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Kazu

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A beloved Montreal spot for impeccable Japanese eats, from homemade tofu to unique eel wraps, offering a cozy atmosphere and an open kitchen.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Just before opening...

Kazu

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Montreal spot for impeccable Japanese eats, from homemade tofu to unique eel wraps, offering a cozy atmosphere and an open kitchen.

"Simply one of the best restaurants in Montreal and perhaps in all of Canada. Always worth the wait!"

TIP

Arrive Early or Wait

Limited seating means lines form early. Consider waiting at the bar for a show.

Sit at the Bar

Witness the kitchen's precise choreography and get personalized recommendations.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Japanese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+1 514-937-2333

Address

1844 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, Canada

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Japanese Flavors

Authentic Japanese Flavors

Experience true Japanese cuisine with unique dishes like smoked eel wraps and homemade tofu.

Cozy Atmosphere & Open Kitchen

Cozy Atmosphere & Open Kitchen

Enjoy a memorable meal in a cozy nook, with the added theater of an open kitchen.

The 'Tuna Salmon Bowl' Experience

The 'Tuna Salmon Bowl' Experience

This signature dish is a must-try, praised for its freshness and complex flavors.

TikTok
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I haven’t been in so long and it amazes me how good it is everytime😭 #montreal #montrealfood #mtl #mtltiktok #mtlfoodie #montrealfoodie #kazu #japanese #montrealjapanese #mtljapanesefood #montreallife
@steffie.chann
35.8K likes • 477K views

Arrive Early or Wait

Limited seating means lines form early. Consider waiting at the bar for a show.

Sit at the Bar

Witness the kitchen's precise choreography and get personalized recommendations.

I really wanted to gatekeep this one 🤫 — but Kazu in Montreal is hands down one of the best spots for your money. The beef ribs and salmon bowls are 🔥… so good I grabbed another order to-go. No reservations and usually a line, but trust me — it’s so worth the wait 😋 #foodie #MontrealEats #montreal #japanesefood #creatorsearchinsights #foodlover #gourmet
@_duo_a_table
106 likes • 2.1K views
Kazu Restaurant ... @Alishia 🦋 We tried this Japanese restaurant on St.Catherine near Concordia. After years of just walking by huge line ups outside. This is definitely worth it 👌 our bill was about $80 in total for all this it was delicious and satisfying the dishes are so light which allows you to try multiple items. presentation is beautiful not much seating but quick and ready service Sc...
@_jassxplores
30 likes • 768 views

Be Adventurous

Explore the diverse menu for authentic Japanese flavors beyond the usual.

Check Daily Specials

Many unique and rotating specials are posted on the walls.

This. Place. When I tell you I ran the moment I could finally go eat there again. 🤤🤤🤤 I dream about that tuna salmon bowl. 📍Kazu. #mtlfoodie #montreal #fyp #kazu
@ricewhine
35 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early or Wait

Limited seating means lines form early. Consider waiting at the bar for a show.

Sit at the Bar

Witness the kitchen's precise choreography and get personalized recommendations.

Be Adventurous

Explore the diverse menu for authentic Japanese flavors beyond the usual.

Check Daily Specials

Many unique and rotating specials are posted on the walls.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kazu is celebrated for its exceptional and authentic Japanese cuisine, with many highlighting the incredible flavors and freshness of the ingredients. The cozy ambiance and the theatre of the open kitchen also contribute to a memorable experience. However, the restaurant's popularity often leads to significant wait times, and some diners feel the portions can be small for the price.

"Simply one of the best restaurants in Montreal and perhaps in all of Canada.

The attention and passions put into each dish can be not only tasted, but felt. The operation of the staff is like a moving painting behind the counter- I strongly recommend sitting at the bar to witness it.

There is something simply special within these walls. Always worth the wait and be adventurous with your order!

On this visit my favourites were the smoked eel wraps and the vegetable croquettes."

Ryan Sullivan

"After 6 years, it’s still Kazu that tastes the best for its price range. The atmosphere suits seasoned foodies. I order some appetizers and mains. The dishes come quickly and are served one after another, very suitable for two people to share.

Price-wise, with tax and tip, it came to $160 for two people, and even for two people who worked out, it was a bit too much food.

We ordered:
• Fried green beans ($12) – generous portion and delicious.
• Sashimi platter ($28) – tasty, but a bit small; just enough to get a taste.
• Lamb chops ($27) – very good, portion was on the smaller side.
• Pork shoulder ($27) – tasty and very large portion, but the center part of the meat was a bit dry.
• Squid salad ($16) – delicious, moderate portion.
• Beef heart ($12) – tasty, portion slightly small.

Overall, it was a very satisfying experience. The flavors were complex and high-end. The pace was fast, and the staff were warm, friendly, and eager to recommend dishes and drinks. At the bar there are hooks for bags under the table which is super convenient. We arrived at 5pm and didn’t have to wait, but by the time we left at 6pm, a long line had already formed."

Zijian Wang (Kramer)

"3 words. Worth the wait.
The food here is absolutely fantastic. You may be greater by a 30-45 minute wait, but wow is it worth it. The Japanese curry is absolutely fantastic, and the beef ribs, amazing.
The service is really quick and friendly.
Perfect for a quick date night.
Recommend 10/10."

Anthony Greco

What People Like

Exceptional and authentic Japanese flavors
Cozy atmosphere with an engaging open kitchen
Fresh, high-quality ingredients

What People Dislike

Long wait times due to limited seating
Portion sizes sometimes considered small for the price

Frequently Asked Questions

Arriving right at opening (5:00 PM) or shortly after can help minimize wait times. Visiting on weekdays might also be less busy than weekends.

Google Review+1

Kazu does not accept reservations. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.

TikTok

The 'Tuna Salmon Bowl,' smoked eel wraps, homemade tofu, Japanese curry, and beef ribs are frequently recommended.

TikTokGoogle Review

It's a cozy, intimate setting with an open kitchen. Many enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the chefs at work.

Google Review

While the menu features many meat and seafood dishes, items like homemade tofu and some vegetable-based appetizers may be suitable for vegetarians. It's best to inquire directly.

Kazu is considered mid-range, offering good value for the high quality of food, though some dishes can add up.

6 Great Restaurants In Downtown MontrealGoogle Review

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Before the Shaughnessy Village restaurant boom, there was Kazu; a no-frills spot that has been drawing lines of hungry patrons young and old to its 30-seat corridor of a dining room since its inception nearly a decade ago. Recently, Kazu has expanded into a much larger (but no less charming) space next door, which allows for even more people to enjoy their modern Japanese fare—from okonomiyaki to shrimp burgers.

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Address: 1844 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, CanadaPhone:514-937-2333Website:kazumontreal.comDetails: $$, Japanese restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Montreal, Kazu is a remarkable Japanese restaurant that has gained a reputation for its exceptional dining experience. Despite the occasional wait for a table, every minute is worthwhile as guests indulge in delicious, fresh, and perfectly prepared food.

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Kazu is another famous restaurant in Montreal for its attractive ambiance, quality food, and affordable rates. Although Kazu is a small restaurant, it attracts many people, including families and friends. Eating your lunch in a cozy environment with painted walls and wooden interior décor will make you come back again and again.

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The beautiful and charming restaurant is always packed to the brim, offering creative Japanese delicacies at very low prices, in a fun and warm atmosphere. While the restaurant, in general, is casual, the quality of the dishes are quite sophisticated. Kazuo Akutsu is an excellent chef and makes one of the best ramens in town.

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Une publication partagée par Alison Slattery & Farah Khan (@twofoodphotographers). Kazu est l'un des restaurants les plus populaires en ville pour un festin à la japonaise à prix plus que raisonnables. Sur le menu du diner, on y trouve l'excellente soupe ramen pour laquelle les gens sont prêts à faire la file bien souvent.

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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (382 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5) - Type of cuisine: Japanese, Asian - Price: $$ - $$$ - Address: 1862 Saint Catherine w, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor

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When you get peckish, grab dinner and a drink at Kazu. Then catch bus 165 up the west side of the mountain and end your evening by walking to Saint Joseph’s Oratory and climbing the steps for an amazing sunset view.

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Kazu is probably unofficially Montreal's best Japanese restaurant. There's almost always a queue outside this izakaya: Japanese-style bar cum restaurant. And with good reason.

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Kazu (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide