Obento — Restaurant in Belfast

Tucked along the busy streets of Belfast, Obento Japanese Express offers a comforting taste of Japan that instantly reminded me of Tokyo Tokyo back home in the Philippines. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by warm lighting, wooden tables, and the unmistakable sight of soy sauce bottles waiting to be poured, simple details that bring a wave of nostalgia.

Their menu celebrates Japanese comfort food at its finest. From fresh sushi to steaming bowls of noodles, what stood out most for me was their variety of bento box meals. Each tray feels thoughtfully balanced — tender meats, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and sides that round out the experience. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill you up, but satisfies you in that soulful, homey way.

The atmosphere is unpretentious yet inviting, the kind of place where you can slow down, savor each bite, and feel like you’ve found a little piece of Japan in the middle of Belfast. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, Obento is...

I had a very disappointing experience at Obento. I went for dinner around 7 PM, knowing that the restaurant was listed as open until 8 PM on Google. However, from 7:15 PM onwards, the manager repeatedly reminded us that they were closing in 15 minutes. Every few minutes, he kept saying, “We are closing soon,” which made us feel extremely rushed and unwelcome.

The constant pressure to finish our meal quickly ruined the dining experience. We had to eat hot food in a hurry, making it impossible to enjoy the flavors or have a relaxed meal. Instead of providing good customer service, the manager’s rude and impatient attitude made us feel as if we were an inconvenience.

If the restaurant was planning to close early or had specific last-order policies, they should have communicated this clearly before seating us, rather than pressuring us throughout the meal. Overall, it was a very negative experience, and I would not recommend Obento if you’re looking for a pleasant and relaxed...

Dont be fooled by its location or the size of this little restaurant. If you blink you will miss it. It is nestled next to Argento on Royal Avenue and at first looks like a sandwich takeaway bar but it is one of Belfast's great secret places for foodies. It serves great Japanese food and is reasonable, very tasty and quick. A bento box will set you back about £7 or £8. There is a really cool little mezzanine upstairs for customers to eat and like most asian eateries is no frill and simple. I love it here, it is a bolt-hole where you can enjoy good tasty food at reasonable prices. The other thing I love about Obento is the diversity of customers, here you find people from all walks of like and from all communities. It always make me think that Belfast is changing for the better when I visit and see so many nationalities and cultures all sitting together enjoying excellent food and talking...