Overall, reviews of KAVA highlight a chic, warm ambiance and a versatile Mediterranean-inspired menu where fresh, well-executed dishes such as tartares, octopus, keftas, lamb chops, and seafood are often praised for quality and presentation. The cocktails and drinks program is frequently lauded for balance and creativity, and the vibe with a DJ or live music makes the setting lively yet refined, suitable for a girls night, date night, or celebratory gathering. Service is consistently described as attentive, friendly, and professional, with good recommendations and smooth handling of reservations, though some comments point to slower pacing, occasional miscommunication, and higher prices relative to portions on busy nights or prix fixe events. The decor and atmosphere are repeatedly cited as standout, contributing to an experience that many consider one of the best in Montreal, while a few reviews note that loud music or crowdiness can detract from conversation and value can vary by visit.
Terrible New Year's experience. We were four girls with a reservation booked in advance. 30 minutes before arrival, we were called & told we could only enter with bottle service. On the phone, we explained that four people can't finish a bottle & were told to come in &'talk it through.'
When we arrived around 11:45 PM, management told us our only option was bottle service or they wouldn't host us at all. We agreed, assuming we'd at least get proper seating. Instead, they squeezed a tiny table into a corner with no chairs, expecting us to stand the entire time.
Service was basically nonexistent. The bottle came, the bill came immediately after, & the waitress barely checked on us. She even claimed we had to tip 15% because it was New Year's - not sure where that rule exists. We asked for water & additional drinks & never received them.
Overall, it felt greedy, misleading, & poorly managed. Definitely not worth it. Won't be returning & wouldn't recommend.
Jan 9, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
I went here for New Year's with three girlfriends. We had a reservation for four that was booked in advance. Thirty minutes before our reservation, we received a call saying that we could only do bottle service. For four girls, this is unreasonable, especially when the reservation was already confirmed.
On the phone, I clearly explained that there were four of us & that we would not be able to finish a full bottle. I asked whether we could instead order individual drinks. We were told,'Come in & we'll talk & find a solution.'
When we arrived at 11:45 PM, a manager was called over & immediately told us that our only option was bottle service or nothing at all - meaning they would not host us otherwise. This directly contradicted what we were told on the phone.
We reluctantly agreed to bottle service, assuming we would at least receive proper seating (a table or bar seating, as expected anywhere else). The restaurant was completely jam-packed, yet instead of accommodating us properly, they squeezed a tiny, short table into a corner with zero seating, expecting us to stand around it. It was not even a bar-height table.
The behavior felt extremely money-driven. They took our payment opportunity but provided no real service or space.
The waitress brought the bottle immediately & came back with the bill right away. There was virtually no service afterward. Despite this, she insisted that we had to tip 15% because it was New Year's. I would genuinely like to know where this rule is written, because mandatory tipping without service is unacceptable.
When we asked for water, she brought two Red Bulls & two club sodas. Once those were finished, we asked for more drinks & water. She said'okay' & never returned.
Overall, this was a terrible experience. Poor communication, misleading promises, overcrowding, pressure tactics, & lack of service. We will absolutely never return.
I'm leaving this review so others can make an informed decision before choosing this place. This felt like a cash grab, not hospitality.
Worst experience ever, the drinks were mid, the steak taste like it was frozen, the entire meal felt like I purchased something at frozen at the grocery store.
Rude & aggressive management, lack of transparency, & glaring double standards' Take it or leave it' attitude made the whole experience uncomfortable & unnecessarily hostile. This level of management is honestly ruining what could otherwise be a great restaurant.
We had a New Year's Eve reservation but were met with a manager who was rude & dismissive. We weren't informed that only a highly limited two-option menu would be available. When we simply asked for a drink at the bar, we were pressured to order from a menu we had no interest in & told that refusal would mean leaving, & an $80 cancellation fee. Meanwhile, other guests were clearly enjoying drinks at the bar without issue.
I ended up leaving because of the management there's no way I would spend a single dollar on service like this.
Wow. Une magnifique expérience dans ce restaurant. Adoré.
On a eu un service impécable avec notre serveuse Sofia, elle a montré beaucoup de professionalisme & de patience. & après avec Yassine au bar, les drinks & la nourriture étaient incroyable. Je recommande!
Let's start with the aesthetics-absolutely stunning. The lighting sets the perfect mood, it's cozy yet chic, gorgeous in every detail. It gives New York, it gives Manhattan, it gives money. Truly a vibe.
Now, the drinks-wow. Specially curated, high-end, & balanced to perfection. Each one has the perfect amount of alcohol & flavor, making them dangerously easy to love.
& the food… refreshing, fresh, & full of flavor. Every dish is beautifully composed & just as tasty as it looks.
Overall, this place is a dream. Chic atmosphere, impeccable drinks, delicious food-what more could you want?
We just had dinner at Kava & the ambiance, the place, the service everything was amazing. If you want a nice dinner or just drinks or just a nice place for a fun night out. We would really like to take the time to appreciate the wonderful hostess who made our entire experience there a delight. Not only was she absolutely beautiful but she was very patient when we got mixed with our reservations & very quickly she sorted it to ensure that we have the best moment there, special Thanks to her once again
Brunch spot for the summer! Food was amazing, had the egg brioche with extra avocado, yummy 😋
The ambiance is cool, the drinks were delicious beautiful spot 👌🏾
