Bento Tei

Bento Tei brings fast, fresh, and fancy Japanese meals to the heart of Braddon. Situated at 27 Lonsdale Street, this local favourite has been serving the community for more than five years with a promise of daily fresh and healthy traditional homemade Japanese bento. The team focuses on real, tasty Japanese flavours, offering a menu built around signature bento boxes, hearty donburi, and warming ramen bowls that cater to dine-in, takeaway, and delivery customers seven days a week. With a 4.3-star rating from 78 Google Maps reviews and a price point reported between $20 and $40 per person, Bento Tei has carved out a reputation as a go-to spot for quality Japanese comfort food in Canberra's inner north.

The restaurant itself is described by patrons as a hidden gem tucked into a small corner, delivering an authentic experience that stands out from larger establishments. Whether you are stopping in for a quick lunch between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM or settling in for dinner from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the kitchen prepares each order with care. Customers consistently praise the crispy, tender chicken katsu and the generous vegetarian bento options, while the friendly service and accessible online ordering through Uber Eats, Hungry Panda, DoorDash, and Menulog make it easy to enjoy Bento Tei at home or at the office.

Menu Highlights at Bento Tei

The menu at Bento Tei is built around a core of traditional Japanese dishes executed with fresh ingredients and consistent technique. The Signature Bento Box is the star of the show, priced at $18.90 and available for dine-in, catering, and delivery. Inside the box, diners find a carefully arranged selection of premium seasonal salmon, crunchy fried shrimp, tasty unagi, takoyaki, tempura veggies, and a fresh garden salad. This combination offers a balanced meal that Google Maps reviewers frequently mention as both delicious and excellent value.

For those craving something warm and comforting, the ramen selection includes eight distinct flavours, from Pork Gyoza Ramen and Veggie Gyoza Ramen to Char Siu Pork Ramen, Steamed Veggies Ramen, Veggie Pancake Ramen, Teri-Teri Chicken Ramen, Chicken Karaage Ramen, and Chicken Katsu Ramen. The Char Siu Pork Ramen has been highlighted as a particularly cosy option for autumn and winter dining. The donburi menu rounds out the offerings, providing rice bowl options designed to take your taste buds on an adventure. Chicken Katsu Donburi is listed among the popular items, and the vegetarian bento box has earned special praise for its generous portions and reasonable pricing.

The Dining Experience

Bento Tei operates with a practical, no-fuss approach that prioritises the food. The space is described in reviews as more of a quick-service setup than a traditional sit-down restaurant, yet the quality of the dishes and sides consistently exceeds expectations. One reviewer noted that while the interior can feel a little stuffy — particularly before a window is opened — this minor ventilation issue does not detract from the overall experience. The friendly staff and efficient service contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that keeps local workers and residents coming back.

Service options are flexible and clearly communicated. Dine-in guests can enjoy their meals on-site during the lunch and dinner windows, while takeaway and delivery cater to those at home or the office. The restaurant partners with major delivery platforms including Uber Eats, Hungry Panda, DoorDash, and Menulog, making it easy to order online. Bento Tei also offers event catering, expanding their reach beyond individual meals to larger gatherings. The dual-session schedule — 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM — means staff can focus on fresh preparation for each service block.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Bento Tei holds a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps based on 78 reviews. The feedback reveals a business that consistently delivers on taste, value, and authenticity, even if the physical setting is understated. Recurring themes in Google Maps reviews include appreciation for the crispy, tender chicken katsu, the authentic Japanese flavours, and the generous portions relative to price. One reviewer, a Local Guide with over 600 reviews, wrote, “Really delicious chicken bento. Freshly made with crispy, tender chicken. Great service and friendly staff.” Another reviewer described Bento Tei as “a real hidden gem with authentic Japanese cuisine,” specifically recommending the vegetarian bento box for its taste and value.

A third reviewer noted, “The food here is really good! It’s not a typical restaurant, but the dishes and sides are of excellent quality and better than in some other places.” This sentiment captures the gap between the modest setup and the high-quality output that defines Bento Tei. Across the reviews, no significant criticisms emerge beyond the occasional mention of ventilation, and the overall tone is overwhelmingly positive. The combination of a 4.3-star rating and a steady stream of enthusiastic written feedback positions Bento Tei as a trusted neighbourhood choice for Japanese meals in Braddon.

Bento Tei in Braddon

Bento Tei operates from 27 Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Australian Capital Territory. Braddon is one of Canberra’s most vibrant inner-city suburbs, known for its mix of residential streets, trendy cafes, and boutique shopping along Lonsdale Street. The restaurant sits within walking distance of the Canberra Centre and the many apartment complexes that have transformed the area in recent years, making it a convenient lunch option for office workers and a relaxed dinner stop for locals. The precise address places it in the P4HM+43 grid square of Braddon.

Accessibility and parking information is not detailed in the available sources, so visitors are advised to check street parking availability along Lonsdale Street or the surrounding residential blocks. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner, with both dine-in and takeaway options available throughout these hours. Delivery can be arranged through the major platforms already listed.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Bento Tei’s operating hours run daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The split schedule means the kitchen closes briefly between lunch and dinner service, ensuring fresh preparation for each block. Reservations are not mentioned on the website or in Google Maps attributes, so walk-in dining and online delivery orders are the primary ways to access the menu. For catering inquiries or other questions, the contact page on the official website provides a form to submit enquiries, though no direct email address is listed. The restaurant can be reached by phone at +61 2 6182 9236.

Common Questions

What are Bento Tei’s opening hours?

Bento Tei is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner.

Does Bento Tei offer delivery?

Yes, delivery is available through Uber Eats, Hungry Panda, DoorDash, and Menulog. Takeaway is also available, and dine-in is offered during opening hours.

What is the price range at Bento Tei?

Prices are reported at $20 to $40 per person. The Signature Bento Box costs $18.90, and the Premium Seasonal Salmon Bento is priced at $25.90. Contact the restaurant directly for a full menu and current pricing.

Does Bento Tei cater for events?

Yes, Bento Tei provides event catering. Enquiries can be submitted through the contact form on the official website.

Is Bento Tei a licensed restaurant?

This information is not stated in the available sources. Contact Bento Tei directly for details on beverage service.

Where is Bento Tei located?

Bento Tei is located at 27 Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Australian Capital Territory, 2612.

Bento Tei has built a loyal following by focusing on what it does best: fast, fresh, and fancy Japanese meals delivered with friendly service and genuine value. If you're comparing Japanese restaurants in Braddon, Ilistify can help you review your options and find the right fit for your next meal.