Biiru operates as a distinctive Japanese bistro focusing on an approachable fusion of traditional techniques and modern casual culinary styles. The menu highlights shareable plates including crispy gyoza, karaage, and seasoned skewers that pair directly with a selection of Japanese beers and sake. A compact interior creates an intimate atmosphere defined by minimalist wood accents and wall-mounted art that mirrors contemporary urban Japanese aesthetics. Diners find a consistent emphasis on bold umami flavors rather than complex experimental preparation methods. Small table arrangements facilitate social interactions while maintaining an efficient pace throughout the service duration. This establishment maintains a functional layout that prioritizes high turnover and accessibility for patrons seeking recognizable regional staples. The culinary focus remains steadfast on providing reliable textures and authentic ingredient profiles within an uncomplicated, fast-paced environment suited for casual groups.
Biiru is widely celebrated as an excellent destination for Japanese fusion tapas, consistently praised for its flavorful food, vibrant atmosphere, and welcoming, modern decor. Many diners enjoy the tasting menu for its variety and value, frequently highlighting standout dishes like the salmon bonbons, ribs, and beef tataki. While the majority of visitors experience impeccable and friendly service, feedback occasionally notes inconsistencies regarding pacing, noise levels, or temperature control in the dining area. Despite these minor points, the restaurant remains a top choice for groups, dates, and casual outings in downtown Montreal, often earning strong recommendations for its unique cozy terrace and high-quality ingredients.
The food at Biiru is amazing! It's sometimes hard to find a fun, energetic, delicious place right in downtown montreal, but this place delivers. We were a group of 6 & shared maybe 12-14 plates & each was was delicious. The ribs, candied salmon, salmon tartare/poke, & cold ramen were probably our too ones, but honestly, we did not have one plate we didn't like. We did have to remind our waiter to being our sake after receiving half our plates but no sake, but they were very apologetic. Otherwise, service was great, really nice people & nice vibe. Would recommend & come back!
This is one of my go to spots in MTL- it never disappoints! The food is always consistently great, the staff is really attentive & friendly even on their busiest nights, & the ambiance is so cozy & fun. I would recommend any of their yuzu infused drinks, as well as the fried tofu, candied salmon, & the okonomiyaki!
I also recommend booking their heated terrace, but the inside dining is also charming
2026: beef Tataki was still good. Takoyaki was alright but I feel like last time was better. The Mr. Popo cocktail was pretty, but overpowered by the semolina syrup. The Moto cocktail was surprisingly weak for something with Mezcal & Sake. The Maguro (tuna) poke wasn't bad but didn't have any vegetables or anything. The unagi (eel) skewers were good but small, like less than you would get in a poke bowl normally. Bacon wrapped rice paste was a nice snack.
Gorgeous decor. There was a service mishap but they handled it gracefully when advised.
2022: Beef tataki was well marinated, tofu was well seasoned, salmon tartare was delicious, & takoyaki melted in your mouth. Friendly service, the table next to us had really annoying people & the waiter was a really good sport about it.
Jun 10, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Biiru is excellent, we saw the restaurant advertised for Japan Week. We were seated quickly despite reserving at the last minute, on the heated patio. We ordered yakitori (👌) veggie gyoza (ok) Udon with mushrooms (👌) candied salmon (👌) & some cocktails. The Asahi beer was very fresh. The Mr. Popo cocktail was excellent & tastes a bit like pine. My husband thought it tasted a bit soapy. The Pisco & muddled grape cocktail was good but also had a soapy flavour.
Our only issue was that we had to remind the servers of an edamame dish we ordered 3 times & it came out over steamed. The price overall was alright. The ambiance is excellent. We would go back for the fresh Asahi, yakitori, udon & candied salmon.
Tried this place for the first time last night, & already can't wait to go back! The tasting menu is incredible value for your money, every dish was delicious (special shout out for the ribs, & the candied salmon!), & the cocktails were creative & fresh.
I've been to Biiru a few times now for both work dinners or out with friends. Every time has been an amazing experience. Staff is on point & actually takes the time to check in & make sure you're having a good experience. Food wise incredible especially for the price. Each dish has amazing sauces & is full of flavour & has some slight twist on traditional Japanese izakaya food.
Update:
Going back a year later, the food & service are just as good. Will helped us tonight & had strong recommendations, including the haru karaage, okonomiyaki, unagi skewers, pork ribs, salmon bonbons, & more. Amazing dinner.
The food has some really interesting flavours, the salmon bon bons & the watermelon salad were tasty. But the beef & cheese skewer was cold. Yes I ordered take out but I live 2 steps away so I ate the meal within minutes & the grilled beef was cold. Makes me wonder if they put less effort into take out meals. The restaurant is really nice though but for the price, the portion size is really small.
Amazing Japanese restaurant in the heart of downtown! We were seated outside on the terrace, but as it is completly closed & has large warmers, we felt very comfortable even if the temperature was bellow 14°C the day we went.
As for the food, OMG, almost everything we tried was delicious, everything was fresh & the service was quick & efficient. I highly recommend the saumon bonbon, the salmon tartare, the Okonomiyaki & beef tataki. The Veggie Gyoza & the fried chicken were just okay.
Our first visit tothis restaurant, it was a great time. Our server Mike recommended the Sampler which consists of the chicken karage, salmon tarta, pork gyoza, fish with caramel, cold noodles topped with seaweed & to finish the pork ribs. All were super tasty & well presented. We also had the Yuzu beer absolutely delicious. Our server Mike is so pleasant & personable he made our meal very enjoyable. On our next visit to Montreal we will absolutely go again!
