Welcome to GIWA, where authentic Korean flavors meet modern creativity. Enjoy shareable plates, local wines, and fresh, seasonal dishes in the heart of Verdun. Join us for a unique dining experience!
Giwa stands out in Montreal as an elevated Korean spot with a cozy, intimate vibe and a small, thoughtfully curated menu that rewards attention to detail. The room feels private and homey, while the focus on precise sotbap rice dishes provides a foundation of texture and a crisp, nutty crust at the bottom, and the banchan is handmade to accompany each course. Dishes such as the seafood platter, beef tartare, gimbap, and dakgangjeon, along with a seasonal marinated seafood platter, are praised for freshness, balance, and presentation, with desserts that push Korean ingredients in creative directions. Desserts like perilla oil ice cream, gochujang brownie, and inventive sorbets receive enthusiastic notices. Service is described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, though some reviews note occasional timing hiccups, reservation issues, or warmth and lighting that affect comfort. The small menu is a deliberate choice that signals confidence and quality, delivering consistently high flavors that feel traditional yet refined, more like a high end kitchen than a casual spot. Overall Giwa is described as a hidden gem in the city, offering a cohesive, memorable experience, elegant plating, and a sense that every dish is thoughtfully crafted for those seeking thoughtful, elevated Korean cuisine.
Superbe expérience. Les plats étaient délicieux & de grande qualité. Un peu plus cher qu'ailleurs, mais c'est dû à l'attention des détails & à la richesse des saveurs. Nous avons bien apprécié & y retournerons certainement !
Dec 7, 2025
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Made a reservation here for someone who loves Korean food on their birthday; the food was surely the highlight of our night. Each meal was served with sides, & you could clearly see the chef's creativity shine through with the unusual ingredients they chose for their dishes; they all complemented each other perfectly well, each bite tasting different. The Giwa was perhaps one of the best desserts I've been served since a very long time: with matcha mousse, chocolate & vanilla ice cream hiding a biscuit cake underneath it all. All in all, I would go back without a hesitation.
We came here soon after it opened & was impressed. As a Korean, I am very critical of Korean food. This was a lovely treat. The gochu twigim is quite delicious, so we ordered a second round! We also loved the seafood sharing plate.
Everything we tried at Restaurant Giwa was amazing! Every dish was beautifully presented & paired perfectly with the cocktails. We'll definitely be coming back!
Small menu but everything was so tasty, well prepared, authentic flavours & beautifully presented. I was a bit apprehensive coming here after having read the bad reviews, I worried for nothing. From their appetizers to their creative desserts, every dish was so delicious. The fried chicken was the best I had in years, the sauce not drenched with cheap syrup, so perfect. The galbi jjim was flavourful, not oily, so tender, filling as it came with rice & banchan. The beef sotbap was so good too. Beef was tender, rice cooked perfectly, & the sauce seasoned just right. The noodle soups didn't disappoint either. Don't forget to be blown away by their desserts. Loved their chocolate brownie, the chef creation, & sorbet. If any thing to be improved I'd say is their service. Never been to a restaurant where we were not greeted upon entering nor leaving. Also it took awhile before the waitress brought us water & asked us if we had any questions. This is not Korean hospitality. But we will be back for it's the best Korean restaurant in town.
Nov 19, 2025
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I was really surprised to find this restaurant & enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was very good or soso. I will try it again to see if this was a fluke & give it a 5 ⭐
I was extremely impressed with the food quality, flavours, & the chef's creativity. Great staff & amazing service. 10/10 will be back & will recommend to friends!
I had such a wonderful dining experience at Giwa! The food was absolutely amazing. The appetizers were delicious; especially the dakgangjeong. The cheese sauce on top perfectly complemented the sweet & spicy chicken, making it so addictive! The beef sot-bap was also incredible, the meat was full of flavor, & the side dishes paired perfectly with the meal.
& the dessert... wow! I loved how it wasn't overly sweet but still so satisfying & delicious. You can truly taste the time, care, & love the owners put into every dish.
Definitely a must-try! 🥰
Oct 22, 2025
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We came as a big family & was fully satisfied. Great service & excellent menu. They really did a great job & helped us experience a unique Korean menu. Will recommend, very intentional.
One of the best meals (& cocktails) I've had in the city. I don't think I left a single thing on my plate. The presentation is so elegant but the taste is what gets me coming back every time. I like when a menu is not complicated because it focuses on quality. Also, the service was lovely. A real gem. Hurry before it gets too popular!
If I could give this 6 stars, I would! We went here with our family for dinner to celebrate our anniversary & the food & service was amazing. They have a small menu, but you can tell that everything was really thought out & it was so delicious! All the food was simple, but super elevated with intention. Our server took his time to fully explain the menu & what paired together. You can tell they are very passionate about their work & food. Would highly recommend & go back again!
