Restaurant Sho-dan: Sushi Excellence in Downtown Montreal
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March, Restaurant Sho-dan on Metcalfe Street closed its doors like many others. Traditionally packed for lunch and dinner, the closure was a bitter pill for charismatic owner Chinh Pham, best known as Romeo. Loyal clients made it clear how much they missed his superb cuisine.
In mid-May, Sho-dan reopened for take-out and delivery via Skip the Dishes and Uber Eats. By June 25, the dining room resumed service under Quebec government guidelines. The restaurant is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm (take-out and delivery from 4 pm). “We have a big place,” said Romeo, “so we are able to set up the restaurant in a completely safe way.”
All surfaces are disinfected before and after each customer, employees wear masks, social distancing is enforced, and single-use paper menus are used. Diners are asked to wear masks upon entering. Spread over two floors with a capacity for 180, Sho-dan added front tables with umbrellas this summer to take advantage of loosened regulations.
Take-Out and Delivery Experience
The take-out service has always been popular. Sho-dan offers a special menu online, and clients can pull up in front for curbside service where staff place the order directly in the trunk or back seat. On our visit, the 20-minute trip from downtown to Côte Saint-Luc brought perfectly packaged dishes that were as fresh as dining in the restaurant.
Appetizers
We began with a few appetizers shared among us: Haru Maki (spring rolls), Gyoza (Japanese dumplings filled with seasoned chicken and cabbage, served with soy-vinegar sauce), and a sensational Sushi Pizza.
Main Courses
The main courses featured Sho-dan specialties designed by Romeo, each offering unique flavor combinations. Highlights included:
- Besame Mucho: Spicy tuna, shrimp, avocado, and tempura flakes rolled in soya paper.
- Explosion: Fresh yellowtail served with ginger, green onions, and ponzu sauce.
- Phoenix: Crabsticks, avocado, mango, and fried onions rolled in soya paper topped with red tuna.
- Fuji: Red spicy tuna, jalapeno, shrimp tempura, rice, rolled in soya paper.
- Sunflower: Lightly fried salmon with avocado and tobiko rolled in soya paper.
We saved 12 pieces to enjoy for lunch the following day.
Desserts and Beverages
Be sure to try the dessert special at Sho-dan: a plate consisting of two sorbets, a large piece of chocolate cake, and a taste of cheesecake. The restaurant also offers Nao teas.
Location and Contact
Restaurant Sho-dan is located at 2020, rue Metcalfe, Montreal. For more information, visit www.sho-dan.com, email info@sho-dan.com, or call 514-987-9987.
