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, 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.
To me this is'the best' restaurant all around in montreal. Price point & the absolute uniqueness of the delicious food makes it #1 on my list. The line goes fast, it is so very worth the wait. Chicken Tacos are my favorites on the menu.
The grilled food is good with Japanese style. But the average price is little bit expensive than other Japanese restaurant. If you love sashimi, don't order the sashimi don here, unless you like don with 1/4 iced sashimi +1/4 rice +1/2 lettuce.
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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My favorite japanese place. My husband proposed me at that place. FYI Typical japanese restaurant like in Japan.
You need to wait in line (they don't take reservations) but it's worth it 200%. Be patient. The Bar section experience is recommended!! You can be 4 persons but you need to squeeze.
The service is excellent & fast. The Owner & his Staff are always smiling & working so hard. Lovely vibe. They are really good people. Awesome team.
Food. Wow wow. Different kind of plates (tapas, meal, appetizers, vegeterian stuff.) with different prices. Really affordable. Always fresh, nice presentation, big menu. If you don't know or have never tried, try it. You won't be disappointed.
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.
Love this little izakaya. Even throughout the pandemic, the quality of their food has never wavered. Solid consistency throughout the years, delivering delicious & even seasonal dishes in a super tiny, warm atmosphere. I've never been to Japan, but I guess this is the closest it'll feel to that here in Montreal.
Go with friends & order a bunch of dishes & just share, that's kind of the point. Prices are beyond reasonable. Staff is also super enthusiastic & helpful. If you're not into waiting outside in line, go at opening time to ensure you get a table or a place at the bar.
5/5 will be back for the 100th time at some point soon, I'm sure.
One of the best restaurants in Montréal. Amazing food. Great prices for the quality. Great ambiance, feels like you're in Japan. Would recommend a thousand percent!!
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.
