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.
I came to Yama expecting a proper fine dining experience. I wasn't there on a whim. I was choosing to splurge during a trip where I've been balancing experiences on a daily budget. I live in Montreal & I spend intentionally. Food is something I care about deeply, & I've eaten everywhere from street stalls in Asia to Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. I know what good food & hospitality should feel like. This wasn't it.
From the start, the experience felt off. I was seated at the bar & left waiting with no menu & no one checking in. I had to ask just to be acknowledged. The staff were not rude, but they felt undertrained & unprepared. The hostesses were the only ones who seemed genuinely helpful & professional.
The real issue was the manager. The waiter accidentally put in my full order at once. When the manager came to ask if I was okay with everything being served together, I said no, politely. I had come to enjoy each course properly. That's part of what you expect when you dine at a place like this. But the manager's demeanor changed completely. His expression, tone, & energy were cold. I could tell he was annoyed that I didn't just say yes.
Then I saw him go across from where I was sitting & gather the staff. I couldn't hear anything, but I saw his gestures & the way the staff responded. They looked tense & upset. I wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble, so I told the waiter, if you're getting in trouble, just bring it all out at once, it's fine. But that moment stayed with me. I was there to enjoy a meal & instead I was watching the mood sour because I asked for basic service.
Then came the steak. When I ordered it, I emphasized clearly & more than once that I did not want any visible blood. I said I like it medium but on the well-done side, no blood at all. The waiter told me not to worry. But when the steak came out, it was exactly the way I said I didn't want it. At that point, I asked for it to be packed.
The waiter offered to speak to the manager & even suggested they could redo it, but I had already made up my mind. I told him to leave it. I already knew what the manager would do. & he did exactly that. Nothing. I was done by then. I didn't touch the steak. I gave it to my dog. That was a sixty-five dollar steak & honestly, he got the better deal.
Some of the food was decent. The gyoza & edamame were good, & I liked the gyoza sauce. But the salmon tataki wasn't what I expected. Usually tataki is juicy, light, flavorful, & slightly raw. This one was dry, thick, & just boring. Not bad, but nothing I'd come back for.
This wasn't the worst restaurant in the world, but it was my worst restaurant experience. Not because anyone screamed or acted outrageously, but because of the quiet way I felt judged, dismissed, & unwelcome. The staff were trying. The manager made it worse. His energy changed the whole night & left me feeling like I had to apologize for expecting the service I came to pay for.
The vibe said fine dining. The execution didn't get the memo.
I rarely write reviews like this. But this one matters. I won't be returning. & I wouldn't recommend Yama to anyone who values service, professionalism, or being treated with respect when they choose to treat themselves.
I wasn't looking for perfection. Just a thoughtful experience that matched the restaurant's own standards. What disappointed me wasn't the food. It was the energy & the way the situation was handled. No hard feelings. Just honest feedback.
Jun 2, 2025
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We ate here twice. Both times for breakfast as it was attached to the hotel we stayed for a long weekend.
The food is good. I ordered the bagel & yogurt bowl on separate days. They weren't bad. My 8 year old daughter wasn't a fan of the oatmeal. She normally loves oatmeal, but didn't like this one because it was sweet. She's used to oatmeal without added flavours.
As someone who is allergic to eggs, their breakfast options mostly all contained eggs. Fortunately, they had side items to add to the non-egg options on the menu.
The prices are a bit on the high side for what you get. However, I'm guessing that's a way to eat at the credit you get if you are Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond.
Okay the main thing that we loved about this place was our waiter's attention to detail, RON was the hero of this evening. We were having supper with our kids & he was very kind & attentive to their needs. You would find him holding the water bottle before we put the empty cup down. Once he saw the plates empty, the next meal was already coming to our table.
Then the food came & we understood the hype about this place. Everything was FRESH & tasty. We definitely are coming back for their sushi.
Live jazz was playing the place smelled so nice, the ambience & the decor was 10/10 & the large varieties on the me u was just the cherry on top.
Don't overthink, reserve your table.. you won't regret it.
Cet endroit a beaucoup de potentiel, mais malheureusement, le prix est fixé en fonction du cadre & du fait que ce soit dans un hôtel. Les portions du brunch sont minuscules & ni l'inflation ni la pandémie le justifie. Toute la carte pourrait facilement coûter 3-5$ de moins.
Avec de simples ajustements au niveau des quantités ou de l'originalité de la carte & cela pourrait devenir un incontournable vu le lieu & le service.
Notre serveuse Eliza etait la star de notre soirée! Charmante, bien informé & une belle raison pour revenir! La nourriture etait superbe, sushis fraiches, tres esthétiques. Je recommande!
J'ai été dîner & j'ai commandé le Japan Go & le Paradise. Des assiettes simples, savoureuses & bien présentées. Le service était excellent : à la fois professionnel & agréable ! Merci à Carla
Feb 27, 2025
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Yama, was a great experience for myself & family. Momo & staff are implacably professional & courteous.
It is a no brainer don't hesitate we'll worth the try.
If I would have the means I would plaster at every corner some signs on how great this place is.
I'm most definitely going back.
Un des serveurs nous a très bien conseillé sur la cuisine qu'il semblait très bien connaître de par ses origines japonaises. Service super agréable! Coup de coeur pour le plateau de sushis & les frites de patate douce croustillantes.
Si vous devez vous rendre au restaurant Yama, demandez Coco comme serveur il était aux petits soins! Merveilleux service. Nous avons passez un agréable moment.
