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Restaurant Top Pick

Kazu

Inspired Japanese eats, from house made tofu to shrimp burgers, in a cozy nook with an open kitchen.
Downtown
4.7$$
OPEN5 pm - 9:30 pm
Monday
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Kazu Downtown, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
JapaneseAsianRamenSoupsBurgersIzakaya / Japanese Pub
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About

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.
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5★
84%
4★
7%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:View More

Kazu was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Kazu

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (2600+)
*as of 2026-07-01
5★
84%
4★
7%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Kazu is widely celebrated as an exceptional Japanese restaurant in Montreal, recognized for its authentic flavors, creative dishes, and vibrant izakaya-style atmosphere. Many visitors praise the high quality and freshness of the food, particularly highlighting the seasonal specials displayed on the walls, the katsu curry, and the grilled fish options. While the restaurant is consistently busy and often requires waiting in line, most patrons feel the culinary experience, efficient service, and reasonable pricing make it well worth the time. Although the space is small, cramped, and occasionally loud, the friendly and attentive staff help create a welcoming environment that mirrors the energy of Japan, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and flavorful meal.
Page 1 of 3 - 22 Reviews

A very delicious marriage of Japanese & French culinary techniques! The quality of the food is excellent, the staff is warm & attentive, & the atmosphere is inviting. It felt like being in a refined izakaya in Japan.

Mar 31, 2026
on Google
2.0

Their only redeeming quality is their food, otherwise service, atmosphere & seating are garbage.

Con:
-Very hard to be seated if you're an odd-numbered group. They'll straight up just seat someone else before you. We waited easily 1h30+ outside because they absolutely wanted to fill every single seat & had groups of 2 & 4 skip us consistently even if they arrived after us.
-The'daily special' is always some honey leftover cut of meat or fish. SKIP IT.
-Service was existent, but does not deserve more than 10% tip. It's so minimal that the food is what makes up for it.
-The ice cream was very expensive. A small teacup was 5$.

Pro: The tuna & salmon bowl was very tasty. The portions are decent.

Mar 27, 2026
on Google

Absolutely amazing food, quality, value, & service. 10/10. The wait is very long & seating is limited, but it was truly worth it.

Feb 14, 2026
on Google

The food at Japanese Kazu is really great - fresh, flavorful, & clearly made with care. Everything we tried was excellent, & it definitely lives up to its reputation.

On weekends, be prepared for a long wait, as it gets very busy. The space is quite small, so it's not really suitable for groups larger than 4 people. Smaller groups will have a much better experience.

Overall, if you don't mind waiting & you're coming with a small group, this place is absolutely recommended for quality Japanese food. 🍣✨

Jan 23, 2026
on Google
3.0

The food quality is average, but the service is overall great. The ambiance is always busy & there's not much space ever.

Jan 19, 2026
on Google

This is the most authentic Japanese style restaurant if you will. When K rate 5 start atmosphere don't be misled as if it is luxury, it is authentic & accessible. It is just warm & friendly & a memorable experience? Many places can't hit the food quality & the flavor! Staff are really helpful despite being overly busy! You will have to stay in a lonf line to get there, but it is worth it! There is a reason for that for many years!

Nov 9, 2025
on Google

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.

Nov 8, 2025
on Google
2.0

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.

Aug 26, 2025
on Google

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!!

Aug 12, 2025
on Google

Great food, great service & an overall fantastic vibe. Food was high quality & prices were more than reasonable. Staff were friendly & food came very quick. I will definitely be back!

Feb 12, 2025
on Google