Lea GagnonThe 9 best Korean restaurants in Montreal that satisfy your cravings
Korean vibes are definitely alive even here in Canada. I’m a big fan myself, as I binge-watch K-dramas and jam to K-pop whenever I can because it’s so accessible.
But honestly, Korean food? That’s a whole other level. And the best part is… I don’t need to hop on a plane to Korea to get a taste. Montreal’s got some amazing spots serving up the real deal.
My team and I rounded up our favourite Korean restaurants around the city. We had an awesome time trying them out, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love them too!
1. Restaurant Itaewon
Media credits: tastest_club and itaewon.mtl
Address: 1219 St Catherine St E
Contact details: +1 514-528-2804
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
Restaurant Itaewon is just near Beaudry Metro, so you can pretty much roll out of the station and straight into a warm dining room. It’s not a huge place, but that’s part of the charm—you feel like you’ve stumbled into a spot only the locals know about.
If you’re only going to get one thing, the bibimbap is a no-brainer. It has crunchy veggies, perfectly cooked egg, and a spicy-sweet kick from the gochujang sauce that ties it all together.
One of us also ordered the japchae, and we loved how it was packed with mushrooms and fresh vegetables. It’s not the oily afterthought you sometimes get elsewhere.
The staff are super friendly and quick on their feet too. They can switch between French and English without missing a beat. Too bad they don’t speak actual Korean, but that’d make them too good to be true.
| Pro tip: During warm days, aim for their patio seat. It’s also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your bibimbap while your dog chills happily by your side. |
2. Daldongnae Korean BBQ – MTL Bishop
Media credits: daldongnae
Address: 1216 Bishop St
Contact details: +1 514-878-1111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: $$
If you’re after authentic Korean BBQ with quality meats, an endless flow of sides, and a lively atmosphere, Daldongnae is worth a visit. The tables have built-in grills, with booth seating, so it’s nice for small groups or double dates.
We went for the a la carte option with refillable banchan and tried short rib, chicken, and another beef cut. The meats came mostly unmarinated, so you can taste the quality, but that marinated hanging tender with sesame oil? It was divinely delicious.
Bonus points for the vegetarian platter. It’s not just some sad token dish, but actually full of variety.
The side dishes (banchan) are where the magic really happens: kimchi, japchae, creamy potato salad, and more. And yes, they’re unlimited, so don’t be shy about asking for refills.
| Pro tip: When you visit here, wear clothes you don’t mind smelling like barbecue smoke. You’ll carry that delicious aroma with you after. |
3. LA TABLE DE JO Restaurant
Media credits: la_table_de_jo
Address: 1327 St Catherine St E
Contact details: +1 438-505-2692
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
From the moment we stepped inside La Table de Jo, the softly lit interior set the tone for a relaxed meal. Though the lively background music is a little loud for those after a quiet chat.
For mains, our group went all in, trying a bit of everything. The beef and chicken meat were juicy, tender, and cooked just right. The Korean fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy inside. They were not overly greasy, which is surprisingly hard to nail.
We also appreciated that portion sizes are generous without crossing into wasteful. It makes the already fair prices feel like a real bargain.
Service-wise, our waiter was friendly and clearly knew the menu well. The only drawback is that there’s just one server running the floor, so when the place gets busy, orders and check-ins can take a little longer than ideal.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert. Their waffle with ice cream and syrup is worth it. It’s not overly heavy, so you won’t regret leaving space for it. |
4. Restaurant Jako
Media credits: restaurant.jako
Address: 1862 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest
Contact details: +1 438-380-3840
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Restaurant Jako knows how to deliver a Korean dining experience with a creative Japanese fusion twist. We decided to order a spread that would let us test both sides of their menu.
The bulgogi yaki udon was an instant hit with everyone at the table. The noodles were chewy, and the beef was well-marinated with a nice mix of sweet and rich flavours. The chicken katsu with cream sauce, mushrooms, and onions felt like my new comfort food.
One teammate was curious about the katsu curry. She said that while it didn’t quite match South Asian curry expectations, it brought a unique and milder flavour that worked well. Overall, the flavours were consistent, and the textures were spot on.
| Pro tip: Ask about spice levels if you’re sensitive to heat. The staff is friendly and happy to adjust sauces or serve spicy items on the side. |
5. Ganadara Verdun
Media credits: ganadaraverdun
Address: 4436 Wellington St, Verdun
Contact details: +1 514-767-8880
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
We really loved how Gandara Verdun has upbeat K-pop playing softly in the background. It’s a great space for groups or casual outings, with both table service and a bar serving cocktails and soju.
One dish that caught our attention was their ramen omelette. We’ve never seen anything quite like it. Imagine a crispy exterior giving way to a creamy inside, filled with sausage and smothered in Samyang sauce and melted cheese.
Another big plus is their halal options. One of us who ordered halal was thrilled to find that the batter and grilling techniques were adjusted to keep the dishes authentic but suitable.
The texture of the halal chicken was a little different, though. It’s less crispy on the outside but still juicy and flavourful inside.
| Pro tip: Gandara is popular, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so reserve ahead on weekends or special occasions. This avoids long waits, so you can have a smooth dining experience. |
6. Restaurant coréen Luna
Media credits: restaurantcoreenluna
Address: CA, 917 Rue Rachel E
Contact details: +1 514-528-2813
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $$
Run by Na Young Park and Hyun Seok Kim, Luna offers a blend of traditional Korean flavour with a modern touch. They have a very intimate yet stylish ambience. You’ll see dark tones in the decor combined with traditional Korean music that make them so cosy.
Their three types of kimchi—radish, cucumber, and cabbage—each had distinct flavours and textures. We especially liked how these traditional staples weren’t overly sour or salty.
The bibimbap was another highlight. We tried it with different proteins, including the vegetarian option. Each was well-balanced with veggies, savoury sauce, and rice.
If you visit on a Friday or Saturday, the demi-lune tasting menu is mandatory. It’s a great way to try a variety of dishes, but keep in mind it’s more expensive than ordering a la carte. Budget accordingly, and come hungry to get full value from the multiple courses.
| Pro tip: Luna is BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) with no corkage fees, which is a fantastic perk. Bring a bottle that pairs well with Korean flavours. The staff will provide ice buckets and glasses, so you can enjoy your wine properly without hassle. |
7. Sam Cha
Media credits: samchamtl
Address: 2176 A Saint-Catherine St
Contact details: +1 514-932-7565
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM, 11 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
Sam Cha has a very warm atmosphere, so it’s more laid-back. It’s a great spot if you want to hang out with a group of friends while enjoying traditional Korean dishes.
The highlight was the spicy seafood tofu soup (soondubu jjigae). It had a wonderful balance of heat and flavour with plenty of fresh seafood and tofu. The crispy chicken nuggets were also great—lightly battered, crispy, and with a tasty dipping sauce.
Portions here are quite generous, which makes it easy to share and try different dishes without leaving hungry. The prices felt very reasonable, so it’s good value for money.
However, we noticed that they don’t offer free side dishes. It was a bit disappointing since those little plates add variety and fun to the meal.
| Pro tip: The main dining area can get quite loud when packed, which might make conversing difficult. If you prefer a calmer setting, you can ask the staff to seat you in the back area. It’s more private and quieter. |
8. Restaurant Mukja
Media credits: restomukja
Address: 6139 Sherbrooke St W
Contact details: +1 514-360-1516
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
After visiting Mukja twice with our team, it’s safe to say this spot has definitely earned a spot on this list. It’s a small restaurant that you want to keep a secret, but also shout about.
One of the underrated dishes here was the cold buckwheat noodle soup. It was refreshingly light and had a great chewy texture, which was a nice contrast to the fried and spicy items we’ve ordered.
Another dish that deserves mention is the spicy octopus stir-fry—something we don’t often see at other Korean places locally. It had a nice kick and tender octopus pieces, which showed the kitchen’s care in preparing less common dishes.
| Pro tip: Consider the bun trip combo for a budget-friendly but filling meal. For around $18, you get tteokbokki, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and fries on one plate. It’s a great sampler, especially if you’re new to Korean street food or want a quick lunch. |
9. Mon Ami Korean BBQ Côte-des-Neiges
Media credits: monami.canada
Address: 5179 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges
Contact details: +1 514-341-7704
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
Mon Ami’s all-you-can-eat deal is a huge plus, especially at lunch, around $22. That’s a great price for the variety and quality of meat you get.
We were impressed with how many options they offered, like bulgogi beef, pork, spicy porl, and pork belly.
The bulgogi was the highlight for many of us. The first serving was perfectly seasoned. However, we did notice it got noticeably sweeter with later servings, which felt like a different marinade. It wasn’t bad, just different enough to catch a little inconsistency.
The 2-hour time limit felt fair too. It was enough time to eat and chat comfortably. We appreciated that the staff didn’t rush us as we neared the end, which helped keep the atmosphere relaxed.
| Pro tip: Even though Mon Ami’s a BBQ spot, make sure you order the fried chicken. It’s one of the best dishes and a nice crispy contrast to the grilled meats. Share it with your group as a fun side or snack! |
