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| - On a busy street, right off of Dundas Square is a discreet little restaurant within a discreet brown building. As you ascend the stairs, you hear it, quietly at first (dondon). What was that? You continue up the stairs, feeling like you've stepped into a portal that has bridged together Toronto and Japan. Japanese posters and decorations enter your peripheral. Dondon! There it is again, the rhythmic pounding. You reach the top, pull back the black curtain, and a wave of deliciousness hits your nostrils. DON DON DON DON! IRASSHAIMASE!
And there it is. Happy faces striking a Japanese drum. And you are led through a high-energy, dynamic space with the promise of good food, good drink, and good times.
Good food: Dondon has an amazing range of shareable goodies that go from $5 to $20. No, you're not going to classify it as "cheap eats", but it certainly gives you quality for your money. Best to come with a big group so you can try as much as you can. My recommendations: black croquettes, wasabi octopus with seaweed, chicken cartilage, karaage, and torched salmon sushi.
Good drink: Alcohol and more alcohol! Fantastic variety of drinks including sake tasting menus ($~20) and special cocktails. There are a bunch of creative non-alcoholic drinks as well for those that can't hold their liquor (me). I recommend the Pomegrenate Calpico.
Good times: Great choice for larger groups, as mentioned before. They've got sectioned off areas with traditional Japanese tables for larger groups. Just a note, there is an auto 15% gratuity with these tables and you have to take off your shoes. The server wasn't very clear when we asked about this and then halfway through the meal, another server (better English) came by and told us to take them off. Other than that, the service was top-notch, with that signature sense of Japanese courtesy.
Dondon is one of the many Izakayas popping up in Toronto and definitely a worthy competitor. It's a perfectly lively atmosphere, inviting all to add their voices to the sound of upbeat chatter and beating drums. Despite the average rating, I promise you, you DON want to miss out. ;)
(87/100) - 2016
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