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.
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.
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.
Kazu is a modern Japanese restaurant with a creative twist. The owner brilliantly combines traditional Japanese elements with Western cooking techniques, resulting in dishes that are both innovative & incredibly delicious.
If there's one downside, it's that there's almost always a line. But that just proves how much people love the food - it's so good that everyone is willing to wait for it. Definitely worth it!
Best Japanese curry I had in Montreal, it was absolutely amazing & reminded so much of the ones in Japan. We were sat at the bar & it was nice to see the staff work & have a little chat about Japan at the end. 100% will come back but not during winter because of this 1h-wait in line hehe ;-)
It's a nice spot, the atmosphere that is. Waiters are a bit in a rush because there is always a line up so you better be ready to order your appetisers 😤. We ordered some raw salmon & tuna which were good. The beef short rib was nice but after two chews I had to visit the dentist the next day. Might not come back but i understand why people may like it.
The food at Japanese Kazu is really great - fresh, flavorful, & clearly made with care. Everything we tried was excellent, & it definitely lives up to its reputation.
On weekends, be prepared for a long wait, as it gets very busy. The space is quite small, so it's not really suitable for groups larger than 4 people. Smaller groups will have a much better experience.
Overall, if you don't mind waiting & you're coming with a small group, this place is absolutely recommended for quality Japanese food. 🍣✨
Kazu is always worth the wait - even when the line is 20-30 minutes or more. The food is truly authentic Japanese cuisine, to the point that you can fairly compare it to what you'd get in Tokyo itself. Everything feels genuine, from the flavors to the overall experience. If you're looking for real Japanese food & don't mind waiting a bit, this place never disappoints.
Bit of a wait to get seated & the place is quite cramped, but service was great & attentive. We had the Bibimbap bowl (beef) & Katsu curry chicken - both tasted good albeit a bit underwhelming given all the great reviews. Would still visit again to try some other dishes
