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.
Amazing food, great options. Miso cucumber was tasty to start, had a beef rice bowl & the ginger brown sugar tea. 10/10 would recommend. Cute restaurant up a set of stairs.
This is my go-to Japanese restaurant. I always eat here when I crave tonkotsu rice. The place is small but nice, the service is good, & the value for money is solid.
I unfortunately must edit this review. The quality of the dishes have dropped - the chicken I received in the torikatsu was stale. What used to be a more generous helping of vegetables is now thinly spread on top, & replaced by rice on the bottom. The rice quality has changed as well. Overall edible, but would not go back because I can make it better at home.
Original review:
I thought it was quite good. The staff are amazing & they do everything there. Cute vibes in the restaurant.. The portions are smaller so you gotta get a main & a side to be full. Rice is delicious. The only thing I would say is, the egg on the Gyudon came ice cold which was a bit unpleasant but otherwise the dish was delicious
Aug 12, 2025
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It is very good Asian restaurant, maybe the taste is localized Asian food, similar to Taiwanese. It is not authentic Japanese food. For Japanese visitors, I recommend Yakidon. If you prefer localized Canadian Japanese food, I recommend Toridon which so sweet sauce is on the chicken & rice. Very reasonable price. Amazing!
The bathroom is kinda hard to access to but or else everything else is great. The food is the best cozy, & homemade feel! My fav is the Menchikatsu. It is 3 big slices of pork croquettes, with tons of cabbage & rice on the side. It fills you up like crazy. The place is well decorated & very clean too! 10/10
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.
Small, cozy restaurant with home-made vibes. Food is delicious: flavors are perfectly balanced & portions are copious. Bonus: 5-star service. The meat is perfectly cooked & the ingredients feel so fresh. Also the sauces go so well with the rice & the vegetables. It gives you the sensation of eating at someone's house (someone that cooks amazingly well, of course). How small the place is, the old-fashioned menu, & the warm service is the perfect mix that makes you feel that you are eating home-made dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to try this little jewel in downtown!
Good japanese food at a decent price! Ordered take out & got the curry katsu, katsu, & tawainese chicken nuggets. Both katsu dishes were good. The curry was on the runny side, I wished it was a bit thicker to coat the rice. The taiwanese chicken nuggets were also good, however, the portion size was small. Only half the container was filled, which was disappointing. Would go back to try the other rice donburis on the menu.
A very nice rice bowl / beef bowl shop. Quick & easy. The drinks were delicious & unique. The food was delicious & there were plenty of options, both classic & innovative.
