Montreal's Japanese dining scene has evolved far beyond basic sushi shops. From authentic omakase counters to buzzing izakayas, the city now rivals major food capitals for authentic Japanese flavors.
These ten standouts span from intimate Mile End hideaways to bustling downtown grills. Each offers something distinct, whether it's knife-work precision, smoky yakitori, or that perfect late-night izakaya energy Montreal craves.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Nama Omakase — Omakase Perfection
- Bistro Isakaya — Cozy Izakaya Soul
- Kyodai Izakaya — Yakitori Counter Magic
- Misoya – Cuisine Japonaise Et Coréenne — Korean-Japanese Fusion
- Ichigo Ichie — Intimate Neighborhood Spot
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ — Tabletop BBQ Theater
- Nozy — Donburi Bowl Masters
- Kazu — Four-Day Obsession
- YEN Cuisine Japonaise — Classic Sushi Haven
- Otto — Elevated Small Plates
1. Nama Omakase
✨ Best for: Omakase Perfection
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Nama delivers the kind of omakase experience that makes sushi purists weep with joy. The intimate counter seats just a handful of diners who surrender completely to the chef's vision. Each piece of nigiri showcases pristine fish flown in from Japan, shaped with rice at perfect body temperature. The progression builds thoughtfully from delicate white fish to rich toro, punctuated by seasonal surprises. This is destination dining for those who understand that great sushi is about trust, timing, and technique.
Must-Order:
OmakaseSushiSashimi
Insider Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, as the intimate dining room fills up quickly. Be sure to arrive on time to fully enjoy the carefully curated omakase experience.
2. Bistro Isakaya
✨ Best for: Cozy Izakaya Soul
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Bistro Isakaya captures the after-work energy of Tokyo's drinking districts in a cozy Montreal setting. The tempura arrives impossibly light and crispy, while the sushi maintains traditional proportions often lost in North American interpretations. But it's the izakaya small plates that truly shine – think perfectly charred chicken skin, silky chawanmushi, and pickles that cut through rich flavors. The sake list runs deep, and regulars know to pair the bolder junmai with the grilled items.
Must-Order:
TempuraSushiIzakaya Small Plates
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a table in the cozy, intimate dining room. The restaurant is popular with locals, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
3. Kyodai Izakaya
✨ Best for: Yakitori Counter Magic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.9 · $
Kyodai Izakaya revolves around its open charcoal grill, where skewers of chicken, pork, and vegetables get kissed by smoke. The yakitori here follows traditional Japanese proportions – smaller, more intensely flavored than the supersized versions found elsewhere. The chawanmushi arrives as a perfect savory custard studded with shrimp and mushrooms, while the okonomiyaki offers that satisfying contrast of crispy edges and creamy center. Counter seats provide the best show as chefs work the flames with practiced precision.
Must-Order:
Yakitori SkewersChawanmushiOkonomiyaki
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a seat at the intimate counter and watch the chefs in action.
4. Misoya – Cuisine Japonaise Et Coréenne
✨ Best for: Korean-Japanese Fusion
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $$
Misoya bridges Japanese and Korean cuisines with confident execution that pleases both camps. The sushi maintains Japanese standards while Korean dishes like bulgogi bring serious heat and fermented funk via house-made kimchi. This dual-concept approach could feel scattered, but the kitchen handles both cuisines with equal skill. The result attracts adventurous eaters who want Korean barbecue heat followed by clean sushi palate cleansers. It's fusion done right through technique rather than gimmicks.
Must-Order:
SushiBulgogiKimchi
Insider Tip: Arrive early or make reservations, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
View Misoya – Cuisine Japonaise Et Coréenne →
5. Ichigo Ichie
✨ Best for: Intimate Neighborhood Spot
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$
Ichigo Ichie operates as the neighborhood's quiet Japanese secret, tucked away with just thirty seats that fill nightly with locals. The salmon preparations showcase different cuts and cooking methods, from buttery sashimi to crispy-skinned grilled portions. The chicken karaage delivers that perfect Japanese fried chicken experience – incredibly light batter concealing juicy meat. The limited space creates intimacy but also means reservations or early arrival are essential for experiencing this understated gem.
Must-Order:
SalmonChicken KaraageSeasonal Specials
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure one of the limited 30 seats in the cozy dining room.
6. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
✨ Best for: Tabletop BBQ Theater
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$$
Gyu-Kaku transforms dining into interactive theater with tabletop grills that let diners control their own Japanese barbecue experience. The wagyu beef arrives beautifully marbled, sizzling to perfection over individual burners. Pork belly renders slowly while chicken yakitori chars at the edges. The house sauces elevate every bite – tangy tare, spicy miso, and citrusy ponzu. Groups gather around the grills, creating a social energy that separates this from quieter Japanese dining experiences.
Must-Order:
Wagyu BeefPork BellyChicken Yakitori
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a prime spot around the tabletop grills, and be sure to try the signature sauces for maximum flavor.
7. Nozy
✨ Best for: Donburi Bowl Masters
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$
Nozy specializes in donburi bowls that transform simple ingredients into deeply satisfying meals. The uni don showcases pristine sea urchin over seasoned sushi rice, while chirashi bowls arrange colorful sashimi like edible art. The takoyaki brings Osaka street food energy with crispy exteriors giving way to molten octopus centers. Limited seating means peak times require patience, but the payoff comes in bowls that demonstrate Japanese comfort food at its most refined.
Must-Order:
Uni DonChirashi BowlTakoyaki
Insider Tip: Arrive early for lunch to secure a table, as Nozy is a popular spot with limited seating.
8. Kazu
✨ Best for: Four-Day Obsession
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.3 · $$
Kazu operates on its own mysterious schedule – just four days a week – but delivers experiences that justify the limited availability. The toro sashimi melts like butter while the signature Kazu roll combines traditional technique with creative flair. Beef tataki arrives perfectly seared outside, ruby red within, while pork belly buns offer pillowy soft bread cradling rich, slow-braised meat. The abbreviated schedule creates urgency that matches the kitchen's intense focus on quality over quantity.
Must-Order:
Toro SashimiKazu RollPork Belly Buns
Insider Tip: Arrive early as Kazu is open just four days a week and fills up quickly. Reservations are highly recommended.
9. YEN Cuisine Japonaise
✨ Best for: Classic Sushi Haven
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.2 · $$
YEN Cuisine Japonaise covers the Japanese classics with reliable execution that satisfies both sushi beginners and experienced diners. The sashimi showcases quality fish cutting, while sushi rolls balance traditional and contemporary styles. The ramen brings proper depth through long-simmered broths, and teriyaki dishes caramelize beautifully without oversweetening. The open kitchen provides transparency, and the varied menu ensures groups with different preferences can all find satisfaction under one roof.
Must-Order:
SashimiSushi RollsRamen
Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid the dinner rush and secure a table with a view of the open kitchen.
10. Otto
✨ Best for: Elevated Small Plates
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.2 · $
Otto elevates Japanese small plates with techniques that respect tradition while embracing local ingredients. The tuna tataki gets seared to create textural contrast, while pork belly buns marry Asian flavors with Western bread traditions. Seasonal sashimi changes with availability, and the miso-glazed black cod demonstrates how Japanese marinades transform delicate fish. The compact menu focuses on execution over variety, with each dish representing hours of behind-the-scenes preparation for seemingly simple presentations.
Must-Order:
Tuna TatakiPork Belly BunsMiso-Glazed Black Cod
Insider Tip: Arrive early or make reservations, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Tips for Finding Great Japanese Food in Montreal
Counter Seating Priority: At authentic Japanese restaurants, counter seats offer the best experience. You'll watch knife work, interact with chefs, and often get special off-menu items.
Omakase Etiquette: When ordering omakase, trust the chef completely and eat each piece immediately as served. Don't save pieces or rearrange the progression – timing is everything.
Sake Temperature Matters: Quality sake should be served slightly chilled, not ice cold. Ask your server for recommendations based on your food choices rather than ordering blindly.
Peak Time Strategy: Many top Japanese spots have limited seating and don't take reservations. Arrive right at opening or be prepared to wait during prime dinner hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We curated these selections by analyzing ratings, consistency, and authentic Japanese cooking techniques. Local food enthusiasts and review patterns helped identify restaurants that truly understand Japanese flavors rather than just offering Westernized interpretations.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
