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.
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.
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.
Oh well, in Montreal this is the restaurant I love the most. It's not cheap (especially if you want sake as well), but the dishes (all of them) are fantastic! For the main dish, Anguilles were highly recommended by my son & brother in law, & I was crazy about Yaki Udon. Miso soup is memorable, but what I died for was the kimchi. I couldn't believe that quality can exist, so you really need ti experience it if you go there.
Nov 16, 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.
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!
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!
Some of the freshest, melt in your mouth sashimi I've ever enjoyed. We ordered sparkling sake & the prix fixe for two that came with salad, rice, gyoza, sashimi, tofu stew, kimchi, & grilled mackerel. Charming, warm ambiance & excellent service. Highly, highly recommend this place!
Amazing & authentic Japanese food experience! Great service & homey comfortable feel the place. I highly recommend the gyoza which felt fresh & are the best I have had in a long time, the yaki-udon was delicious & a very generous portion, the matcha cheesecake was a rich & tasty way to end this meal. I would recommend making a reservation as it was pretty busy & we happened to get an empty table just in time. Will be coming back! (There was also a decent vegetarian section in the menu for those who prefer the option)
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! 💗
