Tokyo Donburi Guide: 7 Best Donburi in Tokyo

Tasting Donburi in Tokyo is a match made in heaven. Also popularly referred to as the don, a bowl of donburi is comparable to what you have in your favorite fast-food restaurant or your preferred food court inside malls. It is a rice bowl dish consisting of fish, meat, vegetables, or other ingredients simmered together and served over rice.

Even though a dash of donburi is as simple as this, it’s hard to resist this delight. Especially when you are in Tokyo, donburi restaurants are at almost every corner. Curious where to find them? Here’s a guide.

1. Buta Daigaku

Donburi dishes are, of course, not for the faint of heart, or faint of purses, rather. They’re meant to be cheap, but if you want more affordable donburi, then head over to Buta Daigaku. Think bowls of rice topped with slices of garlic and soy-grilled pork. Then, visit again the next day. Nothing wrong. That’s how irresistible the bowls here.

Price: From 1,000 yen

Hours: 11 AM-3 PM, 4:30-8:15 PM (Saturday and Sunday), 7 AM-9:45 PM (Monday to Friday)

Contact: +81 3-5512-3121

Address: Japan, 1F, New Shinbashi Building, 2 Chome-16-1 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0004

2. Tendon Kaneko Hannosuke Nihombashi Honten

With literally several restaurants in this Japanese capital city, it’s hard to pick a winner. But, if you’re particular about donburi, don’t miss this diner. It may be a tempura restaurant, but they still serve the perfect donburi that lingers on your tongue.

Price: From 3,000 yen

Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Saturday and Sunday), 11 AM-10 PM (Monday to Friday)

Contact: +81 3-3243-0707

Address: Japan, 〒103-0022 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihombashi Muromachi, 1-11-15

ALSO READ: BEST CURRY RICE IN TOKYO

3. SUKIYA

This is one of Japan's leading gyudon chains with approximately 2,000 outlets across the country. Though famous for delicious gyudon, SUKIYA has also been the go-to spot for locals and tourists who want a fast yet hearty meal. A satisfying bowl of beef rice? You got it. Very affordable, too!

Price: From 900 yen

Hours: Various opening hours, since there are various branches nationwide

Contact: Various contact information, refer to the website

Address: Various addresses

4. Ippei

Upon entering Ippei, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dining with Japanese professionals or even collared workers. Ippei has been the clear favorite among office workers in the area. Even if they order the same dishes within a week or month, getting served their cravings in five minutes or under is a blessing. Plus, it’s still an izakaya restaurant, serving locals and foreigners since the 1920s.

Price: From 900 yen

Hours: 11:15 AM-1:30 PM, 5-10:30 PM (Monday to Friday), 4-9 PM Saturdays, closed on Sundays

Contact: +81 3-3275-2486

Address: Japan, 〒103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 3 Chome−4−10 Starts Yaesu Central Building, B1F

ALSO READ: BEST OMURICE IN TOKYO

5. Matsuya

Matsuya and others? Most probably. In here, dishes are served in generous portions, but still are affordable. Choose from various donburi dishes, such gyumeshi or beef on rice, chicken kebab bowl, grilled beef with garlic bowl, grilled pork bowl with citrus leek sauce, or even beef bibimbap bowl, plus more.

Price: From 700 yen

Hours: 11 AM-8 PM

Contact: Head over to their official website

Address: Japan, 〒104-8130 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 3 Chome−6−1

6. Yoshinoya

Your eyes are not tricking you. It’s the world-famous Yoshinoya, folks! So, of course, you know Yoshinoya as the Japanese fast-food restaurant chain that serves Japanese dishes, and donburi is one of them. Yes, they are also around Tokyo. Yoshinoya has been serving tasty donburi since 1899.

Price: From around 800 yen

Hours: Various opening hours, since there are various branches nationwide

Contact: Various contact information, refer to the website

Address: Various addresses

ALSO READ: BEST UNAGI IN TOKYO

7. Nakajima

Found at the heart of beautiful Shinjuku, Nakajima is a Michelin-starred restaurant, but it is one of the cheapest in town. Whether you are in for some delicious bargain on a sardine lunch or you are really just craving for authentic donburi, be sure to reserve your table here. 

Price: From around 800 yen

Hours: 11:30 AM-2 PM, 5:30-9 PM (Tuesdays to Saturdays), closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact: +81 3-3356-4534

Address: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−32−5 Nippara Building, B1F

Donburi in Tokyo is like a lover whom you’ll tell, “You’re hard to love.” Where does your passion lie? Perhaps in tempura, sushi, or sashimi. No doubt! However, even if you eat donburi every day of the week, there’s always something new. Pork today, beef tomorrow? You got it!

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