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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$$
CLOSEDOpens Thursday at 5 pm
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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 2026-07-15
5★
84%
4★
7%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Review Summary

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.
Page 5 of 33 - 326 Reviews

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
on Google

A must-go for suuuurrreeee. Often a lineup to get in because -if you know, you know-

Mar 31, 2026
on Google

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

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.

Try the ginger tiramisu & litchi&basilic sorbet & drinks! Well, try everything.

Thank you team!

Mar 22, 2026
on Google

Greatness speaks for itself

Mar 21, 2026
on Google

This is the best restaurant in Montreal.
Period.

Mar 16, 2026
on Google

Beau, bon, pas cher. Je recommande les coeurs de poulet, les okonomyakis & le bol de boeuf 48 heures. Longue vie à Kazu! Ne changez pas.

Mar 16, 2026
on Google

Le meilleur restaurant japonais à Montréal ne bat même pas une expérience médiocre au Japon. Un des restaurants les plus surestimés. Le fait qu'il y a une longue file me dit que l'état de la restauration à Montréal est critique.

L'ambiance tout d'abord est tuée par la musique reggatón. Un restaurant authentique japonais mérite de la musique japonaise.

La nourriture: rien de spécial pour le prix. Grosse quantité de riz, avec des quantités minimales de viande, saveur oubliable. Le menu est probablement trop grand.

La seule chose raisonnable: un bon saké à 25$.

Mar 6, 2026
on Google

Authentic Japanese vibe. Food is excellent & I went to Japan 🇯🇵! They have a nice menu with a menu of the day written on paper. They didn't have two items that we wanted but other than that it was perfect. Staff is efficient & nice. My new favourite spot in Mtl.

Mar 3, 2026
on Google