I didn’t expect to find some of the best Japanese fine dining experiences right here in Montreal, but here we are. 

What started as a casual curiosity turned into a bit of an obsession. It’s the kind that leads to multiple tasting menus, seasonal omakase, and way too many photos of perfectly plated sashimi.

After trying a range of spots, I’ve narrowed down the list to the places that truly impressed me. Not just once, but every time.

If you’re on the hunt for elevated Japanese cuisine in the city, here are the restaurants I’d happily recommend!

How we chose the best Japanese fine dining restaurants in Montreal

1. YUBARI

Address: 355 McGill St

Phone: +1 438-600-2754
Business hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
• Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
• Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
• Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM

Website

The vibe inside YUBARI is classy but not stiff. There’s a calm, elegant energy to the place. 

The space is beautifully designed with soft lighting and natural wood accents. But what I loved the most were the leopard-print seats. They were really fun but still elegant.

The server was friendly without being overly formal. I loved how they talked me through each dish, explained where the dish came from, and even helped me choose a sake that paired really well with what I ordered.

Every food I tried was delicate, fresh, and beautifully put together. Both the crispy rice with tuna and the salmon tacos had so much flavour packed into small bites. The tacos, in particular, had this citrusy kick that made them really pop.

Everything also came out looking like artwork. I also appreciated how the creativity didn’t overshadow the basics. The food still felt very much rooted in Japanese tradition, even with the modern touches. 

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the portions are on the smaller side. It’s fine dining, so I expected that, but a few dishes left me wishing for just one more bite.

I will definitely be returning and recommending this restaurant to anyone

“This has to be one of the best restaurants in Montreal and definitely the best sushi on the island. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and the decor of the restaurant was really high-end and top-notch. Each dish was amazing and had its own flavours. The fish was so fresh. The atmosphere was exactly what we wanted, as it was fun while still being classy. I will definitely be returning and recommending this restaurant to anyone looking for sushi in Montreal. Thank you to the entire staff for making us feel at home.”

Christopher Zakem, Google review

Our server was super helpful and made our experience 10/10

“Had the pleasure of having dinner at Yubari. We were a big group with a few dietary restrictions. Our server, Sarah, handled it very well. She was super helpful and made our experience 10/10.”

Deara France, Google review

2. Okeya Kyujiro

Address: 1227 Rue de la Montagne

Phone: +1 514-557-1227

Website

Okeya Kuijiro didn’t let me experience the usual sushi night. It was more like a beautiful performance, with the chefs moving in sync. Everything from the way they slice the fish to how they hand over each dish was calculated and artistic.

They presented the main ingredient in Japanese before preparing it, followed by an English or French translation from the server. 

I personally appreciated this cultural nod. It gave me a better understanding of what I was eating and why it mattered. 

For the food, every course was balanced. One of my favourites was a piece of toro served with freshly grated wasabi and a delicate ponzu gel. It was fatty, fresh, and perfectly cut.

I also liked how sushi was served one piece at a time. It was properly seasoned by the chef, which meant no soy sauce bowls cluttering the table. It helped me focus on the taste as it was meant to be enjoyed.

The restaurant itself is sleek and minimalist–very Japanese in design. However, the high stools were a little uncomfortable after the first hour. 

For a multi-course meal that runs up to three hours, standard chairs or even padded stools would’ve made a big difference. 

This may very well be the best meal I’ve ever eaten in my life

“This may very well be the best meal I’ve ever eaten in my entire life!! Yes, this is a pricey restaurant, but it is worth every penny. It is s 20-course feast with each dish more delicious than the preceding one. You will feel like you are travelling to Japan.”

Fred, Google review

The most authentic Japanese restaurant in Montreal

“We enjoyed Okeya Kyujiro as much as the reputable omakase restaurants we visited in Japan. While it cannot match the mastery and consistency of the latter, it makes up for it with the high number of courses, the large variety of ingredients, the animated ambience/theatrics and enthusiastic service. Without a doubt, the most authentic Japanese restaurant in Montreal. Highly recommend!”

Sébastien, Google review

3. Restaurant Sho-dan

Address: 2020 Metcalfe St

Phone: +1 514-987-9987
Business hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

The vibe at Restaurant Sho-dan is great. The staff were super welcoming, and the service throughout the night was friendly and professional.

I went on a Friday night, and I loved that they had live piano music playing in the background. Even with the music and the place being fairly busy, it never felt too loud. You can still have a conversation without shouting.

The place was also spotless, and I liked being able to see the open kitchen. It’s always nice to see chefs in action when you’re eating.

I ordered the Explosion sashimi, which is a yellowtail that’s lightly seared and served with ponzu and sesame. It was fresh, flavourful, and had the right amount of smokiness.

One thing I didn’t expect to love so much was the sushi pizza. I’ve had versions at other places that felt like a weird mash-up, but they nailed it. The crispy rice base stayed crunchy, and the smoked salmon with spicy mayo was tasty.

There were a couple of things that could’ve been better, though. The rice in some of the sushi rolls was a bit too soft for me, and it didn’t have that slight vinegary flavour I usually look for in good sushi rice. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it was still noticeable.

Beautiful presentation and great service

“Delightful sushi, amazingly fresh fish, original flavours and textures— definitely some of the best sushi in the city. Yes, the price is steep, but it is reflected in the quality and quantity of the fish, beautiful presentation, and great service.”

Marie-Sophie Dromer, Google review

The food is always amazing

“I have been going to Sho-dan for 25 years. The food is always amazing, the atmosphere is great, and the service is exceptional. Our Mont Blanc masterpiece by Davina pictured below. Other musts are the sushi pizza, beef sashimi, gyoza, and of course all sushi is delicious. Thank you for your hospitality throughout the years.”

Ana A., Google review

4. Beni Hana Cuisine Japonaise

Address: 5666 Sherbrooke St E

Phone: +1 514-254-7161
Business hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
• Friday: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
• Saturday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9 PM

Website

When I visited Beni Hana, I was really entertained by the chef cooking right in front of me. He was super hilarious and talented. He even joked around with everyone, especially with the kids at the table. It felt like dinner and a show rolled into one.

I also liked how the meal came in courses. It started with an onion soup, followed by a fresh salad with their homemade ginger dressing. Everything came out at a nice pace.

For mains, I had the filet mignon and chicken combo, and both were cooked perfectly. The steak was tender, and the chicken had a nice char with just the right amount of spice. Everything felt fresh, from the shrimp appetiser to the grilled veggies.

Service was also a highlight. The server was super friendly and always around when I needed something, but never hovering.

That said, the dessert menu is pretty limited. It’s not a huge deal since I was already stuffed, but it would’ve been nice to see something a little more exciting.

It can also get a bit loud, especially if you’re seated near a big group. If you’re after a quiet, romantic evening, I don’t think this is your spot.

An absolutely must-have for Japanese food lovers

“An absolutely must-have for Japanese food lovers and those who want to give it a try. We did the Teriyaki experience upstairs with a live cooking station. Our chef was super entertaining, and the hostess was so friendly and prompt. Food portions are large and plenty to select from. The dessert options are a bit limited, but honestly didn’t care because the food was so good, that we have no space for that anyway. The kids’ menu was really good too for the little ones. I highly recommend this location when in Montreal.”

Neville Perry, Google review

Fun place to have supper and be entertained

“Fun place to have supper and be entertained. Food is delicious, and the chefs are always smiling and having a good time while cooking. We had the meat, shrimp and chicken and a nice piña colada. I had a hard time taking a picture of my full plate because I kept eating while the chef was serving, because it was so delicious.”

Isela Hersan, Google review

5. Jatoba

Address: 1184 R. du Square-Phillips

Phone: +1 514-871-1184
Business hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Wednesday: 5 PM – 10 PM
• Thursday to Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

If you’re into Japanese food but want something a little different from the usual sushi bar, Jatoba is a great spot. I liked how they mainly serve Japanese food but mix that with Chinese and Quebec-inspired ingredients.

One of the best things I’ve noticed is that there are different seating areas, including a cosy back room and a year-round terrace. Depending on the weather, you can choose where you want to sit.

The server was warm and knowledgeable. She walked me through the drink pairings and shared some great recommendations, including dishes that aren’t even on the menu.

I’ve tried the sashimi platter, and every type of fish was super fresh and beautifully presented. My personal favourite was the salmon. It had a silky, velvety texture and subtle sweetness that came through.

The only downside for me was accessibility. The washrooms are downstairs, which could be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. It’s something to be aware of when planning your visit.

What an amazing experience

“What an amazing experience. The food was so fresh! Cocktails were like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. Our waitress was super helpful with pairings and suggestions. We had an excellent mix of appetizers and main sushi dishes (try the Bluefin Red Tuna Sashimi and King Salmon Nigiri) and the desserts! OMG. You have to try the Caramel Dream (trust me). I won’t lie. It’s overly expensive… but you only live once.”

Rita Michael, Google review

The sashimis were top-notch, incredibly fresh and delicious

“I recently dined at Jatoba and had an excellent experience. The sashimis were top-notch, incredibly fresh and delicious. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat in the back room, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere with a great vibe, perfect for a relaxing meal. The crowd tends to be older, which adds to the refined ambiance.”

Xavier Amodeo, Google review