Montreal’s first, reservation only, OMAKASE restaurant. (Omakase means “Chef’s choice”)
In addition to being imported directly from Japan, fresh fish is also acquired from all over the world. Our experienced Chefs meticulously select fish that suit the season, and use additional methods when necessary to maximize its umami (“delicious taste”). We make it possible to indulge in Edomae sushi, as if you were in Japan.
We commit to serving fresh dishes of the highest quality, whilst also offering multi-sensory entertainment.
In addition to quality food, we also wish you to experience Japanese culture. So, special attention is given to using authentic dining ware and cooking tools. We value your time with us and wish for it to be a live, interactive experience. We welcome you with Omotenashi (the Japanese philosophy of hospitality).
At Okeya Kyujiro, the omakase experience is immersive and artistic, with expertly prepped fish, precise pacing, and a sense of being transported to Japan through the flavors, textures, and intimate counter seating. The staff are consistently attentive and knowledgeable, explanations are detailed without being overbearing, and presentations feel like small culinary performances. Many diners call it one of the best or top sushi and Japanese meals in Montreal, a special occasion destination, and worth the premium. Some reviews note a few drawbacks, such as a brisk tempo, occasional service hiccups, or desserts that could be lighter, and a few reservations about value for money, but the overall verdict remains overwhelmingly favorable. A number of guests mention lunch as a particularly strong option and celebrate the hospitality and thoughtful touches that feel like gifts.
We came for a 6:00 pm reservation to celebrate a birthday. We were asked to arrive 15 minutes early, & while driving we tried calling the restaurant several times to confirm arriving closer to 6:00 pm, but the phone always went to voicemail.
While the concept is interesting, the execution did not feel consistent with the price point ($335 per person before drinks). All guests were seated before the blinds opened, & at 8:00 pm the blinds were closed, the lights were turned off, & we were asked to leave even though we were still finishing our drinks. That abrupt ending made the evening feel rushed rather than celebratory.
The chef & sous-chef served the dishes but only named them, while all explanations were given by a separate staff member walking from couple to couple. This may be due to language limitations, but it still broke the intimacy expected from a counter-style omakase & made it feel more like a narrated show than a personal dining experience.
For birthdays, everyone received the same candle & dessert at the same time, which made what should have been a personal moment feel more like a production line than a special occasion.
There were also atmosphere issues, including noticeable HVAC noise that had to be turned on & off during service, as well as glassware & decor that did not feel aligned with a high-end tasting menu at this price.
My partner enjoyed the evening, but for a special occasion at this cost, we expected a more refined, calm, & personal experience. The idea is good, but the execution & value simply did not match what is being charged.
Why 2★
Food quality: ★★★☆☆
Good fish & competent execution, but no memorable or'wow' moments for a $335 tasting.
Service & intimacy: ★★☆☆☆
The chef & sous-chef only named the dishes, while all explanations were given by a roaming staff member. This may be due to language limitations, but it still broke the intimacy expected from a counter-style omakase.
Atmosphere: ★★☆☆☆
Noticeable HVAC noise that had to be turned on & off during service, plus glassware & decor that did not feel consistent with a high-end tasting menu.
Pacing & hospitality: ★☆☆☆☆
Rigid timing, unanswered phone calls before arrival, & an abrupt ending at 8 pm even while guests were still finishing drinks.
Value for money: ★☆☆☆☆
At $335 per person before drinks, this price point competes with Montréal's top fine-dining & omakase counters, where guests expect silence, premium glassware, no rushing, direct chef interaction, & a calm, personal experience. Instead, we experienced loud HVAC cycling, average glassware, production-line pacing, a roaming narrator instead of chef-to-guest explanation, & a forced end at 8 pm. Even though some of the food was good, the overall experience did not come close to what this price level normally buys.
We came for a 6:00 pm reservation to celebrate a birthday. We were asked to arrive 15 minutes early, & while driving we tried calling the restaurant several times to confirm arriving closer to 6:00 pm, but the phone always went to voicemail.
While the concept is interesting, the execution did not feel consistent with the price point ($335 per person before drinks). All guests were seated before the blinds opened, & at 8:00 pm the blinds were closed, the lights were turned off, & we were asked to leave even though we were still finishing our drinks. That abrupt ending made the evening feel rushed rather than celebratory.
The chef & sous-chef served the dishes but only named them, while all explanations were given by a separate staff member walking from couple to couple. This may be due to language limitations, but it still broke the intimacy expected from a counter-style omakase & made it feel more like a narrated show than a personal dining experience.
For birthdays, everyone received the same candle & dessert at the same time, which made what should have been a personal moment feel more like a production line than a special occasion.
There were also atmosphere issues, including noticeable HVAC noise that had to be turned on & off during service, as well as glassware & decor that did not feel aligned with a high-end tasting menu at this price.
My partner enjoyed the evening, but for a special occasion at this cost, we expected a more refined, calm, & personal experience. The idea is good, but the execution & value simply did not match what is being charged.
Why 2★
Food quality: ★★★☆☆
Good fish & competent execution, but no memorable or'wow' moments for a $335 tasting.
Service & intimacy: ★★☆☆☆
The chef & sous-chef only named the dishes, while all explanations were given by a roaming staff member. This may be due to language limitations, but it still broke the intimacy expected from a counter-style omakase.
Atmosphere: ★★☆☆☆
Noticeable HVAC noise that had to be turned on & off during service, plus glassware & decor that did not feel consistent with a high-end tasting menu.
Pacing & hospitality: ★☆☆☆☆
Rigid timing, unanswered phone calls before arrival, & an abrupt ending at 8 pm even while guests were still finishing drinks.
Value for money: ★☆☆☆☆
At $335 per person before drinks, this price point competes with Montréal's top fine-dining & omakase counters, where guests expect silence, premium glassware, no rushing, direct chef interaction, & a calm, personal experience. Instead, we experienced loud HVAC cycling, average glassware, production-line pacing, a roaming narrator instead of chef-to-guest explanation, & a forced end at 8 pm. Even though some of the food was good, the overall experience did not come close to what this price level normally buys.
Feb 1, 2026
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I had the privilege of dining here earlier this month, & the food, sake, & service was fantastic. We were offered detailed information before each service about what we were about to enjoy, & enjoy it we did! Amazing ambiance for a special occasion.
Exceptionnel. Une expérience unique & intimiste qui sein de la cuisine japonaise! Le service est impeccable est toujours disponible pour vous partager le savoir-faire de leur équipe & répondre à vos questions. Un magnifique cadeau à offrir pour une grande occasion.
Highly rated & it's worth it - great experience & a wonderful occasion to re-discover classics, but elevated by craftmanship & the choice of ingredients, as well as dishes less frequently found on the the menus of Japanese restaurants here !
This is an amazing place to have a intimate & varied omakase experience. The food is great & quite abundant, you won't be hungry when you leave. The atmosphere & experience that comes with the tasting is the reason the price is a little hefty, but still worth it if you come to enjoy both the food & the interaction. Would recommend to anyone wanting to celebrate a special occasion!
Truly stunning meal that's one of a kind! The sushi is the highest of quality, the service was outstanding, & everything was just amazing. It's very true to what omakase in Japan is like & they go above & beyond with the menu here. There were some bites that made me emotional. It's definitely a special occasion restaurant & everyone there was celebrating a birthday or anniversary, but if I had my way (or the funds) I would celebrate all my birthdays there!
disclaimer: my meal was comped
Aug 12, 2025
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Amazing experience. Food was memorable. Service was beyond perfect. Perfect place for a special occasion. Make sure you have arrive on time as each bite is prepared on a schedule. Price is around 500 per person with the tip & sharing a small bottle of sake
Truly one of the most special meals I have ever had the experience of enjoying. My career has been dedicated food service & hospitality & everyone can take notes from this establishment. From the initial greet & seat, ambiance, show, food presentation, chef preparation & execution, EVERYTHING flawless. They are very thorough in detail on everything. When you make reservations online they let you know the rules. When you enter the building they reiterate. When you're seated it's your final reminder all while being extremely pleasant & warm. If one piece of fish is slightly different from the other chef modifies preparation to ensure taste is identical. I noticed one small slip with a kitchen utensil but it was immediately corrected & they never missed a beat working as a team of three chefs. This place is not just a meal but a life changing experience. Make a reservation for a special occasion. Thank you team Okeya Kyujiro 🙏
If you're mentally prepared to spend the money on this experience it will blow you away. Every single thing we put in our mouths was extraordinary. I've been to Japan & eaten sushi in countries all over the world but this will permanently stand out. Alcohol selection could be improved but everything from the service to the ambiance to the quality & care they show each guest...unparalleled & a real gem of Montreal. Cannot recommend enough for a special occasion.
Jul 3, 2024
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Harmony between food, service, music & showmanship. This is a place you want to bring someone special for a special occasion (or you're just so rich you just don't care). This restaurant gives you a glimpse of how Japanese aim for perfection in everything. The reason why it gets a 5 is not being the best Japanese experience I ever had, but for 2h I forgot I was in Montreal & thought i was back in Japan. That is the true magic.
When looking for a "special" restaurant to take my husband out for his 50th birthday, Okeya immediately came to mind. I have known about this restaurant since it opened, but wanted to wait for the perfect occasion to try considering the cost. It was completely worth it if you want a unique experience coupled with delicious food made with high quality ingredients mostly flown in from Japan. We were lucky to have been seated right in front of chef-owner Takuya Matsuda & have an amazing view of his mastery. Every dish was carefully thought through & presented. Highly recommended for a special occasion - which is the reason most of the guests that ate with us that evening came for.
