Restaurant GIWA serves a curated selection of authentic Korean dishes that bridge traditional preparation with a modern, contemporary aesthetic. Diners encounter plates centered on balanced flavor profiles, featuring essential staples like seasoned banchan, flame-grilled meats, and hearty fermented stews. The kitchen prioritizes precise heat application and high-quality ingredients to maintain the integrity of classic recipes within a streamlined, polished environment. Every composition on the menu reflects a commitment to cultural authenticity while presenting the food through a cleaner, more minimalist lens. The space focuses on efficiency and clarity, allowing the vibrant colors and bold textures of the primary proteins and pickled vegetables to define the sensory experience. This approach provides a focused exploration of Korean culinary fundamentals for those seeking consistent quality and standard-setting techniques in their meal.
Restaurant GIWA offers an elevated and authentic Korean dining experience that distinguishes itself from standard eateries through a focus on precision, seasonal ingredients, and meticulous presentation. Patrons frequently praise the high quality of dishes like the signature sotbap, Korean fried chicken with unique cheese foam, and creative, fusion-inspired desserts. While the menu is intentionally concise, the deliberate care taken in crafting every element, from the handmade banchan to the raw seafood platters, is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Most visitors describe the service as attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate, often noting the cozy, intimate atmosphere of the space. Although some guests have pointed out minor issues regarding pricing, temperature control, or service charges for groups, the overwhelming consensus is that Restaurant GIWA provides a sophisticated and memorable culinary experience that stands out as a unique gem in the Montreal dining scene.
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!
Sep 10, 2025
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This restaurant is truly a gem, & unlike anything else in the city.
The raw marinated seafood was one of my favorites - so thoughtful & intentional, especially the raw marinated crab, which is usually hard to eat with the shell but here felt effortless. The other seafood dishes were just as memorable.
The korean fried chicken was beautifully elevated, & the cheese foam complemented it perfectly. I also loved the sotbap with mackerel, made with seasonal ingredients that kept it fresh & special each time.
Other standouts were the beef tartare, the refreshing & beautifully presented watermelon salad, & the gimbap, which felt elevated & refined.
A special mention goes to the desserts. I'm usually not a dessert person, but their korean-fusion creations completely won me over.
Ultimately, Giwa is worth a visit if you're in Montréal. It's elevated Korean food with intention behind every dish.
Faut-il d'abord parler du service d'une qualité exceptionnelle (fin, souriant, à la fois présent & discret) ou de la nourriture délicieuse aux saveurs délicates & recherchées ? Peu importe ce que vous commandez (j'en suis à ma 2e visite en moins de 3 semaines), vous serez surpris & ravis. On est loin des bouibouis coréens qui se sont multipliés ces dernières années (lesquels ne sont pas désagréables pour des bouffes sans façon entre amis) - chez Giwa, c'est de la gastronomie dans une ambiance intime & feutrée.
Great spot for authentic Korean food. I'll definitely return! Our waiter, Sean, was amazing: attentive, knowledgeable, & went above & beyond to make the whole experience enjoyable.
Cozy little restaurant tucked away in Verdun; a hidden gem around Montreal. Service was amazing & the food is nothing else like I've tried here!
The menu is very well curated with each dish being delicious & purposeful. The sotbap, gimbap & dakgangjeon tasted so yummy & comforting while dishes like the hwachae & yukhwe were very bright & refreshing. The haemul jang is extremely unique & the way it's prepared makes this type of dish easy to enjoy-allowing you to focus on all the complex flavours. The desserts are also delicately prepared & the hodumaru is to die for; perfectly sweet with a little bit of umami spice.
Giwa is a modern take on Korean classics & they do it with lots of care & finesse. Wanted to try everything on the menu because it was all so amazing.. I will be back again!
Wowowow! Small menu but each dish is special in its own way. The service was super helpful & nice helping to navigate the options. The dishes felt very authentic & cooked perfectly. Sat on the patio in the front which is removed a bit from the busy Wellington street. Will come back & try all the things we didn't & & DEFINITELY GET THE CHICKEN AP AGAIN. So so so good.
Tip: ask for extra spicy sauce if you like a little heat.
This place is amazing & unique to other Korean restaurants. Everything was seasoned perfectly & the presentation was absolute art. I got a bunch of items on the menu but forgot to take pics of some of them because I was busy devouring it. Truly a hidden gem. I highly highly recommend.
I came here after learning that the head chef here was trained under the famous canadian chef, darren maclean. The food won't disappoint.
