Don Tojo

A quintessential Japanese shokudo right in the pulse of Carlton. Unpretentious, lightning-fast, ridiculously cheap. Melbourne Uni alumni have been gatekeeping this casual dining institution for 15 years—and for good reason. The kitchen slings out towering donburi bowls before you even have time to crack your cold beer. Think massive, steaming mounds of rice crowned with rich chicken curry, deeply comforting teriyaki, or flawlessly fresh salmon sashidon bursting with zesty dressing, pickles, and tofu. Thrifty foodies and hungry students flock here for the colossal meat portions and electric, warm dining room. Forget the agonizing wait times at trendier spots. Slide into a table, soak up the bustling energy, and dive in. Fast, fresh, authentic—itadakimasu on a budget.