Bento Ya

For Californians seeking a quick, convenient, and satisfying taste of Japan amidst the vibrant energy of Downtown Los Angeles, Bento Ya in Grand Central Market offers a reliable solution. This Japanese food stall specializes in providing a wide array of bento boxes, ramen, and other Japanese favorites designed for those on the go. Situated within one of LA's most iconic and bustling culinary hubs, Bento Ya is a go-to spot for a no-fuss meal that delivers familiar flavors.

Bento Ya is known for its diverse menu, featuring everything from grilled meats and fish to crispy tempura, flavorful ramen, and classic sushi rolls. While the atmosphere is undoubtedly fast-paced due to its market location, the emphasis is on efficiency and providing a hearty meal. It’s a practical choice for a swift lunch break, a casual dinner, or simply grabbing a delicious Japanese meal to enjoy elsewhere in the city. For locals looking for a straightforward and affordable option for Japanese cuisine in a convenient setting, Bento Ya provides a solid choice within the bustling Grand Central Market.

Bento Ya is conveniently located inside the historic and bustling Grand Central Market, a true Downtown Los Angeles landmark. You'll find their stall at 317 S Broadway #8, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA. This prime location places Bento Ya in the heart of DTLA, making it highly accessible for a wide array of local Californians.

Grand Central Market offers excellent accessibility via public transportation. It's just a short walk from several Metro Rail stations, including Pershing Square (B/D Lines) and the Historic Broadway Station (A/E Line), connecting it to various neighborhoods across Los Angeles. For those driving, numerous public parking garages are available in the surrounding downtown area, though it's important to factor in the typical urban parking situation and potential costs. Its placement within the popular market means that patrons can easily combine a visit to Bento Ya with exploring the diverse culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere of Grand Central Market, making it a perfect stop for a quick meal while enjoying the city.

Bento Ya provides a wide variety of Japanese dishes, primarily in a quick-service, bento box format, perfect for the Grand Central Market environment:

• Extensive Bento Box Selection: Offers a diverse range of bento boxes, typically served with Japanese white rice and salad. Popular options include Grilled Beef Bento, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bento, Grilled Miso Pork Bento, and Grilled Fresh Salmon Bento.
• Assorted Bento Boxes: Features more comprehensive bento options like the Assorted Regular Bento (grilled pork, salmon, shrimp & vegetable tempura, egg roll, salad & rice) and the Deluxe Bento (grilled beef, salmon, shrimp & vegetable tempura, egg roll, dumpling, tofu salad & rice), offering a variety in one meal.
• Deep-Fried Options: Includes classic deep-fried items such as 3 Shrimps & Mixed Vegetable Tempura Set, Pork Cutlet Bento, and Japanese Fried Chicken, served with rice and salad.
• Ramen and Udon: Offers various ramen bowls, including Chashu Pork Ramen, Grilled Beef Ramen, and Spicy Seafood Ramen, typically served with egg and mixed vegetables in a flavorful broth. Curry Udon with chicken and mixed vegetables is also available.
• Curry Rice Dishes: Serves Chicken & Mixed Vegetable Curry Rice with Salad, providing a comforting and hearty option.
• Sushi Rolls: A selection of classic sushi rolls, such as California Roll, Crunchy Shrimp Roll, Chicken Teriyaki Roll, and Grilled Salmon & Avocado Roll.
• Salads: Offers lighter options like Tofu Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, and Grilled Beef Salad, all with Japanese miso dressing.
• Appetizers and Side Orders: Includes popular Japanese snacks and sides such as Gyoza (chicken & vegetable dumplings), Tako Yaki (octopus balls), Vegetable Tempura, Shrimp Tempura, Japanese Fried Chicken, and Fried Vegetable Egg Rolls. Miso Soup and Japanese White Rice are also available.
• Vegetarian Menu: Provides dedicated vegetarian options including Vegetable Miso Ramen, Vegetable Miso Udon, Tofu Salad, Vegetable Tempura Set, Avocado Only Roll, Cucumber Only Roll, and Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Soup.
• Party Trays: Offers larger party trays for catering, perfect for gatherings or office luncheons, with options like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Party Tray, Sushi Roll Party Trays, and Gyoza Party Trays.
• Quick Service for Takeout/Dine-In (Market Seating): Designed for efficiency, orders are typically prepared quickly for pickup, and customers can utilize the communal seating within Grand Central Market.

Bento Ya offers several distinguishing features that make it a notable Japanese food stall within Grand Central Market for Californians:

• Diverse and Comprehensive Menu: Bento Ya provides a remarkably extensive menu for a market stall, covering grilled items, fried dishes, ramen, sushi rolls, and salads, catering to a wide range of Japanese food cravings.
• Convenient Grand Central Market Location: Its presence in the bustling Grand Central Market makes it highly accessible for a quick and satisfying meal for those working, living, or visiting Downtown LA.
• Speedy Service: Despite potential lines, the service is generally quick, with orders often ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for a fast-paced environment.
• Good Portion Sizes: Many customers find the portions, especially for the deluxe bento boxes, to be good and satisfying, offering decent value for the price. The Deluxe Bento, for instance, includes a hearty combination of grilled beef, salmon, shrimp & vegetable tempura, an egg roll, dumpling, tofu salad, and rice.
• Variety of Bento Options: The focus on bento boxes provides a convenient way to enjoy a balanced meal with multiple components, from proteins to vegetables and rice, all in one package.
• Affordability: For its location in Downtown LA and the variety of options, Bento Ya offers relatively affordable Japanese cuisine, making it an accessible choice for a regular lunch or casual dinner.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Choices: The inclusion of clearly labeled vegetarian ramen, udon, tempura, and salad options broadens its appeal to a wider audience.

Bento Ya operates with a focus on providing consistent value through its menu rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions. However, the structure of its offerings inherently provides value that can be considered a type of ongoing "special" for locals:

• Value-Oriented Bento Boxes: The core of Bento Ya's offering, the bento boxes, especially options like the Deluxe Bento, provide a substantial and varied meal at a competitive price for a downtown Los Angeles location. This combination of multiple items (grilled protein, tempura, egg roll, salad, rice) in one convenient package represents excellent value.
• Affordable Core Menu Items: Many of their basic bento boxes (e.g., Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bento) and ramen bowls are priced attractively, making them accessible options for daily meals without breaking the bank. For example, a Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bento is often priced around $11.00, and a Chashu Pork Ramen around $11.50 (prices can vary by platform).
• Party Trays for Group Value: For larger gatherings or office events, Bento Ya offers party trays for items like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, various sushi rolls, Gyoza, and Tempura. These bulk options often provide a more cost-effective solution for feeding a group, acting as a form of catering special.

As a vendor within Grand Central Market, any very short-term or daily specials might be advertised directly at their stall. For the most up-to-date pricing and menu details, customers in California are encouraged to check Bento Ya's official online ordering platforms (like their website or third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash), as these typically reflect current offerings and pricing.

Planning your next convenient Japanese meal from Bento Ya?

Address: 317 S Broadway #8, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

Phone: (213) 687-0237

Bento Ya generally operates during the hours of Grand Central Market. Current typical hours are Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (though some sources might show slightly different opening/closing times; it's best to confirm). For any specific inquiries or to place a phone order for pickup, you can call them directly during these hours.

For Californians, particularly those residing or working in the bustling Downtown Los Angeles area, Bento Ya at Grand Central Market offers a practical and appealing solution for satisfying Japanese cravings. Its position within this iconic market means it's incredibly accessible via public transport and a quick walk for many, making it an ideal spot for a convenient and efficient meal.

While some experiences might vary, the general consensus points to Bento Ya being a solid choice for "a simple Japanese bento box place" that delivers "good portion" sizes and "average bento box taste," implying reliability for a quick meal. The broad menu, encompassing grilled proteins, fried favorites, ramen, and sushi rolls, caters to diverse preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone. For locals seeking an affordable, quick, and varied Japanese meal that fits seamlessly into a busy urban schedule, Bento Ya serves as a dependable and popular option in the heart of Los Angeles.

Bento Ya

317 S Broadway #8, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA