The konbini concept—Japan's beloved convenience store model, where speed and quality coexist without apology—is alive in Little Italy, and Mimi Nori makes a compelling argument for it. A self-service ramen bar, it includes a curated grocery of Japanese and Korean pantry staples, ready-to-eat items, and specialty drinks you'd have to work harder to find elsewhere in Montreal.

The ramen setup is build-your-own: choose your noodles from a rotating cast (Shin Ramyun, Chapagetti, Neoguri, Lobster Ramen) and pile on toppings like kimchi, naruto maki, dumplings, and goberge. Ube and pandan lattes round out the drinks counter, along with the pouched juices and sodas.