Kazu se spécialise dans une cuisine japonaise authentique caractérisée par des profils de saveurs intenses et des ingrédients préparés avec soin. Le menu propose des plats signatures tels que des bols de poitrine de porc succulentes, des burgers aux crevettes riches et des ramen parfaitement assaisonnés qui constituent le cœur de son offre culinaire. Chaque plat témoigne d'un engagement envers les techniques traditionnelles tout en utilisant des protéines de haute qualité et des légumes frais de saison. Les clients découvrent un environnement compact et énergique où la cuisine ouverte permet d'observer directement le processus de cuisson. L'atmosphère demeure constamment animée, rappelant les stands typiques que l'on trouve dans tout Tokyo. Chaque préparation souligne des notes umami profondes grâce à des méthodes de cuisson et de grillage précises. Cet établissement propose une sélection ciblée de classiques japonais conçus pour un service rapide.
Kazu est largement reconnu comme un izakaya japonais authentique et dynamique à Montréal, apprécié pour ses plats exceptionnels, frais et savoureux. De nombreux convives soulignent la créativité du menu, en particulier les spéciaux saisonniers affichés sur les murs, ainsi que l'expérience unique de voir les chefs cuisiner devant eux au comptoir. Bien que le restaurant soit souvent décrit comme un espace petit, animé et parfois bruyant, et que l'attente soit inévitable en raison de l'absence de réservations, la majorité des visiteurs estiment que la grande qualité de la nourriture et le service chaleureux valent largement l'effort. Malgré des avis partagés sur la taille des portions et les prix, le consensus général souligne une expérience culinaire inoubliable et énergique qui capture l'essence d'un établissement japonais traditionnel.
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 ;-)
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.
This place has been on my bucket list for almost a decade, & finally I decided to go against my policy against waiting in line for anything & bit the bullet on a Friday night.
We got there early, so we had to wait out those who showed up at opening, it wasn't too bad, we had a spot inside to sit.
What I love about this place is that there's something for every taste & every budget.
My table mates were varied, from curious but cash strapped to down right picky, & everyone loved their meal. Simple soups & small appetizers, everything was really well done, with that perfect Japanese sense of balance. I went full baller mode. The smoked duck with garlic bread was fantastic, almost like a build your own bruschetta. I ordered the nakaochi, basically the tuna ribs where you scrape off the tender meat, it was amazing. My short rib curry rice was perfect, so was my +1's pork.
The desserts were simple but great.
Service was efficient, friendly & bilingual - or should I say, trilingual, my Japanese needs some work 😁
I had this place on a high pedestal for so long, & I'm so glad that it lived up to the hype & went above & beyond.
Be patient & get in line - I suggest not going there with a large group, space is limited. I recommend this place to anyone & everyone.
Kazu is a traditional style Japanese restaurant where your dish is artistically prepared right in front of your eyes!
Get early to the restaurant, as there is usually a line of people wanting to live this tasty experience again! 😋
This is the most authentic Japanese style restaurant if you will. When K rate 5 start atmosphere don't be misled as if it is luxury, it is authentic & accessible. It is just warm & friendly & a memorable experience? Many places can't hit the food quality & the flavor! Staff are really helpful despite being overly busy! You will have to stay in a lonf line to get there, but it is worth it! There is a reason for that for many years!
Love this little izakaya. Even throughout the pandemic, the quality of their food has never wavered. Solid consistency throughout the years, delivering delicious & even seasonal dishes in a super tiny, warm atmosphere. I've never been to Japan, but I guess this is the closest it'll feel to that here in Montreal.
Go with friends & order a bunch of dishes & just share, that's kind of the point. Prices are beyond reasonable. Staff is also super enthusiastic & helpful. If you're not into waiting outside in line, go at opening time to ensure you get a table or a place at the bar.
5/5 will be back for the 100th time at some point soon, I'm sure.
