New Bedford Foodies Need to Try Bento’s—Here’s Why

We had the chance to try Bento's Bar and Grill in New Bedford this morning on The MGM Show.

The executive chef brought out an array of dishes, including fish and chips, a fried chicken sandwich, and tostadas topped with grilled shrimp and guacamole.

Fun 107's Picks

Michaela was a huge fan of the tostadas, saying the texture of each bite was only outdone by the bursts of flavor from the appetizer.

Ironically, Gazelle's pick was an afterthought. The three of us had finished our meals when he overheard owner Joe Cruz raving about Bento's salmon, so we went in for another round. It was a generous piece of seasoned, blackened salmon served over rattlesnake pasta—almost like a spicy queso sauce. Beware: This is a hearty dish that could easily provide multiple servings.

I broke the rules because I couldn't pick just one. The fish and chips were panko-crusted, as was the fried chicken sandwich. The panko crust on both created an incredibly crispy texture that was so unique. Dare I say, the fish and chips might be the best in the city right now. And the chicken sandwich? If I've had a better one, I can't remember it. Yes, it was that good.

Nightclub Seating

Bento's atmosphere is playful and daring—set up more like the VIP section of a Boston nightclub—but also wildly Instagrammable (which is a critical social media factor in 2025).

Executive Chef

The restaurant's executive chef has crafted a thoughtful and creative menu unlike anything else on the SouthCoast. You won't find another boring variation of chicken Mozambique at Bento's.

Parking

You'll need quarters or the Passport App for parking during the day, but you should be free and clear for dinner or a late night drink.