There is an old adage in project management called the iron triangle. It's usually not possible to have something that is good, cheap, or delivered quickly or fast. If something is designed cheaply and delivered quickly, you usually sacrifice quality. Or if it is good...and fast, it generally isn't cheap.
Such is the case with Bento House in Reston. The food is definitely inexpensive and it's delivered quickly. But, it's definitely not close to being the same quality as other Japanese restaurants in the area, not by a long shot.
Going to Bento House is the equivalent of going to a fast food chain for a hamburger. You get your food very quickly, but it's not the gourmet experience. That's not all bad however. In fact, I would select Bento House over any of the large national burger chains (with the exception of 5 Guys, Shake Shack, or In n' Out Burger).
Your best options here are the Bento House Boxes. There are six choices:
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Steak Teriyaki
- Shrimp Teriyaki
- Chicken and Shrimp
- Salmon Teriyaki, and
- Tofu Teriyaki
Each of the boxes include mixed vegetables and your choice of white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can make any of the boxes a deluxe version which includes a pretty tasty spring roll and 4 piece California Roll sushi. Prices range from $6.45 - $10.15. You can order additional chicken, steak, or shrimp for around $2. Very good value.
You can get a "family pack," which is a Chicken Teriyaki Platter for 4 for $23.99, which is a pretty good deal when feeding a family of four.
Stay away from the ramen. The noodles are packaged, and while the Tonkatsu (pork belly) is very good, the broth is weak and lacking in the complex flavors of the ramen you can find at other ramen shops in the area.
All in all, Bento House is fast, inexpensive, and . . . okay. If I'm in the area, I'd try it again, but I wouldn't make a special trip.More