This place was recommend to me, so I thought give it a go! They do say take a walk down the back streets, yep I got what I was looking for, the food arrived and it was nice.. The homemade dumplings, what a taste, I had the veggie option.. it was the . The prawn fried rice was so delicious and portion sizes were generous. Staff super friendly. Will definitely be back here!
Overview
Bento is a charming spot located at 3 St Thomas St, Winchester SO23 9HE, United Kingdom. This inviting restaurant specializes in serving fresh, flavorful Japanese-inspired dishes that combine traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends, Bento offers a delightful dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.
The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it a great place for both casual diners and those looking to enjoy a more refined meal. The interior is tastefully decorated, with a balance of contemporary style and traditional Japanese elements that create an inviting atmosphere. It’s easy to feel at home here, whether you’re grabbing a meal on the go or sitting down to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Bento’s menu offers a variety of dishes, but it’s their bento boxes that truly steal the show. The bento boxes are a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced meal with a variety of flavors in one serving. The options range from grilled chicken and beef to seafood and vegetarian choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The ingredients are always fresh, and the dishes are carefully crafted with attention to detail. Each bento box is served with rice, vegetables, and a side of miso soup, making it a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
One of the standout features of Bento is its commitment to quality. The chefs use only the best ingredients, and the food is prepared with a focus on both flavor and presentation. Whether it’s the perfectly cooked grilled fish or the perfectly seasoned rice, each element of the meal is prepared with care. The balance of textures and flavors in each dish is a testament to the skill and expertise of the kitchen team. It’s easy to see why Bento has earned a reputation for delivering delicious meals time and time again.
Another highlight at Bento is their attention to dietary preferences and needs. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, Bento offers several options that cater to different dietary requirements. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy a great meal, regardless of dietary restrictions.
When it comes to customer experience, Bento truly excels. The service is friendly and attentive, with staff members always happy to provide recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The restaurant has built a loyal following over the years, with many customers returning regularly to enjoy the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Reviews of Bento consistently highlight the quality of the food, the warm service, and the inviting atmosphere. Customers rave about the bento boxes, with many noting the generous portions and the fresh, flavorful ingredients. It’s clear that Bento is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why.
In addition to the bento boxes, Bento also offers a variety of other dishes, including sushi rolls, sashimi, and rice bowls. The sushi is particularly popular, with many customers praising the freshness of the fish and the skill of the chefs. Whether you're a fan of traditional rolls or looking for something with a bit more flair, there’s plenty to choose from on the menu.
Overall, Bento is a fantastic choice for anyone in the Winchester area looking for a delicious meal in a relaxed setting. With its fresh ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and friendly service, it’s no wonder that Bento has become a go-to spot for many. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, you can always count on Bento to deliver a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed inside ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Food was great. Love it and will be back. Needs to utilize the space more and I think they might need more staff as they were unable to really keep track of their tables. This is obviously because they are popular, which is great for them but dims the experience for the customer. I enjoyed by sweet treats and salmon futomaki.
I was extremely impressed with politeness and friendliness of the staff! We had a lovely time here for lunch. The food was really yummy particularly the pork bao bun, full of flavour. The iced pomegranate green tea was lovely and a generous portion! Reasonable prices and a vast selection of bakery items as well. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Thanks to the Chef and waitress, such an amazing team work spirit resulting in amazing food and desserts. We arrived Sunday afternoon, they were closing the kitchen, and we overheard the girl told him 4 more, and he kindly said, yes let's do it, in such inspirational way, the chef served to us, and the girls were so so kind as well. Back to the food... It was delicious and like homemade and the cakes, were delicious as well.
The service at the counter was friendly while placing our order, and they were very attentive once our food arrived at the table. I love the outdoor seating; unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a table outside as it was quite busy. The pastries and sweet treats looked delightful in the display as we ordered. We tried the chicken bibimbap, spicy chicken kimbap, and their Vietnamese coffee. The kimbap was served promptly, but it arrived cold. The bibimbap featured fresh, flavorful chicken thighs. The Vietnamese coffee was the best I’ve ever had—strong and sweet, creating a perfect balance.
I highly recommend Bento! The atmosphere is cosy, and the staff team is always friendly and welcoming. Their Yaki Udon, Salmon Futomaki, and Swiss rolls are must tries. Their drinks menu is also impressive, with refreshing options that perfectly complement the meal. Whether you are in the mood for a fruity tea or a creamy milk-based drink, there is something for everyone. BTW I really love their Tiramisu Swiss rolls . If you are looking for a great Asian restaurant with delicious food and drinks, this is the place to go!
A Wonderful Find in Winchester! Bento Factory is a true gem nestled close to the heart of Winchester. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm and friendly welcome that sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The location is ideal—just a short stroll from the city center—and the choice to dine indoors or outside in the charming sun trap adds to the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The food is absolutely delicious, with rich aromas and beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look. Every bite bursts with fresh, authentic flavor, making it clear that quality is a top priority here. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a relaxed evening meal, Bento Factory delivers every time. Highly recommended!
My mum and I stopped here for lunch on Sunday and I can certainly confirm everything was fantastic. We had the fried rice, pork and shrimp gyoza, sesame latte and the Vietnamese cold brew- it was all superb. The portion sizes are really good and the fact that they handmade their dumplings puts them a step above other eateries I have visited. The staff were so welcoming and the overall vibe was lovely; I’ll be coming back!