There are the well-kept secrets, the obligatory stops and those that are worth the detour. There are above all essentials of all kinds that are good to share. For the pleasure of your palates, The duty therefore imagined an appointment in the form of a gourmet notebook, one theme at a time. And since it’s time for take-out meals, here’s a nice excuse to list 10 tasty sushi restaurants: classics, newcomers and little-known ones.
MONTREAL
Flowers and gifts
Located in a pretty pink house in Chinatown, Flowers and Gifts has won over Japanese food lovers for nearly two years. Why Flowers and Gifts? For the nod to the art shop that used to be there and for the originality that comes with it. Moreover, originality is unquestionably the watchword in this colorful and dynamic haunt that offers much more than the classic makis. Customers flock to have their bowl of chirashi, an assortment of sashimi or marinated vegetables on sushi rice, or temaki to roll yourself. Due to the current situation, the address is temporarily closed.
1002 Saint-Urbain Street
Maiko sushi
A simple glance at the Maïko Instagram account makes the mouth water and confirms the echoes that come to our ears, that it is an address that has combined generosity and finesse for 25 years. It is appropriate to order the omakase, the tasting menu, which includes a range of seasonal products prepared according to the inspiration of the day. The varied menu may leave you perplexed, but have no fear. Chef Maïko Tran took the gamble—succeeded—to delight as many people as possible by including foie gras and filet mignon, but her heart is still in the art of sushi.
3339 Sources Boulevard, Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Jun I
Le Jun I is an essential address in every sense of the word. First for the know-how of the chef co-owner, Junichi Ikematsu, who has been shaping sushi for nearly 40 years. Then for the wide variety of fish, such as needlefish, barracuda, Japanese sardines and flying fish, species that few chefs know how to transform into sushi. Also for the excellent rice. An essential base which is learned with patience and which reveals all the rigor in the kitchen. Also unmissable for its homemade soy sauce, its fixed menu, but embellished with a few seasonal creations, and its privately imported sakes. Finally, essential for the Japanese philosophy, which cherishes freshness and simplicity.
156 Laurier Avenue West
Sushi Momo
How to describe what was the most delicious snack — impromptu! – afternoon? It’s tasty, with a nice play of textures. A far cry from the vegan sushi you’ve ever tried or whatever the idea may conjure up in your mind. It’s delicious and fresh at the same time. Like these Japanese sweet tofu makis, which have nothing to envy to traditional sushi. Or even those with mushrooms — enoki, oyster mushroom, portobello — with truffle oil miso, for which we would constantly make great detours to get our teeth into! Memorable, Momo’s sushi? And how.
3609 St. Denis Street
Express sorting
Is it the incredible story of chef Tri Du or his acclaimed talent that makes us push the door of Tri express for the first time? No one really remembers. But the freshness, the talent and the joie de vivre that emanate from the chef’s creations are certainly the reasons that keep us coming back. It must be said that you quickly feel at home there, in a den — really! — welcoming and friendly. Going to Tri is like going to a friend who cooks really well! And with Le P’tit Tri, in La Petite-Patrie, happiness stretches out like a smile.
1650 Laurier Avenue East
The Kioko
Like its neon sign, Le Kioko offers accessible Japanese cuisine that appeals to insiders and neophytes alike. The variety of colorful sushi remains on familiar ground, with classic proteins such as salmon, tuna and tobiko, but offers a twist interesting with beautiful combinations of ingredients, such as oshinko (marinated radish) and leek. We keep in mind the sea bass and octopus sashimi and the snow crab tartare. A great address for those who don’t want to upset their habits while being pleasantly surprised.
3735 Notre-Dame Street West
QUEBEC
sushi vivi
As the saying goes: the habit does not make the monk. Neither do the facades! At least that’s what we tell ourselves after a first visit to Sushi vivi, neither more nor less one of the best addresses in the capital. For the Zhang family, freshness is not just a corporate mission, it is a matter of course. Do not hesitate to order the luxurious “combo” for two, great pleasure in the mouth at a low price. Perfect for winter evenings spent in confinement! Sushi vivi is a real well-kept secret that is good to spread.
2271 Louis XIV Boulevard
nihon sushi
This address in the Sillery district was recently bought by four sushi-loving entrepreneurs who not only revamped the interior of the restaurant, but also its menu. We savor sushi perfectly garnished with fish from sustainable fishing, but also vegan versions so delectable that they overshadow the classics. Special mention for the mushroom sakari, the maki with hamachi and clementine and the smiling and attentive service.
1971 rue de Bergerville
MAURICIA
The Elf Marmiton
Chef Simon Lafontaine has found in sushi a good vehicle to convey his love of forest products to as many people as possible. Formerly chef and manager of a Sushi taxi, this graduate in cooking has revived this Japanese classic with the encouragement of his associate, Delphine Martinez. Starting monthly, the offer quickly became a Thursday recurrence. And for good reason, the sushi, garnished with crab mushroom, purple stonecrop or even marinated fiddleheads, are real surprises in the mouth. The service is on pause for the moment, but offered in a catering formula for groups.
2410 Principale Avenue, Saint-Élie-de-Caxton
GASPESIE
Sekai no sushi
Sekai no sushi is a family adventure for Cindy Huard and her son Jean-Denis, who offer a wide variety of mouth-watering sushi. We particularly like the traditional proposals: they honor Japan and local peaches. Those who prefer the originality of revisited sushi will be served with options embellished with mozzarella, grilled chicken or even almonds. Note, delicious tartars are on the menu, as well as a spicy wakame salad.
70 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Chandler