Fleurs & Cadeaux operates as a vibrant Japanese establishment specializing in artisanal hand-rolled sushi and authentic flavor profiles. The menu prioritizes fresh marine ingredients prepared with precise technique to highlight natural textures and seasonal subtleties. Patrons encounter a curated selection of nigiri and sashimi that emphasizes the clarity of high-quality fish paired with seasoned vinegar rice. This space functions as a dedicated destination for those seeking traditional culinary craftsmanship focused on the integrity of Japanese oceanic imports. The interior environment facilitates a direct interaction with the preparation process, maintaining a sharp focus on the balance between aesthetic presentation and culinary substance. Every component of the service reflects a rigorous adherence to core techniques found in classic sushi culture, ensuring consistency and technical accuracy throughout the entire menu range.
Fleurs & Cadeaux is widely celebrated as an exceptional Japanese izakaya-style destination in Montreal, praised for its authentic atmosphere, expert sake selection, and high-quality, fresh ingredients. Guests frequently highlight the miso-aged duck, sashimi platters, and tantan udon as standout dishes, often recommending the tasting menu for a curated experience. While the decor and vintage vinyl soundtrack create an intimate, romantic, and lively environment, some diners find the space compact and the pricing reflective of premium portions. Although the majority of visitors encounter warm, knowledgeable, and professional service, experiences regarding pace, seating comfort, and staff demeanor can occasionally vary. Overall, it remains a highly recommended spot for those seeking elevated Japanese fusion and a unique, memorable dining experience.
We ordered the Chicken Nanban (fried chicken with sweet & sour soy sauce & black garlic tartare) & the Duck Shiokojiyaki (duck aged with shio koji, yakiniku sauce, & lemon kosho).
Both dishes were extremely salty. The duck had a very unpleasant smell & taste, making it difficult to eat. On top of that, the menu description was incomplete & did not accurately describe what was served. For example, the duck dish contained mushrooms, which were not mentioned anywhere on the menu. Customers should be clearly informed of the ingredients in their meal, especially for dietary preferences & allergies. I did not expect mushrooms to be included.
Near the end of the meal, I suddenly became extremely nauseous, dizzy, & developed severe stomach discomfort. I had to leave the table & spend time in the bathroom because I genuinely felt like I was going to vomit. While I cannot say with certainty what caused my symptoms, the timing was very concerning.
What disappointed me the most was the lack of customer care. After I returned from the bathroom visibly unwell, no member of the staff checked on me or asked if I was okay. Instead, it felt like everyone was focused on closing the restaurant & getting us to leave because it was near closing time, even though we had already paid our bill in full.
A customer becoming ill during a meal should never be ignored. At the very least, someone should have checked whether I needed assistance.
I will be reporting this incident to the appropriate public health authorities so it can be documented & reviewed. I also hope management reviews both the quality of the food & the way customers are treated in situations like this.
Just came here for dinner at Fleurs & Cadeaux since we were staying right across the street, & what an incredible surprise.
Don't be deceived by the exterior. The moment you walk in, it feels like you've been transported to another era. What was once an old flower shop has been transformed into a beautiful Japanese-inspired vintage space, complete with an amazing vinyl soundtrack, warm lighting, & one of the best atmospheres we've experienced in Montreal.
We started with the three-day white miso-aged duck, lightly charred & absolutely spot on. The flavors were deep, balanced, & unforgettable. For drinks, I had the matcha yuzu cocktail, which was exceptional & one of the highlights of the evening.
The Alberta beef bavette yakiniku, marinated in shoyu koji & cooked medium rare, was outstanding. You could smell the beautiful char in every bite. Paired with the mushrooms & grilled Brussels sprouts I believe, it was a perfect combination of textures & flavors.
We also tried the Tantan Udon, which had just the right amount of spice-flavorful, comforting, & delicious without being overpowering. The Poulet Nanban (fried chicken) was another standout & easily one of the best versions I've had.
To finish, we had the hojicha cheesecake for dessert with cream & yuzu, which was beautifully balanced & the perfect ending to the meal.
The service elevated the entire experience. The gentleman with glasses, Juliette, & the rest of the team were fantastic-explaining every dish & drink, checking in regularly, refilling our water, & making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the evening.
Considering the quality of the food, the impeccable service, & the incredible ambiance, I would say this experience rivals many Bib Gourmand restaurants I've visited during my travels. Having dined at numerous Michelin-starred & Bib Gourmand establishments around the world, I'm honestly surprised that Fleurs & Cadeaux hasn't yet received that recognition. It's one of the more notable omissions I've come across.
If you're visiting Montreal, you're in for a treat. If you read this review, just go ahead & book yourself. I tell you, this is a good value for what it is. From start to finish, this was a beautiful dining experience that I would happily return to again & again.
Sashimi both tuna & salmon was not cleaned well, it had sinew / stringy connective tissues. Especially tartare was horrible made with scraps trimmed parts that are literally only sinew. If you're going with'tasting menu' choose your own dishes. Fried chicken & duck dish were ok. Udon at the end was spicy & did not taste good at all. Plum rice wine umeshu was the only highlight to our dinner.
This was my second visit. I had mixed feelings after the first one & decided to give it another chance to see if the experience would improve. Unfortunately, it did not. If anything, I would say it has deteriorated.
The restaurant benefits from a prime location & seems to attract a large number of tourists & office workers. As a result, it is constantly busy. You quickly get the feeling that turning tables as fast as possible is a priority, both from the way guests are received & from the rushed, impersonal service.
As for the food, it was hit or miss. The sashimi bowl was good, & the vegetable appetizers were enjoyable. The fried chicken was decent. However, the udon noodles were overwhelmingly spicy. Even some of the Asian guests at our table commented on it. The desserts were simply uninspiring.
The alcohol selection is also overpriced for what it offers. What I found particularly odd is that once you order a bottle, the staff stop pouring it for you after the initial service.
Overall, the restaurant has potential, but in my opinion there are many better options in Montreal, & in Chinatown.
The food, drinks, atmosphere, & service were all great. We were seated at the bar & the bartender was very friendly & knowledgeable regarding the menu. Had the potato salad, agedashi tofu, sashimi plate, chicken nanban, & duck.
took my boyfriend here for his birthday & we absolutely loved everything! the chicken was delicious & the service was great! i would totally recommend sitting at the bar :)
My wife & I shared the following dishes:
Tsukemono (various pickled veggies) 8/10
Chirashi Sushi (assorted sashimi) 8/10
Miso Duck 9/10
Nanban (fried chicken) 9/10
The place & ambiance are nice, & service was good & efficient, but it simply takes too long between dishes, so you just kind of end up waiting for what's next. Tasty food but too much $ & time spent for what you get.
Great atmosphere & fun concept. But the food was heavy & unrefined. Onsen egg the highlight, lovely dashi. Nanban chicken a mediocre karaage, pieces too large & lacking crunch. Chirashi fish very nice but served on disappointing rice that was like a dry, cold, underseasoned afterthought. Basically a 7.5/10 experience if Google allowed that, fine but not worth a detour.
