I made a reservation for 6:00 p.m. on a Saturday evening expecting it to be busy, but when we got there, the restaurant was empty. The waitress was very nice and really took the time to explain the menu and check with the chef to accomodate our requests.
The menu has a lot of odd options which you wouldn't usually associate with poke bowls. Makes me wonder if the owners were trying to make the meals more accessible or just wanted to pick cheaper ingredients.The prices are fair enough for big portions.
We waited a surprisingly long time for our meals, considering how few diners were present and how little cooking was involved (the bowls are just chopped cold ingredients and rice or noodles, after all). On the bright side, we weren't in a hurry, so the wait was a nice opportunity to chat; plus we didn't have to worry about getting kicked out after an hour to make room for another reservation, which sometimes happens at busy restaurants. Maybe they take their concept more seriously than I thought and run on "Hawaian time"...
My friend's bowl had a small scoop of minced salmon instead of chunks or slices, which she found very unusual. The good news is that Honi Honi is great for vegetarians and vegans, as their bowls are fully customizable. I enjoyed mine and even had enough left over to take home. The ingredients were fresh. I wasn't blown away, though.
The visual concept has potential, but the walls are very bare, and the dollar-store-bought plastic flowers in the window are stuck in styrofoam bases which the owners haven't bothered to cover up. The place could use a bit more attention to detail, but considering how empty it was and that it closes as early as 9:00 p.m., I guess it doesn't have much of a decorating budget.
The window seats were very drafty (we visited in the beginning of April), so bundle up.
Montreal has many poke restaurants, so I was expecting something similar to what you might find downtown, but I found Honi Honi underwhelming. However, if you don't have any expectations or compare it to other restaurants and just want a relaxing evening of conversation,...
Read moreI wouldn't be able to say just how authentic their poké bowls are, but I will say I enjoyed my meal quite a bit. I went with my wife and we weren't disappointed, though as I was eating I realized they hadn't made the custom bowl I ordered, it was missing two items and had one I hadn't asked for. It didn't diminish the meal, I would have like my tibiko but such is life. They offered a table d'hote which included a choice of miso soup or edamame, a poké bowl and a choice of dessert or coffee/tea, very reasonable at $20. I opted for the edamame which were acceptable, though I am pretty sure they were from frozen (I could be wrong) a custom poké bowl, my wife had one off the shelf because she didn't know what to pick with so many choices. I had the dessert, a piece of green tea cheesecake which I wouldn't ordinarily choose, but it was a good end to the meal. It's fairly close walk from the Metro if you go that way and there is paid street parking if you drive. The decor wasn't much to talk about but it was comfortable enough. We sat by the window which was a bad choice as there was a cold breeze that we could feel so I ended up putting my jacket over my shoulders. If your in the...
Read moreHoni Honi: Generously Sized, Customizable Poke Bowls in Verdun
Honi Honi is my top pick for poke bowls in Verdun. But these aren't just any poke bowls. They're amply filled, with a generous mix of ingredients packed into every bowl, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. Unlike some other spots, you won't find your bowl padded out with salad fillers here.
Besides the size, what keeps me coming back to Honi Honi is the freshness of their ingredients. Every bite is a testament to their commitment to quality, ensuring a delightful and nutritious experience with each visit.
The atmosphere at Honi Honi is another highlight. It's trendy and unique, creating a great environment to enjoy your meal. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner, you'll appreciate the vibrant and welcoming vibe.
Perhaps the best feature of Honi Honi is the ability to mix and match your ingredients. You can customize your poke bowl to suit your personal taste, allowing for a unique dining experience every time.
To sum it up, if you're on the lookout for a poke place that offers big servings, fresh ingredients, and a customizable menu, Honi Honi is a...
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