Buzzy Nottingham restaurant Hey! Danna shares which Japanese meals you have to try
Say hey to Hey! Danna!
To kick off our new series spotlighting independent Nottinghamshire businesses, we chat to Danna from must-visit Japanese restaurant Hey! Danna all about their ethos, menu and much more…
1. In a couple of sentences, what is Hey! Danna all about?
Hey! Danna is all about bringing a taste of authentic Japanese comfort food to the heart of Nottingham - in a way that feels warm, welcoming, and brings people together. We're passionate about deep, flavour-packed broths, classic dishes like ramen and donburi, and creating a cosy space where people can relax, connect, and enjoy really good food.
2. You launched very recently, but how would you describe your business's journey so far?
It's been a whirlwind - but a really exciting one! Taking over a central space in Hockley means that we're right in the heart of Nottingham's hustle and bustle, which brings such a great energy. From the start, we've poured our hearts into creating something warm, welcoming, and full of flavour - and the response so far has been incredible.
3. How have you found the support of people in Notts since launching?
The support has honestly been incredible. From day one, people in Nottingham have shown us so much love - whether that's popping in to try the food, spreading the word, or just cheering us on. What's especially heartwarming is how other local businesses have welcomed us in, shared our posts on social media, and made us feel like part of the community.
4. What's one meal of yours that everyone in Notts has to try?
Our Signature Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen - it's the dish that captures what Hey! Danna is all about: depth of flavour, comfort in a bowl, and a little kick to keep things interesting. The broth is rich and slow-cooked to perfection, the noodles are silky and satisfying, allowing the whole bowl to come together with the right balance of heat, texture, and heart.
Whether you're a ramen regular or trying it for the first time - it's the one we always recommend and it's fast becoming a favourite.
The goal is to keep evolving while staying true to the cosy, flavour-filled experience people have come to love
5. What does the future look like for you?
Right now, we're focused on getting even better at what we do - tweaking recipes, adding seasonal touches and making Hey! Danna a place people love coming back to. We're excited to keep building something lasting here in Nottingham and explore new ideas and opportunities as we grow. The goal is to keep evolving while staying true to the cosy, flavour-filled experience people have come to love.
Want to shout about your independent business or project? Get in touch!
Header image: Abigail Lauren