10 stars out of five! Jardin Iwaki is my favourite Japanese restaurant, hands down. This tiny, authentically decorated resto has a staff of two (as far as I could tell without poking my head into the kitchen) - one Owner/Chef, and one server, and that's all it takes to make for an unforgettable evening. Reservations, by the way, are pretty much mandatory and when you call yours in you will be offered your choice of three distinct meals. (Iwaki, Edo, Imadake) I usually opt for the "EDO" meal which offers sushi as part of the menu but I really do want to try the "IMADAKE" - the "Chef's Choice" next time. The EDO menu consisted of about six servings, starting with a delightful arrangement of six appetizers, then followed (but not in the order in which I am listing) by a soba noodle salad, a soup, a butter fish entree, a plate of sushi, a plate of Okonomiyaki (lovely little pancakes), and a desert. Each and every one of the courses are beautifully prepared and served and are orchestrated to match the elegance of dining. While everything was a treat to the eyes and palate, it was the butter fish that stole the show. I can't really explain how delicious it was other than to tell you that quiet whimpers of ecstasy were uttered throughout the course. Eye-crossingly good, I experienced a kind of revelation that bordered on the religious. The restaurant's size makes for an intimate experience not to be forgotten. Couples converse quietly, and even the family that occupied a six-top generated no intrusive noise. It is such a welcome change from those restaurants that think LOUD makes for a superior dining experience. Absolute magic! read more

The restaurant seats only 12 in total. When we went, it was by reservation only as there was only one tasting menu available but what a treat! We had the IWAKI course for 2 and it was the following: - Cold entrees: miso oyster (addictive flavor), mashed potato & bamboo shoots (yummy), squid & daikon (tasted rose water like? Didn't like it), salmon tartar (great), duck (good) and tuna in cherry tomato (yum). - Soba noodle salad: the dressing was thin but the flavor was full and satisfying. - Sea bass sashimi: absolutely delicious. He brought hot oil and drizzled it on the fish to sear it quickly. - Mini okonamiyaki: these mini pancakes tasted a bit weird to me. - Deep fried king fish: tender and delicious - Salmon rice soup in hot stone pot: flavorful and satisfying - Candied ginger ice cream: if you eat the mint with the ice cream it's really good together a mix of spicy, cold and tingly. There were only 3 other people in the restaurant beside us two. It was a one man operation where the chef was the one prepping, serving, removing the dishes and taking the payment. As a consequence, service was not fast but decent. The restaurant is very cosy and intimate as it'll only seat a total of 12 people. The food overall was pretty good and it feels like you have a private chef cooking for you. The highlight for me was the sea bass sashimi. It's a little pricey for the quantity though. I would go back to try the other menus. read more

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Jardin Iwaki was a delicious apogee, a glorious apex to our first day in Montreal. It was the owner cooking and serving us in his restaurant. It was a true privilege. I was honored to be there and it was a dream to eat his food. It was dish after dish of art. Each one was beautiful and each one was delicious. Delicious is too mild a word for this loveliness. I felt a little weird being at Jardin Iwaki being served by such an artist as the owner. He was working so hard and being so gracious to us. I don't know how he prepared so many sequential dishes. I know I'm saying this again, but this was a real honor. He streamed jazz from a computer. The decor was homey. The bathroom was in the basement and accessible with a key to a padlocked door. It all felt more like being in his home. It was very intimate. It was a beautiful experience. read more

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I've never used the phrase "hidden gem" before, but it describes Jardin Iwaki to a tee. Located in a somewhat farflung part of NDG along Sherbrooke, this could very well be the most authentic- and tasty- Japanese restaurant in Montreal. The chef hails from Japan, and has lived in Montreal (with sojourns back to Japan) for some three decades. He clearly not only has been honing his culinary skills for decades, but has a natural talent for making delicious and artistically inspired cuisine. The food here at least rivals, and in many cases exceeds, that of the super popular Kazu on St Catherine. More attention is put in to artistic detail, and often the flavors are more nuanced. The chef prepares a 7 course tasting for each person. One chooses either the 'regular' or 'fish' tasting- both have fish dishes; the latter is comprised almost entirely of them. The pace is leisurely and relaxed. Our group of three was there for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, and would have lingered longer if we didn't have to catch a film afterwards. The price is very reasonable- maybe half of what one would pay at Kazu. We were there on a Sunday night, and the only customers. This was astounding, considering the quality of the food. If this place were in Manhattan or Brooklyn, people would have caught on quickly and there would be lines out the door day and night. On one hand, it's great that this place is still undiscovered, and one can get in quickly. On the other, come on people... this chef, and this food, deserves the patronage its quality commands. Highly, highly recommended! I hope this restaurant flourishes. PS - Almost forgot. The restaurant is gluten-free friendly. One of my friends has a (true) gluten allergy, I let the chef know when I made reservations, and he was very amenable about making her tasting menu without gluten. He did so very thoughtfully, such that there were few noticeable substitutions, and the dishes were equally delicious. read more

Jardin Iwaki - Japanese Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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My girlfriend and I reserved at this beautiful little restaurant a week in advance to give them enough notice to devise a meal for us: we are vegetarian and she is allergic to seaweed. Despite this, they concocted a delicious 7 course meal, a brief and lovely explanation was provided with every dish. Everything was both beautiful and flavourful, with a nuanced bouquet of subtle tastes. The service was as excellent as the food, the presentation was flawless, and the ambiance was cozy and lovely. I will be recommending this place to my family, friends and colleagues who want to have a relaxed dining experience or an authentic Japanese cuisine outing. Things that are good to know: Reservations are required, as the meals obviously take a lot of care and preparation, the menu is set, portions are calculated. If you have any dietary restrictions it's good to call several days in avance so that you can have an accommodated menu: everyone at your table will be sharing the same food. read more

Jardin Iwaki - beautiful first dish on a hot summer night - Japanese Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

I have never been to a hot pot restaurant before, so this was new to me. The location is interesting as you enter the Hot Pot King by going through a large entry that has several food stands. Entering the restaurant, the entry is nice and the staff are prompt and polite. Very clean with a nice decor. Service is very good; and after being made aware I had never been, the staff politely explained the whole set-up to me, and pointed the quick cheat sheet on the back of the menu. Everything is clean and well tended. The hot pot choices are well-varied and the buffet choices are varied and fresh. At first, I thought it was a little pricey, but really is a good value for the money when you look at the available choices. I give it only 4-stars because it is really not my style -- but I do recommend trying if you have not done a Hot Pot before. If you like the Hot Pot-style restaurant, this is a 5-star. And I think if I decide on a second visit, it will be better as I know what I now know. read more

We live 2 minutes away from this restaurant and have been meaning to try it out for the longest time. Well, we are here last night and it did not disappoint! There are two menus: the Iwaki menu, which has a rice dish and tuna tataki, and the Edo menu, which has sushi. You need to call ahead if you want the Edo menu, but given that everything is made to order and they are set menus, I would recommend calling ahead regardless. We chose the Edo menu, and it did not disappoint. There are 7 courses: an assorted appetizer, soba noodle salad, mini onomiyaki: Japanese pancakes, seaweed soup, dish of the day: fried cod, assorted sushi and dessert: ginger ice cream and fruit. Each course is different, the presentation is simple, highlighting the food and you can tell that the chef puts a lot of attention and love into each of them. My favourite dish was the fried cod, it was buttery, light and melted in my mouth. The sushi was a close second, and the soba noodle salad deserves a special shout out. The service was also excellent. There was only one waitress, but she was attentive and took the time to explain each dish to you. The restaurant only has 12 seats, so it is nice and cozy. This is also why it's important to make reservations. Great restaurant, a definite hidden gem in NDG. I highly recommend it. read more

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Great little restaurant. Very homey. It is a little hidden, but perfect place to hide away from the city. Good date spot too. There are about six tables and one or two people working in the restaurant. Make sure to call in advance and make reservation though. The meal is a set course with many dishes including sushi, soba, salad, soup, grilled fish The washroom is a little funny and hidden in their stockroom though. Will definitely go again! The chef was a nice person. read more

Jardin Iwaki - Great small dishes and everything tastes so good! But make sure to call in advanced! - Japanese Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Where are all the reviews for this gem?? Let me be the first in 2014 to say this place remains an intriguing little restaurant. On the night I visited with one other friend (must call in advance and reserve) the chef was the only one there operating front of house, taking orders, and preparing course after course for us and two other tables. While the dinner itself took something like two hours total, it suited the format of the 7-course meal. no one wants to gobble up delicious food like this so quickly and be out the door in fifty minutes! There's no sushi at Jardin Iwaki but you won't miss it with the beautiful presentation and delicious glimpse into other kinds of Japanese cuisine. read more

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Amazing take-away! Food tastes as amazing as it looks. The cold ramen is a breath of fresh air, the beef cooked with miso is tender and hearty, and the bentos are a real treat. Looking forward to eating my way through the rest of the menu! read more

TRY THIS PLACE!!!! SERIOUSLY. Just try it. If I didn't live nearby I would make the trip. Please do not come here if you are in a rush. Please do not come here if you want to order a la carte. It is the chef's menu and totally worth it. (Although they do ask if you have allergies when you reserve and adjust accordingly). DO come here if you enjoy Japanese food made with care and authenticity. DO come here if you want something other than just sushi, teriyaki or trendy Japanese styled expensive bistros. DO come here if you want excellent food and DO come with an appetite. You that you will not be disappointed. It is a nice change from tempura, sushi and sashimi that seems to be the main focus of many Japanese places... here you will find gorgeous presentation and complex and satisfying tastes... ingredients such as soba noodles, dried fish (Bonito? ), seaweed, rice , tuna and other seafood, etc etc.... in traditional style Japanese food made with flare. It is not trying to be trendy... and yet by not being "trendy" Jardin Iwaki manages to be modern and clean in taste while respecting tradition. There is the occasional surprise as well. For example I don't think of bacon when i think japanese... but the small bite sized pancakes with bacon and dried fish.... oh my. I am in danger of drooling at the memory. Did I mention how pretty the servings are? Very decent sake menu... wine and Japanese beer are also available.... (not sapporo- for those wanting something different and very tasty). Their house sake is extremely decent for the price... and I recommend it hot... sooooo tasty. Seriously. .. why are you still reading this and not calling for a reservation? As a side note... assuming you can handle the extra course you will need to reserve a day in advance if you intend to have the EDO menu which does include a sushi course. Part of me regrets that we did not do this... but we intend to make up for it ... by calling ahead to order and by skipping lunch so we have room. Also... it is a wonderfully tiny place... with extra space on a terrace... i would assume reservations would be a necessity on busy nights. As for the service. .. expect polite, kind and gracious service. Also expect a relaxed pace while still efficient... it takes time to savour 6 or 7 courses. And your hosts are delightful. Domo arigato for the best Japanese meal I have had since Japan. read more

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Such charming service. Such a beautiful presentation. Such subtle, refined and delicious food. I love that the choice is the chef's (and am reliably informed that this is an option in many restos in Japan), and everything was amazing. There was a smorgasbord of entrees including jellyfish and other seafood, followed by a soba noodle salad, salmon, tuna, rice soup and dessert. I'm coming back. You should try it. read more

Very nice, chef is Japanese. Food is authentic. Service staff is pleasant and polite.

Good food! interesting format. They bring a series of small dishes, most of which had some fish component. Some were stars, other's were groceries, but overall I would say this is a great place to spend a nice intimate evening read more

A 7 course meal for $29? Yes please! I'd be surprised if any other restaurants in Montreal offered this deal. The restaurant is super small, so it'd be wise to make reservations beforehand. They also have another menu option - Edo menu ($35) - which you need to let them know the day before. The restaurant, while small, is cozy and quiet. Service is also very good- my cup was never empty. The plate of assorted appetizers was all very tasty. The soba noodle salad was delicious as well - the noodles were perfectly chewy and also flavourful. I loved the tuna tataki- the slice melted in my mouth and was super good. The mini okonamiyaki was very tasty as well. The main dish, salmon, was also very tasty. I particularly liked the soupy rice dish- it was much more flavourful than I expected, and having a warm bowl of soup on a cold day felt very cozy. The ginger ice cream was also very good, and the ginger flavour wasn't overpowering. Overall, their courses were all very delicious. Just a warning, the trip to the bathroom is a little scary. The server gives you a key before you head down the stairs to the bathroom, and you need to unlock a lock with the key before you get to the bathroom. The bathroom is very clean though! Just a strange location. Anyways, this place serves amazing food for such a good deal! Can't wait to come back :) read more

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Truly an amazing place. I've been here three times now, and each time I've had my mind blown, stomach happily filled and had a truly amazing experience. It's a petite place with only 5-6 tables inside, run by a small family. The menu is a prefix but they will cater to any allergies or dislikes, including "doesn't eat raw food or fish" (as one of our guests) at a Japanese restaurant! Make reservations in advance, because they only take a few people but it's truly a special place. The food itself is beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. It's such an excitement to see each dish come out. Again, this is a special place. Please go. Eat. Be merry. Repeat this. Again and again! read more

Jardin Iwaki is an authentic Japanese experience that could be considered a proper kaiseki. There were 2 choices to the menu, sushi centric or not. The courses flow one after another with small portions of different flavors. Because the menu is up to the kitchen, you are exposed to all sorts of ingredients that you might not order on their own; like jellyfish. It's a great place to "try something new". In a very unassuming spot on Sherbrooke street, this restaurant is a hidden gem. If you've been to Japan and miss the flavors and attention to detail, Iwaki is a warm hug that will take you back. Highly recommended. read more

We enjoyed a multi-course, very tasty dinner here, listening to soothing jazz, and excellent service by the owner/chef himself. Loved it!

I am a huge foodie and love trying new restaurants. I read all the amazing reviews and was very intrigued to check this place out. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations at all. The food was not bad, but it was very average in my opinion. I'm visiting from Miami and I could name many restaurants that serve similar tasting food back home. I would give those restaurants a 4 star rating since the portions were bigger and food comes out quicker. I wouldn't mind waiting and eating small portions if what I was eating was very unique or somehow special. But basically I had a two hour dinner with average food and my friend and I ate a bunch of protein bars cause we left hungryyyyyyy read more

Outstanding!!!! I don't usually rate restaurants, but this one deserves my best recommendation. From the high quality and the originality of the food, the beautiful presentation of each dish, the peaceful atmosphere and the attentive service that takes care of every little detail, everything was perfect. They have a good sake menu as well. I find this place is wonderful for special occasions (and it's definitely very good value for money). You need to make a reservation in advance because the place is tiny. It's kind of hidden (I used to live close by and didn't realize it existed), and this makes it even more special. read more

This little gem Japanese restaurant is just fantastic. The restaurant has 2 sets of menu to choose, which consist of 7 course meals each menu. One of the menu set needs to be reserved a day in advance. Well balance and with the right amount of food that doesn't make you overly full. The service was amazing. We went there a few times already and their menu is just beautifully executed. Definitely a must place to eat. read more

Japanese food and Montreal didn't seem like they'd go together but my sister's friend recommended this place and it was one of my best meals on my Canadian vacation. Get the sushi tasting menu - I'm still amazed such a great dinner was so inexpensive!! read more

Iwaki is unreal! This is so unrelentingly good. Fresh produce coupled with the knowledge that this classically trained Japanese expat chef wields, inherently produces a palpable yet nuanced vision which invokes an almost minimalist avant-garde fusion whilst maintaining true authenticity; Iwaki thus easily dispels any cliché. This is excellent food done well and with great value. This is just good and inspired food. The Japanese concept of unconditional love and hospitality coupled with wholeheartedly selfless service in honour of a guest is おもてなし or "Omotenashi" ... we all speak the language of taste and at Iwaki ... delicious means loving compassion. This is obviously an excellent dining experience. This must be one of the least expensive haute gastronomie restos in Montréal! A week prior, I ordered the vegetarian seven course table d'hôte prix fixe "Edo" offering for two people. Chef Edo is part Hanaya Yohei, part Escoffier, part Ferran Adrià, part Jiro Ono but 100% James Bond and Bruce Wayne of the MTL Japanese cuisine scene. Say it out loud: cuisine scene. This is classic Japanese fine dining in New France. Japan is here in my mouth. Advise the chef that you will require a vegetarian menu at least a week in advance. To start, we were served five intricately and delicately arranged amuse-gueules. I went absolutely insane and this was just the first course. Secondly, the salad with freshly hand pulled Soba buckwheat noodles. Fresh noodles are unlike any noodle you'll ever have the pleasure of savouring. Then the mini Okonomiyaki pancake just made me drunk with power and I started to levitate in a beam of light; just floating there above myself with the Earth glistening below me I was able to slow down time wherein I pondered the vastness of existence. The fourth course was even better. Then came a clear translucent broth which seemed like water to my novice eye but in the end was very much not water. It had the taste of some sort of savoury and fortifying elixir; akin to mana if I had to guess. I don't know what happened there but I've never not seen so much flavour. Wherever could all that flavour be hidden? My guess is as good as yours. The penultimate offering consisted of excellent assorted sushi. The rice was perfectly made in the prescribed tradition. Starch, sugar, vinegar and salt in perfect union balanced on a grain of rice. Dessert rounded off a pleasant evening with great fashion and style. Excellent saké was served as well. As much as I can try ... my words cannot do due justice to Chef Edo's mastery. I implore you to take yourself here. Get thee to Jardin Iwaki. Take everybody you know. read more

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Simply a delight! Each course (there are seven) provided truly wonderful tastes. The seared tuna, drizzled with sizzling spicy oil, was something past sensuous. I simply don't have the words to describe it. I'm thrilled to have a restaurant of this caliber in my neighborhood, and will definitely be going back soon. read more

A totally surprising evening. Preparation, service and food quality that would rival the highest-end establishments hidden in a small, neighbourhood spot. We were blown away. read more

I thought hard about writing this review as it seems like the business is struggling, but decided to go ahead as I think that the use of store-bought fishcake (oden) as a main course was insincere. We were extremely disappointed by the fact that the chef chose to serve, as a main course, oden with steamed bok choy. I grew up in Japan and this would be almost the same as serving instant mashed potatoes as a main course. The oden was obviously store-bought. It was floating in dashi that was made from the store-bought granules-- it was not fresh dashi stock. Check out any Asian grocery store that carries Japanese products for frozen oden-- I promise you that you will find what they are serving here. The rice course was mussels floating in broth with rice. It was tasty, but it should not have been spicy. I am 100% on board with fusion, the use of bok choy, creative interpretations of culinary traditions, etc., but I was disappointed that this strange spicy rice concoction, served in a bowl for Korean stews, was presented as the apex of Japanese cuisine when it seemed to me that in actuality the chef was trying to maximize profit by introducing a dish that was seemingly impressive but composed of very cheap ingredients and not thrown together with particular care. The dish had nothing to do with Japanese food. I was reminded a lot of the flavors I grew up with, but we ate at La Salle a Manger the next night and for the same price, we had something that was genuine, creative, where you could tell that the chef was really thinking about the food and thinking about what it means to eat. Maybe when the chef started out, this was what he had in mind. But at this point, essentially, I think he is cheating people. He is taking people for a ride-- after a brief stop in Japan, through the aisles of a discount grocery store. Maybe this is all that the neighborhood can support-- I don't know. What I do know is that we talked in Japanese and I believe that he should know better. How would you like it if you were interested in my national cuisine, and I fed you a hot dog that I bought from the supermarket, telling you that this was the height of my culinary art? read more

Montreal's hidden gem! This place is amazing! The 7 course menu is so worth it. The food tastes great and the platting is beautiful. The restaurant is small and intimate. No complaints a must go if you love Japanese food that is not sushi. read more

Amazing food! For what you get, it is an amazing price :) Full 7 course meal with huge variety and all delicately made. read more

Amazing intimate restaurant, 8 course menus are impeccable, elegant and stunning. The cuisine embodies the soul of the chef. It is more than just the food in front of you, it is the passion for fine art. A hidden gem in the NDG neighborhood. Bring your favorite person and discover it together. The sake selection is also fantastic. read more

One of the best restaurant experiences we have had anywhere! Go before the owner/chef/waiter/dish-washer (all the same person) changes anything. An authentic 7 course Japanese meal for $28/person!!! Fantastic! read more

in terms of effort it was all there, hard working chef own restaurant and with so many dishes for a 35$ set menu is very impressive, i can't say i wasn't hungry after, if i was on a diet or on a cleanse i will go back in a heartbeat but giving the fact i had to go get food after is a msg to any restaurant owner to take that into consideration, oh and we were 4 small asians felling the same way, enough said. read more

This place is very unique. It's tiny, and the chef is a one man show - for the entire restaurant. This is a real labour of love. You call in advance for your reservation and choose between 2 set menus. Each dish is a surprise. Beautifully presented. We chose 7 courses and were completely satiated by the end. The chef is extremely accommodating - if you tell him in advance what you do not eat. This is a very specific kind of restaurant - you can't choose from the menu and you don't know what you're getting so you can't be a picky eater. But if you enjoy this kind of thing then it's the place to go. Our dishes included: grilled mackerel, miso eggplant, tuna tartare (incredible), cold soba noodle salad, mussels and rice in a sesame soup (so tasty), okonomiyaki. Great value, a really fun dining experience and most of all - each mouthful was delicious. I hope people try this place out and support this business! I would go back. read more

Delicious food. Very long wait time. Inexperienced server. Hilarious bathroom. We will definitely go back and recommend to others.

Wonderful little place, a true gem hidden in the neighbourhood, wish we had more of these here in NDG... An authentic, delicious and very affordable Japanese treat! A must try!!! read more