Welcome to our cozy corner of the Plateau! Step into our warm, Japanese-style izakaya in Montreal. We serve authentic Japanese comfort food with a touch of French flair, in a space that feels just like a cozy spot in Tokyo.
Overall, Sato Izakaya is a cozy, well executed Japanese spot that draws praise for a menu that spans ramen, sushi, and shareable tapas with many dishes described as fresh, flavorful and original, including tonkotsu ramen, aburi salmon sushi, spicy tuna inari, takoyaki and a standout katsu that many call the best in town. The service is repeatedly described as attentive and friendly, with knowledgeable staff guiding sake pairings and menu choices, while the atmosphere blends a warm, intimate vibe with tasteful decor and good music. Some reviews note that reservations can be easy at times but the place can fill up, leading to pacing variations and occasional delays, and a few dishes such as miso ramen or certain gyoza or noodles may not meet every expectation. Price points are viewed as reasonable for quality by many, with generous portions and a strong value for the experience, though a few diners feel tapas portions are smaller or pricier. Overall, Sato Izakaya emerges as a strong go-to for friends or couples seeking authentic, well prepared Japanese comfort food in a lively yet welcoming setting, with repeat visits recommended to try more of the diverse menu.
Amazing gem in plateau! Been three times, & every time the experience has been incredible. So accommodating, incredible drinks, & the most delicious food!! Every person I've brought has been so impressed with the experience, from the amazing service, to the quality of the food. This has to be on your list of must try's.
I went to Sato Isakaya with my friends, & the experience was horrendous. The food was terrible. The sauce for the chicken katsu felt store-bought & was literally microwaved (half of the bowl was cold, the other half hot). The salad on the side was also incredibly low quality; once again, I think it might have been store-bought. In addition to the poor-quality food, the service was horrendous. There were six of us, & even though all of us ordered at the same time, not one of us ate with one another. Yes, it is true we were famished (which makes the food tasting terrible even more impressive), but there were prolonged noticeable gaps between each individual service. It made me feel like I was eating in a cafeteria, not a restaurant.
Excellent restaurant. High quality Japanese food & great service. I have been 5 times in the past 6 months. I take all my friends there & it's also great for a date :)
We were looking for an izakaya in the Plateau area, & it initially seemed promising. The decor is warm & thoughtfully done, expectations were naturally high.
Unfortunately, the food did not live up to that promise. The nori was clearly not fresh; it was so tough I couldn't even cut through it with my teeth. The chicken skewers were also disappointing, especially considering the price - they felt overpriced for what was served.
It's a shame because the space itself is lovely. However, in this case, the food simply doesn't match the atmosphere. With some improvements in ingredient quality & value, this place could better align with the experience it aims to offer.
Delicious ramen! Recently discovered this restaurant & have been craving the ramen ever since. Portions are large, the quality is fantastic & the taste is addictive. Highly recommend!
We had dinner on Thursday evening at Sato, & it was a wonderful experience. The food, the service, the ambience were all fantastic! We each had a ramen (Tonkotsu & Spicy Miso), both were delicious. We also had the shrimp & scallop appetizer which was cooked to perfection, as well we had the yuzu cheesecake for dessert, & it was lovely. The prices are reasonable for the quality & quantity. Highly recommend!
Nov 7, 2025
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Incredible everything! The food: splendid, the service: lovely, the atmosphere: GIVING!
The quality is even close to what I've experienced in Japan 🔥 we will definitely come back!
As soon as I walked in I loved the Japanese style decor! Made the vibe feel lively & cozy at the same time. The food is extra fresh, the cuts & quality of the fish is amazing & the way they fry & bread the katsu makes it super crunchy! Best katsu in Montreal hands down. The service is top notch & the staff are super friendly & outgoing! 10/10!!! Would come back again 🤩
P.S. The house sauce they use for the katsu is so tasty 👌
