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Restaurant Top Pick

Kazu

Inspired Japanese eats, from house made tofu to shrimp burgers, in a cozy nook with an open kitchen.

Downtown
4.7$$
CLOSEDOpens Thursday at 5 pm
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Photo of Kazu, Downtown - Montreal
JapaneseAsianRamenSoupsBurgersIzakaya / Japanese Pub
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About

Kazu specializes in authentic Japanese soul food characterized by intense flavor profiles and meticulously prepared ingredients. The menu features signature items like succulent pork belly bowls, rich shrimp burgers, and expertly seasoned ramen that anchors the culinary focus. Every dish reflects a commitment to traditional techniques while utilizing high-quality proteins and fresh seasonal vegetables. Diners experience a compact and high-energy environment where the open kitchen layout allows direct observation of the cooking process. The atmosphere remains consistently lively, mirroring the busy stalls found throughout Tokyo. Each preparation emphasizes deep umami notes through precise simmering and grilling methods. This establishment provides a focused selection of Japanese comfort classics designed for rapid service and immediate consumption within an intimate, bustling space that prioritizes the integrity of every individual bowl.
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5★
85%
4★
7%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:View More

Kazu was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Kazu

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (2600+)
*as of 2026-08-01
5★
85%
4★
7%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Kazu is widely celebrated as an authentic and vibrant Japanese izakaya in Montreal, consistently praised for its exceptional, fresh, and flavorful dishes. Many diners highlight the creative menu, particularly the seasonal specials posted on the walls, and the unique experience of watching chefs cook live from the counter. While the restaurant is frequently noted for its small, bustling, and sometimes noisy atmosphere, as well as the inevitable long wait times due to a no-reservation policy, the majority of visitors find the high-quality food and welcoming service to be well worth the effort. Though experiences regarding portion sizes and pricing vary, the overall consensus points to an unforgettable, high-energy culinary journey that captures the essence of a traditional Japanese eatery.
Page 3 of 3 - 26 Reviews

Kazu is an absolute gem. Easily the most authentic Japanese cuisine in the entire city. The place has a small Tokyo bar style atmosphere & is complemented well by absolutely sublime service. Seriously, every server is attentive, smiling, & they move with the speed of sound. The food is incredible. My wife & I have been to Japan twice now & this food comes closest to getting us so nostalgic & excited to go back. It's comforting, warm, & delicious. Best part is the price! For four shared appetizers, two mains, 4 shots of yuzu sake, & 1 ginger Sapporo, I was floored to see the bill be just over $100. We were so stuffed we even took a doggie bag. So incredibly worth it! Yes, the lines can often be long, but I now see exactly why this is the case. This was a phenomenal experience & looking forward to coming back soon.

Mar 2, 2024
on Google

The food is very very authentic! Love the subtle flavors! The restaurant itself is very small, packed & the poor staff seemed overwhelmed.

Dec 23, 2023
on Google

This is by far the best Japanese food we've ever had! Authentic, rich flavours, kind service, & a special atmosphere. Worth the wait in line any day!! Kazu is a genius!

Nov 5, 2023
on Google
BigTobacco
1 Review
5.0

Me & my girlfriend went to Japan this June & gorged ourselves on Raman in Kyoto & Sushi in Tokyo. Two weeks after we returned we were desperately Japan-Sick & craved another Japanese experience. Kazu is probably the closest you can be to Japan while staying in Montreal. You can read the 40 other reviews & it's pretty clear the food is amazing & I agree, but let me add that the eating experience is authentic Japanese. It's something special. A must-visit.

Sep 21, 2014
ulysse333
45 Reviews
4.0

Resto japonais tout en contrastes, avec un look "reto-bar de ruelle" & des plats d'une finesse & d'une authenticité exemplaires. Les poissons sont toujours frais & savoureux.

Le service est ok: ils font ce qu'ils peuvent avec un espace réduit & des files d'attente tous les soirs. Quand le "hype" autour de cet endroit va se calmer, ça va être encore mieux. Par contre, vu la qualité de ce qu'ils servent, les files d'attente ne sont pas près de finir...

May 5, 2014
Foodie
2 Reviews
3.0

I am Japanese descent & we heard Kazu has an authentic Japanese Food. Well, the staff are Japanese but the food is pretty westernised. So I wouldn't say they are authentic Japanese food. The taste & presentation was good.

Jun 18, 2013