Dondonya delivers a focused selection of Japanese comfort food centered on the art of the donburi rice bowl. Each dish features premium proteins served atop fluffy steamed rice, complemented by a variety of traditional seasonings and fresh vegetable garnishes. The menu prioritizes consistent preparation techniques that highlight the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients sourced for their freshness. Diners encounter a streamlined approach to poke bowls that emphasizes clean presentation and balanced nutrition in every serving. Beyond standard rice bowls, the kitchen incorporates authentic Asian culinary elements to provide a straightforward and efficient eating experience. This establishment maintains a dedicated commitment to delivering hearty, flavorful portions that reflect the quintessential simplicity of modern Japanese quick-service cuisine. The organized layout ensures that every ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating a cohesive, satisfying meal for any guest.
Dondonya is widely regarded as a charming, hole in the wall destination in downtown Montreal that serves delicious and authentic Japanese-inspired comfort food at an excellent value. While the space is notably cozy and often cramped, requiring potential diners to anticipate a wait during peak hours, the friendly and attentive service combined with generous portions makes it a local favorite for many. Although a few experiences noted inconsistencies in dish preparation or minor comfort issues, the overwhelming consensus highlights the restaurant as a must visit hidden gem for those seeking flavorful, high quality meals in a warm and unpretentious environment.
Perfect if you are on a budget & want a meal that is filling! Definitely try out the chicken cutlet curry & the fried chicken. It is crispy, satisfying bite to it while also being juicy & tender.
It was my first time ordering from that restaurant by ubereats & i was a bit disappointed because i am so used to eating Japanese food. They curry sauce was terrible. Tasted like water & in the middle the night i got sick, stomach was hurting bad. It felt i got the left over. Usually Japanese curry is gravy thick & brown & ive got the opposite. Atleast, the portion is good & the yam fries were excellent 👌🏾
Super yummy, great atmosphere, & kind workers! I especially recommend the tonkatsu & curry katsu. It's unpretentious & cozy, a perfect spot for lunch with a friend, or on your own.
Only thing is that I could see clean freaks being a little put-off by this place, as the more eccentric decor lended itself to accumulating quite a bit of dust, especially by the window. It never bothered me, though, since the food is spectacular.
Sep 24, 2025
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This place is AMAZING! I went 3 times when in Montreal & stayed at UofM, everything on the menu was delicious in every aspect. Super crispy tonkatsu, flavorful curry, juicy meat, all the way down to lovely sauces & dressings. If you're in the area you have to go here for a great bite & an amazing atmosphere. The interior is cozy & well decorated with great service every time. Un-fussy place that is never lacking.
5 out of 5 will eat again(what, I won't tell you) . On a serious note, I loved the place very cute & cozy. The food was delicious, I recommend the Japanese dry curry😉.
Not authentic. Curry is water down & lacks of favour. The katsu's batter is all wet & not cripsy, they falls straight off the pork... Seems like they just pan fried it instead of traditional way deep fried. don't recommend.
Chashu don: perfectly balanced bowl of tender meat, juicy egg, & crispy vegetables. Simple, but sometimes that's all you need! Curry katsu: curry was alright. Not much to say but the rest was great!
My favourite restaurant ever homey vibes nd their curry chicken is my favourite plate I ordered it at least 5 times so far & now with holidays I am craving it even more cant wait until they open again to get again ❤️
I got the pork cutlet with sweet & sour japanese sauce, with the curry on the side as per the waitresses recommendation as I couldn't decide. Definitely the best choice as I love the cutlet with just the S&S sauce alone. Now the cutlet was perfect, perfect crunch, perfect taste. & the fact that the place is small, makes the ambiance cozy & easier for the waitress to serve us. I loved it
I've tried katsus at several restaurants, & this one is really bland. It's crispy with a large amount of rice & a nice portion of vegetables, but it really needs salt as an optional add-on, especially for the curry sauce & the bland beef. The atmosphere is cozy & nice, despite the heavy smell of fumes.
