Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Allergic to The Marina?
Yea, me too.
Don't get me wrong, it's one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city but if you don't fit into their aesthetics, you may feel like an alien with three nips. At least that's how I feel when I go there.
BUT, there's several businesses worth going there for and IMO, one of them is...
Komeya No Bento.
Opening in December 2023, they've become a viral sensation for their beautiful bentos, ochazuke (rice dish w/ dashi), and matcha lattes.
I'm happy to say, it was worth the hype!
Komeya No Bento is open for takeout only.
It's chaotic even on a weekday so place your order online. The only thing is you get no notification when your order is ready - please fix this! You also can't hear the staff call your name from outside.
D R I N K S
* Strawberry Milk Matcha Foam ($7.95 + .85 cents oat milk)
- Fixed sweetness
* Matcha Milk Matcha Foam ($7.95 + .85 cents oat milk)
- Fixed sweetness
Many have said, this is the best matcha latte in the city and I agree. IMO, it's better than the ones I've tried in the South Bay which is known to have better matcha lattes.
They use top-tier Marukyu Koyamaen matcha (same as Izumi) that's bright and grassy but what sets their matcha latte apart from others? The creaminess. Instead of hand whisking, they use an electric milk frother to whisk their matcha creating a matcha latte that's rich in flavor, hella smooth, and oh so creamy.
The strawberry and mango were both at their peak ripeness, adding a natural fruity sweetness. Even at fixed sweetness, it was not too sweet.
F O O D
* Salmon in Truffle Soy Obento w/ sushi rice, Japanese potato salad, roasted grape tomato, roasted brussels sprouts, deep fried sweet potato + corn, pickled cucumber, beans sprout ($21.50)
Expertly prepared, the scottish salmon was fresh and deliciously buttery. Finished with a yuzu soy dressing and truffle oil, adding a citrusy, aromatic umami while still letting the salmon shine. The sushi rice was perfectly cooked - well-seasoned, sticky, and room temp.
Served with fresh wasabi, pickled ginger, and array of fresh sides for a balanced meal.
S E R V I C E
Friendly but understaffed so it was hard to get their attention.
A M B I A N C E
Small, claustrophobic space with two high tops and a bench. Two benches outside.
Take your food to the Marina Green or Presidio Tunnel Tops to enjoy.
P A R K I N G
Tough residential parking even on a weekday. Bring another person who can run in and grab your order.
Overall, Komeya No Bento serves awesome bentos and matcha lattes, exceeding expectations given SO many things are overhyped these days on socials and TT. I know the owner wants to open a dine in resto but I hope he considers opening up a second Komeya No Bento location at the other end of the city (The Mission, Noe, Bernal, or Glen Park).