Karin presents a distinct fusion of Japanese and Korean culinary traditions centered on the precise preparation of fresh sushi and authentic cooked specialties. The menu features an extensive selection of nigiri, maki rolls, and sashimi alongside traditional bibimbap and savory bulgogi preparations. Ingredients are sourced to maintain high standards of quality and texture across both culinary styles. The dining room offers a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes functionality and clear visibility of the food preparation process. Patrons encounter a methodical approach to kitchen operations where consistency remains the primary operational focus. This establishment serves as a destination for those seeking specialized preparation techniques that honor both Tokyo and Seoul culinary roots through a structured and focused menu architecture.
Karin is widely regarded as a charming and authentic family-run gem in Montreal, celebrated for its high-quality, fresh Japanese cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the exceptional freshness of the sashimi and sushi, alongside diverse offerings like udon, soba, and authentic kimchi. The restaurant features a cozy, traditional decor with intimate seating options that are ideal for families and small groups. While some note that pricing can be on the higher side and service pace may occasionally vary, the overwhelming consensus highlights the care put into the food, the heartfelt hospitality of the owners, and the overall value provided by such a consistently delightful dining experience.
Hands down the best Japanese restaurant in Montreal, even in Canada.
The first step you take into Karin, you can see it's family owned. Small, cute tables, cute booths.
The mom is taking the orders while the son & father are in the back cooking & prepping. The food is amazing, honestly the best Japanese food I've had in Montreal.
The sushi is crazy good. The highlight for me was the sashimi. The quality of the fish is top notch. They serve different cuts of tuna & salmon at different levels of fattiness, & they literally melt in your mouth.
The tempura is amazing, & so is the bulgogi beef. I recommend the set menu to share if it's your first time, since you'll get to taste a bit of everything, have quality food, & leave with a full stomach.
If you like cheesecake, the matcha cheesecake is amazing. It's their grandma's recipe. Everything here is made with love & you can taste it.
10/10, you should try this place & you'll want to come back.
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.
What a gem! The atmosphere & food can be described as more home cooking, excellent balance of portion size, favor, variety & quality of the fish for the price is unmatched in Montreal. I love their is saumon, nigiri & sashimi plates. The noodle dishes are a treat as well. Try the matcha cheesecake for dessert maim
Feb 5, 2026
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I went a couple times over the years & I'm never disappointed. I come from French Polynesia & my standards of fresh fish is pretty high & the Tuna (& all sashimis they serve), is on par with what I grew up with.
Definitely one my fevorite restaurant. You also have some separated spaces for small or bigger groups which adds a little bit of intimacy & I really like it.
Awesome place. You got the blessing from a South Pacific Islander, so go!
One of, if not the best Japanese meal I have ever had in my life. Everything was perfectly flavored, the fish was very fresh, the Wakame was delicious. Our server was the nicest woman, & the space is peaceful & charming. 10/10!
I discovered a pretty good Japanese restaurant near the udem area. The sashimi didn't have any fishy taste & was reasonably priced. It's not super fancy, but the value for money is great.
I love this place! The fish & vegetable soup is savory with natural flavours. Sashimi quality is excellent. There's a wide variety of authentic Japanese dishes. I order delivery & they always write nice words on the bag, which makes me feel very special. It's obvious that this establishement is passionate about what they do. You can feel & taste the love that goes into each dish. I highly recommend! I appreciate you! 💗
The greatest restaurant in Montreal. The quality of the food is absolutely incredible. We got the Aki course which ran us 150$ for two people, & let me tell you the sheer quantity & quality of what we were served would have cost us at least double anywhere else. The sashimi was incredible, the sushi was delicious, the tempura was perfect, the grilled fish was amazing as well. It's incredible just how much food they gave us, & it was more than worth every penny. In fact it's comparable to prices you would see in Japan, which really blows my mind. To the point I don't understand how they make profit selling such high quality fish at that price. They also have inexpensive meal options which are also amazing in their own right. Just a wonderful restaurant & wonderful people. This restaurant is actually owned & ran by japanese people unlike most japanese restaurants in town. It is highly authentic & you can tell they put a lot of love & care into everything. I recommend going there multiple times. I also highly recommend the course meals; it's an amazing experience.
