OBENTO Introduce
For those of us in Colorado seeking a fresh, delicious, and genuinely satisfying Japanese meal, OBENTO on Denver's iconic 16th Street Mall has quickly become a local favorite. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a culinary haven where you can enjoy a wide array of Japanese staples, from traditional unagi don to freshly made sushi and comforting ramen, all prepared with a focus on clean flavors. In a bustling city like Denver, where convenience meets quality, OBENTO stands out as a reliable spot for a quick lunch or a casual, wholesome dinner. We understand that Coloradoans appreciate food that tastes great and makes them feel good, and OBENTO delivers on both fronts. Their commitment to offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, from those craving authentic Japanese traditions to modern poke bowls, makes them a versatile and appealing choice. Despite the ongoing developments in the area, OBENTO has proven its resilience and popularity, a testament to its consistent quality and delicious offerings. It's the kind of place where you can get full without feeling heavy, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and clean meal right here in the heart of the Centennial State.
OBENTO is ideally situated at 709 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, USA. This prime address places it directly on Denver's famous 16th Street Mall, a vibrant pedestrian promenade that serves as a central artery for downtown activity. This location offers unparalleled accessibility for anyone in Colorado visiting or working in downtown Denver. For those utilizing public transportation, the free MallRide shuttle runs continuously along the 16th Street Mall, with stops just steps from OBENTO's entrance, providing effortless connectivity. Numerous RTD bus routes and light rail stations are also within easy walking distance, making it a convenient destination from various Denver neighborhoods. While the Mall itself is pedestrian-only, multiple parking garages and lots are available in the surrounding downtown area, though as with any busy urban core, it's always advisable to consider potential parking costs and availability, especially during peak hours. Despite any external construction in the area, OBENTO's central and easily accessible location ensures it remains a popular choice for both dine-in and take-out patrons, highlighting its established presence as a resilient and beloved restaurant right in the heart of Denver.
OBENTO offers a comprehensive range of services and menu items designed to provide a versatile and satisfying Japanese dining experience for our Colorado customers.
- Traditional Unagi Don: A standout offering, the unagi don here is noted for its traditional preparation with "only unagi and a few pieces of danmuji (yellow pickled radish) over the white rice," providing an authentic taste experience.
- Freshly Made Sushi: Enjoy a selection of "freshly made sushi," ensuring quality and taste for sushi enthusiasts.
- Variety of Japanese Staples: The menu extends beyond sushi and unagi, featuring "ramen, bento, bowls, poke," offering a wide range of options to cater to different cravings and preferences.
- Appetizers and Starters: A "variety of starters" are available, perfect for complementing your main meal or for a lighter bite.
- Japanese Snacks and Drinks: In addition to meals, OBENTO provides "Japanese snacks and drinks," allowing for a more complete and authentic Japanese culinary experience.
- Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a "bright and neat" dining area with a "minimalist setting," providing a comfortable and clean environment for those who wish to enjoy their meal on-site.
- Take-Out Service: Despite its pleasant dine-in atmosphere, OBENTO also caters to "take-out patrons," indicating a strong and reliable option for enjoying their food on the go or at home.
OBENTO distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that consistently receive positive feedback from customers, making it a favorite among Colorado locals.
- Authentic and Delicious Unagi Don: A major highlight is their traditional unagi don, praised for being "Simple, but delicious" and offering an authentic taste compared to more modern poke-style versions found elsewhere.
- "Freshly Made" Quality: The commitment to "freshly made sushi" and other dishes ensures a high standard of quality and taste across the menu.
- Diverse Japanese Menu: OBENTO offers a wide selection of popular Japanese dishes, including sushi, ramen, bento, bowls, and poke, catering to a broad range of culinary preferences and ensuring there's something for everyone.
- "Clean" Taste and Feeling: Customers consistently appreciate that the food "taste really clean." This leads to a satisfying experience where you "can eat here and get full and my stomach doesn't feel heavy after," a significant benefit for health-conscious diners.
- Bright, Neat, and Minimalist Atmosphere: The restaurant's interior is described as "bright and neat," with a "minimalist setting" that is "quite similar to the food stands at the Tokyo subway stations." This creates an authentic and comfortable dining environment.
- Resilience on 16th Street Mall: Despite "ongoing construction outside," OBENTO's ability to thrive with "many dine-in and take-out patrons" and being "one of the few surviving restaurants right on the Street" speaks volumes about its popularity and consistent quality.
- The "Rockies" Roll Recommendation: A specific menu item, "The 'Rockies' is a great choice," indicating a popular and highly recommended sushi roll.
While the provided customer reviews do not detail specific, ongoing promotions or special offers at OBENTO, the overall sentiment points to the restaurant consistently delivering on value and quality. The fact that their food "taste really clean" and allows you to "get full and my stomach doesn't feel heavy after" serves as a unique benefit that many health-conscious Coloradoans value. The restaurant's popularity during lunch hours, even amidst external construction, indicates that its consistent quality and delicious offerings naturally attract a strong clientele. We encourage our patrons to visit OBENTO directly on the 16th Street Mall or call ahead to inquire about any potential daily specials, lunch deals, or seasonal menu additions that might be available. Their commitment to providing fresh, satisfying, and authentic Japanese cuisine at accessible prices is a continuous "promotion" in itself, making it a smart choice for those seeking a fulfilling meal in downtown Denver.
For inquiries, or to place an order for pick-up, please use the following contact information:
- Address: 709 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, USA
- Phone: (720) 974-1777
- Mobile Phone: +1 720-974-1777
We look forward to welcoming you to OBENTO on the 16th Street Mall!
OBENTO is an excellent choice for locals in Colorado, particularly those in the Denver area, seeking a reliable and satisfying Japanese dining experience. Its prime location directly on the 16th Street Mall offers unparalleled convenience, easily accessible via the free MallRide shuttle or a short walk from various downtown locations. For Denverites, the restaurant's diverse menu, featuring everything from traditional unagi don and "freshly made sushi" to ramen and poke, ensures there's always something to satisfy a craving. A significant highlight for locals is the food's "clean" taste, allowing you to "eat here and get full and my stomach doesn't feel heavy after" – a valuable attribute for those prioritizing a wholesome meal that leaves you feeling good. Despite external construction, OBENTO's continued popularity for both dine-in and take-out patrons speaks volumes about its consistent quality and ability to meet local demand. It's the kind of establishment that quickly becomes a "staple" for its delicious, reliable, and unpretentious Japanese fare, making it a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying lunch or a casual, healthy dinner right in the heart of our vibrant city.
OBENTO Photos










OBENTO Location
OBENTO
709 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, USA
OBENTO Reviews
Did not realize Obento on the 16th Street also have unagi don. The unagi don here was more traditional, with only unagi and a few pieces of danmuji (yellow pickled radish) over the white rice, compared to the poke style in both Kyoto Ramen and Poke Club. Simple, but delicious. They also had freshly made sushi, ramen, bento, bowls, poke and a variety of starters, as well as Japanese snacks and drinks. The restaurant was bright and neat, and the minimalist setting was quite similar to the food stands at the Tokyo subway stations. Despite the ongoing construction outside, I was surprised to see many dine-in and take-out patrons during lunch hours, not to mention it was one of the few surviving restaurants right on the Street.
May 26, 2025 · Adam YouThis place is really good and has become a staple. The "Rockies" is a great choice. The food taste really clean. I like it because I can eat here and get full and my stomach doesn't feel heavy after
May 11, 2025 · DaijahReasonably priced, quickly prepped and tasty sushi! The All You Can eat is a bit of a trap, which I fell for, but if you can eat more than 5 rolls I think it makes sense.Non the less I had a great experience overall and will likely return the next time I'm in Denver!
Dec 09, 2024 · Makiah SThe sushi was so fresh and delicious! The fish melted in your mouth like butter! I would 100% return. Great quality and service right by all your favorite stops on the 16TH st mall! Very inventive inari rolls were good too!
Dec 24, 2024 · Isabella ShawObento is consistently one of the best places for lunch in Denver. Their bento boxes are always piping hot and have a nice mix of an entree, salad, and usually two sides that can vary. It’s always flavorful, fast and affordable, making it one of my go-to lunch spots. I also love their boba teas—they’re a nice size for the price. Highly recommend!
Mar 19, 2025 · Anna Gorka
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