Chez Chili serves a focused selection of Szechuan cuisine characterized by the bold integration of numbing peppercorns and aromatic dried chilies. The menu centers on authentic preparations that prioritize intense heat and complex spice profiles essential to this regional culinary tradition. Patrons encounter a variety of stir-fried dishes, slow-cooked meat preparations, and vibrant vegetable offerings that emphasize textural contrast and authentic seasoning techniques. Every plate reflects a commitment to the fiery essence of Szechuan gastronomy, utilizing high-quality ingredients to achieve profound depth of flavor. The dining room maintains a functional aesthetic, allowing the robust spice levels of the food to serve as the primary focal point for diners. This establishment operates as a destination for those seeking a direct and uncompromising encounter with traditional Chinese culinary heat.
Chez Chili is widely regarded as a standout destination in Montreal for authentic, flavorful, and generous portions of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine. Many diners praise the restaurant for its consistently delicious dishes, particularly highlights like the General Tao chicken, salt and pepper shrimp, and fresh vegetable stir fries. While the atmosphere is lively and bustling, which can sometimes result in a loud environment, the efficient and friendly service frequently contributes to a positive dining experience. Despite occasional notes regarding salt levels or wait times during peak hours, the majority of visitors consider this basement gem a must-visit spot that offers exceptional value and an inviting, homey feel.
Surprisingly good Sichuan good for Montreal. I always get Sichuan boiled fish & stir fried green beans. The fish was tender & very flavorful, although not really that spicy. It was numbing though. The green beans may have actually had more kick than the fish & the ground pork in it really added that nice saltiness. We also had fried rice which was very fragrant & flavorful without just being overly salty or sweet. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.
I had an amazing dining experience at Chez Chilli. Every dish we ordered was fresh, flavorful, & cooked to perfection. The sizzling beef was incredibly tender & juicy, served with perfectly caramelized onions in a rich, savory sauce that was packed with flavor. The stir-fried beef dish was equally delicious, with just the right balance of seasoning & freshness.
The mixed vegetables were crisp, vibrant, & cooked just enough to retain their natural sweetness, making them a perfect complement to the richer dishes. Even the noodles were well-prepared, with great texture & authentic wok flavor.
The portions were generous, & everything arrived hot & beautifully presented. The quality of the ingredients & attention to detail were evident in every bite. The service was friendly, attentive, & efficient, making the overall dining experience even more enjoyable.
If you're looking for authentic, delicious Chinese cuisine with generous portions & excellent service, I highly recommend Chez Chilli. Whether you're dining with family or friends, it's definitely a restaurant worth visiting. I'll certainly be coming back to try more of their menu!
Wait time was very short even though there were queues out on to the street. I had the yangchao fried rice & general tao chicken, the fried rice was very light on soy sauce compared to yangchao from other places which actually tasted better in my opinion. The chicken was very nice as well & the staff were very quick with unlimited ice water refills & quick service.
Great food! Lots of flavour & authentic. Lots of garlic & sauteed goodness, major downside is that they make you give them a 5 star review to get their deal on a free Coke. Attention to service is average at best. Quoting the server'give us five star review'. Some of the dishes had too much ginger if you're not into that but the fried shrimp was excellent 👌🏽
I was in Montreal yesterday for a work meeting, & a colleague recommended this place. The food was actually really good - especially the fried shrimp & the General Tao chicken.
But the service yesterday really ruined the experience. The staff didn't feel very friendly, & one male server in particular was quite rude. He looked like he hadn't slept much - low energy, uninterested, & pretty careless when taking our order. The way he spoke felt dismissive, like he didn't really care, & it honestly seemed like he'd rather be chatting with his coworkers than doing his job.
Also, I think the female server brought us the wrong dish at one point, but we didn't bother saying anything.
What made it more noticeable is that we came back again today, & the two servers we had were great - friendly, attentive, & professional. The difference was very obvious.
If someone doesn't feel like working, they really shouldn't be on shift, because it directly affects the customer experience.
Overall, great food, but the service quality is inconsistent & needs improvement.
I was looking online for good eats in Chinatown for my upcomjng visit to Montreal, & this name kept on popping up so I thought I'd give it a try. I see why it's a local favourite. The general tao chicken was tangier than I expected, but the batter had an amazing crunch juxtaposed with tender & juicy meat. I paired it with a Cantonese sausage fried rice, which was just as good as it smelled. Definitely a good place for food after an evening exploring the port, it's well worth your money.
