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.
Karin is a warm family run Japanese restaurant in Montreal's NDG offering an intimate setting with private booths and traditional decor that evokes Japan. The menu features incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi with toro noted as melt in your mouth, along with well prepared tempura, yaki soba, and a range of set menus that let guests sample a little of everything. Service is consistently attentive and friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel part of the family. Ingredients are repeatedly praised for freshness and quality from sashimi to kimchi, and the overall experience includes a strong sake and drink list to complement meals. While some reviews mention prices being on the higher side, many feel the value is justified by the quality, ambiance, and attentive service, making Karin a reliable choice for special occasions or repeat visits. The restaurant is described as a hidden gem with a cozy, authentic vibe and a memorable, homely touch that keeps guests returning year after year.
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
A gem of traditional Japanese cuisine, the service is good & the dishes are quality. I had the pleasure of trying the o-toro that melts in your mouth. The selection of nigiri was excellent, of great quality & freshness. If you have the opportunity to live the experience, I highly recommend it.
Nov 21, 2025
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a little gem in NDG, been walking in front of it for years. Familly owned & operated. Authentic food, good ambiance & good quality ingredients. highly recommended.
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.
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
Karin Japanese Restaurant is an absolute gem! This place just reminded me of Japan. The decorations with every detail thoughtfully crafted by the owner's mother, it is realy an authentic atmosphere.
The food is great & everything is made with care. Best sushi & sashimi I ever tried in Canada & as you know, freshness is true a true testament to quality. The flavors are fresh, & you can tell they use top notch ingredients. The selection of beer, sake, & other alcohol perfectly complements the meal also, if you are a tea lover you can choose from their range of Japanese teas.
The owners are originally from Japan, & of course the service is warm & welcoming & the entire restaurant feels like a slice of Japan right here in the heart of Montreal in Canada.
If you're looking for authentic Japanese dining experience look no further, I highly recommend this restaurant & will definitely visit it over & over again!
This place is so cute! An absolute gem in NDG. It is decorated so nicely, full of culture (according to my partner), the waiter is so nice. I am not a fan of the sushi they serve though, the soy sauce was too salty & the wine was not good, do not order the house wine. The miso soup was good, I will perhaps give it another chance by ordering other dishes instead of sushi. It is also pricey.
Sep 19, 2024
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The best & most authentic Japanese restaurant in Montreal that I've been to! A nice little hidden gem. The food is delicious, especially the seafood (sushi, sashimi) & their main dishes. Best tempura in town! Service is great, the owner lady is very kind & friendly. Just keep in mind that it's a slow dining place, so it might take a while to order / get your meals especially on busy days. I love this aspect as well, great for longer conversations & it feels very private in the boothes. Try also their teas & desserts, yuzu jam & ensemble taiyaki are may favorite, but their mochis are great too! The only downside is that it's not cheap, but considering the overall experience & quality, it's well worth it! We rather try to cut our spending elsewhere & return to this hidden gem :)
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