Inspired by the neon streets of Tokyo, DOPA serves up tasty Japanese comfort food with a “slow food” ethos. The latest addition to its nine locations, the “DOPA” is short for dopamine – that feel-good chemical released by our brains when we enjoy something pleasurable, like a great meal. The vibe is immediately recognisable if you’ve visited any of their other locations; a playful, clean interior with bright red tiles, a blue bar top and lots of wooden accents. Their menu highlights quality, sustainability, and ethical food production, with seasonal ingredients sourced from small-scale farms in Australia and New Zealand. (In fact, you can check out their produce map on the DOPA website to see exactly where specific ingredients come from!)

But what exactly is donburi, you ask? Donburi is a Japanese rice bowl, featuring fish, meat, or vegetable toppings, simmered together and served over rice. At DOPA, expect classic combinations like Teriyaki Chicken Don with a soft egg and roasted seaweed, or Katsu Curry Don – breaded pork with scrambled egg in a rich, tangy Japanese curry sauce. Other options include King Oyster Mushroom, Wagyu Beef, and Unagi, a dish of sticky grilled eel with 63 degree egg and dashi – all served, of course, over rice. Beyond donburi, DOPA offers an array of Japanese all-time-favourites. Think hot or cold soba salads, soy-marinated karaage chicken (deep fried until crispy and golden, served with lemon), salty edamame (a perfect snack), and agedashi tofu.

For dessert, share a kakigori. This chef’s special is a mountain of shaved ice, flavoured with matcha. At its centre, you’ll find a scoop of ice cream, and it’s topped with sweet red bean paste. Due to the way that the ice is shaved, it has a smoother consistency compared to the icy crunch of a traditional snow cone. It’s so fluffy, in fact, that you’ll need a spoon to eat it. And, since you shared, there should be room for a mochi or two. These soft, chewy rice cakes are made from glutinous rice, sugar, and water, pounded into a smooth, sticky paste and flavoured – think strawberry, black sesame, mango. They’re the bite-sized treats that are a delightful way to end your meal, with a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re keen to sit down for a workday lunch or grabbing a quick bite to-go between errands, the DOPA atmosphere captures the essence of modern Japanese dining – welcoming, dynamic and delicious.