I have done everyone a disservice by not writing this review sooner. Obento is amazing that's really where I need to start. I have been here about 10 times in just two months, and I haven't found anything bad on this menu yet. The staff is also so incredibly helpful with answering any questions you may have, and of course just pleasant to chat with. I do not see myself not making a few trips here every month just for a Thai tea. Update- we are still eating here at least once a month and stopping for Thai teas and other apps every other week.

We found Obento by accident while on a road trip—we were just looking for coffee, but a map error led us here instead. The staff went out of their way to help us find a coffee spot, but since everything nearby was closed, we decided to stay. And I’m so glad we did! From the moment we walked in, the place smelled amazing, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere made us change our plans and try their food. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars! The food was incredibly tasty and brought back the exact flavors I experienced when I was in Japan. The hospitality was just as amazing—Valina and Becca were both so kind and professional. Valina took the time to explain the menu to us, making our experience even better. If you ever have the chance to try their food, don’t miss it!

We finally got to try Obento and it was fantastic! We have always loved Oishya and when we heard they were opening this location we were excited to try it. As expected, it did not disappoint. Great prices, great menu, large portions, and fantastic service. Pop by for lunch and you’ll keep going back!

Y’all, Obento did not disappoint. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and came out fast. I started with the miso soup and salad (that ginger dressing was everything!). I got the sweet & spicy chicken bento box and whew—the chicken was crispy and full of flavor, the rice was fluffy, and the crab tempura with that sauce? Fire Even the little egg had a smiley face on it—like come on, the details! My Thai tea was cold and just right too. Definitely one of my new favorite spots in Murfreesboro. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out.

ETA: I went back today and did the sweet and spicy chicken and it was excellent! The soup had more flavor and again, that crab tempura is to die for! I also got the dumplings and they were very good! This place is just off New Salem Hwy. It is very clean and the waitresses are SO sweet! The service is quick. I truly enjoyed the ginger salad. It was so amazing that we bought a pint of the dressing. The rice is nice and fluffy and the crab tempura is AMAZING!!! I can’t stop thinking about how good that was. They give huge portions that one person can’t possibly eat all of. I did the teriyaki chicken and it was good, but the teriyaki was pretty bland/ not flavorful. Overall I can’t wait to go back and try a different dish and get that crab tempura again.

I had the pleasure of dining at Obento today and meeting the owner Sonia. This was my first time dining Bento Box style and I was very impressed with the concept AND the food. Sonia is awesome explaining how it all works, different options, and what went well with what. I did the two-protein option with Teriyaki Chicken and the Pork Katsu with the potato salad and Harumaki Rolls. The Bento Box also includes a ginger salad along with Miso soup and sticky white rice. Sonia explained the Oden soup to me and kindly shared a sample of it with fish ball and octopus cake in a rich dashi stock. The meal was off to such a great start…I could do a “soup & salad” meal alone with the Miso Soup and Ginger dressing salad. The ginger dressing is homemade and it is so good I bought an extra container to take home! The Oden soup is unusual and reminded me of fish soup in New England, I liked it. The Bento Box…WOW!!! Sonia told me all of the sauces for dipping and cooking are homemade in-house. The Teriyaki sauce for the chicken and the Japanese Mayonnaise for dipping the Pork Katsu really went well and enhanced versus overpowering the dishes. The potato salad was a big surprise and so good…she adds chunks of apple for a wonderful flavor profile. The steamed veggies and daikon radish was al dente and fresh, while the Harumaki rolls were fresh and crisp. Sooooo much food and all of it was delicious. Stand-outs…the ginger dressing for the salad, the flavor of the teriyaki sauce on the chicken, and that Japanese Mayo would enhance anything it is paired with. I’m so glad I finally made it out here…great food and exceptional (and informative…I learned a lot) service.

My business partner and I are always looking for the best Asian food. We have been all over and usually settle on Chinese but this place left me speechless. The food and the service are 5 star!!! And very inexpensive. I would expect to pay over $100 for the meal I had. Instead it was $20. The very lovely owner also gave us amazing conversation about the traditional dishes of Japan. I have always had a top 5 list of best ever restaurants I have been to. Now I have a top 3! Also her sweet tea was better than my mom's. Go figure... I got this thin sliced beef similar to Korean bulgogi but way better and chicken teriyaki and crab cream cheese tempura and seaweed salad in sesame oil and .... Holy crap it was good!

Awesome is the only word to describe this place. You can tell everything made here is exactly how they would prepare the food in Japan. Everything is perfectly and authentically spiced, you can tell care is taken when making the food. Beyond friendly staff and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting. Even without a kids menu they are extremely accommodating towards kids. I would 100% recommend this place looking to get some authentic Japanese food.