Kazu is described as a busy, intimate Japanese izakaya in Montreal where traditional flavors meet a creative twist, with many dishes prepared right in front of diners at the bar and a lively, authentically Japanese atmosphere. The menu is large and wall postings keep things interesting, and while the space is small and lines can be long, the consensus is that the quality, freshness and value make the wait worthwhile. Dishes like beef short ribs, curry, sashimi, and a variety of small plates are repeatedly praised for depth of flavor and thoughtful preparation, with some items singled out as standout favorites and others noted as less compelling or pricier. The staff are consistently described as fast, friendly and attentive, and the kitchen’s in‑view hustle adds to the appeal, a highlight that keeps guests returning. A common refrain is that Kazu delivers an authentic Japanese dining experience in Montreal, offering a distinctive vibe and dependable, high quality food, even for those willing to queue at opening and endure limited seating.
Every time I go to Kazu, I am not disappointed! The food is delicious, the staff is so fast & so friendly. They take no reservations so go I've been in advance if you're hungry especially because this place is popular.😁
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.
J'ai adoré mon expérience dans ce restaurant ! La nourriture était vraiment exceptionnelle, savoureuse & bien présentée. Le personnel est accueillant & attentionné, & l'ambiance du lieu est très agréable. Franchement, je recommande vivement cet endroit, ça vaut le détour !
Aug 27, 2025
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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.
Excellent service, but the food is overrated. All 4 appetizers we tried (chicken yakitori, beef carpaccio, oysters, chirashi with salmon & tuna) tasted almost the same, with an overpowering vinegar flavor. It was not delicious.
Disappointing.
A truly amazing Izakaya in Montreal, great food & friendly staff, the only drawbacks are they have specific opening hours & always a long queue, plus you don't mind the crowded seating
Aug 22, 2025
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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!!
Nice place! I don't think I ordered the right things, because the cooked salmon I got was not my favourite. Seems like a really busy place so will go back & try some other menu items.
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.
The place is really small with very limited seating, so even though the restaurant opens at 5:00, there's already a lineup outside. Usually when you see a long line, you expect the food to be amazing, right? But honestly, I didn't really get the hype (especially after seeing it all over TikTok). We ordered the Japanese curry & the grilled meat as an entrée, & after waiting more than 30 minutes, the food was just… okay. Pretty mid for me.
The atmosphere is very Japanese, & it's cool that you can sit at the counter & watch the chefs cook right in front of you. That part was a nice experience. But overall? I don't really understand the hype.
I first thought this place was a little overrated but then I went again & loved it! My first time I ordered off the menu, however my second time I ordered mostly off the many options found on the wall & it was way better. The salmon bowl, potatoes & gravy & the ice cream were amazing!
