As autumn is settling in and the temperatures are cooling, it's a great time to enjoy delicious and hearty donburi. This wholesome Japanese dish beautifully combines protein, vegetables and rice making it a perfect weekday lunch option.

We have selected our favourite donburi dishes from across the central city that we think you should try.

Kimchi Pork Donburi | &Sushi, City Works Depot

Best known for their colourful and unique take on traditional dishes, &Sushi offers a beautiful selection of pieces in the cabinet. Bask in the sun as you enjoy their minimalistic and elegant interior decor, while indulging in a Kimchi Pork Donburi. The juicy pork and tangy kimchi make a paring that will awaken your taste buds. Freshen up your palette by ending on a side of Agedashi Tofu. The crunchy tofu with a silky centre will keep you coming back for seconds.

Chicken Donburi | The Yakitori House, 2b/18 Shortland Street

Yakitori House’s fun and inviting energy is enough to bring us through the doors. The menu is unique and complete with a collage style collection of photographs, so you know exactly what to expect. The chicken donburi comes with freshly chopped cabbage and seasoned chicken and we recommend ordering a side of soft shell baby crab. The crab adds a crunch to your meal and flavours that will melt in your mouth.

Scotch Fillet Steak Donburi | Tanuki’s Cave, 319 Queen St

Drag yourself away from the bustling streets of Queen and immerse yourself in an underground oasis. Tanuki’s Cave is ideal for a pre or post show meal as it is located just a few steps away from Auckland’s greatest venues such as The Civic, The Basement Theatre and Q Theatre. The Scotch Fillet Steak Donburi is a fusion of tender steak balanced with steaming white rice and topped with spring onions, adding a crisp finish to every bite. Tanuki’s also specialise in an assortment of skewers that are not to be missed. Order your donburi with a side of pork belly grilled yakitori skewer to complete your mouth-watering meal.

Una Don | Daikoko on Victoria, 25 Victoria St W

If you are feeling like a full flavoured take on Donburi, look no further than Daikoko’s Una Don. The eel, grilled to perfection, is topped with mara seaweed and accompanied with a side of miso soup. Order the donburi with a side of creamy croquettes, rich in flavour to complete a meal full of variety.

Last updated: 21 December 2023

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