Motto Handroll Bar
Motto Handroll Bar 473 R. Saint-François-Xavier, Montréal
4.9
22 evaluations
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Reviews / Ratings for Motto Handroll Bar

Photo of Louis-Gabriel Racicot
15 Feb 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Had an amazing experience at Motto Handroll Bar, amazing food, ambiance, service an the cocktails are beautifully made. The atmosphere is very warm, perfect place for a special outing with your significant other. The reason for the 4 star review is because although the food is of high quality, the portions are very small for the price paid.

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Photo of Luke Borsare
6 Feb 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Thought this place was phenomenal, hand rolls compared favorably to several of my favorite spots in New York. Don’t miss out on this it’s absolutely worth a visit

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Photo of Chops Wunda
2 Feb 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Cool spot. Nice vibe. Food was really good. Not too pricey for the area. Staff and manager were awesome!

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Photo of Christina Stevens
31 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Motto was a fantastic experience. I sat at the counter and asked the chef for recommendations — he suggested the scallop handroll and the hamachi crudo, and both were outstanding. The scallop in particular was so fresh and perfectly balanced that I ended up ordering a second one. Each handroll was made right in front of me and served immediately, which made a huge difference in texture and flavor. It actually reminded me a lot of Kazunori in New York — same focus on quality, simplicity, and timing — but with its own distinct charm. The ambiance was intimate and stylish without feeling stuffy, making it perfect for a date night or a relaxed but special evening out. I’d absolutely go back.

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Photo of Ren Gaudet
30 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Had an amazing service by Cam and Pat, will come again, so intimate, food amazing, casual atmosphere but elevated.

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Photo of Steal Strt
29 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Had a really great experience. William was awesome and made us feel super comfortable. He recommended the uni Hokkaido hand roll and it ended up being my favorite. Service was friendly, easygoing, and on point. Definitely coming back.

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Photo of Marco Reygadas
29 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Absolutely loved this handroll bar. Everything is made to order, so each roll comes out perfectly crisp, warm rice + ultra-fresh fish, and eaten exactly the way it’s meant to be—right away. The quality of the seafood really shines, and the balance of flavors is spot-on without being overworked. Will was our waiter and he was great he made the ambiance just perfect. The bar-style seating makes it fun and interactive, and the staff clearly know their craft.

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Photo of Julia Dub
28 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Thanks to our waitress Cathy, wonderful service, delicious food, the organic salmon handroll is a must try, will definitely come back

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Photo of Felix Burt
28 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Amazing discovery! Great food and great service. Shout out Cathy!

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Photo of Jon R (J2R)
28 Jan 2026
Source: Google
4.7

Finally Japanese handroll experience available in Montreal. Very beautiful place, nice simple menu centered around fish. So if you’re into cream cheese and mayo and whatever other non authentic stuff in your sushi this is not the place for you. Service is a bit too much, too much of the « is everything is ok? » from each member of the staff which starts to be annoying when you’re deep into dinner and having a conversation. Otherwise I will come back. I recommend ONLY IF YOU’RE INTO RAW JAPANESE STYLE FISH otherwise this place is not for you. Also no reservation only walk-in.

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Photo of Andrea Santoianni
28 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

The setting is completely different and will absolutely knock your socks off. We had Michael as our waiter—friendly, funny, and genuinely engaging. He truly made our night. I love the moody, dark atmosphere. There are no traditional tables; instead, you sit around a large bar and watch the chefs prepare fresh hand rolls right in front of you. The quality of the fish is top-notch, and the crudos are excellent. The drinks are outstanding, especially if you’re looking for something creative and less traditional. Their sake selection is impressive and thoughtfully curated. Motto recently opened in October, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it. It’s perfect for a date night—intimate, stylish, and lively. They don’t take reservations, but that’s not an issue; there are cozy lounge areas by the windows where you can relax and enjoy a drink while you wait. This place is a must. You won’t be disappointed. XO A & M XO

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Photo of Tatiana Rusu
27 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

s/o to Pat he made our experience perfect!

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Photo of raya zelhof
14 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Great food, service and ambiance!

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Photo of Pedro Artiga
14 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Great vibe and even better drinks. The bartender really know what they’re doing and were super friendly the entire time. The atmosphere is fun but relaxed, making it a perfect spot to hang out with friends or unwind after a long day. Definitely a go-to hand bar— the waiter Will created a amazing vibe shout out to him. I’ll be back for sure

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Photo of William Gomes
6 Jan 2026
Source: Google
5.0

This handroll spot is an absolute gem. Every roll is made fresh to order, and you can taste the quality in every bite—from the perfectly seasoned rice to the ultra-fresh fish and crisp nori. The balance of flavors is spot on, and the texture is exactly what a great handroll should be: warm rice, cool fish, and that satisfying crunch. The service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the casual, intimate setup makes the experience even better. Whether you’re a sushi purist or trying handrolls for the first time, this place delivers consistently amazing food. Easily one of the best handroll experiences I’ve had—can’t wait to come back!

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Photo of Brinsley
3 Jan 2026
Source: Google
3.7

Tried Motto for the first time with my girlfriend. The concept was unique and the food was good. Unfortunately, we were slightly disappointed with the service. It felt somewhat cold and impersonal, as if our presence was an inconvenience. After spending $400 and leaving a generous tip, a simple thank you from our waiter would have been appreciated, and we were ignored as we left. While good food and atmosphere are important, service plays a crucial role, especially in Old Montreal, where the competition is strong.

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Photo of Hassan Mortada
1 Jan 2026
Source: Google
4.7

(One star deducted by my stomach, which left deeply disappointed) Motto Handroll Bar is dangerously delicious. The salmon and hamachi hand rolls are unreal, the salmon crudos are next-level, and the whole sit-at-the-bar concept is super cool. The vibe is great, the place feels alive, and the servers were on us like ninjas from the second we walked in until the second… the timer expired. Because yes, there’s a timer. Before that though, let’s talk portions. These hand rolls are tiny. Not “cute tiny.” Not “refined tiny.” More like “did this just disappear?” tiny. Everything tasted amazing, but it felt like we went out for an appetizer marathon and accidentally skipped dinner. We left still hungry, emotionally confused, and Googling nearby food options. Now the best part: the 1 hour and 15 minute rule. I understand people are waiting. Totally fair. But here’s the comedy. When our time was up, we wanted to order MORE food. As in, give you MORE money. Instead, we were politely told our time was over and it was time to go. So yes, we left not full… because we literally weren’t allowed to eat more. Incredible business plot twist. Quick warning: the shrimp hand roll didn’t do it for me. Everything else? Fresh, tasty, beautifully done. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time I’m ordering like I’m speed-running the menu and training for it beforehand. No hesitation. No pauses. Full send. Amazing vibe, great service, fantastic food. Bigger portions and a rethink on the time limit would turn this from “elite snack experience” into an actual dinner.

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Opening hours

Dining room
  • Sunday 17:00 - 23:00
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday Closed
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday Closed
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday 17:00 - 23:00

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