K2 Bistro offers an all-you-can-eat dinner like no other. I say all-you-can-eat dinner, not buffet, because the food items are individually ordered and plated, sometimes even individually finalized. And the food is of restaurant quality. We really came for their fish. I mean, raw and cooked fish. The restaurant's theme is Japanese anime. Naturally, most dishes - if not all, are inspired by Japanese seafood tradition and lean heavily on sushi and sashimi. (Despite the Japanese facade, the restaurant is owned and operated by people of Chinese heritage like many suishi restaurants are.) Raw fish dishes here are a good showcase of their care in ingredients and in preparation. They also distinguish themselves from sushi buffets in the varieties of dishes offered. Ville-Marie where K2 Bistro is located in is a busy commercial district. But the restaurant has a small storefront and comparatively less flashy exterior. Combined with their pricepoint, most diners must be seeking them out. Shortly after we entered around 5pm in a December evening, the dining hall on the second floor was filled with what could only be described as repeat visitors. Once inside, you are immersed in Studio-Ghibili-themed decors from wall to wall. Whether ceiling-to-floor panels or 3D installations, they are crafted with care. Once seated, you use a touchscreen on the side of your table to order. Compared with full service restaurants, food comes relatively fast. Food is prepared somewhere on the first floor and fetched through the same staircase you walk up from. I was facing the staircase, and was amazed by the lack of real danger of servers clashing with guests the entire time! Some food items require a finishing touch, such as a torch-over. This is performed on a narrow counter on the second floor. When there is no food, that counter looks like a normal space divider. When something needs a finishing comes up, someone magically appears, torch (or other equipment/ingredient) in hand. Nothing theatrical. But if you think of the logistics, K2 Bistro is nothing short of magic. All in all, K2 Bistro offers an enjoyable dining experience - and a satisfactory meal. It has certainly attracted a dedicated following among Montreal's digital economy participants. But if you are from out of town, and/or not from the digital-native generation, seek them out. You won't be disappointed!
