Much hyped restaurant opening in Montreal: just like Vancouver and Toronto, Montreal was going to have its own isakaya (Japanese pub) belonging to the Guu franchise! Although I really appreciated the other Guu locations, Kinka didn't resonate as well with me. For starters, the drink selection is more limited, and it doesn't even serve Asahi Black. The fact that only the Sapporo can be ordered as a pitcher makes me question the credibility of this place as a bar/pub--the sake and cocktail selection is plentiful, but beer is definitely the staple of any bar in my opinion.
As expected, the menu is filled with tasty Japanese tapas, ranging from fried foods to fresh sashimi. I always have the same order whenever I go to a Guu location: karaage (fried chicken), takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (panfried seafood pancake) and chirashi bowl/plate (sashimi over greens or rice). All ordered items were cooked true to fashion, except that the okonomiyaki was disappointing (overcooked on the outside, but soggy on the inside), just like the sashimi salad--some of the fish tasted like it was defrozen. However, prices are cheap (around $7 a plate, and you can be full on two small plates), and there are combos (ramen+tapas+drink) that allow you to have a good meal without breaking the bank.
The atmosphere is typical of any Guu location: noisy, rowdy but welcoming, since the staff greets (or yells greetings) every time a new guest walks into the restaurant. The decor is dark but sophisticated, very reminiscent of industrial design because of the use of metallic colors for the ceiling and the walls. Perfect for groups and casual hangouts.