Chao Phraya

50 Laurier Ave ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2N4 514-272-5339

Description: In the restaurant biz, longevity is a feat accomplished only by the best of the best. Chao Praya has been open since 1988, and has only gotten better over the years. The menu is vast, but the staff is supremely adept at describing dishes and making recommendations. If you can drum up a gaggle of friends to go with you, so much the better. That way you can order all sorts of different dishes and sample your way through a good portion of the menu. Pad thai is excellent, but other great choices include koung pad kha pao (shrimp with hot chili and sweet basil), kang pa gai (chicken and vegetable curry), and ped yang (roast duck with spinach, soy sauce and peanuts).
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Chu Chai

4088, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M5 514-843-4194

Description: Chu Chai's mock meats give new meaning to the words, "tastes just like chicken." Widely regarded as the best imitation poultry, fish, shrimp and beef dressed up in Thai style, the best choice is to have it all from the tastings menu. Four can dine on generous samples of several dishes for a reasonable price. The "meats" are created from soy-based products and the sauces are traditional Thai yellow or green curries, coconut milk or peanut sauces.
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Ginger

16, ave des Pins est, Montréal, QC H2W 1N3 514-844-2121

Description: In a room where the decor is as spare as a Zen garden, you'll find the stylish clientele kicking back in the cushy leather booths to enjoy the light and inventive Asian fusion cuisine. Dishes range from sushi to seafood, hot or cold noodles, and salads spiced with curries and chilies.
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Isakaya

3469, ave du Parc, Montréal, QC H2X 2H6 514-845-8226

Description: Appealing to a broad spectrum of the population, Isakaya is popular with professionals, students and "ladies who lunch." The atmosphere is relaxed but nice ­ not too casual, not too stuffy. And the menu is as diverse as the clientele. The sushi is top-notch, but don't limit yourself. Try grilled sardines with plum sauce, spicy fried squid, or any of their chicken dishes. You won't be sorry!
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Jun i

156, ave Laurier ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2N7 514-276-5864

Description: Junichi Ikematsu's restaurant has been a breath of fresh air for Montréal's fans of Japanese cuisine. The sushi is fantastic ­ fresh and beautifully presented. And the rest of the menu? An intriguing mix of Japanese-Continental concoctions that raise eyebrows as they tempt taste buds. For example, there's red tuna tartare with oyster mushrooms and truffle oil; eel with risotto-style sushi rice, avocado and parmesan; veal steak with shiso pesto sauce; grilled venison with porto sauce and foie gras maki; filet mignon with duxelles, carrots and celery rolled with maple syrup French toast and beef stock-miso sauce. Unusual but rewarding.
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Kaizen Sushi Bar

4075, rue Ste-Catherine ouest, Westmount, QC H3Z 3J8 514-707-8744

Description: This self-proclaimed "adventurous" sushi bar really has it all from an elegantly designed dining room draped in soft fabrics and lit with gold to abundant sushi offerings, jazz and a sake lounge. The food is Japanese with a twist: foie gras tempura, sushi as tapas, and Russian caviar. Live jazz and free roses offered to female patrons Sunday through Tuesday.
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Phõ Viet

1663, rue Amherst, Montréal, QC H2L 3L4 514-522-4116

Description: A homey décor in shades of gold and blue only enhances the comforting warmth of familiar Vietnamese specialties ginger chicken and fish, carmelized salmon and the pho noodles. The standout is the tonkinoise, carefully and painstakingly prepared by the chefs who used to own a fish restaurant in Hanoi and have imported the process here. There is also an extensive selection of sorbets for dessert; lychee, mango and ginger create a refreshing end to a meal full of flavor.
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Tampopo

4449, rue de Mentana, Montréal, H2J 3B4 514-526-0001

Description: Enjoy the full Asian dining experience complete with floor seating at low tables sans shoes and cooking before your eyes (and plate). A varied selection of dishes from across countries and cuisines featuring Japanese vegetable soba, Vietnamese fish, Singapore noodles and Thai curry.
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Zen Ya

486, rue Ste-Catherine ouest, Montréal, QC H3B 1A6 514-904-1363

Description: Zen-like is really the only word that adequately describes this wonderful but off-the-beaten-path, second-floor sushi house. The décor relies on basic black and minimalist ornamentation, with a sleek glass-topped fish case and sushi bar; the crowd usually consists of in-the-know, well-dressed young professionals. Sushi is incredibly fresh and lovely to behold; cooked dishes range from robata-grilled meats to gyozas to tempura to teriyaki chicken. The several table d'hôte menus are a great option that allows you to sample a variety of both cooked and uncooked specialties.
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