Yuukai Sushi - A Montreal Restaurants Review

More BYO sushi restaurants are popping up in Montreal, so the fable goes. But good luck finding another bring your own wine sushi restaurant in town that actually exists, let alone tops the quality, service and affordability of Yuukai.

I shouldn’t have put any cons really. So what if the Spartan-esque off-white walls match the off-white tablecloths and beige paintings? So be it if I must walk up to 20 minutes from the closest metro or settle for the perpetually packed 80 bus? One comes to Yuukai to be dazzled by well-prepared, elegantly presented, always fresh sushi while saving money on wine and/or sake by buying it (I prefer Hugel Gentil myself) at the SAQ just a few feet away from the restaurant. And about $50 with taxes and tip should be enough to cover dinner for two but you can budget even less than that if need be.

Dolled up, dressed down, I’ve been to Yuukai up to a dozen times across seasons since it opened in 2004 and this restaurant is no six-month wonder. The quality is -- for lack of a spiffier term -- consistent, year after year. Fresh fish and colorful dishes -- courtesy of pink and green rice paper maki rolls -- offer a delicate alternative to traditional dark green seaweed maki rolls, which are, of course, also available on the menu.

And then there's the option to opt out of sushi in favor of a (reportedly lip-smackingly good) rib steak served with teriyaki sauce or a shrimp and vegetable tempura plate, both suitable substitutes for the other half of a couple who can’t stand raw fish.

But if you are going raw, you can’t go wrong with the Samurai roll’s tuna tartar, honey and mango combo, the kama roll (complete with crab stick, tempura shrimp and gotta-have-that mango) and the tempura fried maki roll with smoked salmon and crabstick. But honestly, there aren't any weak points on the menu unless the lack of exotic fare like sea urchin (been there, done that, eugh) is a deal breaker.

All-in-all a great date or group restaurant with a relaxed dress code (you can get away with bringing the kids too), Yuukai has all the makings of a perennial Montreal must.