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.
Kazu is widely celebrated as an authentic and vibrant Japanese izakaya in Montreal, offering a menu filled with fresh, creative, and comforting dishes that consistently impress diners. Many visitors describe the experience as a culinary journey, highlighting the lively atmosphere, the skill of the chefs working in the open kitchen, and the friendly, efficient service that keeps the bustling space running smoothly. While the restaurant is known for its compact size and the inevitable wait in line due to its popularity and no-reservation policy, the vast majority of guests agree that the quality, unique flavors, and overall memorable experience make the wait well worth it. Whether enjoying the signature grilled items, seasonal specials found on the wall, or the popular shrimp burgers and curry, patrons frequently return, often describing it as one of the best dining destinations in the city.
Worth the 45 minute wait outside. It was Saturday evening. We got there around 7:30 PM. Had the salmon burger, 48 hr pork, kalbi beef & the beef shoulder - wow so good! Great friendly service too
The grilled octopus is perfect but the portion is very small!
The chirashi is good but it's a bit small.
My favorite is grilled seabass!!
I tried kalubi beef here too & it was perfect!
one of the best resturants I've been too in Montreal, the food is amazing the atmostphere is great & the brazed beef rib is to die for, if you go there prepare to wait in line
Apr 15, 2026
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It's a nice spot, the atmosphere that is. Waiters are a bit in a rush because there is always a line up so you better be ready to order your appetisers 😤. We ordered some raw salmon & tuna which were good. The beef short rib was nice but after two chews I had to visit the dentist the next day. Might not come back but i understand why people may like it.
Bit of a wait to get seated & the place is quite cramped, but service was great & attentive. We had the Bibimbap bowl (beef) & Katsu curry chicken - both tasted good albeit a bit underwhelming given all the great reviews. Would still visit again to try some other dishes
Excellent service, but the food is overrated. All 4 appetizers we tried (chicken yakitori, beef carpaccio, oysters, chirashi with salmon & tuna) tasted almost the same, with an overpowering vinegar flavor. It was not delicious.
Disappointing.
After 6 years, it's still Kazu that tastes the best for its price range. The atmosphere suits seasoned foodies. I order some appetizers & mains. The dishes come quickly & are served one after another, very suitable for two people to share.
Price-wise, with tax & tip, it came to $160 for two people, & even for two people who worked out, it was a bit too much food.
We ordered:
• Fried green beans ($12) - generous portion & delicious.
• Sashimi platter ($28) - tasty, but a bit small; just enough to get a taste.
• Lamb chops ($27) - very good, portion was on the smaller side.
• Pork shoulder ($27) - tasty & very large portion, but the center part of the meat was a bit dry.
• Squid salad ($16) - delicious, moderate portion.
• Beef heart ($12) - tasty, portion slightly small.
Overall, it was a very satisfying experience. The flavors were complex & high-end. The pace was fast, & the staff were warm, friendly, & eager to recommend dishes & drinks. At the bar there are hooks for bags under the table which is super convenient. We arrived at 5pm & didn't have to wait, but by the time we left at 6pm, a long line had already formed.
This place is 100% worth the wait! I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant before trying it last week & it was definitely worth the hype. We went on a Friday at around 8:30 & got seated about an hour later. They gave us the menu while we were in line so we could be prepared to order right as we were seated. I started with the Yuzu cocktail & the egg drop soup which was very good. For an appetizer we had the chicken dumplings & the chicken skewers, also delicious! As a main course I had the beef short ribs & I would recommend those as well! The serving sizes were great for the price. Service was very fast too which makes up for the wait imo! Next time I will for sure try things on their menu on the wall. Great overall restuarant I will be going back!
3 words. Worth the wait.
The food here is absolutely fantastic. You may be greater by a 30-45 minute wait, but wow is it worth it. The Japanese curry is absolutely fantastic, & the beef ribs, amazing.
The service is really quick & friendly.
Perfect for a quick date night.
Recommend 10/10.
The beef ribs, 48h pork, yakitori skewers, gyoza were beautiful. Also the homemade fortune cookies & coconut sorbet. Everyone, owners & waiters had amazing smiles & vibes. Worth the wait
