Bento Cafe

Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi has finally opened this week at the UCF / University location. This is their 7th location in Florida, with other Bentos in Gainesville and Jacksonville. Bento Cafe was founded in Gainesville 13 years ago by University of Florida alumni Jimmy Tung, Johnny Tung and David Yu. This is the third location in Orlando, following the debut of Bento at the Plaza downtown and on Sand Lake Road. The restaurant features entrees, such as Bento Boxes and noodle and rice bowls, alongside sushi options including sashimi, vegetarian or classical sushi varieties, with most of the dishes in the $7 to $9 range. There is also a full bar at this location.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Over the last few years, we have seen a major growth in the Orlando food scene. The city whose dining scene was once only known for chain restaurants. is now home to award-winning chefs, unique restaurant concepts and even some unusual and out-of-the-box dishes. Here's a look at some unusually delicious food combinations around Orlando that you absolutely positively must try. The Bento "Envy Roll" was featured as one of the must try foods - this roll combines salmon, tuna, krab delite, avocado, kiwi, masago and sweet chili.

While Bento Cafe is close to opening its newest eatery near the University of Central Florida, the chain already has its sights set on bringing its Pan-Asian cuisine to Winter Park and three other Florida markets. The Bento Group — which operates Bento Cafe, as well as Kasa Tapas & Raw Bar and Mochi Frozen Yogurt — looks to open a Bento Cafe possibly in Winter Park on Orlando Avenue near the recently opened Trader Joe’s, according to a spokeswoman from the restaurant group. The location would be the fourth Bento Cafe in Central Florida. The Bento Group currently operates Bento Cafe locations in downtown Orlando at the Chase Plaza and one in the Dr. Phillips area at the Rialto Plaza, and will open its third Orlando-area restaurant in late fall at the new Plaza on Universityacross from UCF. The 3,800-square-foot restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor seating for 150 guests, as well as a full liquor bar — the first Bento cafe location with a bar in Orlando. The eatery at 1225

A chain of sushi restaurants with posts in north and central Florida is making its way down to South Florida. A Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi restaurant is expected to open next spring at 2260 S. University Drive in Davie. The restaurant near Nova Southeastern University is projected to be the first of 10 The Bento Group plans to open in South Florida over the next two years. "The South Florida market has been on our radar for a long time," said Johnny Tung, owner of The Bento Group. He said the region's "diverse communities and vibrant economy" appeal to the Orlando-based chain. Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi started in 2002 and now has seven restaurants in Florida. Its menu includes sushi rolls, rice and noodle dishes and Asian-inspired teas and desserts. Its signature bento boxes feature entrees with steamed rice, ginger salad, string beans and lo mein noodles.