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 celebrated as an authentic, family-run gem in Montreal, cherished for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional Japanese cuisine. Diners consistently highlight the high quality and freshness of the sushi and sashimi, noting that the fish, including various cuts of tuna and salmon, offers a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Beyond the sushi, the menu features delicious options such as tempura, udon, soba, and kimchi, with the homemade matcha cheesecake frequently recommended as a standout dessert. While some mention the pricing is on the higher side or that portions can be small, the consensus remains that the level of care, the welcoming family service, and the traditional, homey decor provide a deeply satisfying and worthwhile dining experience.
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.
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 :)
May 22, 2024
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Perfect place if you want a private area to talk. Great experience with package autumn for 2 people. Sashimi were fresh & sushi were tasty, fish was 3/5 & veggies tempura were fried perfectly. We changed the sake into one pot of lotus tea & one pot of herbal tea tasting like Ku Qiao. We were super full so very good deal
Amazing experience at Karin. The staff is so friendly & the food is delicious, so many different things to try. Some of our favorites: Yaki-udon, sashimi & the bibimbap. They were also very careful with my allergies. We will definitely return!
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!
Reserve a couple of days before if going on a weekend as the place gets packed in the evening. We ordered sashimi & it was very fresh & delicious. The service was impeccable - everyone was welcoming & nice. The atmosphere is very cute. There are individual rooms that make it a lot more intimate.
One of the best sashimis in Montreal! The fish is fresh & so tasty, I was very impressed by the quality ! Ordered the authentic Japanese menu for 2 & everything was so delicious, the portions are big & everything was so fresh, definitely one of the best Japanese restaurants in Montreal !
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!
