Takedon Ottawa — Restaurant in Ottawa

Takedon has the most authentic Japanese comfort food in Ottawa. The ingredients are always fresh and cooked to perfection. The meat is always tender for every dish, the fried food is crispy and never greasy (I honestly don't know how they do it), and the croquettes (korokke) are THE BEST in Ottawa- so crispy on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside, not greasy in the slightest, perfection. The basics are solid- when offered, the ginger karaage is so good- not overly marinated in soy sauce like other places, so when it's fried, it doesn't have the burnt soy taste; the gyouza is seasoned well and the meat/wrapper ratio is good; the miso soup and seaweed/pickled accoutrements are solid and I've never seen an iceberg lettuce salad so clean and pristine as the one Takedon serves.

We have been coming to Takedon since its early days during the Pandemic. We couldn't travel to Japan and were missing eating the food. Not wanting sushi or overly sweet and saucy teriyaki, we were at a loss until we took a chance on Takedon. They have dishes you can't find anywhere else in Ottawa and they know how to make them right. Each dish tastes like something I'd eat at a festival or friend's house in Japan and really brings me back to the time we spent there. They're cooked with care and you can really tell that the owner takes the freshness and quality of their ingredients seriously. The owner is always so friendly and kind and it's so lovely they remember us after all these years.

All this to say, there's nothing wrong with the sugary saucy dishes or greasy fried food you might normally find listed under "Japanese food". There's also nothing wrong with wanting sushi or ramen when you see the words "Japanese food" offered here in Ottawa. That said, if you want those kinds of meals, this place may not be for you. If you are, however, looking for real Japanese meals that fill the belly and squeeze the heart, that somehow have both delicate and depth in flavour, that hold true to authentic Japanese comfort cuisine, Takedon is the...

I had the pleasure of going to Japan in 2024. I have been craving Curry pork katsu for a long time and I am so thankful that I found takedon Ottawa. Jenny was very personable when we walked up. Offering suggestions on what we should order. I knew I had my eyes set on the pork katsu.

The space is very small and is take out only but there are picnic tables around the back. There is paid parking behind the building but if you put the address in the Google maps it does bring you directly to the entrance of the restaurant.

Believe me when I tell you this delicious pork katsu tastes exactly like it did in japan. Jenny mentions that some of the recipes that are on her menu are from her family and date back to her grandmother. She is a very sweet person.

If you have gone to Japan or you plan on going to Japan I strongly suggest you visit this restaurant. You will get the best...

Picked up lunch here and tried the tonkatsu bento and gyudon. Both were freshly made and tasty. The tonkatsu bento came with rice and a few sides with sauce on the side, and the Katsu was very crispy but a bit greasy. I think it was about time for an oil change in the fryer.

The gyudon was delicious, topped with thin slices of marbled beef and sweet onions over perfectly cooked rice.

Staff are nice and very efficient. I recommend you check out their website for instructions on how to get into the building since you have to go around back and through a security fence. The location is right there when you walk through the doors to...