When it comes to deciding between the raw and the cooked, we’ll take ours sashimi-style every time.

We don’t have to choose one or the other at Ryu, Montreal’s latest izakaya-style Japanese tapas restaurant designed for those who like to sample and share. We started with the addictively crispy popcorn shrimp ($11) along with the perfect two-bite mini lobster tacos in shells made from wonton wrappers ($12). Slices of velvety Hamachi with slices jalapenos ($12) provided the perfect hit of heat, while a plate of fresh red snapper sashimi ($9) has a lightly sweet sauce. We loved the innovative selection of sushi, but absolutely devoured the ceramic-plate cooked miso-marinated black cod toban yaki.

I guess sometimes we do like our seafood with a little bit of sizzle.

Ryu, 288 Laurier St. W., Montreal, 514-439-6559, www.ryutapas.com

After weeks of working way too hard, we were desperate to take some time off to kick back with a few beverages and tasty bites.

Modelled after a traditional izakaya (a Japanese after-work bar with substantial snack options), Imadake warmed us up with a piping hot Hakutsuru sake ($6) while we shared tapas-sized plates, including crispy-skinned miso-marinated black cod ($9), a satisfyingly dense seafood pancake ($9) and a light and spicy whitefish carpaccio with Japanese yuzu lemon juice ($8). After slurping up the delicious pork belly ramen ($10), we satisfied our sweet tooth with a creamy Incredible Hulk-coloured green tea cheese cake ($7).

We may not have the Japanese work ethic, but we definitely have the Japanese after-work ethic!

Imadake, 4006 St. Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-931-8833, www.imadake.ca