Don Japanese Restaurant

Don Japanese Restaurant brings a genuine taste of Japan to the heart of Canberra's CBD. Located in the stylish No Name Lane precinct at Shop 23/45 West Row, the restaurant has quickly become a local favorite for anyone craving authentic Japanese comfort food without pretension. The menu focuses on generous, flavorful bowls — from rich tonkotsu ramen to perfectly grilled teriyaki don — all prepared with fresh ingredients and careful attention to detail. Open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm, the team welcomes walk‑ins all day long, making it easy to drop in for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a takeaway feast.

What sets Don Japanese Restaurant apart is its dedication to simple, honest cooking. Every dish is made to order, balancing tradition with the needs of a busy modern city. The bright, contemporary dining room suits solo diners, couples, and small groups alike, while the no‑booking policy means there is always a chance to grab a table. For those who prefer to eat at home or at the office, the restaurant offers convenient delivery through UberEats, Deliveroo, and Menulog, ensuring the same quality travels well.

Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes

The menu at Don Japanese Restaurant is built around classic Japanese rice bowls, noodle soups, and bento boxes. Guests regularly return for the crowd‑favorites, many of which are mentioned again and again in online reviews.

• Bento Box: A beautifully arranged meal-in-one featuring protein, rice, salad, and sides. Perfect for a balanced, satisfying lunch.
• Buta Teriyaki Don: Tender slices of pork glazed with a sweet‑savory teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice.
• Tonkotsu Ramen: A rich, creamy pork‑bone broth with springy noodles, sliced chashu, marinated egg, and classic toppings.
• Salmon Don: Fresh, flame‑seared salmon atop a bowl of seasoned rice, often paired with avocado and a drizzle of house sauce.
• Udon: Thick, chewy noodles served in a mild dashi-based broth or stir‑fried with vegetables and protein.

What We Offer

Don Japanese Restaurant covers every dining preference with a flexible service model. Whether you are eating in, grabbing a quick meal on the go, or ordering from your sofa, the experience is streamlined and reliable.

Dine-In Experience

The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it a go‑to for city workers, ANU students, and visitors exploring the Canberra Centre. The interior is simple and clean, allowing the food to take centre stage. Guests order at the counter and food is delivered promptly.

Takeaway & Delivery

For those on a tight schedule, takeaway orders are prepared quickly. Delivery is available through three major platforms: UberEats, Deliveroo, and Menulog. The restaurant also accepts online orders directly via its website, ensuring contactless delivery when needed.

Online Ordering

Guests can browse the full menu and place pre‑paid orders using the mryum.com counter system linked from the official website. This digital approach keeps the process fast and minimises wait times during peak hours.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Conveniently positioned at 40 Marcus Clarke Street (accessible via No Name Lane), the restaurant sits within walking distance of major offices, the Australian National University, and public transport hubs. The address is technically No Name Lane, Shop 23/45 West Row, Canberra ACT 2601 — a laneway destination known for its hidden‑gem eateries.

The central location makes Don Japanese Restaurant a practical choice for a pre‑meeting lunch, a post‑lecture meal, or a weekend city stroll. Paid parking stations are available nearby, and the Alinga Street light rail stop is only a short walk away.

Why Customers Choose Us

A large part of the restaurant's strong reputation comes from its consistent quality and approachable vibe. Online reviews frequently mention freshness, generous portions, and friendly service. Diners appreciate that the kitchen remains open continuously from 11am to 9pm, covering both lunch and dinner without the awkward mid‑afternoon closure that many city eateries enforce.

• No‑compromise freshness: Ingredients are prepped daily, and dishes are assembled to order so flavours stay bright and textures intact.
• Value for money: Main meals sit in the $20–$40 range, offering a filling, high‑quality feed at a fair price point.
• Walk‑in friendly: No reservations are taken, which means tables turn regularly and a short wait is usually rewarded quickly.
• Dietary flexibility: While the menu is meat‑heavy, customisation requests are handled politely, and vegetarian or milder options can often be arranged.

Hours, Location & Directions

Don Japanese Restaurant operates seven days a week, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Please note that a 10% public holiday surcharge applies.

Address: No Name Lane, Shop 23/45 West Row, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: +61 420 459 581
Email: accounts@donjapanese.com.au (for job vacancies and general queries only; no phone orders)

The restaurant can be tricky to find on a first visit: enter via West Row and look for the No Name Lane entrance. The shop is clearly signed and the warm glow of the dining room is visible from the lane.

Questions Visitors Ask

First-time visitors often have the same practical questions. The team encourages people to check the official website for the latest menu and ordering links before arriving.

Do you take bookings?

No. Don Japanese Restaurant operates on a walk‑in basis only. Tables are available first‑come, first‑served, and the wait is usually minimal even during peak times.

Can I order over the phone?

Phone orders are not accepted. To order takeaway or delivery, please use the online ordering portal on the restaurant's website or choose one of the delivery apps (UberEats, Deliveroo, Menulog).

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. Several paid parking garages and street‑side spaces are located within a short walk. The Canberra Centre parking is also a convenient option. Public transport via light rail and bus is excellent.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

The menu is primarily based on meat, seafood, rice, and wheat noodles. Staff are happy to discuss modifications where possible, but guests with strict allergies or vegan preferences should contact the restaurant in advance by email.

What is the best way to avoid a wait?

Visiting slightly before 12:00pm or after 1:30pm for lunch, and before 6:30pm for dinner, typically offers the shortest wait. Online takeaway orders also let you skip the line entirely.