Honō Izakaya

Izakaya restaurant · Saint-Roch ·

Honō Izakaya

Izakaya restaurant · Saint-Roch ·

Japanese izakaya with sharable plates, yakitori, and cocktails

Information

670 Rue Saint-Joseph E, Québec, QC G1K 3B9, Canada Get directions

@bonappetit

5,326 Postcards · 1,008 Cities

The Eight Best Maple Syrup Dishes in Quebec City | Bon Appétit

"In Saint‑Roch, this neutral‑toned, minimalist Japanese izakaya quickly became a neighborhood favorite after opening in 2018, now nearly impossible to visit without a reservation. Plates for sharing center on tataki, sashimi, and yakitori, paired with artisanal cocktails from barman and co‑owner Julien Vézina, who deftly blends Japanese and Quebec spirits and flavors. Try the Sokky, a Manhattan‑inspired mix of Nikka Whisky From the Barrel, Barolo Chinato vermouth, shochu, ponzu, and maple syrup, garnished with confit shiitake; it pairs beautifully with the Nagano pork belly yakitori dusted in shichi‑mi tōgarashi." - ByPamela MacNaughtan

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/the-eight-best-maple-syrup-dishes-in-quebec-city

Honō Izakaya

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"At Honō Izakaya –honōmeans "flame" in Japanese – the grill reigns supreme. In a minimalist interior softened by pale wood, diners enjoy Japanese cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. Here, they don't serve sushi, but tataki, sashimi and tempura… and a fine selection of yakitori, the house speciality: miso-marinated salmon, house-made chicken sausage and confit duck heart. Presented on small plates for sharing, the dishes stand out for the quality and perfect cooking of the ingredients." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/quebec/quebec_2434166/restaurant/hono-izakaya

michelin.com

Honō Izakaya

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

All the 2025 Québec MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmands

"At Honō Izakaya – honō means "flame" in Japanese – the grill reigns supreme. In a minimalist interior softened by pale wood, diners enjoy Japanese cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. Here, they don't serve sushi, but tataki, sashimi and tempura… and a fine selection of yakitori, the house speciality: miso-marinated salmon, house-made chicken sausage and confit duck heart. Presented on small plates for sharing, the dishes stand out for the quality and perfect cooking of the ingredients." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-star-ceremony-quebec-bib-gourmand

Honō Izakaya

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Food Writers Name Montreal’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2018 | Eater Montreal

"I include Honō Izakaya among top Quebec City standbys across budgets." - Tim Forster

https://montreal.eater.com/2018/12/24/18150756/best-restaurants-2018-montreal-food-critics-journalists

Honō Izakaya

louise

Google

Reservation is required— we saw lots of people who tried to walk in but the restaurant was fully booked, and our table was booked after we were done, which is why we had a limit of 2 hours. We liked everything but the sashimi, it didn’t live up to our expectations because we eat sushi a lot. But everything else tasted amazing, we were eating the marinated vegetables in between our bites (it was a good palate cleanser). The marinated quail eggs were good as well as the miso salmon! We were going to order more food but we had to order the butabara twice because it melted in our mouths and couldn’t help not to take another bite haha. We weren’t really a fan of salmon skin until we had the sake harasu, the skin was crispy and the salmon was cooked perfectly! We ordered all their desserts and the crème brûlée was really good. I’d also like to note that the waiters teamwork was really good, I think everyone worked together to make sure that there won’t be any complaints from the clients. Our cocktails were really good as well— I think the best one was Yu-Gin 2.0 and the La Mer Noire. Would definitely come back here and try their other dishes.

Avery

Google

The food here was amazing, a must try in QC if you're in the area. It gets busy quick and it's advised to be there 10-20 minutes before opening if you're a walk-in (that's what we did, might be excessive but we were guaranteed a spot). Genuinely the most delicious pork belly I've ever had in my life, crispy exterior and so tender that it melts in your mouth inside. Their seasonal dessert was so refreshing and unique as well, we had a cookie with a cream(?) on it? Divine.

Xaymara C.

Google

Food was very good! Relaxed vibes and awesome food. Cant go wrong! Our favorite plates were the pork belly (no photos, sorry!) and, suprinsigly, the mushroom yakitory (wow!). Would definitely go back!

April

Google

Really nice izakaya with a great atmosphere — very cozy and inviting. The quail eggs were delicious. The fried tofu was especially good: the outside was very chewy and bouncy, and the tofu flavor was subtle rather than strong, which made it quite unique. Definitely a recommended dish, and a great place to enjoy the vibe.

Justin G.

Google

Marvelous! Wonderful flavors, masterfully combined. Yakatoris were excellent, particularly the salmon - however we also tried the chicken sausage and mushroom confit, both delectable as well. Okonomoyaki was a delight. And don’t sleep on the miso crème brûlée.

Noura

Google

Amazing gem. Michelin deserved and staff were crazy good. Sat at the bar and watched the cook do their thing. Such a good experience 🔥

Derek M.

Google

Wasn't expecting a Japanese restaurant to be one of our favorites on our trip to Canada. The food was really great. Lamb and Salmon skewers were some of the best I've had. Sashimi, Waygu, Karaage, Steamed dumplings and drinks were all amazing. Coming from NYC it seemed reasonably priced. Would absolutely go again and highly recommend if you are visiting Quebec.

Raphael N.

Google

Definitely a recommendation! If you wish to experience Sapporo style Ramen restaurant, you shouldn’t miss this place. The Shoyu Ramen is outstanding.!!! If you can try to get a table around the kitchen area for the most authentic experience.

Joanna R.

Yelp

Four adults and 2 kids under 10 - We arrived without reservations and were nervous.... Luckily we were there in the afternoon ahead of the dinner rush. They looked at the list and shared that as long as we were no longer than 2 hours, they could fit us in!! AMAZING!!! No problem at all for us, as the kids couldn't sit for that long anyway. LOL The place is cozy - meaning they squeeze a lot of people into a fairly small space. While the seating option wasn't ideal for our mix of ages, it was perfect - because we were able to be seated. As the saying goes, "Beggers can't be choosers" Our table was next to the bar and was a combination of low stools and high stools. Next to the high stools were tables and chairs - literally right behind you, which can be uncomfortable for those on the stools and those on the chairs behind you. We tried not to think about it too much. It definitely made it a challenge for all when we were leaving. We couldn't leave without brushing up against people. Not my favorite. The food and service makes this experience all worth it! We loved every single dish we got. The flavors were amazing! So fresh and perfectly seasoned. The portions aren't "Huge" but are perfect for this cuisine. You order as you go and they bring food as it's ready. So it's a constant flow. Meaning the servers are working very hard - tip them appropriately! Things we had and loved: Edamame - with the furkake - YUMM!, Dumplings, Salmon Belly, Pork belly, Pork and Rice, Fried chicken and the creme brulee. We loved it and this will be one of the reasons why we return to Quebec!

Jacob R.

Yelp

I came here in a party of 1 on a Monday night and was absolutely blown away (in a good way) Atmosphere: no air conditioning inside - or at least I couldn't feel any myself hah! Loud, busy, crowded. Izakaya vibes? I sat at the bar because it was the only open seating. Service: very kind and nice to an obvious visitor/tourist. well-done. Food: marvelous and makes up for the horrible temperature inside lol see below. quail eggs for a solid start, 2 skewers were flavorful not big, but the karaage curry was plenty and paired perfectly with a nice beer. 1000% would recommend this place to anyone visiting or local. I will be back. Very decent prices as well for the quality of food!

Cindy W.

Yelp

The dishes and vibes were so good that one would have assumed the chef to either be Japanese or trained in Japan. We love the izakaya style as you can order multiple dishes and share them. We enjoyed the grilled mushrooms, the salmon belly, and assorted sashimi. The prices were very attractive for the quality and freshness of the dishes. The only dish I didn't enjoy was the asparagus as the miso sauce overpowered the vegetables. Friendly service overall. Reservation is a must as the restaurant filled up very quickly within 15 mins of opening on a Sunday night.

James H.

Yelp

Hono Izakaya was a restaurant that we were very excited for! Izakaya Japanese style dining is one of our favorites and we were excited to try this restaurant's highly touted reputation... I do have to say that some parts of the dinner were underwhelming (mostly had an issue with the gravvy that was served with the karaage chicken).

Rafael C.

Yelp

Wife and I had a great time there. We tried a lot of different small plates and it was all really good as well as the drinks. The server made good recommendations for us. It's hard to get in, you just have to plan to make a reservation early. We'll definitely be back when we're back in Quebec City.

Lala C.

Yelp

This was our 2nd stop on our progressive dinner night while in QC. First stop was jjacques which in hindsight we may have wanted to remain there. Not that Hono was not good, it was just so packed, very loud and service was a bit stretched. The kaarage (aka chicken nuggets) seemed to be the most popular dish coming out of the kitchen. 5 stars for the shumai though. We tried both the veggie and seafood. Hubby enjoyed his Kawa- crispy chicken skin. I venutured out of my box and ordered the Okonomiyaki which was inedible for me. I informed the server and after a bit of a hassle, he took it back and off our check. The way it had been described by him was more of a pancake with veggies but it did not taste good to me or my hubby. I wanted to order the miso sake yakitori but by then the server was uninterested in helping us so that was that. Caught an uber back to Hotel 71 in Lower Town. ( fabulous hotel btw)

Elsa S.

Yelp

the neighbourhood is rough and the environment is loud, but the food is no-joke amazing. i get the hype--you should go.

Connor S.

Yelp

Absolutely unreal. Sublime. You simply must eat here. Anything and everything off the menu. My tastebuds shall remain unequivocally blessed by this establishment.

Angela R.

Yelp

Food was excellent. They have all sorts of mixology drinks. We sat in front of the kitchen and it was super cool to see them hustle. And they did hustle! The lobster ramen was creamy and the miso was light and just right.

Tina R.

Yelp

My friends and I were pretty confused why this place was rated so highly. The food was mediocre (We're all Asian, and we take our Asian food seriously) . There was no flavor in any of the food and the fried chicken we ordered was too heavy on the salt. I'm not normally picky with food, but the food was just not it. One of the staff members were also pretty rude and short with us. We had a reservation around 7pm, but were in the area at 5:30, so just checked in to see if they have space. It wouldn't have been a big deal if they didn't, and we would have just returned at 7pm. But the guy at the front made some unnecessary snarky remark at us. So all in all, the terrible service and the mediocre food at this "Izakaya" is just not worth your time.

Mike D.

Yelp

Great small place. A bit loud which is fine with me and gets busy so you may have a wait. Sat at the bar and the bar tender was amazing in explaining the menu and making great drinks. Had an opportunity to share a shot with the staff. Food is small plates with a great variety. I just let the bar tender order for me and he did not disappoint. Sadly I only have one night here or I would be back. This is a must try place if you are in town.

Aleah S.

Yelp

Give it a Michelin star! Our favorite meal of 6 nights in Quebec City. Located in the area of Saint Roch, make this stop for some Japanese tapas. Our favorite dishes were the dumplings and the tempura mushrooms, but every dish was outstanding. An extensive wine and Japanese whiskey list. Several interesting specials in addition to the menu! Our server was helpful and accommodating to us being english-speakers. The design is minimalist, modern, and tasteful.

Leslie A.

Yelp

Fabulous service, cozy atmosphere, and amazing dishes. We had seared marinated steak, karaage, okonomiyaki, and miso soup. The miso soup was quite special with extra flavor of lemon zest. It was a delightful late night meal.

James M.

Yelp

Came with friends. The food looks and smells great, and according to them it tastes great. Unfortunately for me, they do not have any gluten free options in the menu. None was offer either, they did not seem to care. I will respect their menu but they have lost from selling me a meal. I won't be coming back.

Izzi M.

Yelp

The pork shumai and the chicken karaage were breathtakingly delicious! The service was great too, they were very understanding that we spoke minimal French. The place is super cute, we sat at this tiny table because we didn't have reservations but it added to the experience for me!!

Colvin C.

Yelp

The place was busy even for a Wednesday night! They are closed on Tuesdays, so I guess that's why. I should have realized just how loud this place would be since it's an Izakaya or tavern, but I ended up having a headache because of all the constant loudness and how I was seated right by a column... there should not have been a seat where I sat, much less be actually used. I am a pretty tiny person for a guy and even I had to squeeze on in and have my right arm in front of the column the entire time. Still, the seat was very tight and uncomfortable. The ceiling is way too low and the space is small, so it only added to the feeling of being trapped... The food itself was alright. Everything ranged from $5 snacks to $14 for the curry dishes, which was a decent size. I liked that I had 8 pieces of tofu and a third of the plate full of soft cubes of potatoes and carrots. The nori/seaweed was a nice added touch for the rice. 15 pieces of sashimi for $12 is alright, small, but flavourful. I liked their BBQ avocado with soya sauce. Miso soup was not too salty, either The karaage dish, fried chicken bites, was adequate and sizeable but my beau thinks it was quite bland. Service was adequate, too. I asked for water with lemon and instead I got a bottle of Eska sparkling water and lime, so I kindly returned the bottle of water, and just added the lime in my regular cup of water. We later asked for separate bills, but instead it came as an evenly split bill.... he tried Oh well, I only came here, because my beau insisted on ending our trip with a Japanese dinner... or else I would just have chosen to eat at another French/Québécois restaurant, because they are so many Japanese Izakayas or restaurants already back home in Toronto... Can't win them all I guess. At least, I am full.

Wendy C.

Yelp

Cute intimate Japanese restaurant in Quebec City! Food was delicious, especially the wagyu beef and the pork shumai (tasted like pulled pork...unique and different). The portions were small and meant to be shared. So just expect to pay a higher price for the quality of the food and also the amount of plates you'd have to order to get full. Our server was amazing and really attentive. He made us feel welcome. Overall, one of my favorite meals in Quebec!

Allison H.

Yelp

Reviews on this place were mostly great! We knew we would have to arrive at open or arrive close to closing to secure a seat. We did not have reservations, but had no difficulty securing seats at 5:45. We had delicious bites that were timely perfectly apart. Highly recommend the wagyu, salmon yakitori and chicken thigh yakitori. Even though we are only in QC for three nights, we are definitely returning. Service was excellent and friendly in both English and French. This is a fusion of Japanese food, so manage expectations.

Robin H.

Yelp

Nice little spot in St. Roch neighbourhood. Food is fresh and well made. Yakitori was good and offered authentic selection like chicken hearts, gizzard, etc., but also offered items for the less adventurous or carnivorous. Portions were perfect for sharing. They don't take reservations and it does fill up even on a weekday. Would recommend going early if you have a large party.

Nick S.

Yelp

Really good food with great tastes. We had the quail eggs, the mushroom yakitori, the miso salmon yakitori, and the karaage chicken curry. All were fantastic. I've been to izakayas in Tokyo and this felt legitimate with a uniquely Quebec twist. The cocktails were also really good.

Jordan B.

Yelp

This was the best meal we had in Quebec City. Definitely go here; fabulous all around experience that would easily cost $200+ in New York but came in at ~$90 with cocktails, tons of food, dessert, tax and tip for two. Nice modern, minimalist atmosphere with a cool crowd. Extremely professional and friendly service. Solid, inexpensive cocktails. The food consists of interesting and unique Japanese flavors (but not sushi). Everything was very good but the two lowlights were the vegetable curry (blah presentation and more of a stew, not flavorful) and the small version of the sentcha crème brûlée (so small that the torch heated the whole thing through instead of crisping the top). Highly recommend this great place.

Gina K.

Yelp

I mean...I'm Asian and I hail from the land(s) of great food so I might have a bit of a picky palate here but the food is NOT GOOD here. It's edible, sure. But here are my honest opinions of their food: calamari salad - very salty and way too gingery Yakitori - it's a stretch to call this Yakitori. It's Asian inspired marinade on something more like a shish kabob. It tastes fine but let's not insult Yakitori and call this what it is. Giant chunks of meat on a stick. Udon - NO FLAVOR whatsoever. The broth was like straight up water. Okonomiyaki - this was ok but the cabbage needs to be shredded before tossing into this instead of a rough chop Curry - it's hard to botch instant curry from a box so it was fine. Tempura - this was actually the best food item in terms of execution. Light, flakey and fresh. I just wish these were seasoned a bit or actually came with a flavorful dashi sauce for dipping. I give this place stars only because the ambience, decor and service was good.

V L.

Yelp

Overall a decent place to eat but nothing extraordinary. The staff was I really great, attentive and super nice. The ambience is clean and simple. However, the food was just ok. The yakitoris were singular flavor notes, often overpowered by the Shichimi togarashi, the japanese spice, or teriyaki sauce. Could hardly tell they were cooked over charcoal. The mushroom yakitoris were the best ones on the menu. Sashimi prob had the most interesting flavor profile, which to me means it's over fussy for sashimi. The okonomiyaki was decent but felt more like an egg frittata than a traditional Japanese pancake. Overall, an ok place but not worth an excursion unless you're in the area or you have nowhere else to try.

Nika S.

Yelp

Bartender charged us over 90$ for 2 small 200ml bottles of Sake without informing us about price in advance. After pointing out we only had 2 bottles he finally took one out of our bill . AND I did not ask for second one, bartender just brought it and opened and pour it . I decided to take it but it's not professional. But still if your overage price line for cocktails is 11$ you should have inform guest in advance if suggesting on 30$ 200ml sake. I had this sake in other places at max 15$.

Alex G.

Yelp

Honō Izakaya is great!! The food was delicious, and although it took a while to get a table, the service was good! The cocktails were great, as was everything else--especially the deserts!

Guillaume C.

Yelp

Wow! Just try it is you are a real foodie who enjoys good vibes and good drinks... Others who complained are simply boring...

K B.

Yelp

Hard to rate this place. The room is a very nice design, staff is attentive and helpful, and the food was high quality and much of it tasted good. But it was far from real Japanese. It was more of a hipster stylized version. Didn't see any Japanese in the kitchen. But I think it will get great reviews from those who are more interested in a nicely curated experience than authentic Japanese dining.

Toby S.

Yelp

This place has a great atmosphere however the menu seems very limited. We had about 5 dishes from the menus and only 1 was amazing. So if you're looking for a place to fulfill your appetite this place isn't it. We left hungry and ended up at another place.

David F.

Yelp

Already disappointed. Can't sit at a table that's not big enough for 1 person. Service is very slow. I wanted to explain to the waiter that I needed to separate checks. His response was to walk away and you can ask later. WTF????

Val K.

Yelp

We loved this place. Great atmosphere, good music, and wonderful food. The yakatori combo is notable, and one of their specialties. It includes a rice bowl wit three skewers-- seared salmon, pork belly and mushrooms were all delectable. Included edamame and yummy rice plus pickled veggies. A light but filling lunch including a special chocolate dessert. The service was terrific and personal. We live in San Francisco and eat a good amount of Japanese food. This place was right on par with the best ever!

@bonappetit

5,326 Postcards · 1,008 Cities

The Eight Best Maple Syrup Dishes in Quebec City | Bon Appétit

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/the-eight-best-maple-syrup-dishes-in-quebec-city

Honō Izakaya

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

https://guide.michelin.com/en/quebec/quebec_2434166/restaurant/hono-izakaya

michelin.com

Honō Izakaya

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

All the 2025 Québec MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmands

"At Honō Izakaya – honō means "flame" in Japanese – the grill reigns supreme. In a minimalist interior softened by pale wood, diners enjoy Japanese cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. Here, they don't serve sushi, but tataki, sashimi and tempura… and a fine selection of yakitori, the house speciality: miso-marinated salmon, house-made chicken sausage and confit duck heart. Presented on small plates for sharing, the dishes stand out for the quality and perfect cooking of the ingredients." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-star-ceremony-quebec-bib-gourmand

Honō Izakaya

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Food Writers Name Montreal’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2018 | Eater Montreal

"I include Honō Izakaya among top Quebec City standbys across budgets." - Tim Forster

https://montreal.eater.com/2018/12/24/18150756/best-restaurants-2018-montreal-food-critics-journalists

Honō Izakaya

louise

Google

Avery

Google

Xaymara C.

Google

April

Google

Justin G.

Google

Noura

Google

Amazing gem. Michelin deserved and staff were crazy good. Sat at the bar and watched the cook do their thing. Such a good experience 🔥

Derek M.

Google

Raphael N.

Google

Joanna R.

Yelp

Jacob R.

Yelp

Cindy W.

Yelp

James H.

Yelp

Rafael C.

Yelp

Lala C.

Yelp

Elsa S.

Yelp

the neighbourhood is rough and the environment is loud, but the food is no-joke amazing. i get the hype--you should go.

Connor S.

Yelp

Absolutely unreal. Sublime. You simply must eat here. Anything and everything off the menu. My tastebuds shall remain unequivocally blessed by this establishment.

Angela R.

Yelp

Tina R.

Yelp

Mike D.

Yelp

Aleah S.

Yelp

Leslie A.

Yelp

James M.

Yelp

Izzi M.

Yelp

Colvin C.

Yelp

Wendy C.

Yelp

Allison H.

Yelp

Robin H.

Yelp

Nick S.

Yelp

Jordan B.

Yelp

Gina K.

Yelp

V L.

Yelp

Nika S.

Yelp

Alex G.

Yelp

Honō Izakaya is great!! The food was delicious, and although it took a while to get a table, the service was good! The cocktails were great, as was everything else--especially the deserts!

Guillaume C.

Yelp

Wow! Just try it is you are a real foodie who enjoys good vibes and good drinks... Others who complained are simply boring...

K B.

Yelp

Toby S.

Yelp

David F.

Yelp

Val K.

Yelp

Honō Izakaya

Information

Postcards

Media

The Eight Best Maple Syrup Dishes in Quebec City | Bon Appétit

All the 2025 Québec MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmands

Food Writers Name Montreal’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2018 | Eater Montreal

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The Eight Best Maple Syrup Dishes in Quebec City | Bon Appétit

All the 2025 Québec MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmands

Food Writers Name Montreal’s Top Restaurant Standbys of 2018 | Eater Montreal