Vegan-friendly donburi rice bowls at Shinmachi Newtown

Shinmachi is now open for lunch (on Saturdays & Sundays)

When I am in Sydney’s bustling inner-west suburb of Newtown and feel like grabbing a bite to eat at a familiar restaurant, I think of Shinmachi. The place is located upstairs from a tucked-away entrance just off King St. It’s unmistakeably marked by a black & white sign perched above head-height.

Rice bowl topped with vegan-friendly “chicken” bites.

Eggplant decoratively spread over another vegan-friendly Donburi rice bowl.

Part of what makes Shinmachi feel familiar is the restaurant’s friendly approach with its community. Whilst service at some hospitality venues is courteous without entirely feeling sincere, the team at Shinmachi vibes differently. A heartfelt “irasshaimase” greets the entrance of every diner and you’ll see handwritten messages expressing the Japanese restaurant’s sentiments.

Shinmachi has a subtle entrance just off King Street.

Warm, hearty curry house-made from stewing nutritious ingredients.

Check-out the new Donburi menu

In recent times, Shinmachi has been only open for dinner. Upon their recent announcement that lunch service times are now available, I became excited. The community of Newtown likely was (and continues to be) too, given its strong demographic of vegan and health-conscious eaters. There aren’t just meat-free ramen soups available, the new Donburi (rice bowl) menu has mouthwatering choices.

A variety of ramens are available, including vegan and seafood-friendly bowls.

Dine in an easy-going, creative atmosphere.

You can choose a rice bowl topped with eggplant pieces, or with succulent balls of “chicken” meat. Biting into these, I wonder whether the vegan-friendly option might actually be more delicious than the real chicken-topped donburi. For seafood fans, you can choose bowls with tempura prawns, salmon sashimi, or tuna sashimi.

If you’re considering fancier options in the context of a date or a celebratory occasion, Shinmachi’s artistry shines especially in its sashimi platters and cocktails. The raw fish is assembled on beds of ice and forest-inspired decoration. Served in hand-crafted clay bowls, it’s Japanese cuisine in its photogenic beauty.