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.
Visited Mikado on a friend's recommendation, mainly for the cocktails - & it didn't disappoint. Simone, the bartender, was amazing. Every drink we had was refined, balanced & honestly one of the best we've had. The manager told us that Lola poured her heart into creating these cocktails & it showed.
Service was friendly & fast, with great hospitality all around. The space was beautiful, & even the bar seating felt spacious & cozy. The food was great as well, especially the small bites & rolls. Would absolutely come back.
Jul 9, 2025
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.
Nous avons passé un moment extraordinaire au restaurant Mikado à l'occasion de notre anniversaire de mariage. L'accueil a été fantastique avec un personnel d'une courtoisie, d'une gentillesse & d'un professionnalisme exemplaires. La nourriture était exquise & très raffinée. Merci à toute votre équipe de nous avoir procuré un tel moment de plaisir :)
Jun 27, 2025
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.
I've been a regular at this restaurant for a while because the food is always fresh, flavourful, & nicely prepared. The kitchen team deserves credit. Unfortunately, the front-of-house service continues to fall short, & my experience on Monday, June 9th, was especially disappointing.
I had called ahead to ask if Caesars could be made at lunch, since I know there's no bartender during the day. The woman who answered assured me they could. But when we arrived, not only were we left without water for over 15 minutes on a hot day, the server was dismissive & rude when my friend politely asked about it.
When she finally came to take our drink order, she told us they didn't have Clamato - despite having said yes on the phone. I offered to pick some up from the depanneur just down the street or asked if someone from staff could, but she refused without a trace of apology or effort. Even more frustrating, she declined to take responsibility for having confirmed something she hadn't checked.
In the end, I had to relocate my guests to another restaurant - not because of the mix-up, but because of how she spoke to us. The way we were treated made it clear that our presence wasn't welcome.
I hate to leave this kind of review, because the food truly is good, & I've had a few good service experiences in the past. But the inconsistency - & especially the tone of this last visit - is making it hard to justify coming back. I hope management steps in, because the kitchen deserves better front-of-house support.
Mikado always does a great job.
The restaurant is very beautiful. Their large windows open so you feel like you're outside while in the restaurant
The food & the service is top notch & the prices are reasonable relative to other top sushi restaurants in the city.
I will be back soon.
Wonderful family who runs an establishment serving top-tier high-quality sushi & Japanese dishes.
The atmosphere, service, & food/drink quality is amazing!
Recommend for date nights, family celebrations, & work dinners.
Jun 3, 2025
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.
The service from Leah was excellent. The lunch specials are delicious & have an appetizer, entree & dessert. Highly recommend will be back. We celebrated my husband's birthday here & it was wonderful. It's also a beautiful place.
First time experience here & it really impressed me! The fish was incredibly fresh & each sushi roll was full of flavour. Would definitely recommend. Service was also excellent!
Beautifully renovated inside. Owners are exceptional people. Fish is great & new ambiance is amazing. They also treat my children like VIP, which is an added bonus.
May 25, 2025
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.
From our warm greeting upon arrival to the gracious & professional service this meal was superb. The food was extraordinary each serving unique & delicious! The cocktails were fabulous & the ice cream was insanely good. It was a wonderful experience definitely a must !
We came with high expectations but left disappointed. Despite arriving early, we waited 30 minutes past our reservation time to be seated at the sushi bar. Service was slow & our waiter barely acknowledged us. From our seats, we saw two chefs cough into their hands & continue preparing food, which was very concerning. While the sushi tasted fresh & delicious, I became very ill shortly after getting home-that was the last straw. On top of everything, the payment machine forced a minimum 18% tip, which isn't legal. Overall: great food, but poor service, questionable hygiene, & an unfortunate ending to the night.
Absolutely amazing sushi-easily in my top favorites in town! The quality is outstanding, prices are very reasonable, & everything we tried was beyond delicious. The lobster roll, in particular, was one of the best we've ever had. Beautiful decor, great ambiance, good service, & a nice location. Highly recommend!
