Park — Restaurant in Westmount

Today, I had the distinct displeasure of experiencing what can only be described as the culinary equivalent of a tragicomedy. It was, without a doubt, the worst dining experience in my 60 years on this planet. If this review prevents even one person from enduring the subpar food and service we received today at Park Sushi, then I consider my job done.

Like many of you, I was excited to dine here. I'd read the glowing reviews, seen the TV features, and anticipated a memorable meal. We walked into a nearly empty dining room, yet despite having made a reservation over a month in advance, the gentleman at the door tried to seat us at a table immediately next to the door and across from the host stand. Peering into the vast emptiness of the restaurant, I politely asked if we could be seated somewhere else, anywhere. The gentleman consulted his computer screen and, after what felt like an eternity, allowed us to move. Throughout our agonizing stay, not one of the other window-facing booths were occupied. I can only assume that the other would-be diners had the foresight to cancel their reservations.

Our server, a pleasant but clearly untrained young woman, had to consult her notepad to remember the one special dish the chef had prepared: carrot soup with cumin. She described it as "a carrot soup with a spice." Thank you, Captain Obvious. We inquired about the sakes and were met with a vacant stare and a description as detailed as "good." It seemed she was more familiar with the bloated prices on the sake list than the actual sakes themselves.

The menu at Park Sushi is reminiscent of that scene in the 1992 film, My Cousin Vinny, when Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei go to the local restaurant and try to order a meal. The whole menu only has 3 things written on it: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu at Park is no different. Apparently, I'm the only person in the world who gets excited about knowing what's in their food. At this point, I seriously considered walking out and cutting my losses. It would have saved me a $300 lesson.

Our kimchee gyoza were passable - a bit too much dough for the minuscule filling, but edible. Then came the vegetable tempura, a nightmare in batter. The oyster mushroom was so tough that neither human teeth nor the cutlery provided could cut through it. The broccoli pieces were too large to fit into anyone's mouth, and the batter was raw inside. Delightful.

Our busboy seemed to be in a perpetual state of indecision, staring at our empty mocktail glass and gyoza plate for ten minutes before mustering the courage to clear them. Finally, our server and the gentleman who seated us arrived with our Park Maki and sashimi. The gentleman managed to spill half the sauce on the floor but still served it to us. Perhaps he was trying to save us from the chef's habit of drowning the fish in sauce. The maki was flavorless and mediocre at best, and the sashimi's taste was obliterated by the excessive sauce.

Despite my better judgment, I ordered the octopus. Big mistake. For $55, we were served the tiny shriveled ends of an octopus tentacle, drowned in an overpowering gochujang sauce, accompanied by a sea of romesco sauce, three tiny slices of leeks, and a few scattered potatoes. It was a masterclass in how not to cook.

By this point, I wanted to run out the door - perhaps this is why the host initially sat us so close to it. But the comedy of dysfunction continued. I reminded our server that we no longer wanted the miso soup we had ordered an hour ago, which she had forgotten. The busboy, in his final act of clumsiness, managed to drop utensils all over our banquette and onto my wife's purse.

I cannot stress enough how thoroughly this restaurant missed the mark on every conceivable level. I'm sure it was good at one time, but those days are long gone.

Save your money. Go to a grocery store or even a gas station and buy the sushi there - it will be better,...

I’ve been to Park many times over the years, but after last night’s birthday dinner, I won’t be returning. The experience was disappointing from start to finish. I had a crappy birthday. Kind’ve turned me off of fine dining in general.

First, the reservation process:

Because we were a party of ten, I wasn’t allowed to book by phone. Instead, I had to email someone, wait for a reply, then fill out a clunky, poorly formatted form that I had to print and write on by hand, scan, and send back. This is absurd in 2025—especially for a restaurant of this calibre.

Then, the "private room":

I was told we’d have a private room, which sounded promising. Instead, we were seated in Café Bazin, the restaurant’s next-door café. Not a Japanese dining room. A French café, with loaves of bread sitting out on the counter that my party members had to stare at while we ate; not the atmosphere one is looking for when they book upscale Japanese restaurant—it felt absurd, improvised. And the room's humidity made us feel like were eating in a greenhouse. The table was sticky. The lights also flickered every 40 minutes, and the temperature was easily above 22.5°C. So much for atmosphere.

Then, the maitre d':

Service from the floor staff was uneven. The maitre d’ seemed disengaged and inattentive, did not greet us with grace or even eye contact, and guide my mother to the next door “private dining room” through tightly packed tables instead of using the wider main path. He also inconsistently directed guests—some were told to go through the café entrance from outside, others were led through the restaurant. It felt disorganized and thoughtless.

Then, the service:

Our waitress, to her credit, was kind and professional. But the food pacing was outrageous. We were all seated at 6:30 p.m., and the first course didn’t arrive until 7:44 p.m., even though she assured me food would come out quickly given everything was pre-set. Despite being a pre-set menu, the kitchen somehow delivered a three-hour meal where each course was minuscule and fussy, with dishes that leaned more French than Japanese (small, saucy, hardly Japanese-y). Most dishes were tepid, dry, or rubbery—clearly pre-prepared and left under heat lamps. Cringe.

The only sushi we received came as the final course: a modest 6 to 8 pieces per person. For a party meal at a Japanese restaurant, it was the only thing that felt even remotely appropriate, though a large Omakase sushi platter for the whole party to share would’ve been far more satisfying. Sadly, even those small plates weren’t enough to salvage the experience because they too were not particularly fresh.

Park used to be great. I remember its early days, when the sushi was exceptional and the fish was clearly fresh. Those days are long gone. The quality has slipped, the service feels indifferent, and the prices are no longer justified. It now coasts on its Westmount location and local reputation. I...

Exquisite Sushi and Exceptional Service at Park Restaurant

Park Restaurant in Montreal, Canada, is an absolute gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. From the incredibly fresh and tasteful sushi to the upbeat and contemporary atmosphere, this establishment offers a culinary adventure in the heart of Westmount.

Let's begin with the star of the show—the sushi. Park Restaurant takes great pride in serving sushi that is nothing short of exceptional. Each piece showcases the utmost freshness, tantalizing your taste buds with a symphony of flavors. From delicate sashimi to expertly crafted rolls, the quality and attention to detail are evident in every bite. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a newcomer to this culinary delight, Park Restaurant's sushi is sure to leave you impressed.

The atmosphere at Park Restaurant adds to the overall experience. The upbeat and contemporary ambiance creates a lively and vibrant setting. Situated in the heart of Westmount, it provides the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable dining experience. The bustling atmosphere also offers excellent people-watching opportunities, further enhancing the dining adventure.

For those seeking the ultimate gastronomic journey, the tasting menu at Park Restaurant is an absolute must-try. Prepare to be amazed as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of dishes that are nothing short of divine. From the exquisite presentation to the harmonious blend of flavors, each course will transport your taste buds to new heights. The tasting menu truly demonstrates the culinary prowess of the talented chefs at Park Restaurant.

One aspect that truly sets Park Restaurant apart is its exceptional service. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they provide impeccable service, adding a touch of elegance to your visit. Whether you have questions about the menu or need recommendations, the staff is always ready to assist, making you feel valued and well taken care of.

It's worth noting that Park Restaurant is on the pricier side, but the experience and quality of the food justify the cost. This establishment offers a culinary journey that is worth every penny, leaving you with an unforgettable dining experience.

In conclusion, Park Restaurant in Montreal stands out as a haven for sushi lovers and those seeking an exceptional dining adventure. With its incredibly fresh and tasteful sushi, contemporary ambiance, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service, it truly excels in every aspect. If you're willing to indulge and appreciate the finer things in life, Park Restaurant is a must-visit...