Where to eat great sushi in Montréal
One of the best things about Montreal is the cultural and ethnic diversity and the food that comes with it. Japanese food – sushi more specifically – has a reputation for being expensive, inaccessible and sometimes frightening to the uninitiated. Luckily, we have some favorite spots that will surely satiate all tastes and budgets.
Casual eateries
Momo Sushi
Bloom Sushi
Ryu
If you’re going to dine in, or take out, your meal with Ryu will be an experience to say the least. Ryu combines Asian culinary traditions with freshly grown regional Quebec produce in all of their signature creations. Their social and ecological responsibility is reflected in the packaging of their takeout containers as well as the produce and fish – 100% sustainable with verified origins. Poke bowls, and bento boxes await.
Various locations
Sushi Momo
Montréal’s premiere vegan sushi spot. Yes, vegan. Sushi Momo offers a refreshing, contemporary and all vegan take on Japanese cuisine. If you’re not sold on the idea of vegan sushi, let their “Fuji Flambé” convince you. “Torched maki comprised of fried asparagus and caramelized onion. Topped with a jackfruit tartare and drizzled with our tartare sauce.” Yes, they take reservations.
3609 Saint-Denis
Bloom Sushi
Another vegan sushi spot is Bloom Sushi, a restaurant that serves an impressive menu of sushi, starters, salads and more, using botanical cuisine and traditional technique. It is their love for sushi and the need to rely less on fishing that brought about this unique concept. The chic space has a muted, calming decor, perfect for lunch or dinner and all the sushi and other items on the menu pair great with a glass of wine.
Various locations
Yuukai Restaurant
This Mile-End favorite is a sushi oasis for local aficionados. They offer prime cuts like toro (fatty tuna belly) Uni (sea urchin roe) as well as other Canadian sourced seafood. Yuukai’s creative dishes like the “Mont Fuji” (salmon and tuna tartar with mango and jalapeno on top of a deep fried shiso leaf) and sushi “pizza” will tempt you. Remember to bring your own wine!
5407 Parc Avenue
Fine dining options
Park Restaurant
Juni
Park
There isn’t mentioning fine dining in Montréal, let alone Japanese or sushi without mentioning Restaurant Park. One of the hottest reservations in town, celebrity Chef and owner Antonio Park, brings you the finest selections of fish and seafood, the world has to offer – literally, he imports his own seafood! It’s not uncommon to bump into a celebrity or two when dining on Ikejime’ed fish or certified Kobe beef - yes, he imports that too! Omakase menu is highly recommended.
378 Victoria Avenue
Juni
Chef Junichi Ikematsu is a Montréal restaurant scene veteran. Those who remember Juni from his Soto days will remember his creative take on dishes that comprised of French and Japanese fusion (Chef is classically trained in French cuisine). The menu at Juni is clean, concise and classic. Focusing on the freshness and quality of products and execution of techniques, a meal at Juni is a delight to the senses.
156A Laurier Avenue
Sakura Gardens
Sakura is one of the oldest restaurants in Montréal - let alone oldest Japanese restaurant, was founded in 1973 by Noika Ishii. From their modestly priced sushi menu to lunch specials, Sakura is famous for their Kaiseki menu. A traditional multi-course (up to 15!) meal is rarely ever the same as the ingredients are representative of the season in which is served. Reservations are mandatory and are to be made a minimum of one week in advance.
1216 Stanley Street
Okeya Kyujiro
Montreal’s first and only “theatrical” omakase Japanese restaurants is adining experience everyone must try at least once. Their menu of meticulously curated menu featuring privately imported fish from Japan and produce world wide is Michelin recognized and celebrated. Chef Matsuda and team’s choreographed meal preparation is a variable dance and definite sight to be seen.
1227 de la Montagne
Côba sushi
Located on Laurier Street West, Côba Sushi offers an authentic Japanese experience. With impeccable sushi and a warm ambiance, the talented chef creates a memorable culinary fusion. Explore a diverse menu, accompanied by a selection of wines.
1124 Laurier Avenue West
Classics
Mikado
Mikado’s philosophy is “Japanese cuisine is an art in which aesthetics stem from product freshness and quality and where preparation is as critical as presentation. The dishes must be pleasing both to the eye and palate, making Japanese cuisine a truly sensual experience.” This is why this spot is a Montréal favorite for solid sushi and sashimi for over 30 years.
399 Laurier West
Maïko Sushi
Located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Maiko Sushi is a Westisland favorite for everything Japanese food. Founder Maïko stresses quality and detail. She believes that the dining experience at her restaurant (first location opening in 1997) comprises not only about the food, but ambiance and hospitality. From exquisite choices of fish to plating that looks too good to eat, any meal at Maïko is one to remember.
3339 Sources Boulevard
Tri Express
Chef Tri Du can be considered as a pioneer in the Montréal sushi scene and has amassed a loyal following since the 80s. Having run multiple successful Japanese and sushi houses through the 80s, Chef Du finally opened his own sushi outpost in the Plateau in 2008 – Tri Express. Funky décor and eclectic styling, the space is fun and casual. Classic sushi, sashimi, maki and tartars await you and the Tri Du faithful.
1650 Laurier East
Sho-Dan
Sho-dan has been a mainstay in the Montreal sushi scene for over 20 years. From humble beginnings to a dedicated following, Sho-Dan has paved the way for the new generations of sushi restaurants and chefs. Classic offerings as well of specialty rolls with whimsical names such as the Besame Mucho, Kiss roll and Lovers roll. Sho Dan’s menu also features an fine wine, sake and cocktail list.
2020 Metcalfe
Saiko Bistrot Izakaya
Saiko is a cross between sushi restaurant and upscale izakaya. Located in the middle of the Business district, Saiko a popular spot for a business lunch of bento boxes and sushi and sashimi platters. Visit in the evening for a refined dining experience and explore their diverse sushi list or let the chef prepare a personalized meal for you by ordering the omakase.
Various locations
Trendy spots
Kyo Bar Japonais
Flyjin
If you’re looking for both sushi and nightlife, Flyjin is the place for you. Brought to you by Chef Antonio Park, this spot not only offers you a delectable menu of dishes made market fresh ingredients, but a vast selection of cocktails, sake, premium alcohol, wine and Japanese beers. Not to mention a curated list of resident DJs.
417 Saint-Pierre Street
Kyo Bar Japonais
Tucked away in Place d’Armes Square under right under the iconic Hotel Place d’Armes sits this happening spot for sushi and izakaya favourites. Stop by at lunch for a colorful bento box or visit in the evening for market fresh sushi and maki creations all in a laid-back atmosphere. Kyo boasts Montréal’s most extensive sake list.
711 Côte de la Place-d'Armes
Saint Sushi
Located in the Plateau on the vibrant Duluth street and another location in Westmount, Saint Sushi has been a spot popular spot amongst the younger sushi aficionados. If it wasn’t for the maki rolls named after celebrities, the “James Brown Maki” or the “Madonna” (seaweed roll with tuna, salmon, mango, cucumber, avocado and spicy mayonnaise) the curated playlist of early 2000’s hip hop is a clear indicator of the vibe you’re going to get at Saint Sushi.
Various locations
Jason Lee
Jason is a seasoned food writer and blogger with over 18 years of culinary adventures in Montréal. He’s a master at uncovering the city's hidden gems and transforming meals into captivating stories. Join him as he continues to explore and share Montréal’s vibrant food scene.