It’s a wonder why the bento box hasn’t gained more ground among the lunch crowds, a concept that covers a literally square meal that’s both affordable and mobile. Plenty of restaurants pack their own bento variations, but few focus exclusively on the things. But that’s why Bentoss makes the perfect lacquered lunch, portioned just right for a noontime meal and (usually) priced to order, too. Some of the better boxes reach into the double digits, but Bentoss is still a place fit for those who carry smaller denominations, with most orders falling between $5 and $9. You can get equally good (and sometimes better) options at Mitsuwa’s Miyabi-Tei, but take a trip inside the market and you probably won’t walk out with a bento alone. So even though Bentoss sits square in Mitsuwa’s shadow, the place is entirely worthwhile for its bento-only focus. And that shows: There are 22 boxed options here, ranging from a crispy pork katsu to a heavy Korean-style short rib. Plus, every order is assembled on demand at Bentoss, a welcome and ultimately necessary step that ensures that the salad keeps cold, the rice stays warm and the protein is still steaming.

BENTOSS 675 PAULARINO AVE #3 | COSTA MESA 92626 | 714.444.3401 | BENTOSS.CO.JP/US.HTML

Tags: bentoss, costa mesa, Food, SIDES