KAWSAY reinvents Ecuadorian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Each dish is a creation that blends ancestral traditions with modernity, each cocktail an invitation to travel, and each visit a moment where people connect through authentic flavors.
Here, we celebrate culture, authenticity, and shared moments. You're not simply discovering a new cuisine, you're entering the vibrant world of Ecuador, where every detail is designed to awaken your senses and create unforgettable memories.
Specialties
Empanada, Ceviche & Chicharron
Amenities, services & more
We accept: Master Card, Visa, AMEX, Interac, Mobile Payment, Contactless Payment
Kawsay offers an exceptional culinary journey that brings the authentic and vibrant flavors of Ecuador to the heart of Montreal. Guests frequently praise the beautifully presented, high-quality dishes, highlighting specialties like the ceviche, corviche, and various traditional soups, all prepared with fresh ingredients and genuine care. The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, cozy, and inviting, creating the perfect setting for both casual outings and special celebrations. Complementing the menu is a selection of well-crafted cocktails and refreshing natural juices, while the attentive, professional, and friendly service ensures a memorable experience for everyone. Whether newcomers are exploring Ecuadorian cuisine for the first time or long-time enthusiasts are seeking a nostalgic taste of home, this restaurant earns widespread acclaim for its passion, hospitality, and dedication to cultural authenticity.
Wonderful discovery! It was our first time trying Ecuadorian cuisine & everything was delicious, beautifully presented & full of flavour. We loved sharing & discovering new dishes together! Great atmosphere & a truly special supper. We'll definitely be back!
Visiting Montreal for the first time & was curious to find Ecuadorian food as an Ecuadorian- American & I found this place with great reviews & menu sounded great. I was disappointed 😞 first, the service was really bad - it took like 20 minutes to meet our server & order. Presentation of the food 5/5. The ceviche mahi mahi tasted really bland. Not a hint of Ecuadorian influence to it. The seco de pollo was the best, portion was smaller than I expected. We asked for a side of white rice - they said they have no white rice. White rice is a staple in Ecuadorian food, made no sense to us. Yikes. My mother, Ecuador born, did not believe the cooks were from Ecuador. I will say I really liked all the Ecuadorian items, paintings, etc.
As fellow Ecuadorians & Mexicans from NYC, we admittedly had high expectations for this restaurant. Our waiter was kind & attentive, & the atmosphere was calm & inviting.
We ordered the empanda verde, sopa de bola, & encebollado. We were not fans of the cheese empanadas, feeling it lacked salt & overall seasoning, but the shrimp empanada was flavorful & overall good. However, both types of empanadas were too greasy for our liking.
The Sopa de Bola was good. The broth was tasteful & the ball of meat tender. The encebollados, though, were disappointing. While the presentation looked authentic, the food itself did not meet standards. It did not taste like encebollado - it had an off-putting ramen taste; but if you like that, then you might be a fan.
As a whole, the restaurant has potential. Drinks were solid, but the food needs work.
Kawsay is the best Ecuadorian food I've ever had in Canada! 🇪🇨❤? They truly pay attention to every detail & bring the authentic flavors of Ecuador to life. Everything tastes so genuine & delicious, it honestly feels like a little piece of home. Highly recommend!
First time I had Ecuadorian food in my life & I was not disappointed. The food taste homemade & fresh. A overall small but cozy restaurant, our waiter was kind & welcoming. He asks us if we needed recommendations which is always appreciated. The menus are colorful & plenty of choices to drink. My only feedback would be to put pictures next to the food because as someone who never had Ecuadorian food, it was a bit hard to gage what to take just based on the description of the meal. ( we eat with the eyes too ;) ). Wishing much success to the team & owner of that little gem 🥰
First time ever trying this place & I'm in love! Music is good, food is good, service is amazing. Very authentic Ecuadorian food, definitely worth a stop! If you're Montreal & you want to feel a bit closer to home or you just want a yummy meal, Kawsay is the spot!
We were planning to eat at one of the many Indian restaurants in the neighborhood, but saw this Ecuadorian place & decided to give it a try. Delicious food, friendly service. The ingredients & flavours are different than what you'll find at most of the restaurants in the city.
Last week, I visited Montreal for a few days, & a friend recommended that I try Kawsay. I honestly didn't expect it to become one of the highlights of my trip.
The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish was bursting with flavor, & I had the chance to experience tastes I had never tried before. The presentation was beautiful & showed how much care goes into every plate.
The restaurant itself has such a warm & inviting atmosphere. It's decorated in a traditional style that gives it a unique charm & makes you feel like you're experiencing a piece of Ecuadorian culture.
I actually came back a second time during my trip, & it wasn't just because of the amazing food. The service was exceptional-everyone was kind, welcoming, & genuinely cared about making our experience special. One of my favorite things was the open kitchen. Being able to watch the chefs prepare every dish right in front of us, with such precision, organization, & cleanliness, made the experience even more impressive.
The restaurant is also very easy to get to, which is another plus.
People say that food is a window into discovering new cultures, & Kawsay truly made me feel that. This experience sparked my curiosity about Ecuadorian culture & even inspired me to plan a trip to Ecuador someday.
Thank you to the entire Kawsay team for such a memorable experience. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Montreal!
I ordered the caldo de bolas which i loveeeed!! Very filling - I didn't order anything else & was satisfied. My friend ordered the empanada du fromage ( APPROVED!!) star of the dish. Mote con chicharron my ecuadorian friend says 10/10, me from the Caribbean 7.5/10 (taste wise!). Busboy, Host & Bartender provided an excellent service
As an Ecuadorian living abroad, eating at Kawsay truly made me feel closer to home. Every dish captured the authentic flavors of Ecuador, especially the rich & unforgettable taste of Manabí. You can tell that each meal is prepared with love, tradition, & respect for our culture. Thank you for bringing a little piece of Ecuador to Montreal 🍁 , it was a beautiful & heartwarming experience. I can't wait to come back. 🇪🇨❤?
