Mikado — Restaurant in Montreal

I’ve been going to Mikado for a while. Always had a good experience and the food is very fresh. We went this weekend for my dad’s bday (my first time since the renovations) and it was a little disappointing..

The waitress, Genevieve, didn’t seem to match the vibe and service I would expect from a Sushi Restaurant with Mikado’s Reputation (and prices)... We got appetizers, plates and sushi (bc not everyone was getting sushi as their main meal) and she didn’t ask us in which order everything should come out. Some people ended up getting their main meal while others were getting their appetizers (which left them with nothing to eat later on). The first service was quite confusing as we got hot and cold appetizers at the same time?? Then they gave us an empty soy sauce container. Also, they forgot my dad's soup as well as our sashimi order. Usually, sashimi and nigiri are served first, before other strong flavours affect the palate. Then you eat the makis. Because she didn't enter our order correctly we ended up getting the sashimi in the middle of the evening.

When I dine out and pay for marked up prices and food, it’s not just for the quality of the food and the convenience of not having to cook it. It’s also for the service (which my family and I always tip for generously as I’ve personally worked in the restauration industry myself) and ambiance. I did expect better from Mikado, or at least for them to uphold the standard they had previously set with me and the many meals I’ve already had there.

Ps. I also asked for mocktails recommendations because I’m on medication right now and can’t have alcohol. She recommended the Sawa something, saying it was fresh and herbaceous . It’s not. It tastes like limonade and is quite sour. I wouldn’t say it’s thirst-quenching nor has any herb...

So a long time fan of this place for over thirty years. It has been a staple in the Montreal sushi scene and has always put out great product with a lovely atmosphere and solid service with pricing on the upper end and with creative dishes. So why not give five stars? This time the service was just too crazy slow. It took way too long and was truly unacceptable. This being stated I also have to admit that this is not the default but all too often food does take a little too long. If this is not an issue to you then consider all the rest to be at five star level. Quality. Taste. Plating. Knowledgable staff - all great. I don’t add more photos as there are just too many at this point. The owner has told me they are closing down for a while to renovate and the reno plans are awesome so be sure to visit when done. I hope that with the renovations will come back a very special dessert - the coconut macaroons - PLEASE!!!! Every time I go there I always ask and if you miss them too be sure to tell the management as I’m determined to get them to offer them once again. Best dishes - too many. Favorites. Love katsu chicken it’s to die for is all I have to say. I’m a big fan of their rice as I know this is such a someone thing but if you are a lover of rice, be sure to order some as it’s perfectly cooked. Also big fan of their simple but perfectly made avocado rolls with perfect creamy taste and texture and amazing combination with the seaweed (nori) wrap and sushi rice. I have had every sashimi, sushi, and maki on the menue and all are a special treat for decor the one with the baby egg yolk as it’s just not for me. So enjoy a Montreal landmark as it’s worth the money...

I’ve been a regular at this restaurant for a while because the food is always fresh, flavourful, and nicely prepared. The kitchen team deserves credit. Unfortunately, the front-of-house service continues to fall short, and my experience on Monday, June 9th, was especially disappointing.

I had called ahead to ask if Caesars could be made at lunch, since I know there’s no bartender during the day. The woman who answered assured me they could. But when we arrived, not only were we left without water for over 15 minutes on a hot day, the server was dismissive and rude when my friend politely asked about it.

When she finally came to take our drink order, she told us they didn’t have Clamato — despite having said yes on the phone. I offered to pick some up from the depanneur just down the street or asked if someone from staff could, but she refused without a trace of apology or effort. Even more frustrating, she declined to take responsibility for having confirmed something she hadn’t checked.

In the end, I had to relocate my guests to another restaurant — not because of the mix-up, but because of how she spoke to us. The way we were treated made it clear that our presence wasn’t welcome.

I hate to leave this kind of review, because the food truly is good, and I’ve had a few good service experiences in the past. But the inconsistency — and especially the tone of this last visit — is making it hard to justify coming back. I hope management steps in, because the kitchen deserves better...