Izakaya Regashi: The Izakaya from the Tri Express Team

An izakaya is the Japanese equivalent of a French bistro, and regashi is a Japanese term that evokes legacy. The name was thoughtfully chosen to represent this restaurant on Atwater Avenue, which embodies the dual cultural heritage of chef and co-owner Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair.

From Father to Son

Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair is the son of famed Montreal chef Tri Du, best known for his sushi spot Tri Express. Passionate about hospitality from a young age, Thierry naturally followed in his father’s footsteps, working in his restaurant before opening his own place a few years later: Le P’tit Tri.

Though Le P’tit Tri has since closed—making way for a tattoo studio owned by Thierry’s sister—he now carries the torch at his father’s legendary Laurier Avenue restaurant. On November 28, 2023, he officially announced the opening of Izakaya Regashi, a vibrant new space where Asian-inspired bistronomy meets the best of Quebec ingredients.

Just steps from Lionel-Groulx metro station, Izakaya Regashi is housed in a stunning space crafted by the Gauley Brothers, renowned for their design work at Fugazzi, Milky Way, Foiegwa, and more. From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in soft violet lighting and a sleek, modern atmosphere: plastic-upholstered booths, neon ceiling lights, marble tables, and a striking concrete-and-glass bar—all coming together in a sharp reinterpretation of the classic izakaya.

A New Generation of Izakaya

Izakaya Regashi is a cozy, welcoming restaurant built around sharing and a deep love for quality ingredients. Chef Thierry’s creations are thoughtful, meticulous, and beautifully executed. Contrary to what some might expect, the menu includes very few sushi offerings.

“At Regashi, we work with a wide variety of proteins—from meat to fish. The menu is designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes. We’ve even invested in a dry-aging fridge for our fish, which results in a cleaner, less ‘fishy’ flavor than people might be used to,” explains Naomie Tremblay-Trudeau, co-owner of the restaurant.

The Regashi menu features bao buns, tatakis, nigiri, oysters, and many other small plates, with prices ranging from $5 to $20. One standout: the perfect soup — their creative spin on the classic phở. Most dishes are served in small portions, making it easy to try a bit of everything. With elegant plating and top-tier ingredients, these plates serve as a delicious reminder that freshness truly is happiness.

On the cocktail side, mixologist Kevin Long has crafted a short but compelling list of house cocktails with Asian influences, each thoughtfully paired to complement the kitchen’s flavors. As for wine, sommelier Anaïs Marchand has assembled a tightly curated selection of top-tier natural wines.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a lively evening out with friends, or a casual family get-together, Izakaya Regashi on Atwater is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food and great company.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: July 10, 2025

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