Japanese style rice bowls, also known as donburi or don, are the epitome of simple, versatile comfort food. Some of the most well-known Japanese bowl foods include the likes of gyudon (thinly sliced beef in a sweet sauce) and katsudon (fried, crumbed chicken). Dopa’s does don on steroids, using the simple bowl food concept to hero great quality produce.

Dopa By Devon is nestled among the plethora of eateries in Darling Square’s Steam Mill Lane precinct. The menu focuses on Japanese bowl food, sweet drinks and desserts, so you could visit for a meal or an afternoon treat (or both)! The donburi have luxurious toppings like Miso Cod, Bluefin Tuna and different grades of Wagyu beef. Desserts like Kakigori (shaved ice with toppings) and parfaits feature classic Japanese flavours like matcha and red bean alongside the fruity flavours of strawberry and mango. I will definitely come back here just to try all of the desserts.

Order at the counter and grab a seat at one of the indoor or outdoor tables. There is also limited bar seating which overlooks the kitchen – a great spot to be entertained while waiting for your food. We ordered two donburis to share. You can get them either as a single bowl or as part of a set with extra sides.

This is great value for a really delicious fish dish. The star of the don is grilled cod basted with saikyo miso and cooked to perfection. The fish has a firm but soft texture which makes it the ideal carrier for the umami-rich miso. We have one mouthful and are hooked. Everything about this don is spot on – the rice has just the right amount of stickiness and firmness, and the gooey onsen egg just melts and melds everything together.

Oh. My. Goodness. This is the dish to go to if you’re after good quality wagyu beef at a reasonable price. It’s coated in a light teriyaki sauce and just melts in the mouth. I loved mixing this together with the soft egg and rice so that the glossy sauce coats everything. The sets are a good option if you’re after something a little more filling – for only $5 more you get a good-sized Japanese-style salad, miso soup and pickles.

Come to Dopa for the luxurious but affordable Japanese donburis. They’re deeply satisfying and sure to curb any rice cravings. I will be back to try more of their drool-worthy offerings!