The story of Ichigo Ichie Izakaya began in March 2015 in the heart of Plateau-Mont-Royal when Kevin Fung acquired the spacious location. He later opened Yokato Yokabai in one of the areas, which went on to become one of Montreal’s best ramen restaurants.
An Authentic and Welcoming Atmosphere
“Ichigo Ichie Izakaya” is a Japanese expression that translates to “one time, one meeting,” and it reflects the idea that each moment is unique and will never happen again. This philosophy applies to many aspects of life, including meals and social gatherings, encouraging people to fully enjoy the present moment and cherish each encounter as a one-of-a-kind event. Izakayas — Japanese bars or restaurants that serve a variety of shared dishes with drinks — often offer a relaxed atmosphere where friends or colleagues come together to enjoy small plates of food (like skewers, sashimi, and warm dishes) accompanied by beverages such as beer, sake, or Japanese cocktails.
Small Plates to Share and Explore
Ichigo Ichie’s menu is filled with small plates meant for sharing, a tradition in izakayas that allows diners to enjoy a wide range of flavors without limits. Dishes like Takoyaki (octopus fritters) and yakitori skewers embody the essence of Japanese shared plates. One of Ichigo Ichie Izakaya’s key features is its seasonal menu, designed to capture the freshest and most authentic flavors. Chef Tsuneko Hirata draws on Quebecois ingredients, like local duck and Atlantic-caught mackerel, to create a unique Japan-Canada fusion.
Among the creative offerings on the menu, the udon carbonara stands out as a nod to Japanese-Western fusion. While pairing udon noodles with a carbonara sauce seemed promising, the result falls slightly short of expectations. The sauce, crafted with respectable technical precision, delivers a pleasant creaminess. However, beyond using udon noodles, the dish could benefit from an additional touch of creativity. Aside from this unique item on an otherwise rich menu, Ichigo Ichie is undoubtedly one of the best izakayas in Montreal.
