Montreal is full of spots trying to recreate the spirit of Tokyo. But few do it with as much intensity as Iru Izakaya, the new hotspot in the Quartier des Spectacles, nestled at the foot of the twin Maestria towers.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is set: an industrial-style ceiling with exposed black pipes, hanging purple and red neon lights, and a large central bar standing like an island of conviviality. Most of all, it’s a packed, noisy (sometimes a bit too loud), and lively space. This is a place for sharing, for clinking glasses, for living a collective experience (far from quiet tête-à-têtes), but perfect for a night out with friends, passing around Japanese dishes.

As for the menu, the bar is well stocked with a fine selection of Japanese spirits, creative cocktails, and sake. All at prices that make sense for downtown Montreal. It’s the kind of place where you’ll happily settle in to kick off the evening with a drink in hand.

The food offers a modern take on traditional izakaya cuisine. The beef gyozas arrive hot, with a delicate aroma, though a crispier finish would have brought out the texture that usually makes them so appealing. The trio of sea salads (seaweed, squid, and octopus) is refreshing. However, the octopus salad lacks balance, overwhelmed by an overly aggressive wasabi that stings the nose as much as it sparks curiosity.

But the real surprise of the evening is the duck rice, a generous and bold dish. It immediately brings to mind a generous fried rice, with tender pieces of duck and an intense, layered depth of flavor.