great food, had the best time had to be our first stop in toronto !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
FaiChu
Curry and fried pork chop are both very good $24inclusiveWhat a big contrast compared to the broccoli and white rice next to itA big plate of fried pork chop with two pieces as big as a man's handAfter eating the second piece, I started to feel a little bored?I'll try ramen next time*The tableware is super clean and ordered immediately
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Cutlet
Eugene Lee
This spot, once the bustling Sonoya Ramen, has transitioned seamlessly into a haven for donkatsu enthusiasts, bringing with it a vibrant charm that keeps the regulars, including myself, coming back. Although the frequency of my visits has waned post-pandemic, my appreciation for their solid budget-friendly options has not.The portions here are nothing short of generous, a rarity that commands acknowledgment. It's like receiving a comforting hug in the form of food, ensuring you leave with a happily full stomach. This generosity extends to their pricing too, particularly notable with the Brown Donkatsu and Everything Set, both of which offer substantial value for your wallet. However, it's the Cheese Stick Combo where the value equation seems a tad skewed, lacking the same appeal as its counterparts. A little tweaking here could make a huge difference.Admittedly, the culinary journey at Brown Donkatsu has seen its share of ups and downs. The sauces, once a riot of flavor, now whisper rather than shout, their blandness a shadow of their former glory. It's a small grievance but one that’s palpable for those of us who’ve savored the better days. On the flip side, the fried batter, while criticized by some for its thickness, I view as a testament to their commitment to hearty portions. It’s a minor critique in the grand scheme, especially when weighed against the generosity on the plate.One aspect that could enhance the dining experience is the sauce availability. While additional sauce can be requested, making this option more known could smooth over some of the bumps, adding back a splash of the vibrancy in taste that seems to have dimmed.Service-wise, Brown Donkatsu remains efficient and friendly, further cementing its place as a go-to spot for those seeking a budget-friendly feast. It’s this combination of hearty portions, approachable prices (with a few exceptions), and welcoming service that keeps Brown Donkatsu in the hearts of its patrons.Vegetarian options: No vegan/vegetarian options.Dietary restrictions: No vegan/vegetarian options.Parking: It’s constantly crowded plaza so be patient looking for the spot.Kid-friendliness: Well versed menu for kids to share.Wheelchair accessibility: Might be struggling even if seated at the center of the table. Tight space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Ramen, Cutlet
Karl Lee
I recently enjoyed a visit to Brown Donkatsu and Ramen with my friends, drawn in by the allure of Korean-style tonkatsu. We were delighted to discover tasty meals that offered great value.Upon our arrival, we faced a minor inconvenience with seating. After waiting for 15 minutes, we were initially offered a 6-seater table, with the possibility of having to share it later due to the restaurant being full. This setup wasn't ideal for us. Thankfully, a 4-seater table became available, and we could relocate to this table, thanks to the communicative and helpful servers. Here's what I ordered:Original Brown Katsu: This dish featured two large, deep-fried pork loins that perfectly balanced crunchiness with a satisfying fill. The savoury sauce, poured over half of the cutlet, allowed for both sauced and crunchy bites. I did not like the excessive use of panko crumbs, which made the dish a bit too rich for my taste. Kimchi or pickled radish could have balanced this richness. Also, although the menu stated that more sauce would be extra, our server kindly offered more sauce without any added cost, a gesture that we appreciated.The ambiance of the restaurant warm and inviting, giving enough space for diners, and everything looked neat and clean. The men’s room was overall clean, but only one person could use it at a time.Overall, the menu left us satisfied and convinced of the excellent value for the price. I would not mind coming back to try some of their other offerings.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Evan
Had the brown katsu twice already and it is so good, need to come back again to try the ramen. The restaurant itself is really busy at peak hours but the turnaround is fast, waited around 30 min for table on Saturday
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin Gao
Amazing portion sizes and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Katsu, Tonkotsu Ramen
PokeyTri CB
The experience at Brown Donkatsu & Ramen was simply splendid! Everything from fair prices, large portions, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere were amazing. At first, I felt slightly cramped, but the food would blow any thoughts of it away. The place really is a treasure trove.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza or Combo Tonkatsu, Ramen, King Ramen & Tonkatsu
ShadowSiren88
Food was fresh and well portioned. My husband and I shared some pork cutlet and a spicy king noodle dish. Broth was clean with a peppery spice. I can handle up to a medium, and I feel this was mild medium when asked for medium.The pork cutlet was tender and delicious, the sauce was like ketchup. Pictures made it look like curry. Recommend, especially because you get good amounts of vegetables.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: King Ramen & Tonkatsu
Adam Jefferson (AJ)
Everything was bland and gross! The coating was flavorless, even with the addied seasoning. The curry was weirdly sweet and weird. Just gross!
Mahad
Got the hot and spicy cheese katsu & yakisoba chicken, and loved the combo! We've tried the classic Brown Katsu before and liked that too.The brown katsu is a good size to share between two people. ??
A busy restaurant but they don't accept reservations. They only have two large tables. If you go with a large group, the group might to be seat separately.Parking: Too many restaurants at the same place, lunch time and dinner time needs at least 15 to 20l minutes to find a parking space.
This is a small ramen place. Even though it’s small, the food is great tasting and the service is good too. They were busy when I was there on a weekday night. However, the food arrived in a timely manner. Without prompting, the wait staff noticed the water needed filling. They apologized and said they would be around shortly to refill since they were busy and they did indeed.Had a Tonkotsu Miso Ramen and some of the Corn Cheese. The ramen was delicious and portion size was just right. The Corn Cheese was quite tasty with cheese oozing and stringy. It was in the oven for the right amount of time with some of brown bits that added texture to the dish.Pricing is as expected for ramen.Parking: First Markham Place parking can be challenging. The parking lot is big, but expect to park further and walk to the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Cheese, Tonkotsu Ramen
J M
Big portions that go with the price.I got everything set B, which comes with 2 pieces of chicken cutlet, 3 pieces of fried shrimp, and 1 piece of fish cutlet. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sauce, which is their original, is sweet. The cheese stick Tonkatsu AP was good as well, with a good pull of mozzarella once you bite into it.I would come back to try their other dishes. You will definitely be leaving this place full from just their entrée.Great service, the staff were friendly. It was busy on the weekend, but they do have a quick turnaround. I didn't have to wait too long for a table, and if you sit by the door during the wintertime and another table is free, they will move you away from the door.Parking: On weekends it can be hard to find parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Stick
Sarah Enn
Huge portions! The katsu dishes are all very yummy.
Jordan Kimewon
Wow this place was an excellent find! Super busy and it was quick too! Food was delicious! Probably the best Ramen broth I had tonight!
great food, had the best time had to be our first stop in toronto !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Curry and fried pork chop are both very good $24inclusiveWhat a big contrast compared to the broccoli and white rice next to itA big plate of fried pork chop with two pieces as big as a man's handAfter eating the second piece, I started to feel a little bored?I'll try ramen next time*The tableware is super clean and ordered immediately
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Cutlet
This spot, once the bustling Sonoya Ramen, has transitioned seamlessly into a haven for donkatsu enthusiasts, bringing with it a vibrant charm that keeps the regulars, including myself, coming back. Although the frequency of my visits has waned post-pandemic, my appreciation for their solid budget-friendly options has not.The portions here are nothing short of generous, a rarity that commands acknowledgment. It's like receiving a comforting hug in the form of food, ensuring you leave with a happily full stomach. This generosity extends to their pricing too, particularly notable with the Brown Donkatsu and Everything Set, both of which offer substantial value for your wallet. However, it's the Cheese Stick Combo where the value equation seems a tad skewed, lacking the same appeal as its counterparts. A little tweaking here could make a huge difference.Admittedly, the culinary journey at Brown Donkatsu has seen its share of ups and downs. The sauces, once a riot of flavor, now whisper rather than shout, their blandness a shadow of their former glory. It's a small grievance but one that’s palpable for those of us who’ve savored the better days. On the flip side, the fried batter, while criticized by some for its thickness, I view as a testament to their commitment to hearty portions. It’s a minor critique in the grand scheme, especially when weighed against the generosity on the plate.One aspect that could enhance the dining experience is the sauce availability. While additional sauce can be requested, making this option more known could smooth over some of the bumps, adding back a splash of the vibrancy in taste that seems to have dimmed.Service-wise, Brown Donkatsu remains efficient and friendly, further cementing its place as a go-to spot for those seeking a budget-friendly feast. It’s this combination of hearty portions, approachable prices (with a few exceptions), and welcoming service that keeps Brown Donkatsu in the hearts of its patrons.Vegetarian options: No vegan/vegetarian options.Dietary restrictions: No vegan/vegetarian options.Parking: It’s constantly crowded plaza so be patient looking for the spot.Kid-friendliness: Well versed menu for kids to share.Wheelchair accessibility: Might be struggling even if seated at the center of the table. Tight space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Ramen, Cutlet
I recently enjoyed a visit to Brown Donkatsu and Ramen with my friends, drawn in by the allure of Korean-style tonkatsu. We were delighted to discover tasty meals that offered great value.Upon our arrival, we faced a minor inconvenience with seating. After waiting for 15 minutes, we were initially offered a 6-seater table, with the possibility of having to share it later due to the restaurant being full. This setup wasn't ideal for us. Thankfully, a 4-seater table became available, and we could relocate to this table, thanks to the communicative and helpful servers. Here's what I ordered:Original Brown Katsu: This dish featured two large, deep-fried pork loins that perfectly balanced crunchiness with a satisfying fill. The savoury sauce, poured over half of the cutlet, allowed for both sauced and crunchy bites. I did not like the excessive use of panko crumbs, which made the dish a bit too rich for my taste. Kimchi or pickled radish could have balanced this richness. Also, although the menu stated that more sauce would be extra, our server kindly offered more sauce without any added cost, a gesture that we appreciated.The ambiance of the restaurant warm and inviting, giving enough space for diners, and everything looked neat and clean. The men’s room was overall clean, but only one person could use it at a time.Overall, the menu left us satisfied and convinced of the excellent value for the price. I would not mind coming back to try some of their other offerings.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Had the brown katsu twice already and it is so good, need to come back again to try the ramen. The restaurant itself is really busy at peak hours but the turnaround is fast, waited around 30 min for table on Saturday
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing portion sizes and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Katsu, Tonkotsu Ramen
The experience at Brown Donkatsu & Ramen was simply splendid! Everything from fair prices, large portions, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere were amazing. At first, I felt slightly cramped, but the food would blow any thoughts of it away. The place really is a treasure trove.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza or Combo Tonkatsu, Ramen, King Ramen & Tonkatsu
Food was fresh and well portioned. My husband and I shared some pork cutlet and a spicy king noodle dish. Broth was clean with a peppery spice. I can handle up to a medium, and I feel this was mild medium when asked for medium.The pork cutlet was tender and delicious, the sauce was like ketchup. Pictures made it look like curry. Recommend, especially because you get good amounts of vegetables.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: King Ramen & Tonkatsu
Everything was bland and gross! The coating was flavorless, even with the addied seasoning. The curry was weirdly sweet and weird. Just gross!
Got the hot and spicy cheese katsu & yakisoba chicken, and loved the combo! We've tried the classic Brown Katsu before and liked that too.The brown katsu is a good size to share between two people. ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
A busy restaurant but they don't accept reservations. They only have two large tables. If you go with a large group, the group might to be seat separately.Parking: Too many restaurants at the same place, lunch time and dinner time needs at least 15 to 20l minutes to find a parking space.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cheese Bomb Tonkatsu, Chicken Katsu, Cheese Stick, Tonkotsu Ramen, Pork Cutlet
This is a small ramen place. Even though it’s small, the food is great tasting and the service is good too. They were busy when I was there on a weekday night. However, the food arrived in a timely manner. Without prompting, the wait staff noticed the water needed filling. They apologized and said they would be around shortly to refill since they were busy and they did indeed.Had a Tonkotsu Miso Ramen and some of the Corn Cheese. The ramen was delicious and portion size was just right. The Corn Cheese was quite tasty with cheese oozing and stringy. It was in the oven for the right amount of time with some of brown bits that added texture to the dish.Pricing is as expected for ramen.Parking: First Markham Place parking can be challenging. The parking lot is big, but expect to park further and walk to the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Cheese, Tonkotsu Ramen
Big portions that go with the price.I got everything set B, which comes with 2 pieces of chicken cutlet, 3 pieces of fried shrimp, and 1 piece of fish cutlet. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sauce, which is their original, is sweet. The cheese stick Tonkatsu AP was good as well, with a good pull of mozzarella once you bite into it.I would come back to try their other dishes. You will definitely be leaving this place full from just their entrée.Great service, the staff were friendly. It was busy on the weekend, but they do have a quick turnaround. I didn't have to wait too long for a table, and if you sit by the door during the wintertime and another table is free, they will move you away from the door.Parking: On weekends it can be hard to find parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Stick
Huge portions! The katsu dishes are all very yummy.
Wow this place was an excellent find! Super busy and it was quick too! Food was delicious! Probably the best Ramen broth I had tonight!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5