Dontoya — Restaurant in Tsuruga

Freshest seafood “Don” (bowl) we’ve ever had in Japan; hands down.

It wouldn’t be fair to call this just a “Kaisendon” (assorted fresh seafood bowl), this is a luxury at ¥4,xxx with amble serving of local fish tasting like it just got off the boat couple hours ago, chilled, and served. We added double serving of fresh Sea Urchin “Uni” at ¥1,7xx - totalling at ¥7,2xx each person each bowl.

The portion was HUGE! I’d say 1.5 times or double of most Kaisendon, while we can’t stress this enough, FRESHEST and WELL-PREPARED seafood we’ve ever had anywhere! Best Uni we’ve ever had, creamy & sweet (literally) with no hint of bitterness or ever frozen at all.

The dish is simple & sophisticated all at the same time, the server explained in English patiently on which fish should go with which sauce given/provided on the table.

Taste and service, GOLD STAR. MUST-TRY!

Note to foreigners/non-locals: the store is with online booking via LINE / QR, therefore locals book prior to arriving and if you walk in between 1100-1300 (like us) most likely you’d end up waiting 45 minutes - 1 hour+. Reserve / prepare free time for the wait.

While waiting I’d recommend visiting a Paper Doll museum just 2...

First meal in Tsuruga, and was taken by a friend to try this spot for lunch. The restaurant is designed and decorated really nicely, creating a lovely atmosphere and dining experience. The staff are very friendly and accommodating, plus service was fast. I had the fried tofu and egg+vegetable tempura donburi and it was delicious. I’m impressed by their...

We enjoyed a delicious Yellowtail Cooked Three Ways donbori. Service was fast, the chef and staff cheerful and efficient, the restaurant bright and airy. Delicious fresh seafood! We don’t speak Japanese well but our basic efforts were rewarded with friendly smiles and great hospitality. Recommended, we...