Kitano Shokudo delivers a focused selection of Japanese comfort food designed to highlight traditional techniques and flavor profiles. The menu centers on staple offerings such as donburi bowls, savory ramen, and various small plates that prioritize fresh ingredients. Guests encounter a streamlined, minimalist interior that emphasizes utility and efficiency throughout the dining space. Each dish reflects a dedication to authentic preparation methods commonly associated with casual urban eateries across Japan. The kitchen produces consistent plates characterized by balanced seasoning and textural contrast without relying on unnecessary garnishes or complex presentations. Patrons select from a variety of foundational Asian staples that emphasize speed and quality. This establishment functions as a direct venue for those seeking standard, reliable recipes executed with professional precision in a clean and unpretentious environment.
Kitano Shokudo is a highly regarded, intimate destination in Montreal known for its authentic Japanese fusion menu and cozy, minimalist atmosphere. Patrons frequently praise the exceptional quality of the fresh sashimi, duck mazemen, and uni carbonara, often highlighting the thoughtful presentation and vibrant flavors of each dish. While the operation is run by a small team, resulting in occasional wait times, many guests find the personalized service and attention to detail to be part of the restaurant's unique charm. Although some visitors note the higher price point and limited seating capacity, the consensus remains that the culinary experience and refined craftsmanship make it a standout choice for those seeking high-quality, carefully prepared Japanese cuisine.
This is in my Top 3 favorite restaurants in Montreal. I can just go here & chill, grab my favorite ramen (Ikura Mazimen) & a Shrimp Burger with Japanese Sea Urchin sauce. I've tried most things on the menu & they're all good, but those 2 are my favorite. Can't go wrong with any of the desserts either- from the sorbet to the chocolate ice cream to the cookie to the thai black tea ice cream... last time I literally got both ice creams & the chocolate chip cookie- I was dipping the cookie in both ice creams & enjoying them. Hiroshi is a fantastic chef, one of a kind. I pretty much feel like I'm going to a friend's house & they're just cooking me up whatever they have in the kitchen. Alongside Moccione, this is my fav restaurant.
May 15, 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.
Food was definitely unique & the vibe of the restaurant was nice. However, I feel that, at this price point, service was lacking (we stood around for a fair while before being seated; water wasn't refilled until we asked; no tissue to dry hands in the toilets). I unfortunately wouldn't return, though it's still an experience.
Oh my goodness, let me just tell you about my experience at this restaurant! So, I went there with a friend for the first time on Tuesday, & it was absolutely incredible. We were greeted by Sam, who made us feel so welcome. He recommended this delicious blond Japanese imported beer for me, & my friend had Sake, & let me tell you, they paired perfectly with everything we ordered. Speaking of the food, it was out of this world. We had the Tako Salad, Uni & bone marrow mezamen, the snow crab mezamen, & the Shoyu Ramen. Each dish was so exciting & incredibly delicious. The ingredients were all perfectly balanced & you could really taste each individual flavor. & let's talk about the ambiance - the musique, vibe, & overall ambiance were just spot on. It felt like I was visiting a dear friend. The service was impeccable, & I felt so at ease. As someone who's a bit of an introvert & can be shy, it's not always easy for me to feel comfortable everywhere, but this place just had such a cozy & welcoming atmosphere. Now, here's the best part - I loved it so much that I went back solo on Thursday. I actually booked a table just an hour after I left on Tuesday, that's how much I was daydreaming about going back. & let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This time, I sat at the bar & had the pleasure of chatting with the person sitting next to me. He had actually traveled all the way from the Laurentide just to dine here, & I totally get why. It's just that amazing. So yeah, needless to say, I'm one happy customer & I can't wait to go back again & again.
The food was incredible. We had the cod croquette, maguro don, duck mazemen & pudding with a bit of sake. Everything was delicious, better than any croquette, duck or tuna we've ever had before. I just can't possibly emphasize enough how much I recommend it. The atmosphere was nice, pretty chill, the tables were quite close to each other but it's pretty common in such restaurants. No loud music which we really appreciated. The service was nice although they lacked professionalism. For example, they'll let you wait more than 10min (without apologizing for the wait) if you're polite & wait in the entrance to get seated, even if they saw you. I learnt from the people who came after us that you have to come in & stand in the middle of the way, only then will they happily seat you right away..
Sooooo expensive. Restaurants in Montreal need to consider their price list if they don't want local people to stop going out. Unless this restaurant targets tourists who are willing to pay 20$ for 3 sushi s. But I'll definitely pass.
I was very excited to come here as they seemed to have a creative menu with rare ingredients such as hotaru ika. Unfortunately the night I dined there, they were not offering anything on the special menu... I ended up getting the maguro futomaki & cheese croquette with ikura at the suggestion of the server. The futomaki was pretty filling & had generous portions of aka & toro. It was good but I felt it was carried more by the freshness of the fish rather than the technique of the chef. I would have also liked for it to not come pre-seasoned with soy sauce & wasabi as I like to adjust those to my own personal preference. The croquette wasn't bad, but was leaning towards a salty profile because of the ikura. It felt more like eating mozzarella cheese sticks to be honest. At the price point, I was expecting to be wowed more. The restaurant was decked out in cool Showa-era decor but something that didn't make me feel too comfortable was how dark it was. I would have preferred dim lighting, but it seemed like the lights weren't even turned on! It gave the interior a really dark look, & not even in the nice moody way. From the outside, it didn't even look like the restaurant was open. Service could also be better. I know it was just one person manning the counter, but it felt like I only got his attention when I asked for it. Sitting at the bar counter alone, I was also expecting more engagement. I've been visiting as many mid/upper-tier Japanese restaurants in Montreal as I can & this one has disappointed me the most so far.
