Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ — Restaurant in Montreal

I recently dined at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ with my girlfriend on September 25th, and unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. Upon arrival, the restaurant was very busy, and we were offered a table with a grill that, as we were told, “just takes a little longer to heat up.” I asked how much longer, and the waiter said about 2-3 extra minutes. Having never been to a Japanese BBQ, we figured it would be manageable.

Once seated, the waiter reiterated that the grill might take a bit longer and recommended a few meat and shrimp options. We mentioned we were attending a concert later that evening and had planned our dinner time carefully to avoid being rushed. After placing our order, the waiter fired up the grill. However, after 10-15 minutes, it was still cool to the touch, even on full blast, and we became skeptical it would cook anything.

Eventually, the waiter brought our food, checked the grill, and said, “Oh, it doesn’t seem to be warming up—you’ll have to cook your food much longer than typical.” When we put the meat and shrimp on the grill, it wasn’t cooking at all. The waiter returned, realized this, and said he’d get the manager. When the manager arrived, she confirmed no other tables were available and offered to have our food cooked in the kitchen and brought out to us—a workaround that removed the core experience of Japanese BBQ.

By this point, we had been at the restaurant over an hour. Although we reluctantly agreed to have the kitchen cook our food, it took another 20-30 minutes for them to prepare the small order. When it finally arrived, we barely had time to eat before rushing to the concert. Given that typically, cooking the meat tableside would take only 2-3 minutes, we were extremely frustrated, hungry, and disappointed.

To add to the experience, when the manager brought us our bill, I was genuinely surprised that there was no offer of a discount or even an apology for the delays and inconvenience we faced. We were charged full price for what was essentially a failed experience of Japanese BBQ.

I rarely write reviews, but I feel compelled to share this experience so that others might consider it before choosing to dine here. For a restaurant that is supposed to deliver a unique, interactive dining experience, I expected far better treatment and...

We went to Gyu-Kaku on Monday afternoon, expecting a great time there. However, our experience with the service destroyed our enthusiasm to dine in. It wasn’t our first time eating there, and every time the service was amazing, but not this afternoon. Our waitress did a poor job to accommodate us. She did not interact nor explained anything to us about the menu. Usually, the server would come up to ask if it was our first time there, and/or would explain the menu. We took a while to decide what to order, and yet she never came to see if we were ready to order or if we had any questions. No one went to check on us regularly to see if we were alright or needed anything. Once we closed the grill and did not have any food left on our plates or on the grill, we waited for a server to come. At least 3 workers, including our waitress and the “manager”, looked at our empty table, and went on to ignore us for a while. It would have been understandable for the delay if it was a busy afternoon or a full house or even if they were understaffed, yet it was not busy at all. The table next to us was more served than us. Knowing that the restaurant has incredible service, we did not want to tip after experiencing a really disappointing one, especially when it was only the minimum service. They even proceeded to give us half of the change we asked for. The “manager” did not even ask if anything was wrong with the service or the food. We would have left some tips if she wanted to solve the situation, yet she only came with another bill (with a drawn arrow that indicates the total price with an 18% tip), tells us that the tipping is not included in the total cost, and leaves. Tipping is not an obligation,...

Came here with my friends to celebrate my birthday and I really enjoyed it! We got the 6 person course menu which made it so much easier since we didn't have to pick anything, they just brought out the food to us and it kept coming. I wasn't prepared for the amount of food they served. Every service, I thought "surely this is the last one" and it wasn't! It's not all you can eat but it will feel like it.

Got to try such a great variety of pork, beef, shrimp, dumplings, vegetables, salad, torched sushi, and more! Everything was delicious and we all had enough to eat. My favourites were the Edamame and Gyu-Sushi entree, the short rib, the filet mignon, the premium sirloin, the Yaki-Shabu beef, and the s'mores for dessert! The food is flavourful and tasty, the meats are well seasoned, The sauces on the side compliment everything really well (Sweet, soy, and spicy). Both sides of the table got food so no awkward reaching across to get a taste of everything.

The service was very good as well! Very considerate and attentive, one of my friends was going to be late so they waited to bring out their soup so it wouldn't be cold on the table, It would be fresh.

The price is very reasonable for the 6 person course menu considering the quality of the meat and the quantity of food you will be getting! Seating was also comfortable and easily accommodated 6 with everyone being able to access the grill. I reserved by phone and we had no issues...