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's Chinatown for authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned Chinese cuisine, particularly specializing in Sichuan and Hunan styles. Guests frequently praise the restaurant for its fresh ingredients, consistent quality, and efficient, friendly service that makes it a popular choice for both quick lunches and social family-style dinners. While the basement setting provides a cozy, lively atmosphere, some diners suggest arriving early to avoid potential wait times. Although most experiences are highly positive, a few reviews note occasional inconsistencies in spice levels or service pacing during peak hours, yet the overall consensus remains that it is a must-visit spot for those seeking delicious, reliable, and reasonably priced meals.
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.
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.
May 25, 2026
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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.
Great service & quick to get our food out. General Tao chicken was good & crispy but heavily breaded. Broc & beef was delicious as were spring rolls. Dumplings & chicken fried rice were ok.
It is simply delicious. I went with my family to eat. We had a table immediatly since it was a monday. We ordered Pineapple chicken stir-fry, dumplings & fried rice with veggies. Everything was good. I just wished there would be more juice in the dumplings. The chicken was crispy & the flavor was rich. Every ingredients of the pineapple chicken worked harmouniously. Perfecty, I would say. I really hate when the dishes taste like different ingredients mixed together. It's the same for the other dishes. We got served the chicken in few minutes after ordering. Honestly, I don't even know how they managed to make fresh & delicious pineapple chicken like that in just a few minutes. Maybe we arrived little bit after the chicken was made. I don't know. It's a mystery. I really liked the ambiance. I also liked the fact that people were'nt loud there. There is truly no flattery in my words. It is is truly good there. I wish I could taste more. I'll surely come back.
In Montreal.. kinda hard-to find.. but hole in the wall type of place.. ordered a spicy chicken & fried rice chicken. Service was fast but kinda rude... food was fresh made & delicious... little too salty but was good.... chicken was tender & flavorful with hot heavy spice.. delicious... vegi rolls sucked .. not fresh but microwaved.....prices were reasonable.. parking kinds sucked .. will come back if in the area.. try other dishes..
Food was mediocre - well, what'I' had was mediocre. Vegetable fried rice. I ate it fast because I was super hungry. Rice had no real flavor. I had to add spicy hot sauce.
The server who prepped my table with a plate with chopsticks & napkins, dropped the plate on the table so hard that it startled me & a woman next to me who looked at me like,'smh'. I read her face good because that's what I was thinking. I know they're rushing & all but still be - aware.
There was a little lady running around there really working hard but as I waited for my table, I watched her do multiple things; handling money, handling plates, coughing into her shirt sleeve. Personally, I wish I could have seen her wash her hands at least once, the whole time. That bothered me but damn, I was hungry.
With that on my mind, I ate my meal. I'm sure the five star reviews are valid but my experience was this one. I will not be back.
To the staff: Don't bomb drop plates & such onto customer tables because you are rushing. Calm down, it's not a good look & it doesn't feel good to the customer. Most importantly, you're all doing alot. WASH YOUR HANDS, especially you Ms. Doing Everything lady.
Overall great Chinese food - some of the best I have ever had.
We ordered a few plates to share - General Tao's Chicken, Beef & Brocolli, Spicy Chicken, Vegetable Noodles, & Vegetable Fried Rice.
The only issue was that the spicy chicken was not at all spicy. It had chili peppers served with the dish, but the chicken itself was not spicy.
Had dinner her last night 12.13.25 while visiting from Florida. It's a small place, upstairs, located in the Chinatown area of Montreal & the food was very good. We had the beef fried rice & the general Tao's chicken. It was just us two, but the generous portions were plenty for 4. If we're in Montreal again, we'd love to try other dishes here.
