Honō Izakaya — Restaurant in Quebec

Three Stars of Confusion and Karaage Glory Let’s start with the pickled vegetables, which felt like a random game of fridge roulette. Who knew disappointment could come in so many vinegary shades? Then came the yakitoris. The salmon belly? Imagine two sad little pizza slices whispering about the idea of salmon. Salty enough to pickle your soul, and priced like we were buying tickets to a live fish opera. The other yakitori, lovingly(?) named “momi,” had the texture of melted glue sticks and the testosterone level of a tofu yoga retreat. Japan is fire and grit—this was more like a wet napkin in cosplay. And then, the karaage arrived. Golden. Glorious. Crispy. The sauce? A power move. It slapped harder than a kung fu grandma. We considered ordering 12 more, but our own “nature” stopped us. Hope flickered again with the wagyu tartare, only to be swiftly extinguished. Served with ancient potato chips that tasted like air’s last breath. The tartare itself was the culinary equivalent of a bad haiku—sad, cold, and vaguely existential. Last came the beef tataki, starring flavorless beef and tomatoes so watery they could’ve cried themselves onto the plate. If you’ve ever wanted to taste the absence of excitement, this is your moment. The staff? Absolute legends. Smiling, helpful, and seemingly aware of the food’s emotional rollercoaster. They alone earn this place its...

The food here is good but not great. A wide variety of dishes are served, sort of a blend of yakitori, izakaya, and tempura. Some of the dishes are traditional, others are what I suppose the chef imagines are innovative improvements of the original dishes. In my opinion they are actually not improvements. One example: edamame, traditionally served with a bit of salt. Here, the dish has had some kind of syrupy sauce added to it, not my cup of tea, but for sure, you may have a different opinion. My main beef about this place is that it is terribly designed. Some of the seating is permanently nailed to the floor, little hard circular, backless stools, which in some cases are situated at high tables, and in others at low tables. I have never been anywhere near this physically uncomfortable in any restaurant, let alone one as pricey as this one. There is also side seating with similar fixed stools, and here, the table is also nailed into the wall. The tables are tiny. If you order several dishes at the same time, as patrons are encouraged to do, you'll have quite a hard time getting them to fit on the table provided. One last word about service: our server was terrific, could not have been more helpful or friendlier. My suggestion to management, face up to the bad design and do...

I've loved Japan and Japanese food for 20 years. I've never had an experience like Hono outside of Japan. It doesn't feel like Japan but it does feel like a posh, warm and welcoming izakaya. The food is excellent... Like excellent fresh simple ingredients with an authentic Japanese influence.

I was expecting a much higher bill, tbh - very reasonable... And I drank a bunch... And ate until I couldn't anymore.

I happened to be solo because my buddy went back to Toronto a day ahead of me. I'm happy because there happened to be ONE available seat at the bar - YOU MUST RESERVE.

I opted to let the staff choose my meal because how should I know the menu better than them!? I requested a couple items but everything that came out was excellent, from the raw fish through the veggie and cooked fish dishes to the rich and savory dumplings.

The only thing I didn't get was the "wagyu", only because (a) I just don't care and (b) I wanted to try 700 other things and I was by myself - not exactly conducive to the izakaya (read "tapas") experience.

Imanuel was behind the bar and she (as her colleagues) was patient, knowledgeable and interested in curating and executing an epic experience. Thanks!!! Or...