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.
We made a reservation for New Year's Eve for 11:45 PM at this restaurant
At 11:30 PM, the restaurant called & told us it was bottle service only. I clearly said we did not want to buy a bottle, & they responded that coming without a bottle was okay.
When we arrived, an employee refused entry without purchasing a bottle & spoke in a rude tone, claiming he was the manager & only his word mattered. The place was completely full, & despite having a reservation, they provided no table or seats. We were four people standing the entire time with nowhere to sit.
Because it was almost midnight, we felt forced to purchase a bottle so our New Year would not be ruined. Even after paying, they did not deliver any bottle service-nothing was filled & no attention was given to our group. The communication was misleading & the staff behavior was disrespectful.
I would not recommend this restaurant unless management improves its honesty & customer care.
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.
Jan 5, 2026
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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.
Went for their New Year's Eve dinner - took 30 mins to get a cocktail menu, 45 mins to get the first course, 60 for the appetizer, then over 90 for the entree. Left before dessert. More of a cocktail bar than a restaurant in my opinion. Food was good but service was spotty. We saw other tables in the same position as us - even a few that just got up & left. If you plan a New Year's Eve prix fixe dinner - I'd hope you'd plan for it to execute it. Not worth the cost at all
Dec 31, 2025
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Incroyable nourriture ainsi que le service … impeccable!!! Les employés sont souriants & super gentils !! Je vous recommande vivement de le tester prochainement !!
Excellente expérience chez KAVA.
Service irréprochable & attentionné - mention spéciale à Abdel & à son équipe pour leur professionnalisme & leur gentillesse. Table impeccablement entretenue tout au long du repas, sans même avoir à le demander.
Cuisine remarquable : le tartare de bar, les keftas de boeuf, la pieuvre & les légumes grillés étaient tous absolument délicieux. Très belle carte des vins.
Ambiance élégante & vivante avec DJ & musiciens live les vendredis & samedis.
Une soirée parfaite. Nous reviendrons assurément.
Service très décevant.
Nous avons presque été mises à la porte après à peine 2 heures de service, alors que ce délai incluait l'attente pour recevoir nos plats. Notre table était juste devant la porte, on nous a apporté la facture alors que nous mangions encore le dessert, & le gérant est venu nous dire, mot pour mot : « Les filles, il faut partir ».
Le tout pour un repas très cher, avec une viande difficile à mâcher.
Expérience froide & inhumaine, clairement orientée vers le roulement rapide des clients plutôt que le respect. Honnêtement, on est mieux chez soi😐
Dec 19, 2025
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Nabil, Nabil & NABIL !! Ce gars est fait pour ce métier. Souriant, à l'écoute, classe & pleins d'autres qualités, un gars qui coche toutes les cases. 🙏🏻
L'endroit est parfait pour manger, danser, chanter.
A recommander sans aucune hesitation!!
La soirée s'est bien passé au début. Le service était bien, on a bien manger on a payé notre facture . mais à la fin le responsable où je ne sais pas nous a limite foutu dehors parce qu il y avait une réservation après nous. je comprends mais la manière comment ça été fait c est très insultant & dégradant . On est pas venu manger gratuitement & notre réservation était de 2heure 30 . Au bout de 1:45 il nous a ordonner de partir .
Avec ce service personnellement je ne le recommande pas à part si vous voulez vous faire mettre dehors
C'est franchement la pire expérience que j'ai eue dans un resto censé être haut de gamme. Le staff était super impoli & pas du tout aidant. J'étais avec un groupe d'amis proches pour un anniversaire. La bouffe était froide, les assiettes sales & la serveuse était désagréable. En gros : si vous voulez fêter quelque chose, faire plaisir à quelqu'un ou organiser un dîner d'affaires pour impressionner, Kava n'est vraiment PAS l'endroit où aller.
This is by far the worst experience I had in the upper echelon of restauration. The staff was the rudest & is not helpful, was with a group for close friends for a birthday. The food was cold, plates dirty & the server was rude, she made us feel like she was doing us a favour. To put it in short, celebrating a special occasion, want to make a loved one feel special, business dinner to impress some clients, Kava is NOT the place to do that.
