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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Kazu

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.
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+1 514-937-2333
Address
1844 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, Canada
Website
kazumontreal.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
This signature dish is a must-try, praised for its freshness and complex flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Kazu does not accept reservations. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.
The 'Tuna Salmon Bowl,' smoked eel wraps, homemade tofu, Japanese curry, and beef ribs are frequently recommended.
It's a cozy, intimate setting with an open kitchen. Many enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the chefs at work.
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.
Mentioned in
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Best Japanese Restaurants Montreal
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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Popular Japanese restaurant Kazu is well-loved by locals, but the hole-in-the-wall joint still has the feeling of being an undiscovered gem. The restaurant serves up traditional Japanese fare in a casual, intimate setting. Luckily, the affordable prices mean you can try many small dishes without breaking the bank.
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What Wadjers are saying: If you’re ever wondering which restaurant people are lining up for in Montreal’s Chinatown around Concordia University, this Japanese restaurant is the reason, and that’s thanks to the level they’re cooking at. Wadju need to eat there: The tuna belly is an absolute must-eat when it’s available, but regular dishes like okonomiyaki with shrimp and the 48-hour sliced pork simmered in soy sauce served in a mildly sweet sauce are excellent as well.
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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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This restaurant has a delightfully original take on Japanese dishes. We suggest the Yaki Gyoza; the house Ramen; and the Chirashi-zushi, a raw tuna and fresh salmon sashimi, served with rice and marinated veggies. As the restaurant is just a few minutes by foot from the Saintlo Montréal hostel, you can order to go or have it delivered.
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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.
Les meilleurs ramens à Montréal
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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Pioneering Japanese fusion cuisine in Montreal, Kazu** gathers crowds for both lunch and dinner. While the restaurant is small, the intimacy amplifies the TLC that goes into the prep, service and dining experience. Original flavour profiles meet traditional dishes — go with anything tartar.
Highest-rated Asian Restaurants in Montreal, According to Tripadvisor
- 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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This is not the place for you if it’s comfort you’re looking for from your ramen experience. They don’t take reservations, and you might have to wait a while to get seated. Even once you do sit down, you’ll probably be pretty cramped.
50 Best Restaurants in Montreal, Canada for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1844 Saint-Catherine St WMontreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, Canada(514) 937-2333. In a small corner with an open kitchen, Kazu provides innovative Japanese cuisine dating back to 2010, including housemade tofu and shrimp burgers.
Best Restaurants in Montreal 2022: 20+ Top Places to Eat & Drink
Kazu is one of the best restaurants in Montreal for Japanese food. Cozy and intimate, this 20-seat restaurant is worth the guaranteed wait. The ambiance is lively and busy but the staff are incredibly warm and welcoming.
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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.
Places to go in Montréal for an authentic bowl of ramen
Known for its classic izakaya dishes, Restaurant Kazu also serves up a mean bowl of ramen. Home made noodles in a silky-smooth miso broth topped with braised pork belly and scallions will leave you craving for more.
Voici la liste des meilleurs restos de tapas à Montréal
Si tu es déjà allé manger au Kazu, tu comprends très bien pourquoi!. Quand on mange au Kazu, on a envie de pleurer tellement que c’est bon (sérieux)!. Une chose est certaine : si tu y vas une fois, t’es foutu.
Top 11 Bowls of Ramen in Montreal
People might not know that it has a shoyu ramen on their menu only available at lunch. The broth uses primarily pork bones that are boiled overnight. It has a thick consistency packed with flavours.
Best Japanese restaurant : montreal
Kazu I always found good, and it's seriously the only place in town that sort of feels like an actual Isakaya to me (though it's a bit pricier than isakaya food should be, but the food is good!).
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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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And with their always enormous queue, takeout is the best bet. Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday 12:00pm – 3:00pm/5:30pm – 9:30pm; Saturday 5:30pm – 9:30pm.
Montréal Casual Eats
Get your ramen fix at Kazu, your steaming bowls of pho at Pho Bang New York and book a table for Sunday Dim Sum at Maison Foo Lam.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit