JUN JUN is described as a vibrant, intimate spot where modern Filipino cuisine is executed with finesse, blending traditional flavors with bold, creative presentations. The tasting menu and brunch are frequent highlights, with numerous dishes lauded for balance and originality, and desserts and breads earning special mention. Service is repeatedly praised as warm, attentive and knowledgeable, with the staff guiding guests through the menu and making everyone feel welcome. The atmosphere is noted for being lively yet comfortable, with tasteful decor and a playlist that fits the vibe. While most reviews sing praises, there are occasional notes about items being unavailable, some dishes overcooked, and pacing issues during longer tasting experiences. Portions are sometimes described as small for the price, leading to a sense that value varies by menu format. The restaurant is recommended for date nights, celebrations and fans of elevated Filipino cuisine, and many guests say they will definitely return to sample more dishes. In sum, JUN JUN stands out as a top option for modern Filipino food in the city, delivering exceptional food and service even as a few operational quirks appear from time to time.
I've postponed writing this review because I've never experienced such appalling restaurant service before.
My sister & I chose this establishment to celebrate New Year's Eve with their advertised 6-course + dessert tasting menu. We arrived punctually for our reservation near opening time, & were excited by the positive reviews we'd heard-which only amplified our ultimate disappointment.
The ambiance was admittedly pleasant. The place had dim lighting & tasteful decorations, which created an intimate atmosphere perfect for a special occasion.
Our initial service was promising. Our waiter was exceptional & was the true highlight of our evening. He graciously accommodated our request for non-alcoholic versions of their cocktails & answered our questions about the menu diligently. Both he & who appeared to be the manager would present each course with detailed descriptions, which we appreciated as newcomers to Filipino cuisine.
However, the pacing was problematic. Most of the time, we found ourselves with uncomfortably long waits between courses. The evening took a shocking turn as we awaited our sixth course. The manager abruptly asked us to pay & leave because'other people were waiting.' This was bewildering since we had arrived early for our reservation & our pre-paid 6-course meal was incomplete as we hadn't received our final course & dessert.
After paying, we remained seated expecting our remaining food. Minutes later, the manager came back & asked us to free our table. Stunned & already frustrated by the excessive waiting times, we left without explaining that our meal was unfinished. Looking back at our bill, at least we were not charged for the full 6 course + dessert meal.
I would give one star, but I am giving an extra star solely because the service provided by our waiter was truly exceptional.
What should have been a special celebration became a deeply disappointing experience & a sour start to the New Year. I cannot recommend a restaurant that treats reserved guests as so, regardless of how good their food might be.
I had the pleasure of dining at their sister restaurant, Junior, & have been wanting to try Junjun for some time now. I must say, the experience was incredible & truly unforgettable! Junjun exceeded all my expectations. The service was exceptional, with friendly & attentive staff. Our waitress, Margarita, was fantastic, & Manager Ray was a wonderful host, bringing both humor & warmth to the evening. He enriched our experience by sharing the story behind Junjun & its journey, adding a unique & personal touch to our visit. As a Filipino growing up in a Filipino household & enjoying traditional Filipino dishes daily, I was truly amazed by how this restaurant has elevated & modernized the cuisine. Each dish on the tasting menu showcased unique & distinct flavors, & every plate was a visual masterpiece. I'm already eagerly anticipating my next visit, especially for the unforgettable Octopus Kare Kare-it's a dish that has left a lasting impression. Maraming Salamat! Proud Filipino I highly recommend Junjun & will definitely be returning for another remarkable experience!
Jan 22, 2025
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Amazing restaurant! If you've never had filipino food, this is the place to go! They offer a tasty & unique tasting menu that allows you to discover all type of flavours & textures. The dishes are a beautiful blend of traditional & modern cuisine. Highly recommend it!
Had an incredible experience here! I've been to Junior (Junjun's sister restaurant) many times & was always impressed, so it was no surprise that Junjun was equally amazing. The food is refined, delicious, & clearly crafted with thoughtful flavors. The Filipino twist on the cocktails is so original as well, i loved them. The service was warm & attentive-Rey & his team took such great care of us for my friend's birthday. This spot is absolutely a must-visit in Montreal's food scene!
Absolute highlight of our trip to Montreal. Fantastic creative modern Filipino cuisine. We were a group & so sampled most of the dishes, though, as usual, dove in before taking pictures - at least on the first several. Absolutely exquisite well thought through & executed dishes. You can't go wrong. Fantastic to hear Rey talk about the history of the restaurant & the menu & hear his passion about Filipino food tradition & his idea about taking the tradition to the next level. It is a tiny bit off the beaten path but so so worth it. Made our evening!! Thank you!
I'm writing this review a few months later, but only because I still think about it to this day!! We ate at this restaurant to celebrate an anniversary over the summer, & the food & presentation was gorgeous. I didn't even think Filipino food could get any better, but Junjun absolutely blew our minds. They were also accommodating to my allergies & were able to modify some of the plates we ordered - which nonetheless still tasted amazing. The chef & one of the owners came to our table at the end to greet us & it also left a great impression on us. Everything was worth it. The best service & food ever!!
unforgettable experience! We opted for the 5 & 6-course tasting menu, & every dish's presentation was nothing short of art. The flavors were equally impressive, with each course offering a delightful mix that showcased the creativity of modern Filipino inspired fusion cuisine. From the unique twists on traditional dishes to the innovative flavor combinations, every bite was a new adventure. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall experience & our waitress was incredibly kind & attentive. Highly recommend!
Sep 1, 2024
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Drinks were delicious & dinner was amazing ! If you want to try fine Filipino cuisine this place is a must try ! Service was also great. Will definitely come back & next try Id like to try out a dinner by their terasse.
Went for an anniversary dinner & were treated so such an amazing meal. Rey is so warm & welcoming - & the food is so unique & distinct. Fine dining Filipino food is a beautiful thing & they certainly do familiar favourites & flavours with a refined & enhanced outcome. It's really, really, really good. Don't skip the bread to start off. The cabbage & the carpaccio are so flavourful. The duck adobo is such an experience, every bite is different & the cook on the duck is perfect. The lion's mane mushroom is packed with flavour & again, every bite is a different one.
We had the 5 course tasting menu & it was great. The server was lovely & explained every dish to us, the memories they invoked for him as a Filipino, & how he would suggest we eat each. The dishes were flavourful & unique. I particularly enjoyed the Mackerel & the leek dish. The desserts were also truly spectacular. Highly recommend this spot !
JunJun 🇵🇭🇨🇦 @junjunmtl 📍 1974 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1M8 Jun Jun offers a delightful twist on Filipino cuisine! The restaurant boasts a modern yet inviting ambiance, perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out. Their menu features innovative takes on classic Filipino dishes, using fresh ingredients & exciting flavor combinations. I was particularly impressed by the Longanisa Tortellini, bursting with delicious & unique flavors. The service was attentive & friendly, making the entire dining experience enjoyable. If you're looking for a vibrant & exciting culinary adventure in Montreal, Jun Jun is a must-try! 📷 @StayserEats * #mtlfoodie * #mtlfood * #montrealeats * #514eats * #montrealseats * #montrealfoodscene * #canadianfoodie * #foodphotography * #instafood * #foodie
Jul 2, 2024
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Jun Jun is a relatively newish restaurant (Jan 2024) serving an elevated level of Filipino cuisine. In partnership with the neighboring Junior on Notre Dame street, Jun Jun welcoming atmosphere does set the right tone along its narrow & deep layout, including a small bar area. A long pine green wall contrasts against an opposing white wall & dotted with bleached maple tables & black chairs...overall it works. The menu is not atypical Filipino food...more inspired by than actual dishes. For our large groups we ordered one of everything (at least...on two dishes we asked for re-orders). I will not go though every dish but call out what we found were the stand outs...NILIGASA SA MISO (a calamansi braised cabbage with miso glaze...very, very tasty. So much so we ordered in twice), KAMTENG PINAKBET (a baked sweet potato dish...also excellent & twice ordered), ARROZ CALDO (a mushroom risotto which, I am not clear on the Filipino connection, but was a big hit at the table) & the KABIBI (seared scallops...again, delicious). Furthermore, the only two desserts available were also excellent & we were hard pressed to determine which was our favorite; either thee TURON MILLE-FEUILLE or the BIBINGKA. Either way, both are great! Service was excellent. The server was extremely friendly & simultaneously professional & casual with the food (especially the appetizers) being delivered almost immediately after ordering & the food flowing seamlessly after that. Definitely a place to checkout & try. Enjoy! NOTE: With regards to the menu option...as we were leaving the young talented chef gracious met us at our table & subsequently informed us that the menu would be change in a few weeks to reflect a Spring season so I am not sure what on this Winter menu will be retained.
An amazing new find! Really loved the modern interpretation of Filipino cuisine. Lots of personality & character in the interior design & how the service is run. Great for dates or as a group. Highly recommended
