Sam Cha draws praise for flavorful Korean dishes and good value, with standouts like bibimbap, tteokbokki, jokbal, pajeon, kimchi fried rice, and spicy soups, served by friendly staff in a cozy setting. Reviewers note that the place can get very busy, especially on weekends, with long lines and tables that are close together, making the atmosphere loud, though weekday visits can feel more relaxed. Reservations are often recommended or required on busy nights to secure a table. Several comments mention inconsistent service or occasional delays, and a few dishes are described as overly salty, bland, or smaller than expected, with some noting a dip in quality after menu changes. Overall, it remains a solid, affordable option for Korean classics that many diners plan to return to for more.
Had takeout from this Korean restaurant, very satisfied. Friendly staff that always put up a smile.
I have went here before to have their beef tartare & bibimbap. Stunning as always.
Make sure to reserve or come earlier during weekends as the place can be packed.
I wish you could brought back the ayce bbq, it was one of the best ayce in montreal. Sadly cancelled after covid.
Perhaps my expectations were too high, but the meal didn't quite live up to what I had hoped for.
We started with the Beef Tartare as an appetizer. The beef itself was quite sweet, but the flavors felt unbalanced. To make matters worse, it was served cold, almost frozen, with ice crystals in it😂😂
The Tofu Soup, however, was a highlight. It had a great flavor & was definitely the best dish of the meal. We also tried the Spicy Jokbal, but it was far too sweet! Despite being labeled as spicy, I could barely taste any heat.
The waiter was attentive tho, so one star for him. But overall, I left feeling disappointed
Feb 12, 2025
on Google
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Sam Cha is a delightful Korean restaurant conveniently situated near Atwater Station. It has a lovely picnic table decor & welcoming ambiance with delicious Korean cuisine! Can't wait to come back & have their Beef Tartare again! We booked a table via Google Maps' reserve feature ahead of time & was reliably given a table when we arrived. The menu is scannable via a QR Code to their menu online. We ordered their Beef Tartare - a standout dish that we recommend. Its exceptional flavours & presentation left a lasting impression. For our main course, we opted for the Korean BBQ for 2, featuring beef ribs grilled at our table via a portable stove top. The set was accompanied by an apple salad & a vegetarian dolsot bibimbap. As of Sep 2024, the table top BBQ is not part of the menu any longer. We were also impressed by the attentive & efficient service that made our dining experience all the more enjoyable. Staff would occasionally check in on our table & ensure our grill was working & food was being cooked & flipped. Additionally, the staff seamlessly accommodated both English & French speakers which was a great experience. Sam Cha conveniently accepts cash & credit payments.
The food was amazing. As someone who knows the very different tastes of kimchi, the homemade one was delicious. The food was perfectly seasoned, especially the beef tartare that was out of this world. I had the chance to meet the amazing owners. Definitely going to comeback soon
Small hidden place that specializes in Korean food. Definitely recommend the beef tartare along with the udon & kimchi fried rice. Fairly priced & tasted great. Reservations recommended.
May 25, 2024
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Always great service! I've been there 4 times already & I'll keep going with my friends because it's so delicious & not so expensive compared to other restaurants. I recommend you to book a table if you're more than 2 because it gets full really fast! Our go to meal: beef tartare, bibimbap, & jokpal (the meal for 2 with pork & kimchi)
One of the best authentic Korean restaurant. I highly recommended. There prices were very fair & good. The foods were super delicious & well presented. There beef tartare & tobboki were to die for. Not to mention about the soju & other Korean cocktails & rice wine, they were all phenomenal. I would definitely come back to eat again.
I’ve been going to Sam Cha for a couple years now. My favourite dishes would be the seafood sondubu that comes with rice, the beef tartare & the dolsot bimbimbap. I’ve recently tried the mussel soup which, to me was mid, as well as their rosé cream udon that I found was too sweet for my liking. Besides that, the ambiance is cozy. There’s often a line up so plan ahead.
