Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Bentoful – Seattle
Bentoful - Seattle
Photo from Bentoful
Bentoful at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#415 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#12 Asian Restaurant out of 20 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
173
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Friendly service
- Welcoming ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Dry food
- Price concerns
- Kiosk ordering
The restaurant, an inviting Asian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood, offers you a perfect spot for a quick bite. When you step into Bentoful, you’ll find a casual atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or just a coffee, this place has you covered. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery services, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Bentoful
Bentoful offers a generally satisfying experience, often highlighted by its generous portion sizes that provide good value for a substantial meal. Customers frequently appreciate the friendly staff and the pleasant, accessible atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a quick bite.
However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in the food, with certain items like chicken breast occasionally being dry or lacking authentic flavor. While the overall offering is diverse, there are areas where the culinary execution could be more refined.
Good
7.5
out of 10
173
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
29
negative
12
neutral
132
positive
Bentoful earns a solid overall score of 7.5, reflecting a generally positive reception from its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 76.3%, indicating that the majority of diners leave content with their experience.
This assessment is drawn from 173 customer observations, with 132 positive remarks significantly outweighing 29 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.3) and Service (7.8) are clear strengths, with many appreciating the welcoming environment and attentive staff.
While Food (7.5) generally satisfies, some specific dishes have received criticism for dryness or authenticity. The Value (6.4) is considered average, with opinions split between those who find it fair for the portions and others who feel the pricing can be a bit high.
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Friendly and sweet staff
- Pleasant, accessible ambiance
What people don't like
- Dry or inauthentic food
- Inconsistent value perception
- Kiosk ordering issues
With a recommendation score of 7.5, Bentoful is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize a pleasant dining environment and attentive service. It offers substantial meals that often provide good value for their size, making it a practical choice for a hearty lunch.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with certain meat dishes, and the average value proposition. If you’re seeking a consistently exceptional culinary experience, you might find it a mixed bag, but for a reliable and friendly meal, it generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bentoful
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.5 score and a solid 77.2% customer satisfaction. With 98 positive remarks out of 127 total, many rave about the excellent quality , taste , and variety of options. Diners frequently praise the generous portions and fresh ingredients, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 20 negative remarks pointing to some concerns. A few experiences mention dry meats or stale items, and occasionally small portions have disappointed. There are also comments about overcooked food and some sauces being overly sweet .
Food
127
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great quality, taste
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent variety options
What people don't like
- Food can be dry
- Portions sometimes small
- Overly sweet sauces
Often praised
- foodThe food was delicious
- bulgogiMy favorites were the bulgogi
- lunchMy experience at the restaurant was great! I got a BIG lunch for only $13, and the portion size was so generous that I couldn't finish it all and had leftovers. It was a really yummy and cheap meal.
- packagingthe packaging was so cute
- portion sizeportion size was so generous
- portionshuge portions, easily got two meals out of one order
- qualityquality, quantity, and taste were all impressive
- quantityThey offer a diverse selection of entrees and sides to choose from, which is great. The quantity is good and enough to keep you fueled up for the rest of the day. A bento will set you back by 15+ bucks, but it really depends on your selection.
- spicy porkTried the spicy pork and spicy chicken teri
- varietyepitome of variety over quality
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food received a 2/5
- salmonsalmon was pretty dry
- yakisobayakisoba did not have any sauce on it
- Korean fried chickennothing 'korean' about the Korean fried chicken
- chicken breastthe chicken breast was astoundingly dry
- chicken wingsstale chicken wings. it tasted like leftovers
- food portionThe food portion of a small bento was very small.
- main dishmain dish is stale
- meatmeat is over cooked
- meat optionwish there was one meat option that is not sweetened
If youre looking for a place with good variety and often generous, tasty food, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on freshness or moisture, so choose wisely.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 75%, its clear many folks had a good experience. Out of 24 comments, 18 were positive, often praising the friendly staff and owner who are described as sweet and attentive.
Many also found the ordering process to be easy to order. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 5 negative remarks, with some customers encountering rude staff and bad customer service.
A few found the kiosk system or computer ordering to be not the most intuitive setup, leading to some frustration. It seems a few policies also caused minor issues, suggesting there's a little room for improvement.
Service
24
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Amazing owner
- Easy ordering process
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Kiosk system issues
- Bad customer service
Often praised
- serviceThe service and atmosphere were both a perfect 5/5
- staffThe staff were super sweet and hospitable
- PeoplePeople were super nice
- easy to orderIt’s easy to order
- friendly customer serviceFor a small establishment, they offer a good selection of food, and ordering was easy. What truly stood out was their really friendly customer service. I will definitely go again.
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- ordering processthe ordering process is entirely contactless
- ownerAlthough the restaurant name sounds Japanese, it primarily serves Korean cuisine. The owner is amazing! The coffee they also serve is wonderful!
- owner Anmet the owner An and she was so sweet
- owner and staffOwner and staff are always so nice!
Frequently criticized
- computer orderingNot the most intuitive setup
- customer servicebad customer service and attitude
- kiosk systemupdating your silly kiosk system by removing the option of no receipt
- policyDid not want to allow me to add a bit of vinegar
- staffthe staff here are extremely rude.
Overall, the service here seems to be a strong point, especially with the friendly staff and owner making a great impression. While there are a few kinks with the ordering system and occasional staff issues, its generally a good experience. If you value a welcoming atmosphere and easy ordering, its definitely worth a try.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really shines! Guests are raving about the incredible ambiance, enjoyable atmosphere, and very nice scenery, with many appreciating the plenty of seating options and even the eco-friendly containers. With a solid score of 8.3 and an excellent 90% customer satisfaction, its clear the mood is set just right, based on 9 positive remarks out of 10 overall.
Interestingly, theres absolutely no negative feedback regarding the ambience, which is quite a feat! It seems the restaurant has successfully created a universally appealing environment, leaving no room for complaints about the setting or overall feel.
Ambience
10
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great ambiance
- Ample seating options
- Pleasant scenery
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both a perfect 5/5
- accessibleMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The scenery was very nice and the location was accessible. However, the food was not good.
- ambianceIncredible ambiance in the building lobby
- eco-friendly containersEverything comes in nice eco-friendly containers
- new spotTop notch new spot
- plenty of seating optionsThey have plenty of seating options around the building
- sceneryVery nice scenery
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The consistently positive feedback suggests youll enjoy the surroundings. It's a great choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some good things going for it! Many customers, 7 out of 12, felt it was quite reasonable, often mentioning it was cheap or offered a fair price for what you get. People loved the price point for large portions and felt it was worth the price for a treat, especially for a big lunch.
The overall score for value sits at 6.4, suggesting its not bad, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 58.3%. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few customers, 4 out of 12, found the price to be a bit steep, describing it as quite expensive or a little pricy.
The priced by weight system was a particular sticking point for some, who also wished for a smaller plate option at a lower cost. This suggests that while many find it good value, it might not hit the mark for everyone.
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Fair price point
- Worth the treat
What people don't like
- Price can be high
- Priced by weight
- No smaller options
Often praised
- worth the priceit’s worth the price to treat yourself
- budgetreasonable budget
- cheapcheap, yummy, BIG lunch
- fair pricelarge portions, fair price
- priceIt's not bad for the amount of meat you get
- price pointThe price point is fair
Frequently criticized
- priceprice is quite expensive
- priced by weightbecause it’s by weight
- smaller plate optionwish there was a smaller plate option at a lower price point
If youre looking for generous portions and dont mind the potential for a slightly higher bill, especially if youre treating yourself, this place could be a solid choice. However, if youre on a strict budget or prefer smaller, fixed-price options, you might find the value a bit inconsistent.
How are the prices at Bentoful?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Asian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
All 24 guests spent within this range, so prices are super consistent and right around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in Seattle?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Asian Restaurant in this range. It offers a consistent experience without any big surprises on the bill.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bentoful
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Variety Over Quality, But Fun to Explore
My experience at this restaurant was centered around its unique concept, offering a vast array of choices. Unlike typical establishments, you have the freedom to select the exact quantity of each item, creating a personalized plate that resembles a buffet. However, the payment is by weight, which encourages a focus on higher-value items like meats.
I was able to sample 16 different foods, including 9 meats. Some of the meats were quite good, such as the decent salmon, good teriyaki, and the beef meatball. I also enjoyed the bulgogi and spicy pork.
On the downside, the chicken breast was astoundingly dry, and the Korean fried chicken lacked any distinct Korean flavor. For non-meat options, the combination of yakisoba and kimchi fried rice was excellent and paired well with the meats. The price is around $13 per pound, which felt reasonable for the amount of meat.
Overall, this place prioritizes variety over quality, but it's a worthwhile spot if you're looking to try many different things. I'd rate it a 7/10.
- variety8
- salmon7
- teriyaki8
- chicken breast2
- Korean fried chicken3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Chicken Wings, Okay Salmon
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the chicken wings. They tasted stale, like leftovers that had been sitting for days, which was definitely not what I expected for a freshly prepared meal. The salmon was just okay.
I hope the restaurant improves its quality control.
- salmon5
- chicken wings2
- quality control3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Service, Food Needs Sweetness Balance
Bentoful is great! The service and atmosphere were both a perfect 5/5. However, the food received a 2/5.
I wish there was at least one meat option (chicken/beef) that wasn't sweetened, similar to the chicken topping at Chipotle. Currently, all the meats are marinated in sweet teriyaki, which is a bit too much for my preference. If a non-sweetened option were available, I would be going every day!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food2
- meat option3
- sweet teriyaki3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Mixed Experience with Some Hits and Misses
My experience at the restaurant had some components that were good, like the spring roll and the avocado salad. However, other items were dry, such as the salmon.
- spring roll8
- avocado salad8
- salmon3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Good Food, Questionable Portions
My lunch experience was a bit of a mixed bag. While the chefs clearly know what they're doing and the quality of the food is always very good, the portioning felt a little off. Specifically, the restaurant's definition of '2 salmon slices per person' seemed to depend on who was paying, as we received three slices across two distinct meals.
Despite this, the food quality itself was excellent.
- chefs9
- quality9
- salmon slices4
What Bentoful offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Bentoful?
At Bentoful, you can enjoy your meal for lunch or dinner. For your convenience, the restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, fitting seamlessly into your schedule.
Is Bentoful accessible and what amenities does it offer?
Yes, Bentoful is designed to be welcoming for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You will also find a restroom available for your comfort.
How does Bentoful generally perform?
Bentoful holds a good overall score of 7.5. Its Ambience (8.3) and Service (7.8) are strong points, while Food (7.5) is generally good, and Value (6.4) is considered average.
What are the common opinions on Bentoful's food?
Many customers appreciate the generous portion sizes and diverse selection. However, some dishes, like chicken breast or salmon, have been noted as dry, and there are occasional concerns about the authenticity of certain items.
Is the service at Bentoful well-regarded?
Yes, the service at Bentoful is frequently praised. Customers often describe the staff as super sweet, hospitable, and friendly, contributing to a positive overall experience.