Aloha Japanese Bento — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Place was smaller than I expected but was happy to have gotten a parking space right in front. Took my Grandma here who was born and raised in Japan. I've been looking for a really great Ramen place to compare to what I had when I lived in LA a year and a half ago. This place was really good. The ramen is very tasty and flavorful and my Gram and I enjoyed it. We visited on Easter afternoon (4/21/19) and we weren't really sure what was open around the 'Cuse. Unlike LA most things in Syracuse close early, are not open on Sundays or are closed for the holidays. So we were very pleased this place was open. The style of the restaurant is like a fast food joint even though there are places to sit. The hustle and bustle is of a take out type establishment. All in all it was fine. We got the 2 Shoryu Ramen bowls, Chicken Kara-Age and an order of Fried Rice (has pineapple in it) The ramen was filling, the broth was robust and the noodles were perfectly al dente! Was kinda bummed that the Chicken Kara-Age wasn't tossed in the sauce. We ate there so I kinda expected it to be tossed. So we dipped instead. Sauce could've been spicier, and less salty, but it had a great garlicky flavor. The Fried Rice was awesome aside from all the peas (hate them ) but obviously that's my own issue lol. I just picked them out. If you ask for water you will get tap water (which is fine) but it will be in a styrofoam cup without ice #boo. I believe our total bill was about $32. I think that might be reasonable. So there ya have it! Check em out and have your...

Aloha is an unpretentious restaurant which serves pretty much what it advertises. It does not claim to be a Japanese restaurant. It is a Japanese-Hawai'ian restaurant which is an entirely different beast. Aloha does serve a number of very common (in Japan) food items which you are unlikely to find at other restaurants in the area.

Many of these have their own speciality restaurants in Japan. For example, Japanese "curry rice" should not be confused with Indian curry (from which it is derived). In Japan, "curry rice" is served with a spoon resting bowl down in a tall class of cold water. You are supposed to eat the dish with this spoon.

Bento are themselves a lunchtime staple in Japan. Bento contractors deliver boxes shortly before noon to companies with which they have contracted. However, "eki-ben" (train station bento) are the popular premiere variety complete with guidebooks to famous options at train stations scattered across the country. Higher class bento also appear at sumo tournaments, the kabuki-za theatre, and at large tea gatherings where guests stroll from one tea house (complete with its own tea instructor and band of students) to another.

The bottom line is that this very unpretentious restaurant serves familiar Japanese comfort food not found at the legion of faux "Japanese" restaurants that many rave about. They also offer various Hawai'ian variants on Japanese cuisine whose Hawai'ian pedigree is clearly stated on the menu.

The food is rather tasty. As noted by others, the atmosphere is casual...

If you're craving comfort food with a tropical twist, look no further than the Spam Musubi at Aloha Japanese Bento—a simple dish elevated to something truly memorable.

From the very first bite, it's clear that this musubi is made with care and love. The rice is perfectly cooked—warm, slightly sticky, and seasoned just right to complement the savory richness of the Spam. The meat itself is caramelized to perfection, with that slight crispy edge and sweet-savory glaze that makes you want to savor every bite. Wrapped snugly in a sheet of fresh, nori, the balance of textures is spot-on—soft rice, tender meat, and the seaweed wrap.

What really makes Aloha Japanese Bento stand out is the authenticity and heart behind the food. You can taste the home-style preparation in every element. It’s the kind of musubi that feels nostalgic, even if you didn’t grow up eating it. It’s snack-sized comfort, wrapped in simplicity and flavor.

The atmosphere of the shop adds to the experience—bright, clean, and inviting with friendly service that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The staff clearly take pride in what they serve, and it shows.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or ordering a full bento box, do not skip the Spam Musubi. It’s an absolute highlight—equal parts satisfying and crave-worthy. Aloha Japanese Bento has nailed the art of turning a humble Hawaiian-Japanese fusion dish into a local legend.

I’ll definitely be...