Imadake Izakaya

When Imadake opened in 2009, it didn’t just introduce izakaya culture to Montreal—it threw it into overdrive. What started as a bold bet on sake bombs and grilled skewers has aged into one of the city’s most enduring Japanese joints, without losing its edge. The menu’s a mix of classic drinking snacks (karaage, takoyaki, gyoza), bold plates like grilled pork belly or beef tongue, and a ramen section that actually delivers—housemade noodles, deep broths, and enough topping options to turn it into a choose-your-own-comfort-bowl. Regulars know to scan the sake list or go all in on cocktails like the Rasu Love (amaretto, vodka, hojicha, and Earl Grey). Still loud, still lively, and still yelling irasshaimase at the door, Imadake’s not chasing trends. It helped set the tone for a whole scene—and it’s still the spot where group dinners turn into full-blown parties.