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DonburiB+Worth Trying

9 Ludgate Square, London EC4M 7AS · Japanese restaurant, Japanese curry restaurant, Izakaya restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (174 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Casual Japanese spot near St Paul’s delivering comforting ramen, udon, and donburi with quick, friendly service and strong value.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Donburi delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong ramen and udon execution and genuinely warm, efficient service, with exceptional value for central London pricing. Limited seating and a small room constrain the experience, while occasional texture inconsistencies with katsu and gyoza prevent higher distinction. It's a reliable, unpretentious lunch destination that exceeds typical casual standards without reaching destination-restaurant territory.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked just off the cathedral crowds, Donburi feels cozy and casual with jazz on the speakers and a small room that fills at lunch. Reviewers praise the warm welcome and rapid pace, the kind of place where someone says, "they had me fed and happy in minutes." It is not fancy, but the bowls carry a comforting, homestyle appeal, and the price is refreshingly gentle for the City. The cooking leans classic Japanese comfort—ramen, udon, donburi, and katsu—executed with a value-first mindset. Beef udon and beef ramen draw consistent love for rich broth and springy noodles, while teriyaki chicken bowls are a reliable lunch fix. Some diners note katsu or gyoza texture misses now and then, so stick to the noodle strengths if you are picky about crunch. Families can do well here thanks to simple, kid-friendly bowls (teriyaki chicken rice, mild ramen) and easy sides like edamame. Seating is limited, so strollers may be awkward, but the food itself is accessible for younger eaters. Vegetarians have several choices (tofu katsu curry, veg tempura, veg ramen), though strict vegan options are unclear—ask before ordering.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost£18-24 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Historic business district by St Paul’s Cathedral with daytime office crowds and steady tourist footfall.

Safety: Generally very safe, well-lit, and busy during working hours and early evenings.

Nearby: Steps from St Paul’s, near pubs, chains, and office towers; convenient for quick lunches and casual dinners.

Fleet StreetTraditional home of British journalism and legal institutions, featuring a mix of historic buildings and modern office spaces with sophisticated dining and professional networking environments
Ludgate HillPrestigious sub-area near St. Paul's Cathedral with high-end professional services and refined dining establishments

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–15:30 Tuesday11:00–21:30 Wednesday11:00–21:30 Thursday11:00–21:30 Friday11:00–21:30 Saturday Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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