8 Best Restaurants in Quebec, Canada

A darling of Montréal food critics since it opened in 2014, Canada's first vegan sushi restaurant is an innovative twist on the traditional sushi eatery. Inspired by Mexican Canadian chef Christian Ventura's values, the setting is replete with brick walls, natural woods, and soothing tones, including a few stunning walls of botanical murals. "You eat with your eyes," says Ventura, "so everything has to be beautiful." And beautiful it is. Exquisitely plated, inventive confections are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The bar serves organic wines, colorful cocktails, and privately imported sakes, making Sushi Momo an attractive destination for a quiet 5 à 7 (cocktail hour).  There's also a Sushi Momo takeout counter at 16 avenue des Pins in the Plateau.

Hana Sushi, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, transports diners to a vibrant izakaya experience. This light-flooded venue, minimally decorated with birch and lush green plants, serves exquisite small dishes in the purest Japanese tradition. The menu focuses on classics: delicate yakitori, fresh sashimi, savory okonomiyaki, and perfectly crafted dumplings, alongside a daily changing tataki. While the cocktails are as artful as they are delicious (don't miss the "Japanese Eyeball"), the true star here is the impressive list of imported sake. And if a table isn't immediately available, simply pop next door to the more casual, yet also expertly led, Honō Ramen. With ample counter space, it offers an authentic ramen experience.

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.

Tora Ya Ramen offers a delightful journey to Japan through chef Miyano Sakai's generational expertise. Each ramen comes with a choice of four broths (soy, miso, Korean-style miso, or veggie miso) that are sure to satisfy both small and gargantuan appetites on cold winter days. There are also Tsunamis, traditional Japanese tapas, and a privately imported sake menu. The authentic décor, with its long wooden bar and banquettes, and the pleasant service complete this truly Japanese experience.

Montréal's first vegan ramen restaurant, this bright izakaya at the intersection of Mile-Ex and Little Italy, welcomes diners with its clean decor in white, teal, and blond wood accents. Umami makes its own noodles from organic wheat, as well as its own broth and kombucha. On the menu are ramens, needless to say, in addition to revisited Japanese classics like okonomiyaki, gyoza, korokke, and tempura, among others. And since the restaurant is an izakaya, there are also beers, wine, sake, cocktails, and a selection of Japanese whiskey, gin, and vodka.

Frequently cited as the best ramen house in Montréal bar none, Yokato Yokabai is a discreet restaurant that deserves to be visited by all noodle lovers—especially when temperatures drop below the freezing point here. The décor—dark-wood paneling and minimal knickknacks—immediately transports diners to a Japanese izakaya. Service is slow, but worth the inevitable wait. Try to avoid long lines by visiting the restaurant between 5 pm and 6 pm and after 8:30 pm.