DonDonYa is a small, cozy, unpretentious spot in Montreal that diners consistently praise for generous portions, tasty Japanese and Asian fusion dishes, and very reasonable prices, with frequent notes about friendly service, a welcoming homey vibe, and a menu that includes gyu don, tonkatsu, chashu don, miso cucumbers, and yam fries; while the space can feel cramped and can get crowded at dinner, leading to wait times, a few visits mention inconsistent dish quality, and occasional misfires like curry, the overall verdict is positive and DonDonYa remains a reliable, affordable go to for students and locals seeking comforting, well-executed fare.
Cozy spot for an excellent casual meal. Menu has a good selection of options. The gyoza were excellent & the yam fries were unexpected. They coat them in sugar before frying, which leans into the sweetness yet somehow it works. I had the Tom Yum soup with tofu. I've never had it with rice noodles (vermicelli but it's the fat kind) & seaweed. It struck me as fusion feeling but it was good & pretty light, which is what I was looking for. I considered the udon but those noodles can be a lot. Everybody was happy with their meals. On the ambience, I'll say it has a quirky back of the house feel--they store supplies kind of in the open & the walls partially expose pipes. They use a lot of white paint on wooden strips with live plants in planters for an exposed-yet-homey vibe. The tables are tiny--it's not a place for lingering--& there aren't a ton of seats. We'll definitely be back again!
Tastes just like the food I had in japanese last year, the bowls are delicious & the quality is impeccable. Would recommend if you want a taste of Japan in downtown Montreal :)
Mar 6, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Very nice & cozy atmosphere. The yam fries were bussin bussin on god (crispy sweet & hot (just like me 😘)). The torikatsu was mad gyuuu, bouncy, succulent juicy strips of fresh poultry made me cry a single tear of joy. The balance with the rice & the veggies was very yummy yummy in my tummy (no upset tummy tonight 😊)i'm finally happy again. Never got chance to meet the older gentleman in the kitchen but he seemed like a swell fella. Overall some very menoum menoum miam miam 🤤 PS: Some cushions would be nice cuz my booty ache (straight up blud)
the food was really good but the space is really small. the staff was very nice & the service was pretty quick. i definitely recommend the Tonkatsu bowl & the burger steak one!!
Wonderful shop that screams eclectic & unique. It might be tough to fit a group larger than six in here fyi. Asian fusion is how they describe themselves & it's true. The menu is a collection of Japanese comfort food made by Chinese chefs. I had the katsu curry & it was ok. The curry could have been thicker & used a little more flavor but it was a nice warm meal on a cold evening. I would definitely come back & sample some of the other menu items.
Fantastic food, hearty portions at a very low price especially post inflation. Had the Tonkatsu Don, sauce was savoury & sweet, & the meat was very crispy & moist. The rice was perfect with nice coleslaw & sweet corn. Dessert was also great. Service was great & food came out very fast. Would recommend to anyone looking for a full cheap meal of quality food.
You must take the detour to enjoy the menu of this place! Cosy, great service, awesome food & affordable ! This is my place to go when I want to travel for dinner time
