DonDonYa comes across as a neighborhood staple with a cozy, eclectic vibe and a menu that blends comforting Japanese options with generous portions and fair prices. Reviewers praise tasty dishes like tonkatsu, torikatsu, gyoza, onigiri, curry and miso soup, along with strong tea selections and desserts, noting the food is consistently fresh, well prepared and visually appealing. The atmosphere is described as warm and inviting, with charming decor and a family friendly feel that makes it suitable for quick lunches, casual dinners or takeout. Service is frequently described as friendly and efficient, though a few visits mention slow or uneven pacing during busy times and occasional gaps in attention, suggesting that the experience can vary. Overall, DonDonYa is regarded as a go to spot in the area for flavorful Japanese comfort food at reasonable prices, with many locals promising to return for both the food and the welcoming, lively ambiance.
I would give a 3.9 at best. The whole thing was underwhelming. The deco is cute & interesting but the seating is a bit uncomfortable.
The food is what made it especially underwhelming. It lacked a bit of flavour or anything interesting really, but it was still descent. The server forgot to bring our dessert & by the time we were done with the food we just decided to call it a day.
The drinks are great though.
Last Saturday, I went to this place with my friend because we we're craving for some Japanese food. I really like the fact that they have a lots of varieties on the menu. Unfortunately on that day, I feel like service was not the best if you read all the reviews from this restaurant. Even if it was not busy , the waiter took his time to come & take our order. He never come & ask us if everything was okay & he didn't refill my friend water... Although it was not the best service, the price is reasonable & the food & dessert was delicious.
Idk if I would give another chance for this place.
Although the place looked very cozy & pleasant to dine in, the overall experience was mid for me.
I came here to eat on a Saturday night. The place was very quiet & only had two customers when I arrived with my friend. The atmosphere was really relaxed, the decorations nicely put together, & the ambiance very warm & cozy.
The menu was also excellent, & I liked that they were able to offer customers a wide variety of selections, ranging from appetizers to cold & hot dishes, from rice to noodles, to desserts & drinks. The prices were also reasonable & fairly priced in this economy. We especially liked our desserts, which were the panna cotta flan & the hojicha tiramisu, not too sweet & a perfect balance for people who have a sweet tooth.
However, I'd like to say that the service was quite disappointing & really slow for a Saturday night. The server never came once to our table to ask how we were feeling, if the food was delicious, or even to fill up our cups. He even mixed up our bill for our meal when it was time to pay. I disliked the fact that he took way too much time to notice (eight minutes) that we were finished & wanted to pay to leave. Also, minus one point for the bathroom because it stank a little bit, though it was clean (might consider purchasing an air freshener).
What an incredible vibe this place has! The service is not only quick but genuinely attentive, making you feel cared for from the moment you sit down. The food is crafted with clear intention & thought, with each element working in harmony. From the plating to the ASMR-worthy crunch of the Torikatsu. The Onigiri is an experience in itself, artfully balancing the sweet, buttery richness of its pastry with the bold depth of a curry beef filling. Must try before everyone else discovers this gem
Sep 28, 2025
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Awesome place!! I had the tomato curry & it tasted different than other curries I've had, in the best way!! The flavor is deeper & super balanced with the pork & veggies. I was so hungry, I also got their sandwich & altought it is simple, it really surprises you with the amount of flavor packed in it. Finally, the cocktails are fairly priced. As far as the service & atmosphere, those are great as well :) The decor especially is really cozy!!
DonDonYa is such a fun spot to eat! The atmosphere, location, & staff all add to the charm. The menu is full of comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dishes at very fair prices. Absolute must-try: the tuna onigiri- so good you'll want seconds. A great place to enjoy flavorful Japanese comfort food without breaking the bank.
Reached out to dondonya for a small catering order for our wedding as late night take outs & wow the food was amazing! It was a big hit, the popcorn chicken was delicious, the gyoza & vegetarian onigiri croissant was to die for. It made our wedding so much more special. Highly recommend!
Aug 31, 2025
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✨ Una joya escondida en Montreal ✨
DonDonYA nos sorprendió gratamente: un rincón acogedor, con un ambiente cálido y un servicio impecable. Cada plato es una explosión de sabores auténticos que te transportan directo a Asia. ¡Sin duda, la mejor comida asiática que hemos probado hasta ahora en Quebec! Volveremos una y mil veces. 🍜🥢💯
✨ Un joyau caché à Montréal ✨
DonDonYA nous a agréablement surpris : un coin confortable, avec une atmosphère chaleureuse & un service impeccable. Chaque plat est une explosion de saveurs authentiques qui vous transportent directement en Asie. Sans aucun doute la meilleure cuisine asiatique que nous ayons goûtée jusqu'à présent au Québec ! Nous reviendrons mille fois. 🍜🥢💯
Très belle découverte. Très bon rapport prix qualité.
Le bol de poulet tonkatsu était excellent!
Toujours heureuse lorsqu'un restaurant du quartier met de l'attention & de l'effort dans non seulement ses recettes, mais aussi sur l'ambiance chaleureuse.
We live nearby & had been wanting to give this place a try for a few months. We didn't expect much, but we were pleasantly surprised! The gyozas, the lemon chicken, & the breaded pork were full of flavor - & the breaded pork was super crunchy! The portion sizes were just right. The decor adds a lot of personality to the place.
The prices are fair & definitely worth it. We'll definitely come back!
