How does TastyPals choose the best japanese restaurants in Montreal?

We evaluate japanese restaurants in Montreal on food quality, room tone, price, and whether the experience holds up for real dining plans — not just the places with the most Google reviews. This list is anchored by Kazu alongside Nikkei MTL and Ichigo Ichie Izakaya, chosen through editorial review and cross-referenced against neighbourhood context and guest ratings. Read our full methodology at tastypals.com/methodology.

GuideUpdated July 15, 2026

15 Best Japanese Restaurants in Montreal

Q: What are the best japanese restaurants in Montreal?

Kazu is our top pick in Montreal. Kazu operates on the premise that cuisine borders are a little boring, and at price level one in Downtown Montreal, it's hard to argue with the results. The menu runs Korean short ribs alongside Japanese-influenced bowls and a shrimp burger that, by most logic, shouldn't belong anywhere near either — and yet diners consistently report that the whole thing coheres around a clear point of view rather than reading like a brainstorm that got out of hand. This is the kind of place that attracts people who grew up eating across multiple culinary traditions and stopped being interested in restaurants that treat fusion as either a dirty word or a marketing angle. The Beef Kalbi Plate is widely cited as the anchor: Korean-marinated short ribs known for that sweet-savory depth that comes from a proper marinade and time. The 48 Hours Pork Bowl is the menu's most literal statement of intent — the name alone tells you the kitchen takes the process seriously, and the dish has a reputation for the kind of pork that yields completely, served in a broth that regulars describe as dense and rich. The Okonomiyaki earns consistent attention as an overperformer at this price point, a Japanese savory pancake that reportedly justifies its place on a menu that could easily have left it out. The Shrimp Burger is the wild card — an item that sounds like a category error but has developed something of a following among people who came for the pork bowl and left talking about the burger. Practically: lunch is the move if you want the room at its most relaxed. The pairing that comes up most often among regulars is the 48 Hours Pork Bowl alongside the Okonomiyaki — order both, resist the urge to keep adding. Evenings skew walk-in heavy, so arrive early if you have a preference about where you sit. Other strong options include Nikkei MTL and Ichigo Ichie Izakaya.

The 15 best japanese restaurants in Montreal, sorted by rating and curated by TastyPals editors.

The best japanese restaurants in Montreal are Kazu, Nikkei MTL, Ichigo Ichie Izakaya, and more. Start with Kazu if you want the strongest overall first pick.

By Yuki Tanaka•14 ranked picks•Published July 15, 2026•Updated July 15, 2026

Methodology•Editorial team

Kazu Nikkei MTL Ichigo Ichie Izakaya

15 Best Japanese Restaurants in Montreal

Google

Top picks at a glance

#1KazuJapanese • Downtown • value #2Nikkei MTLJapanese • Outremont • splurge #3Ichigo Ichie IzakayaJapanese • Plateau • value

Who this guide is for

This guide covers the highest-rated japanese restaurants in Montreal. The picks are sorted by Google rating and review volume to give you a reliable shortlist. Picks span Downtown, Outremont and Plateau.