So what do you do when you get to Montreal and your favorite sushi place is closed for a private function? arrrrrgh......well you go to your second favorite spot, Sho-dan.
To start with, Sho-dan comes under the "you get what you pay for" mantra which means you pay a lot, for the freshest and most creative sushi. For you standard nigiri lovers, you will be looking at approximately $4.00 per piece. However the magic at Sho-dan is not in the standard nigiri sushi, aburi sushi or sashimi, but in the creative maki rolls like Black Dragon and Kiss rolls. I highly recommend both.
For the best experience, go to their website http://sho-dan.com and have a look at their menu. I haven't had a bad Specialty Roll. The Haru Maki (spring rolls) are a nice appetizer and the set dinners are also good. They have two floors and in the winter, its a little cozier upstairs. They also have a private room for 8 to 20 people. Overall the tables and chairs are very comfortable and major points for still having table cloths!
The service is great and the food is always of the highest quality and the presentation is thoughtful. In terms of ambiance I prefer Zenya, however I hate when restaurants shut down for special functions. While I understand the concept, leaving even a small part open for regular guests or allowing takeout is good for business. Having said that, it will be hard to choose next time I'm back in Montreal.