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.
Absolutely amazing! We tried the 48h pork, smoked duck, homemade tofu, salmon don, & the salmon & tuna bowl. Every single thing was fresh & delicious. The service was insanely fast but very chaotic. Tables are incredibly tight.
The food was very tasty & the waitress very kind & helpful. There might be a long line due to the few places available but it's definitely worth it! It's mostly a place where you will want to try multiple meals, as the quantities are not very large. The quality however is definitely there & it's one of the best quality/price ratio in Montreal. As a Frenchmen, I also believe that it's one of the few places where the tips are not expected but earned, & therefore deserved 😄
The dishes were full of flavours & delicious. The place was a little cramped though, I was impressed by how the servers were able to move around in tight places with the big dishes. There's always a line up in front of the restaurant, so prepare to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The 48 hours pork powl was conforting, delicious & even yummier with the curry sauce on. The fresh marinaded salad was great. The fresh raw tuna & salmon sashimi on vinegar rice & a side of salad was to die for, but the beef short ribs was definitely the highlight of the evening, it tasted heavenly. Will definitely come back to try their others dishes.
Was lucky to be able to eat inside without the lineup. Food is delicious, service is attentive. I was surprised by the price of the dishes, seems a lot more reasonable than anywhere else. All the dishes are full of flavour & light. The place is super cramped though, I was amazed by how the servers were able to move around tight places to serve dishes. Have been to there several times over the years & it never disappoints. The small space is a real problem but everything else is over expectations. Order to take out would be the best
Aug 23, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Always an excellent meal at Kazu! The wait might be long (1 hour last Sunday when arriving at 6:30pm), so plan to go when you aren't starving, but it is so so worth it. The ingredients are such high quality & so fresh, & the prices are very reasonable for the portions. Makes you feel like you entered a family-run izakaya in Japan, where the staff is so friendly. My recommendations would include the toro don with ikura & hotate (people came to us to ask what we ordered because of how good it looks, & the taste matches the appearance! salmon don is also very good) as well as the grilled octopus legs (grilled to perfection). Homemade tofu is very tasty if you are looking for a vegetarian option.
Got the salmon noodle bowl, the beef rib dish, the scallop sashimi, & the matcha yuzu cocktail. Everything was delicious. Friendly service. Long wait times though.
