Karin is a restaurant renowned for its sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine as well as its Korean dishes. In addition to serving sushi of exceptional quality and absolutely fresh seafood, the restaurant offers an authentic Japanese gastronomy experience. Located on Queen Mary Road in Montreal for over a quarter of a century, Karin has stood the test of time and has proven it is one of the greatest Japanese restaurants in Quebec.
This renowned gastronomic experience that Karin offers would be impossible without the efforts and dedication of one man: the renowned chef Hansoo Im. A recognized authority on Japanese and Korean cuisine, Chef Im has confirmed his calling with great pride and application in over forty years of work in two very different countries.
At Karin Restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, Chef Im chef cooked Japanese dishes for people with the most refined tastes. This prestigious establishment, located near the Central Government Complex (the center of political power in South Korea), was host to a distinguished clientele. Chef Im learned the intricacies of his vocation. Officially qualified as a Japanese chef after only a few years of studies and apprenticeship, Chef Im has the merit of being allowed to prepare fugu, a dangerous delicacy, which requires a unique skill gained only by years of rigorous training.
Come and dine at the Japanese Restaurant Karin of Montreal in a warm environment offering taste, beauty, sophistication and tradition. Sample the results of 40 years of commitment and dedication of a family to culinary excellence.
Karin offers a unique dining experience in an original environment. Private booths are designed to ensure privacy and to be a haven, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here everyone can rest and savor the subtle pleasures of authentic Japanese cuisine that calms and awakens the senses.
Raw fish is rich in essential oils and vitamins and low in saturated fat. Traditional nori seaweed in itself provides high levels of minerals and antioxidants. The sushi is therefore an excellent healthy choice.
Reviews depict Karin as a warm, family-run Japanese restaurant in Montreal's NDG that feels like a home away from home. The atmosphere is intimate, with small private booths and traditional decor that adds a cozy, authentic touch. The kitchen earns high praise for fresh, well-balanced dishes, from standout sushi and sashimi to comforting staples like miso soup, tempura and various noodle bowls. Toro and other fatty cuts receive special mentions for melting in the mouth, and the nigiri selection is described as excellent and very fresh. Value for quality is noted, with some guests finding it a bit pricey, but most agree the portions are generous and the experience justifies the price. Set menus and family-style service make it easy to try a bit of everything, and the staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive and welcoming. The restaurant is repeatedly called a gem, a place that transports diners toward a Japanese dining experience in the heart of the city, with decor crafted to feel homey and intimate. Diners also mention Korean influenced options such as bibimbap and kimchi, highlighting the diverse offerings. Overall, Karin is seen as a reliable, beloved choice for occasions, returning guests and travelers seeking fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine in a warm, inviting setting.
Really good restaurant if you want a delicious high quality japanese meal. The food & especially the sushis are of very high quality, you can even choose the specific part of the fish (e.g higher vs lower fat pieces for tuna). I discovered several fishes that I had never eaten in sushi. I highly recommend the sushi assortment (Combo sushi hakata or Kyoto) if you want to discover new flavors. If you're not a fan of sushi, they also serve delicious udon or soba noodles, & fried rice dishes like beef donburi. For dessert everything is delicious, but my favorite is the matcha japanese cheesecake ! The restaurant itself is also very cosy, you can have your own little cubicule, & you can also reserve for larger groups if your going with family or friends.
Mar 21, 2026
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Amazing food. Authentic family run Japanese restaurant. The service was really nice & the atmosphere was really soothing. The restaurant was filled with decorations associated with the culture.
My family loves this restaurant & we keep coming back after many years even though we've moved away from the neighbourhood! Delicious food, with many different options all worth trying. Family-run with wholesome atmosphere.
A True Gem - 30 Years of Incredible Food & Kindness
I've been coming here for over 30 years, & it's still hands down my absolute favorite sushi spot in the city. The food has always been consistently amazing - fresh, flavorful, & made with care. From the sushi & teriyaki to the bibimbap, even the soup & salad - everything is delicious.
They also make my favorite kimchi in all of Montréal, no question.
What makes this place even more special is the family who runs it. They're incredibly warm, kind, & welcoming. Ai is such a wonderful woman - you truly feel like you're part of the family every time you walk in.
Places like this are rare - consistent, comforting, & full of heart. I can't recommend it enough.
Another late review. Better late than never! What a fantastic surprise to find a great Japanese restaurant in Montreal. This is a family business; the people running it come from the same household. The owner was so lovely & friendly! We came here twice while staying in Montreal because we loved the food. Everything we had was so delicious! We had tempura, poke bowl, sonomono, sushi combo, vegetable yaki soba, bento box, & probably a bit more that I can't remember. I loved how they prepared the sonomono, even the tempura was well prepared using real Japanese ingredients. Yaki soba had the taste of Japanese spices. Best sushi in town! Please visit & try their food because it was excellent! The place is cute & successfully decorated with a Japanese-style design. We saw a lot of pretty items from Japan. Excellent food & service. Highly recommended!
Jul 24, 2025
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This family owned & run Japanese restaurant was immediately reminiscent of my trip to Japan in terms of the atmosphere & private seating areas. The toro sashimi was the best I've had in Montreal & the tempura is as good can get. A real hidden gem, well worth the visit
Familyfamilyfamily home. Seriously the food is so so good. I tried many dishes & can personally say I feel like I am eating at a good friends house with every dish served just right! If you choose this for one of the top Japanese places to must try in Montreal, you will be proud of this choice
Been coming here for the last 6 years with my family. Very good Japanese (as authentic you can get within this price bracket) food & service. Would highly recommend
Aug 4, 2024
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LOVE this restaurant so much! The space & decor was lovely. The waitress was so kind & the staff are very friendly! I had an incredible experience & EVERYTHING is DELICIOUS! The fish was SO fresh. Sashimi, tempura, homemade kimchi, miso soup, uni, matcha cheesecake & the drinks were amazing. I have an incredible experience everytime I come with my family & the service is always exceptional ! Highly recommend to anyone who love japanese/korean food! I will definitely come back again!
Wow! What an incredible dining experience we had at this Japanese/Korean restaurant! From the moment we walked in with our family, we were greeted with warm hospitality & attentive service. The staff went above & beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of amazing. First & foremost, the food was absolutely delicious. Each dish was expertly prepared with fresh ingredients & bursting with flavor. From the sushi rolls to the Beef teriyaki , every bite was a culinary delight. We were especially impressed with the variety of options available on the menu, catering to both Japanese & Korean cuisine lovers in our group. Not only was the food exceptional, but the ambiance of the restaurant was also inviting & cozy. We felt relaxed & comfortable throughout our meal, making it the perfect setting for a family outing. Overall, our experience at this Japanese/Korean restaurant was top-notch. The combination of outstanding service, delectable food, & inviting atmosphere made it a dining experience to remember. We can't wait to return & indulge in more of their mouthwatering dishes. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amazing restaurant!! My family loved it so much excellent japanese/ korean food !! The bibimbap was incredible 😍😍 i would love to go back i crave it everyday 😋😋
EXCELLENTTT !! Food 10/10 ‼️‼️ i went here with my family & we left craving for more😱 Out of all the restaurants my parents have been too this is one of their top favorites !! Amazing people the workers are extremely nice & patient ! Amazing Japanese food!! Made me feel like I was actually in japan😅 the restaurant deco was very nice & pleasant to look at !! It made me feel very cozy😊 if you are looking for a nice Japanese/korean restaurant to visit with ur family, friends, loved ones please go to karins !! 5 star😉😉😉
Mar 25, 2024
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such a lovely & beautiful restaurant. Go there with the people you love, family friends or lover, & enjoy a chef’s menu with some hot sake! & get the love cake!;) this is a hidden gem
This restaurant is the best kept secret in N.D.G., Côte Des Neiges & next door Westmount. For sushi & sashimi freshness, price & service, there is no other restaurant in Montreal that completely fits the bill as Karin does. Unpretentious & homey, it makes you feel you're part of the family. This is our 25th year we have been eating there & we will for years to come. Chef-owner David is an absolute pro. His generous super fresh house sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth heaven on a plate. Same for his sushi, nigiri, maki & cones. During the pandemic chef David doubled down on generosity, freshness, & cleanliness to reassure customers things will be OK. We love - & always order - uni, that sea urchin which is now on a number of upscale sushi restaurants' menu. De-li-ci-ous! Everything else on the menu is tops, from the miso soup to dragon balls, gyozas, karaage chicken, vegetarian & seafood tempuras, grilled fish (yum!), teriyakis, okonomiyaki pancakes, & the soups, ramen & rice bowls, OMG! Karin's homemade wakame & kimchi are simply the best in town. Japanese wife Ai is the most attentive hostess, & her front restaurant decorations are beautiful. She's an artist!
