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 wait- really good, fresh food. Busy kitchen, all hands on deck. You can see them cook & add the finishing touches to each dish, with careful precision. I waited 45 minutes, hopefully you get in before they close. I was seated by 8:50pm & they still seated a bit past their closing time of 9pm on Sundays.
Surprise. A friend refered restaurant. But the food quality was poor. As'sushi' or'sushi inspired' food, the fish is not fresh. Lots of low cost cabbage shred & low quality rice. I wouldn't call it anything related to sushi or Japanese foods. Long waiting line, but terrible food. Restaurant is typical downtown style, old, crowded, busy, etc. I suggest spend your money somewhere else. The food only looks nice, but taste a like wax, & cost way more than what it should be.
I could eat here every day of the week. Yes the wait is very long but the service, the food & the drinks are incredible. Everything tasted fresh & the staff give the best service. I can't wait to go back. The price for ordering 3 dishes, 4 drinks for two people & a dessert was less than $100.
May 12, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Tried the Vegetarian range at Kazu. We had Veg Bowl & Bibimbap Japanese style (veg).
We wanted to try the Japanese curry which was in the chef's list apart from the menu but it was out of stock. But no regrets, both the dishes were absolutely amazing. The sauces, both quite unique were rich in flavor & i would highly suggest you to try them. The tofu was very soft, felt fresh. The vegetables were quite nicely done, carrots were pickled & sesame seeds drizzled on top. On the bibimbap contained an egg nicely done, the rice tasted soooo good & overall very well worth it compared to the price. Both bowls were very big & imo one bowl could serve 2 people.
Kazu stays at a bar to it's high rating, especially the staff is awesome. Very polite , helpful, quick service & everything you wish in a restaurant.
The ambience is also unique. Feels like a hustling & bustling restaurant in Japan with songs, happy people & tasty dishes.
Definitely order the fried beans on the side.
We also had desserts , one cheesecake ice cream & one sake icecream. While the cheesecake icecream was the best (really soulful) in Montreal, the sake icecream was very unique & we tried it for the first time. It has vanilla ice cream with sake on the top. Which made it taste quite unique & definitely try it out if you love experimenting things.
In all, superb place, deserves 5 star ⭐ & the staff makes the place lovely.
I got to dine in at this Japanese restaurant & the food was so delicious that I went back a few hours later to enjoy my second meal. Both times I had to wait around 20-30 minutes in line but it was worth the wait. Beef bibimbap was absolutely delicious, the beef was tender, moist & flavorful. Shrimp burger was super soft, ramen was big enough to share & the homemade tofu was ultra soft & delicious. Finally to end the meal, there is selection of ice cream flavors to choose from. I had the chocolate brioche & it was not too sweet. I enjoyed all the dishes that I got to try out from here, very fresh & authentic. Despite service being extremely busy, they were helpful & friendly.
Really fresh & tasty food, friendly staff, with extra seasonal menu items on the walls that are delicious No reservations, but the earlier you get there the less wait there will be (we waited for about 10min for Thursday 6pm)
Went on a Saturday & we were there a bit earlier to beat the lineup. My friend & I ordered to share as entrée the scallop sashimi: delicious, simple yet full of flavor, the scallop melts in your mouth. Our second meal was the Salmon bowl salad. It was very good, you could tell by the taste how fresh the salmon is. For the main dish we ordered the grilled tuna steak. Everything on that plate was exquisite. Wrapped it up with the ice cream sake which surprisingly reminded me of home. I had a great experience, they serve quality & authentic food, it is a 10/10 for me.
Absolutely amazing! We tried the 48h pork, smoked duck, homemade tofu, salmon don, & the salmon & tuna bowl. Every single thing was fresh & delicious. The service was insanely fast but very chaotic. Tables are incredibly tight.
The dishes were full of flavours & delicious. The place was a little cramped though, I was impressed by how the servers were able to move around in tight places with the big dishes. There's always a line up in front of the restaurant, so prepare to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The 48 hours pork powl was conforting, delicious & even yummier with the curry sauce on. The fresh marinaded salad was great. The fresh raw tuna & salmon sashimi on vinegar rice & a side of salad was to die for, but the beef short ribs was definitely the highlight of the evening, it tasted heavenly. Will definitely come back to try their others dishes.
