New Bedford’s Bento’s Bar and Grill Heats Up Fall with Unique Soup Flights and Much More

Downtown New Bedford has a new hotspot that’s already creating buzz with a creative approach to comfort food this season.

Bento's Bar & Grill, located at 555 Pleasant Street (the former Cafe Italia) across from The Baker, held its grand opening on October 26. Owned by Joe and Krystal Cruz, Bento's was named in honor of Krystal’s late father, adding a heartfelt touch to the restaurant's story.

Executive chef and kitchen manager Rafael Flores brings a unique blend of flavors to the table, calling the menu “a taste of New Bedford.”

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The offerings include Portuguese, Italian, Caribbean and Spanish influences designed to represent the diversity of the area.

One standout feature? The soup flight. This seasonal favorite offers guests a trio of comforting options: French Onion, an award-winning Clam Chowder, and Firehouse Mexican-Style Chili.

Flores, inspired by a guest’s dilemma of choosing between soups, decided to turn the classic appetizer into a tasting experience.

Listed under the appetizers, the soup flight is an easy way to sample the Bento's range of flavors in one sitting. A rotating “soup of the week” is also in the works to add even more variety.

Beyond the soup flight, Bento's offers an inventive selection of dishes. Guests can try chowder bombs, the Big Mac crunch wrap – a creative fusion of Taco Bell meets McDonald’s – and Chef Flores’ Fat Pizza Pockets, each paired with its own dipping sauce.

Seafood lovers will want to check out the lobster rangoons, another popular menu item that’s quickly gaining attention. Lastly, you can even get chicken wing flights that will entice your taste buds with sweet chili, garlic parmesan and gold fever flavor options.

Looking ahead, Bento's plans to introduce brunches, themed events and live entertainment with bands and DJs, aiming to establish itself as a go-to spot for both food and fun in New Bedford.

With its thoughtful menu and engaging atmosphere, Bento's Bar & Grill is shaping up to be a new culinary staple in the city.