- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Kazu
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
1862, Rue Sainte-Catherine OuestMontréal, QC H3H 1M1
(514) 937-2333
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 3 pm
Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
57 reviews for Kazu
Review Highlights
-
"Dear Salmon Tuna Bowl, I miss you." In 2 reviews -
"...such knockouts as bbq pork neck, grilled tuna belly..." In 3 reviews -
"It really feels like a true Japanese izakaya (seriously." In 8 reviews
Loading...
56 reviews in English
-
Review from Sharm D.
4/1/2012
Worth the lineup and the wait, especially for the ramen bowl.
I frequent this restaurant quite often and can say with confidence that everything is very good save for one item which is simply outstanding. Yes, the 48 hour stew, the salmon-tuna bowl, the shrimp burger, the earl grey ice cream, are all tasty, but only get a 3.5/5. It is the RAMEN alone which warrants a 5/5 for this restaurant. Nevermind the lineup or the dingy interior, the RAMEN makes this place an absolute gem.
This may not a place to take a girl out on a first date if you're looking for ambiance (or if she likes to wear heels, because trust me, this you'll have to wait outside in line), but this place resonates with friendly charm. This is a very small and crowded wood-paneled restaurant. Quite dumpy, to be honest, but the cheerful and upbeat staff make the place warm and extremely charming. Even the worn pieces of paper with handwritten menu items are funny and add to the charm of the place. An added bonus is that we can see Kazu, the owner and head chef of the restaurant, cook meals up right in front of our eyes (that is, if you're sitting at the bar).
What's unfortunate about this place is that it takes no reservations and that the ramen, undeniably the best item on the menu, is only served at lunch time. I get cravings for the ramen at all hours of the day, and I would certainly visit this place even MORE often if the ramen were served for dinner (heck, I'd even eat it for breakfast).
Finally, this is a wonderful place to go if you want an absolutely stellar soup or a solid meal. The presentation of the food is wonderful, and the staff are delightful. You'll never leave without a smile because the whole staff will yell "ARIGATO GOZAIMASU" and you'll certainly want to yell it back, as the food is really THAT good. -
Review from Tuan L.
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about Japanese food in Montreal, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to try Kazu. Kazu is a relatively small and narrow so seating is a bit limited, however, I think it's what makes it unique. With the restaurant being so compact it's hard not too feel the energy all around you. My friend and I were lucky to get a seat without having to wait, but just seconds after we arrived there was a line forming for a table. Given it's limited seating, it's definitely not a good place for large groups. I assume the wait time can be hit or miss.
The menu is not extensive but there is a good variety. From their rice dishes to ramen, you should be able to find something that will satisfy your pallet. What is also unique is the menu items posted on the walls with what appears to be sticky notes.
The ramen I ordered was really good, close to being perfect with the exception of the noodles. The broth alone was bliss. It had a depth of flavor and was not too salty. The chasu or otherwise known as pork was absolutely tender and fatty. The chasu came in a pair and just melted in my mouth. They were so good I had had to strategically portion each bite so I could savior it.
If I ever return to Montreal, I would definitely come back to Kazu. -
Review from Max L.
Wow wow wow!
I've been in Montreal for almost 2 years and had never even heard of this place!
When I decided to venture there on my own one night, it was -8C and a substantial line OUTSIDE (and apparently one of the shortest lines seen in a long time)! I waited my turn patiently and finally grabbed a seat at the end of the bar.
As per Magdalena O's directions, I ordered the Gyoza, tuna bowl, sake ice cream and a bottle of sake. I loved sitting at the bar a feeling the energy of the cooks whipping up delicious dishes in such a tiny space!
The sake came in it's standard ceramic bottle, but the drinking glass was simply a piece of bamboo, a great touch! It was a little odd to drink from, but enjoyable nonetheless!
The gyoza was simply phenomenal. I am a self proclaimed dumpling whore and have sample them in China, Japan, Thailand, and everywhere in between. I can honestly say these were probably the best I have EVER had.
The Salmon Tuna bowl was MASSIVE. Coming in a bowl I could easily use as a helmet, it was topped with a giant ball of crunchy noodles. After some digging and crushing, I was very pleased by the very unique combination of textures, flavors, and ingredients in the bowl. Despite its size, it was licked clean.
The sake ice cream was soft, creamy, delicious and alcoholic! A very small serving, but just enough to round out a great meal.
The wait can be daunting (especially in better weather) and may scare off those not willing to earn an amazing meal, but it is certainly worth it! One meal was enough to rocket Kazu to the top of my favorite restaurants in Montreal without question.
Long story short, go, be patient, enjoy, imbibe and drink in everything Kazu has to offer! -
Review from Meri F.
5/15/2012
The best service we got here in Montreal! The servers were incredibly nice, made me feel so welcomed. They were quick to get us a table, take our order, and bring us our order. I ordered the salmon-tuna bowl, and my husband ordered the ramen. We were planning on switching after we were done eating half of each. But when the halfway mark came, I couldn't forfeit my salmon-tuna bowl--it was TOO good! The flavor, the crunch from the lettuce and fried crispies, the tender fish... ahhh, it was a harmonious combination. VERY VERY delicious! Wish I had a bowl right now! And you're paying about $15 for each entry, but it comes with a side of either soup or salad, and the bowl is HUGE. And have the rice tea, it compliments the experience very well. (And yeah, it's tight in there, but don't let that turn you off from trying it. Good things often times do come in small packages.)
-
Review from Christopher H.
2/20/2012
If you're not already standing in line, stop reading this review and go stand in line outside of Kazu. There will be plenty of time to read this review there.
OK - Standing in line? Good. Relax. Be patient. You'll have some time to read this and probably every other review on Yelp.
I wound there with a couple of friends on a random Thursday night. The friend that took us there said it was about a "20 minute walk". 40 minutes later we were there. And hungry. And more than a bit cranky.
After standing around for a while, we finally got a menu and I discovered at that point this was not a sushi joint as promised. More crankiness ensued.
We were finally getting wedged into a table next to the door with the perfect amount of cross breeze to keep me nice and cold. Crankiness level 10.
At this point I was basically over the whole experience.
And then we got food.
The skies opened and sun shone down. Wars ceased to be fought. Diseases were cured. And the world became a better place for every boy and for every girl.
We went through about 5 rounds of food. Their pancakes. Their rice bowls. Their sashimi dishes. All amazing.
And then the shrimp burger. To say this thing is orgasmic is to do this shrimp burger an injustice.
Plan to stand in line for a long time. Plan to be crammed into a tiny divey restaurant.
Plan for a very friendly waitstaff and amazing food.
Are you standing in line yet? If not - Go already! -
Review from Matthew S.
2/19/2012
Excellent food!
Well worth waiting in line for.
This place doesn't take reservations.
Everything is good on the menu.
Try their matcha ice milk dessert, it's excellent. -
Review from Alex N.
Montréal, QC
4/10/2012
We got take out and it was wonderful. Great tuna bowl and fried dumplings!.
-
Review from Corona W.
2/22/2012
This review isn't for the food but for the line outside this establishment. For a tiny place, there had to be a line of people three times the width of this restaurant out the door. It was insane. My boyfriend and I were really looking forward to try this place but we were both starving and it was freezing cold outside. If you've read the other reviews below - they aren't kidding about the freaking line.
The place itself is much smaller than I expected, reminding me of some of the noodle soups I saw while I was in LA (small, crowded- wooden tables, wooden stools). We were there before 7, on a Sunday night, and the line was already massive. Based on other reviews, I think we'll try to get there earlier next time...Maybe one day, I will get a taste of what is Kazu. -
Review from Sammy B.
1/26/2012
I was kind of skeptical about this place and in a grumpy mood as I had to wait in the cold, freezing my toes off. But, OH_MY_GAWD. Their grilled salmon belly is the best piece of salmon I have ever had in my LIOFE! It's been two weeks since I've had it and I still salivate when thinking about it... Gah gah..... I was literally saying "MMMMMMM" out loud as I was eating, not realizing what I was doing until all three people at the table next to me looked over. Yo, what can I say, shit is mad good!
The salmon/tuna bowl is pretty tasty for someone who wants a fresher, lighter meal.
The shrimp burger is good too, a bit messy to eat.
But the grilled salmon belly and the grilled pork neck bones that are only offered during dinner, that's where IT_IS_AT.
I can't wait to visit Montreal again to eat that dish again....
Oh, and compared to NYC prices, this place is not pricey at all. A huge bowl of grilled pork neck bones was only $15! And my heavenly grilled salmon belly, though not plentiful, was definitely worth more than $15! -
Review from Magdalena O.
Montréal, QC
12/2/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Just go there. Order some sake. Order any appetizer. Order the Tuna Bowl. Order the ice cream (I prefer sake or matcha flavour). Have one of life's culinary fantasies fulfilled.
I'm not kidding. This place is amazing. Sure. you'll wait over an hour to get in because they don't take reservations. Sure, you will be squished while you eat, but it won't matter because everything is so delicious, the staff is so friendly, and you are in one of the most fun places in town.
Seriously.Listed in: Gluten and Wheat Free Montréal
-
Review from Christal Y.
1/7/2012
Dayum, this place is amazing. So pricey, but the food is absolutely delish because it's freshly cooked, seasoned and made right in front of you.
Come early (opens at 5:30) for dinner to avoid long lines. If you miss the first round of people getting in, I promise you it will be at least an hour wait. It's not your expected traditional Japanese food - it's cooked Japanese food like gyozas, okonomiyaki, nabeyaki soup - seriously, the good salty stuff.
Order anything off the menu, people all around me ordered a variety from Tuna/Salmon Bowl to the Shrimp burger.
I shared a nabeyaki, tuna/salmon bowl and an okonomiyaki with a friend. My okonomiyaki was really big, but undercooked :( Nevertheless, it was good - but undercooked (docked a star for that) so the middle was kind of pasty and sicky - however, the nabeyaki and tuna/salmon bowl was divine.
Nabeyaki was tasty, the meats were good and the tofu was love - soft and silky. The bowl: Perfect amount of fish and crunchiness in the bowl, it had great texture - and was HUGE - so filling. Really, you are paying for your worth.
Last of all - GET THE ICECREAM. I don't know what you're thinking if you leave without dessert because this ice cream reminds me of the ice-cream I ate in Japan on top of a freaking mountain. The soft ice cream is very milky and creamy. It makes you believe that they use the best of the best ice cream. And they have a variety of flavors, but my friend and I tried Earl Grey and Green tea. It's a really crunchy, tastey powder that flavors the ice cream, almost like cookies.
yum, definitely the place to try while you're in Montreal! -
Review from Beni D.
Calgary, AB
2/11/2012
Shrimp burger good.
48 porc bowl good.
ramen good.
ice cream good. -
Review from Cently R.
Montréal, QC
12/3/2011
this place is charming, authentic and delicious! Like most good places in Montreal it is small, but once inside the food comes very quickly and the service is friendly and attentive. Now it's kind of too expensive for what it is. We paid $70 to feed 2 people, one big beer each.
No sushi here, just sashimi, so keep that in mind.
In L.A. I lived in little tokyo and this place stands up to all the restaurants there but the down fall is how much more expensive it is here than L.A.
Still worth the money, and the 5 stars because Montreal doesn't offer great Japanese food like this often.
GO but be prepared to wait! -
Review from John K.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2012
I fell in love with this kind of restaurant in Japan 20 years ago, and discovering Kazu was like finding out you CAN go home again, and its even better the second time. Yes there is a lineup. Of course there is a lineup! Food and social heaven, is this place. Wait in the line. Endure the crowd. There is nothing else like this in the whole country. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
-
Review from Mathieu B.
Roxboro, QC
Updated - 11/18/2011
Francais ensuite
Japanese food is new for you? You're kind of affraid to try something else than Sushi? Kazu offers typical japanese pub food. your typical middle class restaurant. So there's nolhing pretentious about this restaurant. It's a really small restaurant so it's isn't advised for large group. Not only that but it's so popular that there's some decent lineup that may take over 1-2 hours of wait outside. Today was pretty cold, so you get that this is a good place when you're willing to wait 1-2h outside.
What to try? Everything! I'm not kidding. In my humble opinion the most complex and well search meal is the Japanese pancake with shrimp. Amazing! Try the octopus and Takiyaki. The Onigiri (seasoned rice balls) is really good with the little marinated veggie that comes with it. Ramen I was told is pretty darn good. I tried the Don Budo or basically the 48 hours pork-onion stew with rice; amazin flavours. I like to go there with 2 persons. Those are meal that a fun to split in two and share. It's the same staff as last year so it is a experienced staff and to keep it together with that much people waiting, kodoos!
Vous n'avez jamais essayé de nourriture japonaise? Vous aimeriez essayez quelque chose de nouveau mais vous avez un peu peur ? C'est un peu le cas de mon ami avec qui j'étais. Kazu c'est le repas du japonais de classe moyenne. Ce n'est pas cher, des recettes sans prétention et à mon avis, des plats qui se prêtent très bien au palet d'un habitué de nourriture occidentale. Enfin c'est un restaurant qui est FORTEMENT RECOMMANDÉ d'arrivé 30 minutes avant l'ouverture.
Qu'essayez? TOUT! Je ne blague pas. À mon humble opinion le plat le plus complexe et plus sublime de la soirée c'était la crêpe japonaise aux crevettes. Ça venait avec une salades de cressons et de mescluns avec une vinaigrette sublime. Sinon le Takiyaki le Onigiri, la pieuvre grillée. Tous des mets génial. C'est définitivement un endroit ou y aller en petit groupe de 2-4 max c'Est recommandé. C'est juste que c'est un resto de 40 places gros comme la moitié d'un wagon de train de banlieue! ;) .
Top Niveau!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/19/2010
Ok I went there because of Alexandra. I saw the picture. She was the first to review it, and the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Kyle M.
Victoria, BC
2/28/2012
TL;DR - Go here. Tasty itzakaya style food. You wont regret it.
After reading all the reviews here I was expecting a line outside on the frosty Monday evening I went to Kazu. I must have just timed my arrival at 5:30 perfectly though. The hostess at the front door and some of the other team greeted me with a warm "Irashaimase!" and I got the last seat at the bar.
It's a very tight space with very few seats (12?) which really adds to the intimacy of the place. I loved sitting at the bar as you can get so caught up in watching the chefs prepare all the dishes.
Based on the advice that some of the other reviewers gave I ordered the pork cheeks, the salmon tuna bowl, and one of the daily specials; grilled octopus skewers.
The grilled octopus skewers were deliciously charred and sticky with the sauce they put on it.
The pork cheeks are presented as a kind of spread around the outside of a plate with some grilled tortilla slices. For an idea of the taste, think Japanese rillete. I LOVE RILLETTE so this dish was a hit with me.
The salmon tuna bowl was a surprise for me. A tasty tasty surprise. This came out in a large udon style bowl with rice as the base. On top of that were the little chunks of tuna and salmon with some shredded lettuce dressed in in a sweetish sauce. And on top of all that were the crispy noodles. I got instructed by one of servers to mic the whole lot up with the spoon that was provided. The end result was each mouthful had a nice blend of sticky rice and meat and crispy crunchy noodles and lettuce. My description doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it was delicious.
I saw a couple of people eating the sake ice cream. It looked awesome, but after soloing three dishes I was stuffed to the gills. Not even ice cream room. The fact that I had a pint of Sapporo, which they have on tap, probably did me in.
At the end of the day I would thoroughly recommend visiting Kazu. -
Review from Ellie L.
Montréal, QC
3/16/2012
Yummyyyyy. The food, service, price & atmosphere is awesome. The line up to get inside can be overwhelming but it is worth the wait. I highly recommend sitting at the bar, you can watch Kazu the owner prepare every dish as you eat. He makes every dish look so beautiful, my date & i ended up eating 12 plates total & was so full. We had a great time & would definitely come back to try the other foods on the menu.
-
Review from Rod M.
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best Japanese food in Montreal! But, bring a snack as you'll likely have to wait in line. The restaurant is very small so it fills up quickly and there is normally a line out the door. The good news is that the service is very fast and the food is definitely worth the wait.
The food is super tasty, is nicely presented and very reasonably priced. My go to dish is the Tuna Bowl. -
Review from Rawan K.
This hole in the wall is a hidden treasure. It's loud, fun, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. My favorite dishes are the tuna & salmon tartar bowl, ramen, calcium salmon, as well as their amazing homemade ice cream (I enjoyed the sake & earl grey flavors the most).
Listed in: Asian Cuisine
-
Review from Shirley D.
Montréal, QC
1/15/2012
I Love, Love, Love this place. It's my favorite restaurant because it's not overpriced at all like most restaurants and the quality of the food is amazing. Order anything and you will not be disappointed. I recommend trying the new specials on the walls like the grilled mushroom or the eggplant tortilla. Their homemade ice cream is a must try as well. Service is professional, friendly, and excellent. Expect long lines but worth the wait. Oh and it's vegetarian friendly. (vege bowl, vege hot pot etc)
-
Review from lino c.
Montréal, QC
Updated - 1/20/2012 3 Check-ins Here
raw chicken is unacceptable in anyones plate! The meal should have been free for both my guest and I...for this I remove a star. Take care of your clients because saying sorry sometimes isn't enough no matter how sweet you can be!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/4/2012
Amazing amazing amazing!...did I say this place is amazing?
The food is an exploration of delight.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
I love Montreal, but when it comes to Japanese food, it leaves one wanting. So in a city where these restaurants fall short, one that doesn't is really something to cheer about.
On my previous visits I've avoided Kazu because there's always a line, and I'm always too hungry to wait. But this weekend I had a game plan. My sister and I hit the St. Laurent street sale and snacked all the way up and all the way down so that by the time we hit the line at Kazu we were ready. I love it when a plan comes together.
The wait was 24 minutes. Perfect seeing as it takes 20 minutes for my stomach to digest empanadas. Kazu is small and for lack of a better word chaotic. Even the walls are chaotic.
I know, it's a mess, and you want to eat it all. But my sister and I know our eyes are bigger than out stomachs so we exerted self-control and ordered, starting with cocktails. Izakayas are known for having great ones, and Kazu was no different. I had a couple Calpico ones and my sister the fresh fruit and soju. We could have stayed all night drinking but for the glaring eyes of people waiting in the doorway.
Kazu is by no means a traditional izakaya in that the portions are compartively huge.
Since my sister and I sat at the bar we got to see the chefs work. I took a couple things away from that. The first is that the guy is sorta cute (there's also a girl, but we're not talking about her). The second is that the prep for this place must be insane. They have so many different sauces which start in these plastic containers and then get poured into squeeze bottles. Cute chef plus multiple squeeze bottles equates to messy magic.
Few restaurants are really worth waiting in line. I usually just do it because it makes me feel like I'm part of something, and don't we all want to belong?!? The true measure of a great meal is food memory. I still think about the salmon tuna bowl at Kazu. It was really good. Nothing extraordinary about it, just fresh pieces of seasoned fish, rice, lettuce and other vegetables, those sorta tasteless but superfun fried noodle things, and sauce. So simple. So many flavours. So fun. So dramatic. So delicious.
I will go back and eat it again. But this time, I refuse to share with my sister. I don't think she wants to share with me anyway.
Kazu is like an emerald in a gold mine. If an emerald were Japanese food and the gold were poutine. Both precious, just different.
Eat something different.
P.S. Dear Salmon Tuna Bowl, I miss you. -
Review from H C.
Verdun, QC
1/27/2012
Yummy!!! Oishi!!!
Love this place. Its not pretentious and the food is good. I wish the restaurant was bigger so I don't have to wait in line so long! (As well, a bit bigger so I don't feel like a freaking elephant when I try to squeeze by to get a seat).
I like their shrimp burger and their salmon tartar bowl (and their salmon salad for that matter) was extremely tasty.
Don't go there with children. Not enough room! -
Review from Sabrina L.
Laval, QC
1/30/2012
the only reason I give it 4 stars is because of the waiting time... but seriously, even after 1 hour waiting in the rain on ste-Catherine street, it is all worth it. The service is flawless, they all seem so genuine and happy to serve you! And get the chance to sit at the bar, the chef will impress you with his skills and melt your heart with his smile :) It is fun to finally see the rise of isakayas in Montreal because these are truly gems! The highlights of Kazu: salmon bowl, the shrimp burger and the bbq pork neck! Ohhhhhhh goooooddd they are so fricking awesome!!!!
-
Review from Danan R.
1/30/2012
The salmon bowl is amazing! Ramen isn't bad but the salmon bowl is definitely the dish to get. Prices are on the steep side and there can be a long wait but the food is worth it.
-
Review from Hebatallah A.
Saint-Laurent, QC
2/21/2012
Their food is just so yummy!
-
Review from Ken S.
Mississauga, ON
6/27/2011 11 photos
Kazu, in the downtown core of Montreal is a Japanese treat. If you like or love Japanese food you must go. Yes, even you fast food sushi eaters will enjoy this place. It is an Izakaya or Japanese style bar where many little plates are offered like Japanese tapas.
The restaurant is very small and there are always line-ups. Though you could not tell from the generic 80's Japanese interior, this place is a gem. What makes Kazu so special? Well lets just say that we dropped by when they were closed and saw bushels of beautiful Heirloom tomatoes ripening in the window and a heirloom tomato salad special ad on the wall. To me that is a very good sign I should come back the next day and investigate. Of course we did and Kazu did not disappoint.
There cannot be more then 15 tables in the joint and there is a strong fried "bouquet" in the air. Servers are locals and equally passionate about food. The menu is small yet packed however, I immediately gravitated to the specials on the wall including the much self-hyped Heirloom Tomato salad. Many of the dishes lack that clean, detailed presentation demanded by Japanese chefs but some were definitely well thought out.
Heirloom tomato salad at a Japanese spot? Toronto might win a Stanley cup! Anyway, the tomatoes were fresh, firm and sweet, drizzled with a simple olive oil and citrus zest dressing. Tomatoes can be awful when over or under ripe but these were simply perfect.
House made Japanese pickled items including sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber, carrot and zucchini. You have to try real Japanese pickled items as they are packed with flavor and texture. These were top notch but Ame in Toronto has the best.
48 hour pork - Not pretty by any means but this is comfort food at its best. I asked if they had a bigger plate
and a shovel but no luck. The dish is packed with fat and skin to add even more richness to an already tasty dish. I have asked repeatedly if they deliver to Toronto and the answer is always the same. I will keep trying.
I would call this as Nobu coined "New Style Sashimi," or fresh raw fish drizzled with hot oil to subtly cook it.
A beef tongue spread that was rich and had a pulled pork texture to it. So tasty.
Natto Maguro or Fermented soya bean (Natto) and tuna cut from the back of the fish. The condiments on the side are meant to mixed together in the bowl at your discretion. At other Japanese restaurants the server will actually mix it for you. If you haven't tried Natto it is best described like a soft coffee bean. Strong flavor, sticky and a nice earthy taste. In Toronto, you can try Natto at Guu Izakaya, Zen Sushi, Kumai amongst others with salmon, tuna or squid sashimi.
This was their fried Gyoza. It was not the greatest dish but I was never a Gyoza fan to start. The process to cook was unique with the 3 huge gyoza being fried together. Typical but flavorful sauce of soya, ginger and dashi.
Tuna Tartare was just as it should be.
Leave a comment if you have been to Kazu or have a story about Natto. -
Review from Randy H.
Montréal, QC
11/11/2011
Ok, so this place has been getting a lot of rave reviews for its food. I went a few times for lunch and supper and every time I went the line-up was about 45 mins. The trick for supper is to go when it opens, at 5:30pm or a bit earlier so you are part of the first wave in.
The place only seats about 25 people so its really tiny. I've tried the Teriyaki Chicken Burger ($10) & Ramen noddles ($12) for lunch and the Galubi (beef short ribs, $15) for supper. I had a taste of the Onigiri rice balls and the Salmon head as well. The food tasted good, but I must say that the portions are really small (the photos make the plate look decent but it's extremely light).
I understand that this isn't McDonald's of a buffet but if you come out hungry after eating two main courses, the plates might be insufficient. Their "chicken tails" brochettes had about 3cm (just over an inch) of meat on it!
That being said, I suggest that you drop in Kazu for some great tasting food if you aren't hungry. I don't know if pure foodies would be totally against this review because it's supposed to be about quality and not quantity but it's a bit of a downer to be starving after a meal.
After Kazu we went out for dessert at Cacao 70 and returned home right away and one of my buddies, Satya, started to cook something to eat (and he is not a huge eater!). Going out to eat and having to cook supper when you get home...well you get the idea.
Do you get full at Kazu? -
Review from Masao K.
Montréal, QC
8/9/2011
Honestly this place isn't worth the wait.
The food is rushed and made without any kind of love.
Their Okonomiyaki is pre-made in frozen.
They are so busy trying to get people fed there's no way the place could actually provide any kind of real quality.
The fact that people like this place so much really indicates the low standards there are for Japanese food in Montreal. -
Review from Mila A.
Montréal, QC
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
5 stars might be pushing it, but since Montreal is so lacking in this kind of establishment, it has to get top marks.
I like everything about this place ... including the wait to get inside! The 15 minute queue gets you get in the mood, you get to anticipate your food and plan it out. Of course, I won't come here in the winter and wait outside. That would be absurd.
I had a very nice ramen soup (great noodles). The potato salad started was unexpectedly good. Great service, people are so nice. Will definitely be back. -
Review from Eunhye L.
Montréal, QC
11/28/2011
good food and service.
the portion is quite small. -
Review from Willy D.
Laval, QC
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic if you don't mind waiting a while in line
-
Review from Richard K.
Montréal, QC
10/12/2011
What can I say? Would you really believe me that an authentic Japanese Izakaya restaurant was not only on ste. Catherine in Montreal, but nearby the problematic Odaki?
Well it's truly the case. Kazu is here, and it is good! Their menu is varied - so varied they blanket the walls in options - and we end up drooling at many of the shared dishes. The staff are helpful and bubbly about the food they serve, and it shows as we picked apart every seasoned dish down to the rice grains.
There are a few catches though: 1) It's very likely you'll be waiting in line, and 2) the Lunch menu is very limited. Dishes like Ramen won't even last through lunch. If you want the real experience, you need to come at night, when you can pick from the specials on the walls.
It goes without saying that Kazu is not cheap, per se - it's a trendy shared eating experience, not a lunch bar - but it's definitely an experience worth having. -
Review from Karl K.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious ramen
-
Review from Jamie E.
7/7/2011
Innovative, Lusty, Passionate food
eat here -
Review from David C.
4/1/2011
This place is a solid 4 star but I gave it one extra star cuz of the man KAZU!!!
The most standout dish which was not even a dish was the potato salad. It had such intricate flavors that I never tasted in a potato salad. It was SOOO good I had to order it as a side!!! It was pretty expensive as a side for the amount you get! But who cares!!! I'm not talking about the mayo creamy kind, this was like some simple spice, maybe tomato paste, kind of flavor to it!!
For someone to make something so simple & bland into something so tasty and good, he's got some skills!!!
also, he had some cool things like BBQ Pork Neck shoulder which smelled so great on the grill but so hard to eat. it's pretty original...
as well as the alot of the other items...like a fish paste "hummus" (not my cup of tea so wouldnt order again but interesting to try)
also had the salad mix, which went well after eating the pork neck.
it relieved the smokiness of the bbq. Genius combo!!
went back for lunch the next day cuz they only serve ramen during lunch but i wished i hadn't!!!
the noodles weren't good at all and the soup is average so I would skip the ramen!! seriously, skip it!!
I didn't even finish my bowl, which to a chinese boy is a big NO-NO!!
sorry mom!!
overall, this place rocks & KAZU rocks. He knew I was going back to new york the next day, so he hooked me up with ???...
yup, you guessed it!!
POTATO SALAD!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM =D......
KAZU, you are the man!! wish you much continued success in Montreal!!!
You would do great in NYC as well. Think about it!! -
Review from Didier N.
3/18/2011
Before you read this, you must know that I spent 3 years in the San Francisco area. It is there that I "discovered" isakayas to the point where I prefer them over sushi restaurants. So needless to say that I have somewhat of high standards for those types of establishments. The hype and the long queue at this restaurant also only increased my expectations for kazu.
I must say that I was pretty disappointed. Yes some of the items I tried were good and I will probably be back again but the only reason this place is popular is a lack of competition... there are not many isakayas in da 514.
I don't understand why they have to put salad on absolutely all the dishes. Even, the shrimp burger and okomiyaki that everyone is raving about is covered with salad. I think the time I was the most disappointed was the chicken skin skewer. Those pieces are usually bits of heaven on a stick: Crispy, salty and slightly fatty to be eaten with some salt only. Kazu's version, was soft, chewy, fatty and drenched in some sort of teriyaki sauce. My girlfriend saw my sad face as I bit into it :(
The lifesavers were the tuna rice bowl and the homemade ice cream. Both delicious although on the pricey side. In conclusion: the sucker that I am for isakayas... I'll be back and wait til my trip south...sigh -
Review from J.F. H.
10/27/2010 1 photo
I went to Kazu's a couple of weeks ago with a friend who had been the week before and couldn't stop raving about the food. We got there after the main diner rush around 9:00 and we still had to wait for a seat, truth be told we gave up a table to wait for a seat at the bar. The wait was worth it!
We ordered Kazu's choice, leaving meal choice in the hands of the chef.
We weren't disappointed. Kazu gave us a taste of everything, pork neck, tuna tartar, tomato salad and shrimp pancakes. What an incredible meal.
The ambiance is also irresistible, we sat at the bar and could talk to the chefs not to mention other patrons who were all to happy to compare notes on the taste and smells of the dishes they had ordered. There was a problem with the fan over the grill on the night we went so the place was a little smoky but oddly enough it seemed to add to the experience. Kazu told us that the fan was due to be fixed the next day.
This place is a great find in what is becoming a great part of downtown Montreal, I would almost call it the new China town. A couple of things to keep in mind about Kazu, first of all it's closed on Tuesday's, second expect to stand in line and wait for a table, the restaurant is small and has few tables, this is part of what makes this place so much fun. I would suggest this place to anyone looking for great Japanese cuisine, I know I'll be back often.
I did want to mention the they accept interact payments now, I paid via interact when I was there.Listed in: Best of Asia
-
Review from Blair M.
2/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This restaurant may always have a huge lineup but I can promise you that it's worth the wait.
I have been to Kazu a few times now and tried quite a few dishes as well as sharing what my girlfriend orders and I can honestly say that I have yet to taste something that I wasn't totally in love with.
Kazu is a must for any true foodie in the city or visiting the city. -
Review from Keewi H.
Montréal, QC
7/31/2010
I've disappointed so many time with Asian cuisine in Montreal, I didn't have high hope for this restaurant - I am from Korea, been in Japan for a while, has tons of Asian friends and I am a chef, so I am qualified to be judgemental in this subject :)
My friend who knows so much about Asian cuisine in Montreal, -she is also a chef, loves Asian food, and a Montréalaise,- took me to this place. It was 9pm when I got there, - 9:30, this restaurant is closed! , she already ordered lots of yummy dishes.
I didn't order it so I have no idea what all the dishes are called in the menu but we have Pork cheek with grilled baguette, BBQ pork neck, Bibimbab( if you want real bibimbab as Koreans make, don't order it, it's Japanese style Bibimbab...) Tuna with rice.., homemade tofu, yakitori, Edamame...
Everything was good, tuna rice bowl, homemade tofu was excellent. We were at the bar so it was fun to watch the chefs and talked to them.
I wish they open as late as Izakaya in Japan but they close 9:30 and I heard that this restaurant is packed until 9pm.
The portions are big so more than 2 people are better to share all the yummy food.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1)
