You're a fan of the new Izakayas or Japanese taverns invading Montreal? If you haven't tried Biiru yet, I suggest you try this small-scale restaurant very soon. The place might only have room for 50 sit-downs, but as soon as the warmer weather gets here, there will be 40 extra spots on the terrace next to St-James church backyard, away from the city buzz. Plus, they're open for lunch!
Located on the corner of City Councillors and Ste-Catherine streets, in the heart of downtown Montreal, Biiru is part of the new comers that are revitalizing an area of the city that badly needed an upgrade. Just a short walk away from Furco, Café Parvis and Sésame, we now have a wide variety of choices for eating well in Quartier des Spectacles.
In an eclectic and crazy decor, we are greeted in an underground Japanimation atmosphere. Hard to picture it? one more reason to come over and check it out for yourself! Anyhow, it doesn't look like anything you've seen before and didn't follow any overused trends for the concept of Biiru. If the atmosphere wasn't pleasing enough, the staff is really fun and friendly.
Regarding the menu, it's a mix between Asian style and comfort food. The best way to enjoy most of it is to order a number of dishes and share away. Before making our choices, we sought the advice of our barman and waiter. We were two starving girls and ordered 5 dishes, which was more than enough. So we had the Suzushï Wakame, a salad with yuzu mandarin and sunomono, the tomato salad with apricot vinaigrette and crispy Yam, the Japanese ravioli in gyoza sauce, the tempura mix, the pork ribs and the mushroom and the okonomiyaki, a cabbage and mushroom Japanese pancake with truffle oil. My favorites were the ravioli and tomato salad and my friend really enjoyed the wakame salad and pork ribs. Actually, everything was delicious!
Of course, one doesn't go in Japanese tavern without getting a cool drink?or two! They serve a number of signature cocktails, Japanese beers, sake and soju. If you absolutely want a glass of wine, they hold 2 of the Charles Smith wines: Kung Fu Girl Riesling and Boom Boom Syrah. I opted for one their fun cocktails: the «Abokado». Made from cachaça, agave syrup, avocado purée and egg white, the result is creamy and quite tasty.
Asian cuisine is not famous for pleasing the sweet tooth in some of us, but I promised myself to come back and try the Japanese cheesecake with a yuzu marmelade.
Are you planning a date and you don't know where you should go? This friendly place is perfect to enjoy a drink and diner with someone special, in a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere.
Bon appétit!
Biiru
1433, rue City Councillors
Montreal, QC, H3A 2E4
