Incredible Izakayas: 10 Best Montreal’s Beer- and Sake-Soaked Japanese Pubs And More
With a wide variety of food, drinks, and sake, Izakaya are ideal places to spend time with friends after a long day of work or school.
The izakaya scene is exploding in Montreal, thanks in large part to the proliferation of breweries and sake houses.
From hip, neighborhood spots to divey drinking dens in the city’s back streets, these are the 10 best izakaya in Montreal. (And we haven’t even scratched the surface!)
Incredible Izakayas: Montreal’s Best Beer- and Sake-Soaked Japanese Pubs
1. Kinoya Izakaya
Address: 4250 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2J 2K8, Canada
Phone: (514) 508-5200
Website: Visit Website
Near the corner of St. Denis and rue Rachel lies Kinoya, a hip little izakaya decked up in wooden panels and faux graffiti (not to be mistaken with the recently opened Kinoya Kushi Bar, which is from the same proprietors).
Gyoza, yakitori, karaage, and takoyaki are just few of the many mainstays offered at this establishment. You may have delicious bentos and ramen there for lunch.
2. Ichigo Ichie
Address: 360 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1E9, Canada
Phone: (514) 282-0009
Website: Visit Website
You can get anything from carbonara udon to negipon takoyaki (octopus balls covered in scallions) and butabara at Ichigo Ichie, a popular restaurant on the Plateau (grilled pork belly skewers).
Order a bowl of tonkotsu ramen from Yokato Yokabai next door if you’re feeling very adventurous (the ramen is sometimes served on the Ichigo Ichie side, too).
3. Noren
Address: 77 Rue Rachel O, Montréal, QC H2W 1G2, Canada
Phone: (514) 397-1141
Website: Visit Website
Although this establishment is more akin to a homey Japanese eatery than a bustling tavern, the takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancake) served alongside salad and dessert are quintessential izakaya food.
It specializes on takoyaki, which are among the best in the city, and does them very well.
Curries, udon bowls, and donburi are just a few examples of the weekly specialties offered, and you can find out more about these and other offerings by visiting their Facebook page.
4. Bistro Japonais Furusato
Address: 2137 Rue de Bleury, Montréal, QC H3A 2K2, Canada
Phone: (514) 849-3438
This cozy downtown restaurant is one of the city’s oldest Japanese restaurants and seems more like a casual café than an izakaya, although it does offer a number of dishes in the izakaya style.
Customers frequent the establishment for the variety of basic comfort foods available, including donburi (rice bowls), sukiyaki, hot and cold udon, and more.
There are few nicer places to be on a wet night than inside with some good company, some soothing music, and a pitcher of warm sake.
5. Biiru
Address: 1433 Rue City Councillors, Montréal, QC H3A 2E4, Canada
Phone: (514) 903-1555
Website: Visit Website
Biiru’s modern atmosphere and inventive menu appeal to a younger clientele.
Dishes like spam katsu sandos, candied salmon bonbons, and grilled corn with miso sour cream and parmesan will be served alongside the standard fare. The gorgeous wooden terrace is the place to be in the summer.
6. Hanzo
Address: 417 Rue Saint Nicolas, Montréal, QC H2Y 2P4, Canada
Phone: (514) 543-6400
Website: Visit Website
The ‘Crazy 88’ battle sequence in Kill Bill served as inspiration for this izakaya in Old Montreal from Yann Levy (also of Biiru) and chef Nick Liu (previously of Toronto’s DaiLo) (well, at least in the decor).
It’s a lively place with neon touches, perfect for gatherings of friends or family. Tender marinated duck heart yakitori skewers and “KFC” are two of the most popular items (konbini-style fried chicken served with a aji amarillo aioli).
7. Otto Yakitori
Address: 1441 Rue Saint Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2M4, Canada
Phone: (514) 507-8886
Website: Visit Website
Hanhak Kim and Hiroshi Kitano, who spent a decade working in New York’s Japanese restaurants, manage Otto, located near Concordia in the unofficial “other” Chinatown.
Charcoal-grilled yakitori is the house specialty, and all sections of the chicken, from sweet soy-glazed tsukune (chicken meatballs) to a crispy skin yakitori choice, are prepared with the same care and reverence.
The chicken oysters are in short supply, so if you see them, order them. The black flesh on the back of the thigh is widely regarded as the juiciest and most flavorful cut of poultry.
8. Kinka Izakaya
Address: 1624 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 2S7, Canada
Phone: (514) 750-1624
Website: Visit Website
The Montreal franchise, located in the trendy Faubourg Sainte-Catherine neighborhood, is a prime example of why Kinka has been so successful.
The chain originally launched in Toronto and has since expanded as far as Seoul. Popular items on the menu include ponzu-dressed tuna tataki, baked oysters, and oshizushi (pressed sushi).
9. Kazu
Address: 1862 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada
Phone: (514) 937-2333
Website: Visit Website
It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter; this little hole-in-the-wall always has a queue out the door because of the contemporary spin on Japanese cuisine found on the menu.
Which features items like delicious grilled salmon belly and the gorgeous 48-hour pork bowl.
We recommend the handmade tofu that is served only on Sundays. Sundays and Mondays are off limits as well. Warning: the eatery will shortly be relocating to a larger facility.
10. Imadake Izakaya
Address: 4006 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Westmount, QC H3Z 1P2, Canada
Phone: (514) 931-8833
Website: Visit Website
The ambiance of a traditional izakaya like Imadake is just as essential as the food and drink. Japanese food, sake bombs, and impromptu karaoke can all be found in one of Montreal’s earliest bars with a Japanese focus.
You may leave mumbling and smelling like fried chicken skin, but you’ll be well-fed, buzzed, and delighted.
[Bonus] Best Japanese food and restaurants in Montreal
1. Jun I
Address: 156 Av. Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N7, Canada
Website: http://www.juni.ca/
This incredible restaurant treats sushi as if it were a piece of art, which is why you must visit. Several times, Jun I has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants.
2. Kazu
Address: 1844 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, Canada
Website: http://www.kazumontreal.com/
Where I eat most often when I’m in Montréal. The food is prepared and served right in front of your eyes, so it’s always hot and fresh, and the service is impeccable.
My favorite is the salmon and tuna bowl, but I’ve also enjoyed many of the other options. I think it’s important to be patient and wait in lines occasionally.
3. KINKA IZAKAYA MONTREAL
Address: 1624 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 2S7, Canada
Website: http://www.kinka.com/
At least 20 times since it first opened, I’ve dined at this establishment. It’s perfect for intimate gatherings and any event, provided that you don’t need complete silence.
You can see that a lot of thought went into making this dish representative of an Izakaya. The prices are low, and there is always something new to try on the menu. Strongly suggested
4. Kyo Bar Japonais
Address: 711 Côte de la Place d’Armes, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2X6, Canada
Website: http://www.kyobar.com/
The atmosphere at this izakaya, a type of Japanese café, is a perfect synthesis of modernity and traditionalism, with its emphasis on ease and elegance.
Featuring foods that may be prepared with ingredients purchased from the market. Sushi, Japanese, and Japanese Restaurants
5. Restaurant Sho-dan
Address: 2020 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3A 1X8, Canada
Website: https://www.sho-dan.com/
A really unique spot for any dinner or soup occasion. A five-star dining experience not to be missed. Congratulations on the creative plating and delicious originality of their sushi dishes.
6. Jatoba
Address: 1184 R. du Square-Phillips, Montreal, Quebec H3B 3C8, Canada
Website: http://www.jatobamontreal.com/
Restaurant with a Terrace, Happy Hour, Happy Orders, Happy Sushi, Happy Japanese, and Happy Fusion.
Jatoba, located in a historic building in the middle of Montreal, is a great spot for both work meals and special occasions. Sushi, Japanese, and Japanese Restaurants
7. Hanzo Izakaya
Address: 417 Rue Saint-Nicolas, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2P4, Canada
Website: http://hanzoizakaya.ca/
I like the atmosphere a lot, the lighting and everything. The beef and cheese skewer is my favorite, followed by the shiitake mushroom with truffle oil; the restaurant is great for group meals.
8. Ryu
Address: 1474 Peel St, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1S8, Canada
Website: http://www.ryusushi.ca/
Getting your last sushi fix before taking off is a must, and Ryu has grown so legendary in the Montreal restaurant industry that it even has a presence in the airport.
9. Tri Express
Address: 1650 Laurier Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1J2, Canada
Website: https://www.familytri.ca/
I had never had Sushi or Sashimi before, but the innovative method they serve it in here, along with the amazing sauce, made me a fan. Even more opinions
10. Restaurant Mikado
Address: 399 Av. Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2V 2K3, Canada
Website: http://www.mikadomontreal.com/
Minh and Alex truly took care of us, thank you for making our wonderful event even more amazing. The quality of the cuisine is amazing, presentation is phenomenal and service is superb.
This is the finest sushi I’ve tasted and I eat a lot of sushi! The ingredients utilized were organic, fresh and highly tasty.
We ordered tuna royal, syake, hotategai epice, unagi Nigiri, miss saigon roll, salmon nigiri, neigi hamachi roll, chardonnay roll. Definitely a must visit when in Montreal!
11. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Address: 1255 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B1, Canada
Website: http://www.gyu-kaku.com/montreal
The cuisine is excellent, and the service is excellent (very pleasant employees), thus the moderate price tag is justified. This is a great spot for meat lovers. They provide a wide selection of beverages, and all of them are top-notch. Absolutely everyone who visits will return and tell their friends.
12. OSMO X MARUSAN Café-Terrasse
Address: 51 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1X2, Canada
Website: http://marusan.ca/
San Francisco in the design; Japan in the cuisine; France in the pastry; and Chicago in the music.
13. Restaurant Nozy
Address: 3568 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1P4, Canada
Website: https://order.chkplzapp.com/restaurant-nozy/menus
An unpretentious Japanese eatery with a “meal-set” menu that frequently includes sushi and other hot and cold dishes.
14. Karin Japanese Restaurant
Address: 5332 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T7, Canada
Website: https://14yumail.wixsite.com/karin
It was for my birthday, so the whole family came. It’s a nice, intimate Japanese restaurant, and the menu for four people (plus one) had more than enough food.
The sashimi was fresh, the tempura nice and the grilled saba fish was amazing! We couldn’t finish the udon, we ate too much already!!!
The staff was really kind and helpful. For those who enjoy Japanese cuisine, I wholeheartedly endorse a visit here.
15. Beni Hana Cuisine Japonaise
Address: 5666 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1N 1A1, Canada
Website: http://www.benihanamontreal.com/
There are teppanyaki grills where the chefs put on a show, and a another section where sushi and other Japanese dishes may be enjoyed.
16. Nippon Sushi
Address: 1104 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3K1, Canada
Incredible sushi restaurant. operated by a pleasant father and daughter team. I really dug the lo-fi soundscape and the bare-bones decor. excellent strongly recommended!
17. Sushi Momo
Address: 3609 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3L6, Canada
Website: http://www.sushimomo.ca/
Why You Should Eat There: Sushi Momo is widely considered to be among the best sushi restaurants in the city, and for good reason.
Conclusion
Japanese food and drinks are always fun to try. If you ever find yourself craving Japanese food or want to know what the best places to eat are, check out our list of the 10 best Japanese Izakaya restaurants in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
We compiled this list by visiting all of the best izakayas in Montreal. We tried to visit a wide variety of restaurants in order to give our readers the most accurate information possible.
