Ryu specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine characterized by a focus on sustainable seafood and precise culinary preparation. The menu features an extensive selection of artfully arranged sushi, including signature maki rolls and fresh nigiri crafted from responsibly sourced ingredients. Beyond traditional sushi offerings, the restaurant incorporates vibrant poke bowls that prioritize raw fish quality and diverse texture profiles through crisp, seasonal vegetables. The kitchen employs refined techniques to balance subtle umami flavors with clean, modern presentations that define the brand identity. Each dish emphasizes the natural integrity of the marine harvest while maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all menu items. The establishment provides a focused environment centered on high-quality seafood consumption, reflecting a modern approach to classic Japanese culinary traditions and dietary trends.
Ryu is widely celebrated for its exceptional, fresh sushi and high quality Japanese cuisine, with many patrons highlighting the sashimi, wagyu dishes, and creative cocktails as standout choices. The atmosphere is frequently described as stylish, energetic, and cozy, often enhanced by popular DJs that contribute to a fun and vibrant dining experience. While the majority of visitors praise the attentive, professional, and welcoming service that makes for a seamless evening, there are isolated concerns regarding portion sizes and billing speed during busy peak periods. Overall, it remains a favorite go to destination in Montreal for those seeking a premium culinary experience in a lively, well curated setting.
I had a reservation at RYU this past Saturday night. I went with my wife & three other couples, we're visiting from NYC & everything from start to finish exceeded expectations.
The fish was some of the freshest I've had in a long time-every dish was beautifully prepared & full of flavor. They definitely prioritize quality ingredients.
The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, professional, & made the entire evening feel seamless & enjoyable, their drinks are excellent-definitely worth trying a few.
If you're looking for a place in Montreal with a great atmosphere, outstanding food, & top-tier service, I highly recommend Ryu.
I went here for Valentine's Day & we had the fixed menu.
To start with the positives: the food was tasty. The cod in particular was excellent-easily the best cod I've had. Very juicy & well cooked. One of our servers also did a good job.
Now the downsides.
I left starving. The portion sizes were honestly shocking for the price. Everything was tiny & meant to be shared between two people:
- One beef slider… split between two people
- One fish dish… split between two people
- Overall portions that felt like they were meant for a child
- Bathroom was dirty, trash was overflowing
Have you ever split a single slider between two adults? At nearly $400 for two people, that's absurd. I shouldn't be leaving a restaurant at that price point still hungry.
The sushi rice was also cold. At a lower-tier place, fine. But not at this price. Sushi rice should be fresh & around body temperature, not cold.
Our seating area was cold from the door opening & closing, even though we weren't right beside it. Not a great way to spend a long dinner in the middle of winter.
Service at the end was frustrating. We finished eating & then sat there for about 30 minutes waiting for the bill. I made eye contact with the server multiple times trying to signal that we were ready. Nothing. Eventually the bill came, but it shouldn't take that long.
So overall: yes, the food tasted good. But it was nowhere near worth the price. At ~$400 for two people, this should be a flawless experience where you leave full & happy, not hungry & feeling like something was missing. Being busy on Valentine's Day isn't an excuse for tiny portions, cold sushi rice, slow billing, & a cold table.
I wouldn't return unless the restaurant has a good explanation. Being busy is not an excuse.
One of the worst experiences I've had in Montreal. We paid 120$ per person for a SHARED menu, meaning even a slider & a dessert were shared, which was honestly abhorrent. The portions were tiny & there was definitely not enough food for two. Not a place i recommend, nor i will be going back to.
Amazing food honestly some of the best in Montreal. Everything was fresh, full of flavor, & beautifully presented. The atmosphere is stylish & cozy, & the service was excellent friendly, attentive, & fast.
You can really tell they care about quality & the whole dining experience. I'll definitely be coming back & recommending this place to everyone
Went there for Velentine's dinner, the portions were ridiculously small. We were sat next to the kitchen where it kept fuming all the time. Service was slow, & the toilet door didn't close. & the food was frankly not that good or flavourful. Terrible experience overall. Never going back there again
