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.
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 👌🏾
J'ai dîné chez DonDonYa il y a quelques jours & j'ai vraiment adoré l'expérience. Une adresse parfaite pour manger une cuisine japonaise authentique, généreuse & à prix très raisonnable.
👉 Ce que j'ai goûté :?🥞 Okonomiyaki (crêpe salée japonaise)?Ultra copieuse & délicieuse : pâte moelleuse, chou, ingrédients bien équilibrés, nappée de sauce okonomi, mayonnaise & katsuobushi (le fameux'poisson dansant'). Une entrée à elle seule très rassasiante.
🍚 Yaki Don (porc grillé)?Un bol de riz garni de porc mariné façon BBQ asiatique (soja, ail, gingembre, sésame, mirin). Le porc est tendre, caramélisé, plein de saveurs, simple mais extrêmement efficace.
✅ Points forts :?• Portions très généreuses?• Excellente maîtrise des cuissons?• Saveurs équilibrées & assaisonnement impeccable?• Service impeccable?• Rapport qualité-prix vraiment intéressant
Got takeout, Gyu-Don, Overall not too bad, but not too much meat & the toppings in general were a bit lackluster, bit too much creamy sauce for me, not salty at all, could have used some more soy sauce or something else.
Oct 5, 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.
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!
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
We had high hopes given the good ratings. Unfortunately we did not enjoy it fully: - the ventilation is not good enough & you smell quite oily afterwards - the udon soup lagged taste & we needed to help with extra Soja sauce - when full house you lack space for your comfort
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!
