Gyu-Kaku functions as an interactive Japanese barbecue concept where diners grill premium cuts of meat directly at their tables. The menu highlights a variety of marinated proteins, including signature Harami skirt steak and beef tongue, complemented by a selection of fresh vegetables and traditional appetizers. Each table features a built-in ventilation system designed to maintain air quality during the cooking process. Patrons customize their meal by selecting diverse dipping sauces and side dishes such as miso soup, gyoza, and steamed white rice. The establishment focuses on the communal aspect of tabletop cooking, providing raw ingredients prepared for immediate searing. High-quality beef selections undergo precise marination techniques to enhance tenderness and flavor profiles before reaching the table. This systematic approach ensures a consistent culinary result for individuals engaging with the charcoal grilling equipment during every visit.
Gyu-Kaku offers an engaging and interactive dining experience that consistently receives praise for its high-quality meats, fresh ingredients, and flavorful marinades. Guests frequently highlight the fun concept of grilling food directly at the table, which makes it a popular choice for birthdays, group gatherings, and date nights. While the atmosphere is described as lively and festive, some visitors note that it can become quite loud during peak hours. The staff is widely commended for being friendly, attentive, and helpful in explaining the menu, especially to those new to Japanese BBQ. Although some patrons find the pricing to be on the higher side and occasionally experience slow service during busy periods, the majority of diners consider the food quality, generous lunch combos, and welcoming service to be well worth the visit.
Great selection, first time here which was explained, how to order, our waiter was amazing, a bit cold but soon got heated up with the on table BBQ. Amazing menu, we are not eaters of beef but there were many alternatives Thank you for being part of our Montreal experience.
Go there for their lunch combo. $20 for 3 meats to grill, a salad & miso soup. Really good value for the quality of meat. The angus beef rib was the best. The other two meats I got were cut badly, with some small & broken pieces (small enough to barely fit on the grill). But for the price, it wasn't a big deal.
The service was also attentive & friendly. They checked on us throughout the meal, & changed the grill for us without prompting.
Our table also ordered the ramen & that's a skip. Not very good.
Took my family there for early Easter dinner tonight to have some Japanese BBQ. This is not the first time going but the first time reviewing it.
As usual it is a very nice place to have dinner on a romantic date, a nice family dinner or just to have a get together with friends to eat. There is some noise with music coming from the ceiling & the many people eating there. The staff & service is top level. Very polite, helpful & making sure we are doing well & if there is something they can get for us.
The food there is always amazing. We ordered some soup(egg soup), had spicy shrimp, spicy roast beef & dumplings. My personal favorite is the shrimp. Then the meat. Angus beef, filet mignon, kalbi & marinated beef along with mushroom medley. The meat is always fresh. Never had any issues with the meat at all. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion.
Apr 4, 2026
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Gyu-Kaku has always been one of my go-to BBQ spots in San Francisco-especially for their unlimited BBQ options. It's a place I've visited countless times with family, & I've always loved the experience. So when I found out they had a location in Montreal, I was genuinely excited to try it & even brought along a friend who had never been before. I really wanted him to experience how good it can be.
Unfortunately, from the very beginning, the experience felt completely different. The service was noticeably lacking-it took multiple attempts just to get the staff's attention for basic things, which already set the tone for the evening.
I went ahead & ordered my usual favorite items, but the portions here seemed smaller or different compared to what I'm used to in San Francisco. I understand there could be differences in sourcing or pricing, so I was willing to give that the benefit of the doubt. However, what was harder to overlook was the quality of certain cuts-especially the yaki shabu beef. It was so thin & inconsistent that it felt almost like minced meat, & a lot of it kept falling through the grill, making it frustrating to cook & enjoy.
On top of that, the grill itself wasn't functioning properly. The heat distribution was uneven-some parts would burn the meat instantly while others barely cooked it, leaving pieces raw. For a place centered around BBQ, this really impacted the overall experience.
It honestly felt like a completely different restaurant compared to the San Francisco locations I'm used to, which was disappointing-especially since I had hyped it up to my friend.
If I had to highlight one positive, it would be the lava cake. It was actually better than the one I've had in San Francisco-rich, warm, & perfectly done. But realistically, you don't go to a BBQ restaurant just for dessert.
Overall, I'm quite disappointed to say that this visit didn't live up to my expectations, & it's not a spot I'd return to in Montreal the way I do back in San Francisco.
The food was amazing & the service was excellent. The combo for four people was the perfect amount, just enough to be satisfied. We also added a bottle of excellent sake & some outstanding wagyu beef. Great experience! 100% recommand this place!
After a year, I finally ate again at my favorite Japanese restaurant. It still feels the same as the first time I came here. I ordered the spicy pork & beef yaki shabu, still my top choice. The flavor hits right every time.
The staff are polite & attentive. The music fits the mood & adds to the vibe. The place feels comfortable & familiar.
One funny downside. This place reminds me of someone who introduced it to me & is no longer part of my life. That said, no regrets. The food & the experience stay solid.
Service was excellent. Server was quick & considerate (he asked if we wanted tea when we arrived because it was cold outside, & offered menu suggestions) - sorry I wish I caught your name!
Food was decent, beef was very good - the cheaper marinated cuts were actually best. Chicken we found was a bit lacking flavor & takoyaki was just so-so, meat piece inside was a good size but dough on the inside was quite mushy & didnt taste the greatest (might just be preference).
Overall service & marinated beef were good, so we would come back again - just note you need to call ahead/reserve most days to be guaranteed a table. (Umakara - the marinated one with sweet sauce was very good as a side note)
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Excellent Service. Fast services & the waiters & waitresses are very friendly. the food was very good & a lot of choices of meats. But You should tried is the BEEF TATAKI it`s a must!! it`s the one of my favorite restaurant.
