Located in the heart of the plateau in Montreal, Kitano Shokudo is a cozy and delightful Japanese restaurant that serves you quality handmade dishes, amazing unique sakes and wines as well remarkable service. This amazing bistro gives you a Japanese experience that you won’t want to miss!
At Chef Hiroshi Kitano’s Plateau restaurant, precise technique meets inventive twists on classic Japanese dishes. Made with top-tier local and Japanese ingredients, the fresh fish donburi and chirashi bowls stand out as some of the city's finest, while dishes like the uni carbonara, which weave in French and Italian influences, leave a lasting impression.
Patrons describe Kitano Shokudo as a tiny, intimate spot with a warm, minimalist vibe where fresh sashimi and carefully executed Japanese dishes take center stage. Standout items include duck mazemen, uni mezemen, chirashi and miso bowls, with sashimi praised for exceptional freshness, though some feel the ramen is overpriced and the broth underwhelming for the price. The two person operation can make service feel uneven or a little distant, even as when staff are present the service is friendly and attentive. Despite this, it is hailed by many as one of the best Japanese spots in Montreal outside Japan, thanks to quality, presentation and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are recommended because the space is tiny, and the overall tone is that the food justifies a visit for those seeking authentic, ingredient driven Japanese cuisine.
Came all the way from the airport between connections just to try it & it was very disappointing 😭💔
I hate typing this because the customer service is very nice & the place is okey but it's hard for me not to write a review about it…
I order only one dish because the restaurant smell was not very pleasant when I arrived, but still wanted to try it after all.
I tried the maguro bowl & I thought, yk is $42 before tax I imagined it was going to be a nice portion…WRONG, just a little bowl on it.
& that's okey! But the worst part is that the fish was very irony (like you can taste the iron) flavour, the rice was soaked in soya sauce & it kills the nice fat of the tuna😭. I wasn't expecting a big size because I understand fat tuna is expensive but at least make it tasty🥺.
I left very upset & had to pay 50$ for just a bowl I forced myself to eat.
There's nothing wrong with the restaurant, I just wish they made a expensive fish a delicate & fresh meal…
The rice was very salty as well, I'm sorry for the review but it was very sad from my part not to enjoyed it.
Very disappointed about it. We had high expectations because of its high rating on Google, but a $78 sashimi set, the most expensive sashimi set on the menu is so tiny portion that even for me, a New Yorker would find it unreasonably priced. The chirashi bowl, which was ordered by our neighbor desk & is only half of the price, has no significantly less quantity of fish. The marinated spotted prawn tastes good, but one shrimp is not as fresh as it should be. The only reasonably priced maybe the ramen. We eventually paired over $80 person with stomach half full.
May 27, 2025
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This restaurant has a casual but intimate vibe, with really excellent fish-forward dishes. Reservations are highly recommended, as it's in-demand & tiny - about 9 bar seats plus a few tables for small groups. The sole server accommodated folks without reservations as able, but those with reservations were given priority & generally had a less rushed experience. Service was attentive & efficient.
Loved everything. The food was excellent & fresh. Service was efficient & good for one server only. The spot is small but cozy, loved the fact the music wasn't too loud so we didn't have to scream to understand what the other person say. Because it's a small restaurant, it is mandatory to make a reservation. Like others said, it's a little gem to try!
came for random lunch, was pleasantly surprised by how GOOD everything was!! nice vibes too & great service
what we got:
duck leg confit mazemen $32
mushroom mazemen $24
chirashi bowl $38
kani hotate ikura don $46
so yeah everything was rly good. if i had to pick i would say chirashi bowl & mushroom mazemen were my top. the crab/scallop don was good too if you rly want crab but the chirashi bowl is less $$ with more variety & the tuna!! the rice is perfectly seasoned & w the wasabi & ikura w ur sashimi ugh perfect bite. the duck mazemen was okkk for me, but the mushroom mazemen just stood out way more, i feel like it had much more flavour & depth
overall super nice experience would def recommend
Apr 25, 2025
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Amazing place! The confit duck leg mazemen is simply incredible. The Chirashi is delicious & has lots of different types of fish. The food alone warrants 5 stars, & then on top of that the service is excellent, you never feel hurried, & the music is great. What a pleasant experience.
Absolutely fantastic! The service was great, & the food speaks for itself! Amazing balance of flavors & truly tasty food. Great variety of fish to try!
Was hesitant to put a review. This is the type of place so good you don't wanna share. A gem in this city. Hiroshi is a master at his craft while Sam charms you with his smile. Make sure to make a reservation, because it's no longer a secret.
Mar 26, 2025
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Favourite spot in town. Food is always exceptional & the vibe is cozy & warm. Hiroshi & Sam are truly the best. I've probably been north of 20 times & it continues to blow my mind each & every time. Kitano Shokudo foreve
Mar 8, 2025
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I mean, the place speaks for itself.
5 stars across the board. Hiroshi & Sam are the cherry on top. Always a treat whenever I go. Probably my favorite spot in the city.
Vibes: Live dj by the front window playing the smoothest mix of jazz & soul among plants & textiles. Intimate & homey decor. Four tables & a packed izakaya bar.
Food: the FOOD!!
The duck mazumen is decadent yall. Could have eaten a bowl of the noodles alone, so simply but richly seasoned with scallions, egg, onion. That duck skin is so fkn good I saved pieces for my last bite.
Tamago gohan (egg rice) was everything I needed. If you love egg rice or congee, this is an elevated must-get. Listed as'hotate ikura tamago ankake gohan' on the specials menu, it is fluffy rice nestled in a layer of pillowy dashi broth (more a sauce than a soup) with scallops, salmon roe, & the fluffiest scrambled egg. After days of traveling & rich food, this felt like a gift. Goes well with the phenomenal sake.
First time
coming back after the name change. The food is still fantastic.
The service is friendly & the atmosphere very pleasant. Definitely recommend this place to all japanese food lovers & we will be back to try more soon!
