Beyond sushi and ramen, Japanese cuisine contains a temple of culinary discoveries. When you know the legendary finesse and thoroughness of the Japanese in everything they do, it comes as no surprise to see that agility translate into your plate. I had the incredible good fortune to visit Japan about two years ago. And I came back with a real fascination for this ancestral country. Tell you how well I ate! From the large restaurant to the typical small tavern, including the buffet, I have been able to enjoy many facets of Japanese cuisine. When I came back to Quebec, I was really happy to see that there were several restaurants presenting the authentic flavors of Japan in Quebec, including three on the same street in the St-Roch district! So I was not the only one with this enthusiasm for the Land of the Rising Sun and its cuisine.

All that being said, you will understand that my expectations were high for Torri Izakaya, this small Japanese snack bar. I wanted to sink back into my travel memories. We all need the exotic in this particular time, right? As I was lucky enough to have orders for me during my stay in Japan, I was a bit blissful at the restaurant's take out menu. I was having trouble deciphering it. But I wanted some exoticism, didn't I? I was served!

We blindly opted for fried duck confit dumplings and Niku dumplings (pork, sesame and lemongrass). Among the choices of Japas (a contraction of Japan and tapas), we risked the astonishing Tako Torii, or Takoyaki style fondue parmesan, octopus, okonomiyaki, tarragon mayonnaise, honey and wasabi. We rounded it off with a little karaage, or Japanese-style fried chicken. Put together on the plate, it all looked intriguing. Although we were clearly into Asian flavors, I didn't recognize the Japan I had tasted.

Against all odds, my crush turned out to be karaage. The dish I ordered to stay on familiar ground. In the end, the Japanese-style fried chicken offered a really nice texture. Far from the fried chicken of a certain Colonel, with no apparent frying fat. Covered with a little homemade mayonnaise, the whole was quite delectable. In second position? The pork dumplings. Tasty, with a tasty garnish and well seasoned although the ponzu, lime and sherry sauce was discreet.
My disappointment? The Takoyaki. Neither the colors nor the presentation whetted my appetite. From the first bite, I understood that this Japas was not for me. I love the octopus though, but presented here in a Parmesan style fondue, it immediately struck me. I moved on to another call. I left it all to my partner who, in turn, appreciated it. Tastes are indisputable, says the old adage!
Among the “correct, but nothing more” were the fried duck dumplings. I really liked the stuffing as well as the crispy texture of the fried dough, but it was the orange gastric, a little too present for my taste, that cast a shadow on the board.
It must be said that I did my research poorly before placing the order, expecting 100% Japanese authenticity. I then found that the restaurant sees itself more as a hybrid between Japanese and French cuisine! Ahhhhh! I will have learned the lesson!
Note:
6.5 / 10
What struck me the most about my visit:
Research in flavors
The house specialty:
Spring rolls and buns

The most expensive main meal on the menu:
LARGE KARAAGE - $ 18
The cheapest main meal on the menu:
CRAB CAKE, $ 10
Do I recommend this restaurant:
No
What time of day did I visit:
Supper
Most :
- Affordable prices
- Originality of the menu
- Exotic flavors
- Chicken Karaage
The lessers :
- Flavors
- No tasting plates or full menu