3 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Montreal

A boisterous Japanese pub (known in Japan as an izakaya), Imadake serves small plates meant to be shared with a beer or cocktail in hand, and you won't find any sushi on the menu. The name Imadake means "only for now" and is a reference to the restaurant's ever-changing menu and "live in the moment" philosophy. You can pick from a variety of dishes, including ramen and noodle bowls as well as house specialties like korokke (mashed potato croquettes); konoko (oyster mushrooms served with yuzu sauce); or shiitake karaage (deep fried shiitake mushrooms) marinated with seafood dashi (stock) and spicy mayo.

You could almost walk right by this small, unpretentious establishment on this seedier stretch of rue Ste-Catherine, but the line of people waiting to get in is a telltale sign. Locals and visitors alike love Kazu not for its décor but for its delicious Japanese comfort food. The tiger shrimp burger, the tofu vegetable hot pot, and the salmon and tuna bowl are all great options. Arrive 15 minutes before opening time or well before 8 pm to beat the queue.

The salmon and avocado tartare is a must at this surprisingly affordable Japanese tapas restaurant and lounge. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate plates like the shiitake lettuce cups, avocado tacos, and black truffle mushroom dumplings. Carefully selected wines and classic cocktails combine with sleek lighting (the dragon changes color throughout the night) for a memorable dining experience. There are also locations in Griffintown and Westmount.