Creativity – Simplicity – Balance Japanese cuisine is an art in which aesthetics stem from product freshness and quality and where preparation is as critical as presentation. The dishes must be pleasing both to the eye and palate, making Japanese cuisine a truly sensual experience. Mikado modestly tries to master this art in skilfully preparing sushi and sashimi as well as teriyaki, tempura, soba and a vast assortment of other succulent dishes. Among the pioneers of Japanese cuisine in Montreal back in 1987, Mikado first opened with an 80-seat capacity and only two employees. But through the magic of word of mouth, Mikado expanded and can now welcome 130 guests in a pleasant, family-style and laid back environment conducive to appreciation of great food. Kimio Nguyen, the chef-owner, now has under his wing a wonderful team of over 40 loyal and attentive professionals whose culinary philosophy is based on Japanese tradition while taking into account the eclectic tastes of Montrealers. Three basic elements underpin Mikado's philosophy: creativity, simplicity and balance. Creativity to dazzle with original dishes; simplicity to allow for the experience of full unadulterated flavours; and balance to beautifully bring together tastes, textures, ingredients and colours. The attention to detail and aesthetics is reflected in the decor and even in the use of hand-made tableware. With all this in mind, Mikado tries to fulfil the needs and desires of its customers. And for those with a taste for the unknown and the wildly creative, the chefs at Mikado will gladly prepare special dishes to delight your whims and fancies on the spot!
Mikado is described across reviews as a stylish, upscale sushi spot with consistently fresh fish, beautifully presented plates, and a strong drink program that enhances the dining experience. Diners praise the quality and variety of sushi and sashimi, the standout rolls like lobster and paradise, and reliable appetizers and gyoza, with miso soup and dumplings receiving particular affection. The ambiance and service are frequently highlighted as refined and welcoming, the staff being noted for attentiveness and knowledge, and the setting described as cozy yet sophisticated. Some reviews mention prices being on the higher side and occasional inconsistencies in value, timing, or front of house service, including moments of slow pacing or instances where sushi arrived at the table at an undesirable temperature. Yet many readers call Mikado one of their top sushi destinations, citing thoughtful menu options, excellent cocktails, and a genuine sense of hospitality that makes it worth a return visit.
We went to Mikado a couple of days ago, & unfortunately I am not convinced.
The sushis were great, but not wow & not justifying their price. Fish was good, but not extraordinary, we've been to better sushis places for cheaper prices. 17$ for 6 sushis … it was a first for me. 6$ for what was supposed to be a tofu nigiri/sashimi turned to be 2 tofu pockets you can buy at the grocery store. Everything was not that expensive & we had other good options. I don't mind paying more if the quality justifies it & it was not the case.
However, the service was impeccable! Everyone was paying attention to our drinks, empty plates, etc. It was definitely a highlight for the night. The ambiance was very nice too & we were able to talk without hearing the other tables.
★★★★★
Mikado has always been one of my absolute favorite sushi spots - & this visit reminded me exactly why.
We started with miso soup, soft?shell crab, & a fresh salad, followed by two beautifully presented sashimi platters & two nigiri ones. Every piece of fish was pristine & cut with care - delicate, clean, & perfectly balanced. The lobster roll & paradise roll were equally impressive, marrying flavor & texture in a way that only Mikado manages to pull off.
The sake selection is phenomenal, & the mixologists truly take their craft to the next level. Add to that a team that's endlessly knowledgeable, kind, & welcoming, & you've got an experience that feels both refined & personal.
It's the perfect example of sushi done right - thoughtful, consistent, & made with genuine passion. Highly recommended.
Jan 31, 2026
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.
Great selection of sashimi & well worth the price. Sushis themselves were pretty good but not out of this world. The ambience was nice & the service was exquisite.
Everything was remarkable, from the dishes to the drinks. I particularly loved the raw scallops, & the sushi & sashimi were outstanding. Although I'm usually not a big fan of vegetarian sushi, the one served here was exceptional. The sake, Masumi, was also delicious, boasting a dry & fruity flavour.
Food: I would definitely recommend the sashimi assortment & toro, everything tasted so fresh & had a great texture. The sushi rolls are quite unique, twists on the classics, & it was very enjoyable to taste.
The desserts deserve their own highlight, the deconstructed apple pie was so refreshing & the cherry pie is absolutely irresistible. I loved the mix of flavours & textures, & they might be one of my favourite desserts in Montreal.
Service: Our waiter was amazing, he was incredibly nice & patient with our questions, also very friendly. He recommended that we try custom cocktails from the bartender, who can make a drink based on your preferences, & all of them were perfectly on point, & they were delicious.
Atmosphere: Really great vibes for a night out with friends or date night. I cannot recommend it enough.
Expérience incroyable ! Poissons de très bonne qualité & fondent sur la langue je recommande les assortiments de nigiris & de sashimis ! Les cocktails sont excellents & le Bartender/Mixologue est vraiment très agréable, professionnel & passionné ! L'accueil par le gérant, la serveuse & les serveurs a été parfait tout au long du dîner. MERCI & foncez à MIKADO !
Je recommande vivement ! Les produits sont excellents & parfaitement mis en valeur que ce soit en cuisine ou au bar. J'y retournerai avec plaisir & recommande les assortiments de nigiri & sashimi ainsi que le cocktail Wasabini
Sep 24, 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.
Great service. Last time I was at Mikado was back in the 1980's & it was located across the street. It is still owned by the same family & now run by the 2 sons. We were delighted to be treated very well & dessert was on the house. Very good sushi/sashimi & excellent wine list.
I've been going to Mikado for a while. Always had a good experience & the food is very fresh. We went this weekend for my dad's bday (my first time since the renovations) & it was a little disappointing.. The waitress, Genevieve, didn't seem to match the vibe & service I would expect from a Sushi Restaurant with Mikado's Reputation (& prices)... We got appetizers, plates & sushi (bc not everyone was getting sushi as their main meal) & she didn't ask us in which order everything should come out. Some people ended up getting their main meal while others were getting their appetizers (which left them with nothing to eat later on). The first service was quite confusing as we got hot & cold appetizers at the same time Then they gave us an empty soy sauce container. Also, they forgot my dad's soup as well as our sashimi order. Usually, sashimi & nigiri are served first, before other strong flavours affect the palate. Then you eat the makis. Because she didn't enter our order correctly we ended up getting the sashimi in the middle of the evening. When I dine out & pay for marked up prices & food, it's not just for the quality of the food & the convenience of not having to cook it. It's also for the service (which my family & I always tip for generously as I've personally worked in the restauration industry myself) & ambiance. I did expect better from Mikado, or at least for them to uphold the standard they had previously set with me & the many meals I've already had there. Ps. I also asked for mocktails recommendations because I'm on medication right now & can't have alcohol. She recommended the Sawa something, saying it was fresh & herbaceous . It's not. It tastes like limonade & is quite sour. I wouldn't say it's thirst-quenching nor has any herb fragrance at all.
So a long time fan of this place for over thirty years. It has been a staple in the Montreal sushi scene & has always put out great product with a lovely atmosphere & solid service with pricing on the upper end & with creative dishes. So why not give five stars? This time the service was just too crazy slow. It took way too long & was truly unacceptable. This being stated I also have to admit that this is not the default but all too often food does take a little too long. If this is not an issue to you then consider all the rest to be at five star level. Quality. Taste. Plating. Knowledgable staff - all great. I don't add more photos as there are just too many at this point. The owner has told me they are closing down for a while to renovate & the reno plans are awesome so be sure to visit when done. I hope that with the renovations will come back a very special dessert - the coconut macaroons - PLEASE!!!! Every time I go there I always ask & if you miss them too be sure to tell the management as I'm determined to get them to offer them once again. Best dishes - too many. Favorites. Love katsu chicken it's to die for is all I have to say. I'm a big fan of their rice as I know this is such a someone thing but if you are a lover of rice, be sure to order some as it's perfectly cooked. Also big fan of their simple but perfectly made avocado rolls with perfect creamy taste & texture & amazing combination with the seaweed (nori) wrap & sushi rice. I have had every sashimi, sushi, & maki on the menue & all are a special treat for decor the one with the baby egg yolk as it's just not for me. So enjoy a Montreal landmark as it's worth the money & your time.
The restaurant is chic & understated. It's perfect for an intimate date night. The staff is kind, but it appears they might have been understaffed on the night we were there, as service was extremely slow. We got our sashimi & appetizers at the very end of the service. The food is fresh, but nothing mind blowing. For similar prices, I can find much higher quality in prime locations as well.
