyoza were crispy but too mushy. Chips went dry quickly and the sauce amount was very small. At least let me pour curry sauce over all my rice. I thought the quite decent review set was trustworthy, however I find only disappointment and now another review on here saying similar. Shame.

This was the best Japanese food me and my partner have ever had, the staff were brilliant, particularly the owner/manager who took so much pride in the restaurant, there wasn’t a table available when we arrived so he took our number and said he would call as soon as one become available. Sure enough half an hour later he called. The service was quick and food delicious, he even offered us more soup for our noodles, would definitely recommend!

Best Japanese food I’ve ever had, fully recommend, owner was great too, very friendly

The ramen is too soft and salty

Such delicious food, authentic interior design and lovely staff. Highly recommend the sirloin ramen and the prawn & chive gyoza!

For the first times I’ve been there, the food was amazing and the staff was kind and friendly. For some time now the quality of the food and service has fallen absurdly. Unfortunately I don’t intend to come back ever to this place. Being asked to pay the bill while people on the table were still eating, 30 minutes before they close was offensive. None of the other tables that were still eating were interrupted with the bill on their faces and the waiter holding the card machine. Rude, poor quality food and easily missable. Don’t waste your time and money.

Loved the place, Food was amazing 😋

amazing place. staff are friendly, service is fast, food is perfect! everything is clean & tidy. definitely recommend

One of the best Japanese restaurants I’ve ever been to in the UK. There were 9 of us and they were able to seat us all in no time. Can’t fault anything! Food was delicious.

Quiet & cosy restaurant for Japanese street food. Food was really lovely and different from anything that we had tried before, as we ordered from the street food section of the menu. We will be back to try the rest. Textures were lovely and tastes were really neat and nothing felt greasy. Service was excellent and fast. We were adviced on whether the amount of food we were ordering was enough or too much.