“ Authentic ramen done right in Montreal? You bet! Seating was tight inside but it matched the decor and it worked. ”

“ I went there with my friends and had to wait for 30 minutes, but I had no complaints! The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was excellent. The place is beautifully decorated with murals on the walls, creating a great ambiance. Overall, it was a wonderful experience! ”

“ I visited Yokato Yokabai for the first time on a chilly, rainy Saturday afternoon with a friend, and it turned out to be a cozy, unforgettable experience. The restaurant’s vibe immediately set a welcoming tone—its intimate setting, with warm lighting and beautiful Japanese wall murals complemented by wooden accents, made it feel like stepping into a little slice of Japan. Since it was early and only the ramen bar was open, we had to wait about 40 minutes for a seat, but it was well worth it. We were seated right in front of the chefs, which was a treat as we watched them skillfully prepare the ramen. Stay tuned for my video review on TikTok (@Foxy.appetite) and Instagram (@Foxyappetite)! In depth review: To start, we shared the pork gyoza with a peanut sauce, which had a perfect balance of flavors—crispy and savory with a little sweetness from the sauce. But the real star of the meal was the ramen. I opted for the torikotsu, which is a chicken broth ramen with thin noodles and chicken teriyaki as my protein. My friend went for the tonkotsu, which featured a rich pork broth with tender slices of pork and thin noodles. Both dishes were exceptional, with each bite bursting with flavor. The broth was so comforting, rich without being overwhelming, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. There was a water jug on our table, but the menu didn’t mention any drinks, so we weren’t sure if we needed to ask specifically for something else. We weren’t offered any additional beverages, which left us wondering if this was the usual practice. To top it off, there was a special deal—ramen and a yuzu panna cotta dessert for just 25, which felt like an amazing value. The panna cotta was smooth and subtly tangy, a perfect way to end the meal. Though the space was a bit tight, it added to the charm, and it was clear this is a place where people come together to enjoy great food and a relaxed atmosphere. In the end, Yokato Yokabai is a hidden gem in Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood. Whether you’re craving a bowl of ramen on a cold day or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind, this place delivers authentic, comforting Japanese food at an excellent price. I’ll definitely be back, but during a less busy traffic time when all the rooms are open. ”

“ I love places that let you watch the food being made. The kitchen is kept clean and run very well. The sesame broth is thicker than normal broth and a litte spicier, so if you're into that I highly recommend it! The meat served here is also very tasty and probably the highlight of the bowl. Order extra green onions! The appetizers (croquettes and takoyaki at least) are enjoyable but the ramen is the star of the restaurant. The place is a tight squeeze so be prepared to put your outerwear/bags on your lap and to bump elbows with others. ”

“ I'm a big eater and ramen that I ordered was super-filling! Chicken pieces were more than enough, broth was flavourful, and overall quantity was good. I would love to come again to this place. Recommendations: - Ramen - Grape Soda water - Spicy fried chicken (side dish) ”

“ Visited on a Wednesday evening for a quick dinner with friends and left with a new favorite ramen spot. Yokato Yokabai is a warm and cozy little hub that offers a small selection of excellent fare. The tonkotsu broth is the star of the show here and it is excellent. It is deep, rich, full of umami and with a creamy consistency that leaves a pleasant stickiness throughout my mouth. It is very, very good. I appreciate that this restaurant lets the customer customize the preferred salt level as I often find most ramen to be too salty for my taste. The karaage was good. It was crispy and juicy, topped with a light tangy dressing, and I highly enjoyed it. That said, I'm unlikely to order it again. Comparatively to a ramen bowl, the sides can be pricy for what they are and how much you get. My friend ordered the vegetarian ramen and also highly enjoyed her selection. It is good to know that the restaurant offers a vegetarian option that is both high-quality and substantial. Overall, we had a great dinner experience with Yokato Yokabai. The staff were friendly, and we were welcomed with a great ambiance and even better food. Worth coming back anytime for the tonkotsu broth alone. ”

“ The largest ramen shop in Montreal spans multiple levels. Despite its size, a long queue often forms outside. The ramen broth was milky thick and aromatic. The homemade noodles were chewy and slightly firm. The chashu was tender, with a savory-sweet flavor. Adding a few slices of fermented ginger condiments could enhance the depth of the umami. ”

“ The ramen was incredibly filling, thanks in large part to the house-made noodles that added a perfect texture. The creamy tonkotsu broth was divine—rich and flavorful, it definitely lived up to the hype. The service was impressively fast and efficient, allowing us to dive into our meal without much waiting. We also tried the spicy chicken karaage, which was fantastic—crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The vibe and decor of the restaurant were lovely. We especially appreciated the efficient ordering system, making it easy to customize our meals and enjoy everything without hassle. ”