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.
Online reservations are not currently offered through this listing for Kazu. However, you can call them directly at (514) 937-2333 to inquire about table availability.
Does Kazu offer online ordering?
Online ordering is not directly available on this page for Kazu. You can call (514) 937-2333 and see if the restaurant takes orders by phone.
Does Kazu have a menu available?
While a dedicated menu isn't hosted directly on this profile, you can visit their official website to view current offerings.
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.
Absolutely love this place. I have visited numerous times & will continue to visit. I especially love the shrimp burger (not fishy at all, extremely juicy & is complimented very nicely with the sauces), Beef Kalbi Plate, Tuna Salmon Salad Rice Bowl, beef Bibimbap (the beef falls off the bone), the salmon/tuna belly (literally melts in your mouth), & the grilled seabass.
The only items I didn't love are the chicken & the octopus so if you visit definitely opt for beef or fish instead. The desserts are quite basic, I usually skip it.
In terms of service they definitely prioritize table turn overs over everything else so they do tend to rush you towards the end but I understand given that it's a very small place & there's usually a line out the door. I only had one bad experience in this regard but have been back since then & was treated nicely by the same waitress so she could have just been having a bad day.
Lastly, I would recommend visiting as a smaller party as it is a small place.
Haven't been there for a few years but this is by far my favourite Japanese restaurant in Montreal. Recommend without any hesitation! Prices are fair given extreme quality. Chef is an as! Staff always friendly. Japanese tavern ambience so expect to be seated tight closed to other guests. Amazing experience, always.
I FINALLY went to Kazu last night & it was one of the best dinners I've had in Montreal. We ate so much & yet didn't feel heavy, actually felt nourished & happy :) We got soft tofu salad with Kimchi dressing, pancake w. Shrimp, grilled Seabass & Kalbi for just the two of us. & house warm house Sake to wash it all down. De-licious! Totally worth the 40 min wait in line. The servers were awesome & I even got to practice some Japanese with them. Highly recommend this eatery.
The food is amazing! The owner is such a nice guy. The staff are fairly attentive. Everyone is pleasant & helpful. Atmosphere isn't fine dining & right but not unpleasant. The food is the star. The owner is a master of sauces. The forked meats are sooooo good. Highly recommend
This restaurant is a must try!! It was some of the best food I've ever had!! It's a tiny place, they're only open half the week, & they don't take reservations. Because of this, I was warned about how busy they get so I lined up at 4:30/4:45 to get in. They were really nice & let you sit early if your whole party is there. I'm so glad I did because it completely filled up by just after 5, & there was a line out the door. They have tiny tables all shoved together so there's very little space. No high chairs but they do have a booster seat. There's a menu but most items are actually written on pieces of paper all over the walls. I recommend that you try a lot of different things, though honestly the portions are very generous for the price. We had the deep fried green beans with truffle mayo, the 48 hour pork with curry, the homemade tofu (only available on Sundays), the shrimp burger, the onigiri (see picture), & the salmon/tuna sashimi plate (can't remember what it was called, something zushi - see picture). Everything was really good, but the beans, pork/curry, & shrimp burger were AMAZING. Life changing. The only things I found disappointing were the onigiri (nothing inside, just rice balls with a layer of some kind of pate under them, I assume salmon - I'm used to onigiri with salmon or whatever inside) & we also had some ice cream for dessert which wasn't all that great (the one with cheese & cookie crumbs & the cherry blossom one - neither were worth the price though cheese on ice cream is interesting). The service was okay, they were very friendly but you could tell they were a bit overwhelmed & the ice cream took forever to come. Otherwise food generally came out quite quickly (we barely had enough room on the table for everything). The price was very reasonable for how good (most) of the food was. I will definitely be going again!
Mon restaurant japonais préféré à Montréal ! Ambiance familiale, belle proximité entre les serveurs & les clients, cuisine gustativement incroyable 10/10 👌🏻 Je recommande fortement !
Highly recommend grabbing a seat at the bar for dinner & a delightful'show'. The ginger & egg soup is the perfect starter to kick off your culinary adventure. & don't miss out on the surprisingly delicious yuzu foam beer-it's a refreshing treat that pairs perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere.
Amazing spot!!! The food was amazing & the staff were so nice & generous. Definitely worth the wait in line. The vibe is just awesome, highly recommend!
I'd give this place 10,000 stars if I could!! Whenever any of my friends visit montreal for the first time I tell them to go to Kazu. Whenever I am in Montreal I try to go to Kazu. If I walk by Kazu it calls to me & I cannot resist its pull. The food is always super fresh-they will take items off the menu or have special items only in stock when they get certain ingredients. There are options for most food restrictions-veggies, halal, no fish etc. I would recommend their home made tofu if you go on a Sunday. Anything with raw seafood will be delicious. Any of the grilled meat will be incredible. Also their salads are fresh & flavourful sauces on everything! The desserts are always exceptional. The staff is all super friendly! It is a cozy little restaurant with a lot of energy so I might not recommend taking your very elderly family members or anyone sensitive to louder environments. I cannot recommend Kazu enough!!!!! This isn't a paid sponsorship (although if anyone from Kazu is reading I will gladly accept food as payment hahaha!).
