Dorinku - Edmonton

If you are looking to order the Teriyaki Chicken, or a California roll, this is not the place for you. Dorinku offers Contemporary Japanese cuisine or for dinner, tapas. We came here for lunch and it was quite empty and only 5 to 6 tables occupied. However, witthin 15 minutes of our arrival, almost the entire restaurant was occupied. My niece ordered the Hamburg set lunch and I ordered the Ramen Salad. The Hamburg set consisted of a huge beef patty on a hot plate smothered in a brown sauce with sliced onions and corn kernels. It was a tasty and a generous lunch set. Shortly after my niece got her lunch, my order arrived. As I was about to mix it, I found a long hair imbedded in the seaweed. The waiter apologized profusely and for this, it more than made up for the error. My second bowl of ramen arrived shortly and it was the tastiest dish. Just the right amount of greens mixed with the ramen and the chopped chashu and a perfectly soft boiled egg. It was a bowl of heaven. Service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere modern and fun. Definitely worth a try.

Expectactions were met and great time spent with a friend. Salmon sushi... just Spectacular! 10/10. I hope come back soon!

Dorinku is a fun and lively spot! Good replica of a Japanese izakaya with the menu. We had the edamame (good portion size), clams in sake ( such delicious broth- but need something to soak it up with....), miso marinated cod (yum) and torched salmon sushi (super). Only thing I felt missing from the menu is gyoza and yakitori.Good atmosphere. Service was a bit slow but it was a busy Friday night. We will return!

Yes, Dorinku will have a line up, but lucky for everyone they get through their line ups quickly. You will not have to wait once you've ordered. Also, delicious, fresh food, and not your standard Japanese fare typically found in Edmonton. You can randomly pick anything and it will be delicious (that's what we did). While the portions look small, it's super filling. We ate an early supper there (6 pm) and I wasn't hungry until noon the next day.

This is my first Izakaya experience in Edmonton. I've been here twice and was not disappointed. The restaurant can be crowded and a bit loud, but service is great and the decor is super cute. I loved the washrooms, which were just nominated for a bathroom award. They have a neat Asian toilet that is like a bidet and has a heated seat. Food is beautiful and seems fresh and interesting. Good people watching, and great location. My designer boyfriend also liked the menus.