YAMA, which in Japanese means "mountain", paying homage to the restaurant's location on Rue de la Montagne, and the ancient belief that the mountain is at the heart of resources such as fresh water and necessary nutrients to well-being.
Designed with natural materials that draws inspiration from the mountainous regions explored during Chef Antonio Park's long journeys, YAMA will offer you a pan-Asian menu and cocktails designed to be sensory, elevated and special.
Yama Restaurant offers a refined, artful setting and a sushi focused menu with fresh nigiri and maki, standout wagyu dishes, and a strong cocktail program that many reviews praise; the staff are frequently described as attentive and professional, and the atmosphere can feel elegant and vibrant, though a few visits note slower service or uneven attention during quieter hours or when the team is spread thin, and some diners feel the prices are steep for the value received. Breakfast and hotel dining experiences are viewed as convenient with vegetarian options and friendly service in several reports, while a handful describe moments of cold energy from management that affected the mood. Overall, the sushi is repeatedly highlighted as outstanding and the presentation tends to be praised, making Yama a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions, even as price and consistency of service remain points of critique for certain patrons.
The food & vibe is great- the staff is incredibly unhelpful & seem to require further hospitality training. I was staying at the hotel & had three issues. First, I ordered breakfast & my order was never put in- I waited over 45 minutes before I was told this. I was offered a croissant for my trouble & never got my food. Second, we were asked to leave due to reservations despite staying at the hotel- there were plenty of open spots around us & we were there for 30 minutes having one drink. The third, I broke my ankle outside & was trying to get to the hospital. I had been putting in to go orders all week & when I tried to put in a to go order on the way to the hospital I was told that they don't offer to go orders- only eating in restaurant or room service. I explained I had been doing pick up all week & that I broke my ankle. The gentleman who answered my phone call told me there was no way I was doing pick up all week (I have receipts showing I did) but agreed they could'figure something out'. My husband went to pick up my order, & they said it was never put in for the second time, but we could get room service. I waited over an hour for two cold & stale bagels & was charged a room service fee still. It was over $75 for two bagels. We absolutely love staying at the Vogue but this restaurant makes us think twice about coming back. If you're coming just for dinner I'm sure it's fine, but if you're relying on Yama as an option during a hotel stay, I cannot recommend any less. I've never experienced such poor service.
Slipped in for a quick drink during my stay at the hotel. The bar was a ghost town at 3 PM on a Sunday, so I basically got a private session with the bartender. He clearly knew what he was doing, & instead of letting me blindly pick from the signature list, he suggested small tweaks like adding yuzu syrup & zest. I don't remember the exact builds, but both drinks were smooth & distinctive.
Food options were limited during off-peak hours, & I ordered the chicken dumplings & truffle fries. The dumplings came bathed in a tangy soy-based sauce & were fine for the price. The truffle fries were slightly undercooked, though the trio of sauces on the side was good enough.
Dec 23, 2025
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We were assigned a table by the hostess on the terrasse for an evening drink. Despite several staff moving around & the place being far from busy, no one came to take our order (not even to offer water)for more than 20 minutes.
We eventually left, completely ignored. No one seemed to notice or care.
Yama has been my go-to destination for years, & with good reason-it's consistently exceptional in every way. Nestled in the heart of downtown Montreal, this restaurant offers a refined escape from the everyday, where elegance meets warmth & quality is never compromised.
From the moment you arrive, you're met with an ambiance that is both sophisticated & inviting. The interior design is beautifully curated-dim lighting, tasteful decor, & a serene energy that makes it equally suited for an intimate date night, a high-stakes business meeting, or a well-earned moment of calm after a long day.
The service at Yama is second to none. Shaf, David, Mo, & the entire team are true professionals: attentive without being intrusive, polished yet personable. Their genuine hospitality & deep knowledge of the menu elevate the experience to something memorable every single time.
The food speaks for itself. The sushi is among the finest in the city-crafted with precision, perfectly balanced flavors, & always fresh. The wagyu burger is indulgent, beautifully prepared, & full of depth. Their cocktail program is equally impressive, offering a creative yet classic selection that complements the menu perfectly.
What I appreciate most is Yama's consistency. Over the years, the quality has never wavered. It's rare to find a restaurant that strikes such a perfect balance between upscale dining & authentic hospitality.
Whether you're looking to unwind with a drink, enjoy a top-tier meal, or impress a guest, Yama delivers on all fronts. It's more than a restaurant-it's an experience. & one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Stopped in here for a drink & some appetizers to kill some time since it was raining a bit. Decor is beautiful, if it wasn't for the occasional asian furnishings, wouldn't have thought it was a Japanese fusion restaurant. Food & drinks were nice but nothing to rave about. Service was nice, our server was wonderful & she was very charming. I was a little annoyed that one of the staff was actively listening in on our conversation & interjecting his comments. Maybe he was trying to be personable but come on man, don't butt in on a conversation you're not invited into, especially when you're supposed to be working. Overall, very nice place. Would have liked to try dinner there, but we had reservations at another venue.
Yama restaurant is located at the Vogue Hotel downtown Montreal. It's has a beautiful large marble stone bar in the centre & the interior design is breathtaking. This is a perfect spot to have drinks & enjoy the Fashion & Beauty experience.
Wonderful food. Lackluster service. The pace of service was terrible. The restaurant was half empty at most & it took 2 hours to complete a meal with one drink, two apps & two mains. The wagyu sando is a must order. Everything else was decent considering the price they're charging. The ambiance is beautiful.
Dec 19, 2023
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Unique selection of food & drinks & very friendly service. The drinks are a bit on the pricier side, but the food surprisingly not. Got the risotto with wild crab & it was delicious. Would definitely go back!
