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.
I love Kazu restaurant, it is a gem in Montreal for great quality food, fresh ingredients, consistency. The reason I gave 4 is because of the huge line to get served. Although I tried many dishes there, my preferred one is the shrimp ceviche served with mussels, tomato, onions & cucumbers. It is fresh, tasting & comforting at the same time. The chicken burger was ok, but I would prefer less mayo inside. It was a bit to much. The curry chicken was ok, not the best I had.
I think the best Japanese restaurant in Montreal. There was a bit of a wait to get a table since they don't take resos but it was worth the wait. I feel like we ordered a bunch & nothing disappointed. The green beans & sashimi are a must. The curry also blew me away.
Went here with my girlfriend & WOW… Kazu was actually unreal. This place genuinely brought me back to Japan. The food was so good, full of flavor, super comforting, & honestly amazing value for the price.
The katsu curry especially was INSANE. Like holyyyyy 😭 easily one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Crispy, rich, flavorful, comforting… everything about it was perfect. I'm not even exaggerating when I say this is one of the first restaurants that almost made me cry because of how good it was.
My girlfriend & I were both so impressed. If you're in Montreal, you NEED to come here. Easily one of the best spots I've tried & I'll 1000% be coming back.
Apr 8, 2026
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Best Japanese curry I had in Montreal, it was absolutely amazing & reminded so much of the ones in Japan. We were sat at the bar & it was nice to see the staff work & have a little chat about Japan at the end. 100% will come back but not during winter because of this 1h-wait in line hehe ;-)
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
This place has been on my bucket list for almost a decade, & finally I decided to go against my policy against waiting in line for anything & bit the bullet on a Friday night.
We got there early, so we had to wait out those who showed up at opening, it wasn't too bad, we had a spot inside to sit.
What I love about this place is that there's something for every taste & every budget.
My table mates were varied, from curious but cash strapped to down right picky, & everyone loved their meal. Simple soups & small appetizers, everything was really well done, with that perfect Japanese sense of balance. I went full baller mode. The smoked duck with garlic bread was fantastic, almost like a build your own bruschetta. I ordered the nakaochi, basically the tuna ribs where you scrape off the tender meat, it was amazing. My short rib curry rice was perfect, so was my +1's pork.
The desserts were simple but great.
Service was efficient, friendly & bilingual - or should I say, trilingual, my Japanese needs some work 😁
I had this place on a high pedestal for so long, & I'm so glad that it lived up to the hype & went above & beyond.
Be patient & get in line - I suggest not going there with a large group, space is limited. I recommend this place to anyone & everyone.
Best restaurant in Montreal, we travel to Montreal at least twice a year to eat here! Get there before opening to avoid lineups, they don't take reservations. Highly recommend eating any of the raw stuff, tempura green beans are crack, the katsu curry was probably the best katsu I've ever had. Never had a bad meal here.only thing I wouldn't recommend is the tuna scrape as it's quite pricey for what you get. Wouldn't recommend for a group of more than 4 as it would be super tight, it's a small place.
The place is really small with very limited seating, so even though the restaurant opens at 5:00, there's already a lineup outside. Usually when you see a long line, you expect the food to be amazing, right? But honestly, I didn't really get the hype (especially after seeing it all over TikTok). We ordered the Japanese curry & the grilled meat as an entrée, & after waiting more than 30 minutes, the food was just… okay. Pretty mid for me.
The atmosphere is very Japanese, & it's cool that you can sit at the counter & watch the chefs cook right in front of you. That part was a nice experience. But overall? I don't really understand the hype.
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.
This is one of my all time favourite restaurants in Montreal. Such an authentic place, there us usually a line up in front & you cant wonder why it never disappoints. If youve tried it & haven't liked it its because you're ordering the wrong thing!!! The owner of this place is a real gem, super sweet & just an absolute ray of sunshine. My favourites on the menu are their beef carpaccio, the eggplant dip, the beef curry sauce, Chiraschi & if you go when it's lobster season do not go without trying it its by far my fave! Btwn the prices are sooooo affordable!
