One of the most beloved chefs in Montreal, Trì Dư has cultivated a loyal following of admirers after spells at Kaizen, Treehouse, Le Petit Treehouse and for the past decade, at his own Tri Express in the Plateau. There’s also a casual second location further north. Place orders for takeout online.

Mile End favourite Yuukai is known for the freshness of fish on its compact menu. Try the tuna tatami, or explore their special omakase platter. 

The names of the dishes at Saint Sushi might seem silly, but it’s easy to overlook that once its fresh fish hits the table. Its yogurt sauce might not be for everyone, so order some “Christmas trees” — sashimi tartar on a cracker — instead and go with the flow. Get 10 percent off online takeout orders over $85.

Christian Manuel Ventura Alatorre’s all-vegan sushi venture on the Plateau garnered plentiful praise upon opening in 2014, and its crafty veggie rolls continue to present tough competition to even the most reputable fish-based spots in the city. Delivery in the neighbourhood with Chasseurs Courriers make this a super eco-friendly choice. 

One of Montreal’s oldest Japanese restaurants, four-decade-old Sakura Gardens has modified its menu to adapt to takeout but the quality remains high. Classic maki, matcha desserts, and a daily bento box are on offer; call for takeout orders.

At the helm of downtown’s Hidden Sushi is Chef Haruo Ogrura, who according to the restaurant’s website has 33 years of experience and was the first person in Montreal to acquire a blowfish license. Blowfish isn’t on the menu, but creative makis and an alluring Neta case, packed with gorgeous sashimi, are. Available for takeout or delivery.

After seeing Cirque du Soleil, Japanese chef Takuya Matsuda always wanted to put on a live show in his kitchen to demonstrate Japanese cooking techniques. That aspect of his omakase-only restaurant is on hold, but Okeya’s takeout game is going strong, with kimono-clad servers and top-notch sushi on offer. 

Griffintown’s Ichiraku Kawaki has a wide-ranging menu of Japanese dishes, from ramen to donburi, chirashi and steamed eggs with uni, if that’s the way you like it. On the sushi side, there’s a hopeful “Ça va bien aller” combo with 14 pieces — and a party platter with 106 pieces, for when we can do that again.

Just west of Decarie Blvd. lies Karin, a moderately upscale Japanese izakaya and sushi restaurant that remains one of the area’s hidden gems. Check out their wide ranging sushi offerings, and a collection of multi-course dinners for two or four. Available for takeout or delivery with DoorDash or UberEats.

St-Henri’s Le Kioko has made a name for itself with artfully prepared sushi, tartare, and poke. Gluten-free options are available, too, and they’re even open for lunch. 

Antonio Park, the affable native of Argentina and Culinary Institute of Japan alum, is undoubtedly Montreal’s most recognizable sushi chef. He’s got a private fish import license and was the first chef in Canada to garner exclusive access to Kobe beef. Open for lunch, all-day takeout, and a special onigiri box that comes in at $399, Park’s delicacies are definitely amongst the most upscale in the city. Order online.