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.
The food was underwhelming as some of the dishes didn't match the price point. Service was fast at first but quickly fell behind once at capacity. There is a long line waiting outside, they try to serve you as fast as possible & get you out of there.
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.
Really fresh & tasty food, friendly staff, with extra seasonal menu items on the walls that are delicious No reservations, but the earlier you get there the less wait there will be (we waited for about 10min for Thursday 6pm)
After years we finally made it to Kazu & boy, it is indeed worth the hype & the wait outside in line. If you're looking for authentic Japanese food which is priced so fair (especially compared to other Montreal restaurants!) this is it. 10/10 everything we tried was delicious & authentic. We had several shared starters, main & desserts & loved everything.
Must visit if you're in Montreal. It's one of our go-to restaurant. There's always a line to get in, but it's definitely worth the wait. The food is amazing & the chef is always happy to see you!
Nov 9, 2024
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Hands down one of the best authentic Japanese izakaya places I've been to. The owner was extremely friendly & courteous, & you can clearly see that come through with his team members, food & service. Congrats to the Kazu team. A must visit if you're in Montreal... the lineup out the door speaks for itself. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Montreal.
J'ai eu l'impression de voyager au Japon! La nourriture était excellente. Le service l'était aussi. Mon seul soucis c'est qu'il y avait trop de choix & je voulais tout prendre. (un faux problème en soit) Un petit truc : arrivez proche de l'ouverture!
Oct 27, 2024
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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
Went on a Saturday & we were there a bit earlier to beat the lineup. My friend & I ordered to share as entrée the scallop sashimi: delicious, simple yet full of flavor, the scallop melts in your mouth. Our second meal was the Salmon bowl salad. It was very good, you could tell by the taste how fresh the salmon is. For the main dish we ordered the grilled tuna steak. Everything on that plate was exquisite. Wrapped it up with the ice cream sake which surprisingly reminded me of home. I had a great experience, they serve quality & authentic food, it is a 10/10 for me.
