Don Don YATAI
Quick info
About Don Don YATAI
On Cowbridge Rd W in Cardiff, Don Don YATAI is a Japanese restaurant with a menu of twenty dishes, including Takoyaki and Unagi Don, the latter made with fresh water eel filleted and glazed with teriyaki sauce. Cold green tea is offered alongside. The venue holds only a couple of tables and seats, run by a chef and hostess team who handle the kitchen and floor together. Seating is limited to walk-ins, with no reservation system in place, so arrival times can matter for a table. The compact format keeps the operation close to the room, with the pair covering both cooking and service across the small space on Cowbridge Rd W.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible entrance
Menu & Prices
20 dishes- Deep-Fried Prawn Uramaki
- Takoyaki
- Salmon Sashimi
- Karaage
- Grilled Eel Don
- Grilled Eel Sushi
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention takoyaki, unagi don, authentic japanese flavour and cold green tea.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention takoyaki, unagi don, authentic japanese flavour and cold green tea.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers consistently praise the Takoyaki as authentic, alongside the Unagi Don, its eel fillet glazed in teriyaki sauce, and sushi and appetisers others enjoyed with cold green tea. Many describe the food as fresh and flavourful, crediting the small crew for the care taken. The space seats only a few tables, and one diner suggests booking ahead, though seating wasn't an issue during their visit.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers consistently praise the Takoyaki as authentic, alongside the Unagi Don, its eel fillet glazed in teriyaki sauce, and sushi and appetisers others enjoyed with cold green tea. Many describe the food as fresh and flavourful, crediting the small crew for the care taken. The space seats only a few tables, and one diner suggests booking ahead, though seating wasn't an issue during their visit.
Featured reviews
- Liddy Ellis
“Amazing little gem - great food, lovely people and nice relaxed quiet atmosphere. Had sushi and appetisers which were all brilliant. The cold green tea was very nice too. Would recommend and definitely coming back!”
- David Wong
“Authentic Japanese cuisine! Absolutely fantastic! The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of authentic flavour. Easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cardiff, and we’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended.”
- GlobalTravels
“A must do for Japanese food lovers in South Wales. Food is authentic and some of the best Japanese food I have had on the Uk, arguably the best. Authentic flavour and you can tell each dish is treated the same way that they would do it in japan. The service is as good as it can get due to the restaurant being run by a lovely older Japanese lady, she and her crew know what they are doing and really take the time to perfect the food. The atmosphere is large for a small restaurant, only really a couple of tables and seats which mimics the restaurants in Japan and shows the art of eating fast and GETTING OUT. Essentially everytime I have been to this outstanding little restaurant there has always been people eating which really highlights how good this place is. Going back to the food where I have ordered Takoyaki which is as good as what I have had in Japan, Unagi Don- a beautiful dish where fresh water Eel is filleted and glazed with with a teriyaki or Unagi sauce which is special to this dish. Overall I have had many dishes during many occasions and each time always gets my appreciation. As said of you want quick, authentic and extremely delicious food, come to DON DON YATAI. 🇯🇵”
- Kate Lawson
“A truly wonderful experience. The food was sensational and you can taste the love and care that is put into making it. Both the chef and hostess are generally lovely people. It was an honour to dine here. We were a group of 4, celebrating my daughters birthday. The hostess made it very special and truly memorable. We will be back as soon as we can. Thank you.”
- Tung Chung
“Had a lovely time at this new restaurant, it’s a small venue so recommend booking it advance. We didn’t have any problems getting a seat during our visit, but will book in future. …”
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Location
Browse more
Explore more of Cardiff, or find Restaurants in other cities.