From traditional to reinvented, Montreal's range of izakayas has got something for everyone who has a taste for sake, shochu and Sapporo. Izakayas are more than Japanese pubs: they offer an immersion in Japanese-style conviviality, with a selection of tasty bites served on small plates perfect for sharing alongside creative cocktails and stiff drinks.
From fried delights to miso-tossed veggies to savoury grilled meats, Montreal's stylish Japanese drinkeries have private import lists boasting a wide selection of sakes, whiskeys and beers that are worth a visit in themselves. And don't get us started on their cocktails game.
Whether it's to unwind after a busy day or to mark life's special moments, here's a selection of Montreal izakayas that are ideal for gathering with friends in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Phillips Bar
1170 place du Frere Andre, Montreal, H3B 3C6
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With its thick greystone walls, spotlight-lighting, warm mood and all-around moodyesque atmosphere, Phillips is an enclave right downtown that'll see your blood pressure lower as soon as you walk in. The house cocktails are delicious and refined, but the food is a highlight: try the addictive chicken or salmon skin chips with dips, the luscious miso-marinated black cod or the handrolls, served open like tacos on the crunchiest sheets of nori ever.
Hiba Bar
340 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montreal, H2Z 0B9
As pretty as a picture, Hiba on the second floor of the Humaniti Hotel has tête-à-tête written all over it. The sake list is eye-popping, with an interesting focus on Canadian labels, and if you want to get fancier they've got mixed drinks galore, both boozy and not: try the Magutsuchi (tequila, Noroi herb liquor, wasabi, rosemary and honey) and pair it with some steamed gyoza or the crispy karaage.
Fleurs & Cadeaux
1002 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montreal, H2Z 1K6
The deep-fried soft tofu filled with mushroomy umami will keep you coming back to this Chinatown Japanese resto, especially if you combine it with a visit to their Sans Soleil bar for late-night fun. Other great bites: their multiple sashimi choices and the grilled duck. For drinks? Some fun shochus, a ton of sakes and an endless private import wine list make the world your oyster.
Kazu
1862 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3H 1M1
It's a hole in the wall in a hot neighbourhood, which makes it tough to get into still decades after its opening, but it's worth the try. Chef Kazuo Akutsu crafts small plates absolutely packed with flavour and layered subtlety, like pork cheek pâté, freshly grilled tuna belly and shrimp patties served with a snappy salad. It's a pretty cramped space and we can't say the seating is the most comfortable in the world, but that's good news: it means diners move on fast, so you'll be able to get in!
Regashi Isakaya
820 Avenue Atwater, Montreal, H4C 2H1
Son of the famous Montreal chef Tri Du (or Tri Express and Le P'tit Tri fame), Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair opened this Saint-Henri spot to feature Quebec ingredients under a Japanese lens with a little Vietnamese twist. The special dry-aging fish fridge gives their sashimi and crudo dishes a purer, more mellow flavour. Enjoy them with a marinated cucumber salad and a nice selection from the seasonal drinks or the natural wines list.
Restaurant Nozy
156 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, H2S 1K8
Got a date night coming up? Hope up in this sweet spot in Little Italy and feast on some of the best Japanese dishes in the city. If you go on a weekday, order the omakaze selection for starters so you don't miss out on any of the flavours, and share a couple of the mains: grilled octopus, wagyu beef sushi, edon carbonara. On weekend evenings, go à la carte or even better, select the assorted dishes or sashimi spread preselected by the chef.
Gokudo
630 Rue Cathcart, Montreal, H3B 0C3
This Japanese cocktail bar hidden behind the restaurant Ryoshi will wow you from the first sip. Drinks of note include the Yoshimitsu, a toasty mix of pisco, rice syrup, black cherry purée, lime, egg whites and toasted sesame oil, or the Hōjō Masako, a snappy marriage of gin, dry sake, nori, kalamansi, lemon and pink Himalayan salt. Or keep things neat with something from the incredible Japanese whiskey and imported sake selection. Pair your tipple with a few choice bites: beef noodles, wagyu sushi, a sashimi bowl, sesame-tossed edamame.
Biru Biru
2170 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3H 1M7
Biru Biru is an all-you-can-eat Japanese izakaya with stunning decor and quick service. Offering a vast selection of sushi, sashimi, noodles, tempura, tartare, tatakis, seafood, skewers, dumplings, beers, and cocktails. Located near Atwater station, open daily except Tuesdays from 5 pm to midnight. Their ordering system is as simple as browsing through your favourite photo gallery! With their phone ordering system, each dish is illustrated, allowing you to place your order in a snap.
Kyodai Izakaya
2186 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3H 1M7
Kyodai Izakaya transports you to Japan for an authentic experience. Enjoy a variety of sakes and draft beers. Indulge in meticulously prepared traditional Japanese dishes to tantalize your taste buds. In a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, discover specialties like sushi, udon noodles, and tempura. Customer reviews praise the intimate atmosphere, generous portions, and attentive service. Dishes such as scallop carpaccio and chicken curry come highly recommended for their freshness and authentic flavour.
Kyo Bar Japonais
711 Côte de la Place d'Armes, Montreal, H2Y 2X6
Kyo Bar Japonais, located in the heart of Place d'Armes in Old Montreal, combines the energy of an izakaya with the elegance of a sushi bar. With an impressive selection of innovative sushi and sakes, it offers a typical Japanese experience. The intimate and refined atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a romantic evening or a gathering with friends. Located under the Hôtel Place d'Armes, Kyo transports you to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Umami Ramen & Izakaya
6660 Rue Clark, Montreal, H2S 3E7
Umami Ramen & Izakaya offers a unique vegan izakaya experience, with homemade noodles made from organic wheat and broths, tsukemono, kombucha, and sprouts made on-site. The discovery menu allows you to enjoy a variety of reimagined Japanese dishes, such as okonomiyaki and gyozas, accompanied by a selection of refreshing drinks, fine wines, and delicate sakes. With a Japanese noodle machine, the restaurant produces its own noodles from organic wheat, as well as its broth, tsukemono, kombucha, and sprouts. A selection of ramen and reimagined Japanese dishes is offered, accompanied by a range of refined beverages.
Imadake Izakaya
4006 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3Z 1P2
Imadake Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant, offers a wide selection of sakes and Japanese beverages. Their diverse menu features quality tapas and ramen, without MSG. Committed to sustainability, their ingredients are organic, and their seafood is sustainably certified. Enjoy dishes like Gyu Yukke, Tako Karaage, or grilled Hokke in a friendly and ecological atmosphere.
Iru Izakaya
3050 Rue de l'Éclipse, Brossard, J4Z 0P3
Iru Izakaya in Brossard offers a late-night special with a choice of three classic items for $35. The izakaya menu features a variety of sharing plates inspired by Japanese tradition, such as sashimi, karaage chicken, and noodles. The casual and friendly atmosphere, accompanied by innovative cocktails, creates a perfect festive atmosphere for gathering with friends. The architecture and design of the place, with its colorful neon lights and contemporary aesthetics, offer a total immersion in the Japanese universe.
Ichigo Ichie Izakaya
360 Rue Rachel E, Montreal, H2W 1E9
Ichigo Ichie offers a friendly and modern atmosphere, with a sophisticated menu of Japanese tapas and cocktails. The festive atmosphere makes it one of the best addresses in the city. They offer traditional dishes like tonkatsu ramen and karaage, as well as various other Japanese specialties. Prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the cocktails are delicious. Ichigo Ichie is the perfect place for a lively meal in Plateau Mont-Royal.
Otto Yakitori Izakaya
1441 Rue St-Mathieu, Montreal, H3H 2M4
Otto Yakitori Izakaya offers the best Japanese grills, with a unique charcoal oven in Montreal. The atmosphere is electric in this small restaurant, often full. Their specialty includes uni chawanmushi, homemade fried tofu, and ramen. With fresh ingredients and a lively atmosphere, Otto offers an authentic Japanese street food experience.
Biiru
1433 Rue City Councillors, Montreal, H3A 2E4
Located downtown, near the Quartier des Spectacles, Biiru is a trendy Japanese bistro offering traditional small plates and varied cocktails. Its buzzy atmosphere attracts a diverse clientele for lively 5 à 7s with friends or colleagues. With a tempting menu including tender pork ribs and irresistible tempura vegetables, Biiru promises a memorable experience in a friendly setting.
Check out all the Japanese Izakayas/pub options in Montreal.
