Montreal · Izakaya · casual
Kazu
Japanese bistro & izakayaMichelin recommendedokonomiyakino reservationsSainte-Catherine
A perennial Montreal favourite since 2010, Kazu is a Michelin-recommended Japanese bistro where sole chef-owner Kazuo Akutsu, trained in Japanese hotel kitchens, delivers bold, creative izakaya cooking at remarkable value.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Shaughnessy Village / Downtown
- Since
- 2010
- Chef
- Kazuo Akutsu
Plate № 60
About
Kazu occupies a compact room on Sainte-Catherine Ouest and has been one of Montreal's most beloved Japanese restaurants since Kazuo Akutsu opened it in 2010. Chef Akutsu, who trained in hotel kitchens in Japan, runs the kitchen entirely solo, producing a menu of inventive Japanese-inspired dishes — from his acclaimed okonomiyaki and pork neck to rice bowls and carpaccio — that feel simultaneously authentic and personal. The restaurant is perpetually busy, never takes reservations, and the modest prices belie the exceptional quality. A Michelin Guide recommendation confirms what loyal regulars have known for years.
Neighborhood & visiting
Kazu sits in Shaughnessy Village / Downtown, one of Montreal's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Michelin-recommended, run solo by Japanese chef-owner Kazuo Akutsu since 2010
- Legendary okonomiyaki and creative Japanese small plates at astonishing value
- One of Montreal's most cherished neighbourhood Japanese restaurants with an intensely loyal following
- Authentic Japanese bistro cooking that feels like dining in a private Tokyo kitchen
No reservations accepted.
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Frequently asked
About Kazu
- Is Kazu an authentic japanese bistro & izakaya restaurant in Montreal?
- Yes — Kazu is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese bistro & izakaya in Montreal: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Kazu located?
- Kazu is located at 1844 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada, Montreal, Canada in the Shaughnessy Village / Downtown neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Kazu?
- Kazu does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Montreal we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Kazu?
- Kazu sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese bistro & izakaya of this format in Montreal.
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