Kazu

Kazu is a small Japanese izakaya on Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest in Shaughnessy Village, run by chef Kazuo Akutsu since 2010. The handwritten menus on the walls, the tight counter seating and the steady line outside have made it one of downtown Montreal’s most talked-about casual restaurants. Food comes quickly, portions are generous and prices stay reasonable.

How to get there

Kazu is at the western end of downtown, about a two-minute walk from Guy-Concordia metro station (green line). The Concordia University campus and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are nearby.

What to order

The slow-cooked pork rice bowl is the dish most often recommended, along with ramen, gyoza, salads, a homemade shrimp burger, BBQ beef ribs and chirashi bowls topped with sashimi. Daily specials, written on the walls, have included salmon belly and lamb belly. Come hungry and ready to share a few plates.

Atmosphere

The room is cramped, busy and loud, with a quick turnover: no reservations, no lingering, no fuss. Waits of around 30 minutes are common at dinner.

Plan your visit

Because Kazu does not take reservations, timing is everything. Arriving shortly before the dinner service or late in the evening improves your odds of a short wait, and lunch tends to move faster. Groups larger than three or four may wait longer, as seating is tight. Afterwards, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on Rue Sherbrooke and the shops of Sainte-Catherine are a short walk east, and the Guy-Concordia metro is right next door. The handwritten wall menus change often, so take a moment to read them before ordering: the daily specials are often the most interesting dishes on offer.

Good to know

• Nearest metro: Guy-Concordia (green line), about a 2-minute walk
• Neighbourhood: Downtown, near Concordia University
• Cuisine: Japanese izakaya
• Budget: $ to $$
• Reservations: Not accepted
• Best for: Casual dinners, solo meals, students
• Tip: The restaurant is small and lines are common; arrive early or late

Why it is on our list

Kazu brings the spirit of a Tokyo neighbourhood eatery to downtown Montreal and has earned a loyal following. See our cheap eats guide.

Hours, menus and prices change often. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before you go.