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.
Une expérience absolument délicieuse sur le chemin Queen Mary. Tout était frais, de la soupe miso parfaitement servie aux sushis savamment présentés sur leur grand plat rouge.
Le soin apporté à chaque détail est remarquable, notamment les petites assiettes décorées de motifs d'onigiri qui ajoutent une touche très charmante au repas. Nous avons terminé sur une note sucrée avec une part de gâteau au thé vert. Un véritable coup de coeur.
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.
The single best Japanese food restaurant I've ever been to. The atmosphere is amazing, cute decor made by the grandparents of the server, few tables which makes it feel all the cozier. The food is exceptional in every manner, some of the freshest sushi I've ever had. The server is the sweetest woman I've ever met, so kind she remembered us every time we've been. Any rating below 4 stars is just disingenuous. Forever our go to for any occasion.
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!
