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Montreal · Sushi · counter

Motto Handroll Bar

Temaki handroll bartemakihandrollsbluefin tunasashimiOld Montrealomakase-style counter

Motto Handroll Bar is an intimate 26-seat counter restaurant in Old Montreal dedicated to the Japanese art of temaki. Chef Daniel Ken, of Japanese and Brazilian heritage, leads the kitchen, preparing handrolls to order with premium fish.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Old Montreal
Since
2023
Chef
Daniel Ken
Owner
David Malka
Motto Handroll Bar — authentic temaki handroll bar restaurant in Montreal, Old Montreal
Plate № 20
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About
Motto Handroll Bar brings the Japanese handroll counter format to Old Montreal's Saint-François-Xavier Street with quiet precision. Chef Daniel Ken, who carries both Japanese and Brazilian heritage and Japanese culinary training, presides over the 26-seat counter where temaki are assembled to order and served one at a time — honouring the Japanese tradition of eating handrolls while the nori is still crisp. Signature offerings include bluefin tuna sashimi and truffled salmon tataki alongside the core handroll menu. Asahi Super Dry is served at 0°C, matching a tradition found in Japan's finest beer service. Created by Montreal restaurateur David Malka, the space occupies a chic, minimal room that frames the kitchen as a stage.
Neighborhood & visiting

Motto Handroll Bar sits in Old Montreal, 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 sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • 26-seat Japanese counter experience — handrolls served one at a time to preserve nori crispness, faithful to Japanese temaki tradition
  • Chef Daniel Ken brings Japanese and Brazilian heritage with Japanese culinary training to an elevated handroll format
  • Premium ingredients including bluefin tuna sashimi and truffled salmon tataki elevate the menu above typical casual handroll spots
  • Asahi Super Dry served at 0°C — a nod to Japan's precise beer culture, rare in Montreal

Chef Daniel Ken has Japanese and Brazilian heritage with Japanese culinary craft. Creator David Malka is a Montreal restaurateur. Handroll counter format is authentically Japanese.

Links
Website →Map →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Motto Handroll Bar

Is Motto Handroll Bar an authentic temaki handroll bar restaurant in Montreal?
Yes — Motto Handroll Bar is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for temaki handroll bar in Montreal: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
Where is Motto Handroll Bar located?
Motto Handroll Bar is located at 473 Rue Saint-François-Xavier, Montréal, QC H2Y 2T1, Montreal, Canada in the Old Montreal neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Motto Handroll Bar?
Motto Handroll Bar does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in Montreal we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Motto Handroll Bar?
Motto Handroll Bar sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for temaki handroll bar of this format in Montreal.
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