Neotokyo NAKAGIN presents an authentic Japanese ramen experience, specializing in rich, complex broths and perfectly textured noodles that are the hallmark of true ramen craftsmanship. The menu focuses on expertly prepared ramen bowls, featuring various traditional toppings and regional broth styles, ensuring a deep dive into this beloved Japanese staple. Beyond ramen, explore a curated selection of Japanese small plates designed to complement the main dishes and showcase a range of authentic flavors. Each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. This establishment offers a focused yet satisfying exploration of Japanese noodle culture, providing a distinct culinary journey for enthusiasts.
Neotokyo NAKAGIN is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish interior, and energetic vibe that transports diners to an authentic Japanese izakaya setting. Many guests highlight the high quality of the food, specifically noting the delicious sashimi, yakisoba, and unique creative dishes like the Ringo appetizer. While the service is frequently described as attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable, some visitors feel the price point is high relative to the small, tapas-style portions. Although a few reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the overall value or the pace of food service, the majority of diners appreciate the attention to detail and consider it a memorable, personality-driven addition to the local culinary scene that warrants repeat visits.
This is an exceptional Japanese restaurant. We ordered most of the vegetarian dishes from the menu & each was distinct & excellent. I've eaten a lot of tofu in my life, but I've never had a Goma Dofu that was that creamy & deliciously flavored. We got a table without a reservation but I don't think that will be a situation that will last long. Looking forward to coming back.
To be frank, the food served there has the look of japanese food but isn't executed to the level of its cost (25ish after tax-tip) or asking price (closer to that of your usual underground mall footcourt or seveneleven/familymart reheated food when in japan). We sampled the gyudon, curry & katsu.
Curry: leans very indian, lacks the sweetness & thickness of japanese curry.
Katsu: the fried layer lacks fluff & crisp, soggy, separates easily from a dry unjuicy sorry piece of meat, sauce on it is generic.
Gyudon: tender yes, probably their better iteration, matches'yoshinoya'-level of quality but about average.
Is it fusion? perhaps. Is it well executed? arguable.
Service barely spends the time to present the food to you, just expects you to find your utensils & consume wtv arrives, however, a lot of work has been done on the atmosphere which looks very cool. They have a sprawling terasse that generates heavy stroller traffic from the daycare & human employee traffic congestions for those coming from the same building, a little apathetic if you ask me, but hey it's their ownership so I guess it's okay.
Therefore, there is some hope in the growing pains of the early days of the establishment despite opening a year later than its initial launch date.
It's just that there are about 2 other restaurants in the same neighborhood that provide superior products. Will try again probably in a few months to experience improvements.
Neotokyo NAKAGIN feels less like simply going out for dinner & more like stepping through a portal into a futuristic Japan.
The whole place has this incredible retro-Tokyo energy - stylish, slightly mysterious, energetic, & full of personality. You can tell that the team cared about every detail, from the interior to the way the food is presented. The concept is inspired by'Japan', particularly the izakaya culture of sharing different dishes while enjoying drinks & good conversation, but it has a very modern Montréal twist.
The food was the real surprise for me. Everything felt thoughtful & full of flavour rather than just trying to look fancy. The yakisoba-style noodles were smoky & packed with umami, the gyoza had that perfect crispy-to-juicy balance, & the sashimi was incredibly fresh. The Ringo was also one of those dishes that makes you stop for a second because the combination is so unexpected - sweet, savoury, spicy & refreshing all at once.
What really stood out, though, was the feeling of the place. The service was warm, knowledgeable & genuinely welcoming, & the atmosphere makes you want to stay longer, order another plate, & discover what else is on the menu.
If you enjoy Japanese food, creative flavours, great design & restaurants that give you an experience beyond the plate, this is definitely worth discovering in Montréal 🇯🇵
Service rapide & efficace mais qualité assez moyenne pour le prix. J'ai pris un miso Katsu, il y avait juste du riz correct sans plus & poulet Katsu très moyen, & pratiquement rien d'autre dessus. Très sommaire donc, on peut trouver beaucoup mieux au Montréal pour ce type de plat.
