Kazu shines as an authentic izakaya in Montreal, delivering flavorful, carefully prepared dishes with a creative twist that blends traditional Japanese technique with Western influences; the menu offers generous portions, great value, and standout items like katsu curry and a range of bar-side dishes you can watch being prepared; the atmosphere is lively, warm, and intimate with friendly, attentive staff, though expect long lines and limited seating, especially on busy nights, and some comments note crowding and occasional variability in service; overall it feels like one of the city’s top Japanese spots and worth the wait for many.
We enjoyed this little Japanese restaurant in June 2024. The food was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is different & a little chaotic but it adds to the experience. The menu is on yellow pieces of paper scatter throughout the walls (the regular menu wasn't even necessary). We tried the pig cheeks, the shrimp toast, the gyozas, beef, sashimi, fish & more. Each dish was better than the next. & you have to try the cheesecake ice cream. Lauren (our server) was like a Ninja.. always there to help even when you didn't expect it. & the staffs ability to muti task on such a chaotic environment was impressive. They were all very thankful & all smiles. It is a small restaurant with some bar seating where you can watch them cook. Be prepared to wait as they do not take reservations & they will seat you based on the number of people on your party & what is available at the moment...so others who have smaller or the exact number they need will go ahead of you regardless of when you got there. We waited about an hour on a friday night for 5 of us, but tables for 2 waited maybe 20 minutes. We would not hesitate to go back. The food, the staff & the overall experience was great. If you want a normal night out at a Japanese restaurant, this isn't it. But it will be worth the patience & adjustment to their methods... the food & the staff speak for themselves.
This is a seriously fun place. Line ups are regular things & there's a reason for it. The place is unique. Menu specials on the wall. Dog earred menus. & some of the most original & interesting Japanese inspired dishes you'll ever have.
May 23, 2024
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Way overrated - This is typical American Japanese (even the rice was overcooked, come on...). I am happy to haven't waited too long. Don't understand the ratings of other people... there is much better in Montreal
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.
2024 January 4.5★ At time of writing, this restaurant is one of the top 10 Japanese restaurants in Montreal. Along with the fact this is a small tightly packed restaurant, you'll certainly need to wait. Though with the speed of the restaurant, it helps with the lineups. CARPACCIO DE BOUF $10 Very good with some citrus notes. Would order again. YAKITORI - chicken $5 for 2 Not bad, though not as juicy as expected. Would pass next time. OKONOMIYAKI $13 Crispy Japanese pancakes with shrimp. A good flavor. Lots of cabbage base. Topped off with greens. Great 4 person sharable appetizer. Special du jour $27 pork shoulder steak. Very very good. Perfectly charred, perfectly cooked. Tender & very flavorful. Paired with some greens, mash potatoes & fresh tomatoes, it was perfect. Would recommend. Ceviche $22.00 A mix of hot (deep fried shrimp) & cold items (mussels, tomatoes etc.) in a tangy tomato style sauce. It's not bad, but would pass next time. Right on one of the busy street, you'll see this amongst many others. This is one to try. Note: seating is tight. Room for up to about 22 Some Free Parking available on side streets.
As a Japanese food lover, I am glad that I finally find one that I am satisfied in Montreal. The food is made with heart, with nice plating & delicious of course.
This place makes you feel like you've been transported to an izakaya in Japan especially if you're sitting at the counter. Then you check out the menu & you're brought back to reality. The menu here is pretty unique where they blend Japanese food with western options & I must say that have married the two perfectly together. It was hard to decide what to order as there was so much we wanted to try. They also have entrees not in the menu listed on the paper at the bar so don't forget to look there!
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
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Delightful meals! Explosion of flavors with subtile aromas between each bite. I particularly loved the carpaccio plate & japanese chicken curry. Freshness is always good to taste! My calpico matcha was also on point. Don't get fooled by 1st impression. The owner is very nice, humble & fun. Passion can be felt in each movement in the kitchen. Staff is attentive & quick. Clean place with great atmosphere, small tables are closed to each other - same intimacy as in Japan. Had a great night in good compagny! Go try it out. PS: Make sure to come early before the line-up.
Best Japanese Izakaya restaurant I’ve been to! They have lots of seasonal dishes aside from the menu. The food were all savoury & delicious. Only thing was that the line is quite long. If you can wait then the food worth it all!
Yummy Japanese food for very affordable prices, for some reason there are a lot of potatoes in a lot of their dishes which was a little surprise & obviously a little wait to get it
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
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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.
Staff are welcoming, nice & respect you as royal customer. Food is fresh & delicious. Portion kinda small, but quality & presentation are top notch. Their green tea is at it's best.
The only issue is, the restaurant is extremely small & really tight. best recommend for couples or maximum of 4 peoples. Or else you might have to wait outside in the line since this restaurant are well known for huge line up.
I love their food so much, that if they have a box of donation, I wouldn't mind giving them money so that they can get a bigger restaurant for bigger greater success.
