Noodle & Donburi used to be called something else and was a specialist ramen house. It was very handy for us to grab a quick bite before we headed over to see a show at QPAC. It changed hands and fit out and has been resurrected serving Donburi (meaning 'rice bowl' in Japanese).
Ordering is done from a pick and point illustrated menu at the front counter as you walk in. There are rice bowls as well as a couple of more expensive Bento options. The restaurant is enormous with plenty of small tables as well as two very large share tables. Each time I've visited, the place has only been half full so getting a seat or your meal shouldn't be a problem.
Meals are delivered rapidly to the table and on the most recent occasion we enjoyed Karage Chicken and Shoyu Ramen. Karage Chicken (fried chicken pieces) wasn't my first choice. Not because I don't enjoy it but because it seems a bit pedestrian but Anthony was keen so I ordered it to keep the peace. Another large serve, with plenty of rice as well as a small salad garnished with a pert dressing. The entire dish was drizzled in Kewpie mayonnaise. I like Kewpie mayo but always think it's odd to find on Japanese food as its not at all traditional, though of course nowadays it's part of the staple diet. Nothing amazing to write home about with this dish but certainly reasonable for around $11.
There's a lot of competition over good ramen in the CBD. Some are miso based, some made from pork or beef bones but the shoyu is soy based. It was rich and savoury with plenty of slippery noodles, slices of rare beef, half an egg, wakame and fresh spring onions. Very moreish and neither of us wanted to swap meals. I was more than satisfied with Donburi and would be happy to swing past on my way over to Southbank in future.
Pro: Plenty of seating and a fairly decent ramen at the top end of town.
Con: A souless interior. They charge a high service fee for debit/credit card so bring cash.
Overall: There seems to be lots of complaints about the service in this place but on the four occasions I've been, I've had no problems. People have also complained about 'non authentic' Japanese food. Again, this is not a high class restaurant but a place to have a quick meal. I couldn't have been happier and will return. read more