Jolee delivers an authentic exploration of Sri Lankan and Indian culinary traditions through a diverse menu focused on aromatic spice profiles and traditional preparation techniques. The kitchen highlights staples such as flavorful vegetable curries, succulent tandoori preparations, and crispy lentil-based snacks that characterize the regional flavors of South Asia. Patrons encounter a setting defined by its straightforward presentation and focus on accessible, heat-forward dishes crafted from essential base ingredients. The composition of each plate reflects an adherence to classic seasoning practices, utilizing complex blends of cumin, coriander, and fresh chilies to define the palate. By prioritizing robust flavor development over decorative flair, the establishment maintains a grounded approach to its regional identity. Each dish serves as a reliable representation of established South Asian cooking methods that prioritize consistency and depth.
Jolee is frequently praised for its authentic and flavorful Sri Lankan cuisine, with many patrons highlighting generous portion sizes, reasonable pricing, and consistently friendly service. While the majority of visitors describe the dishes as delicious and well-prepared, opinions on quality remain varied, with some long-term customers noting inconsistencies in certain items over time. The restaurant is widely recognized as a welcoming community staple, often celebrated for its accommodating catering services and clean, accessible dining environment. Although some diners suggest improvements to the atmosphere and layout, it remains a popular choice for those seeking spicy, hearty meals that offer excellent value for the money.
One & only truly Sri Lankan cuisine. Jolee brings you very closer to the authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. At least the style popular among Sri Lankan Tamils. You have a plenty of choices from the spiciest Chicken curry to non spicy Egg Dosa. The rice & curry which is the most common meal in Sri Lanka is sold as'' Thaali''. That you can have either vegetarian or with fish, meat, prawns etc. Many Sri Lankan specialities such as koththu Roti is available. You can dine in or simply take away. The restaurant is quite clean but the washrooms needed a little upgrade. Some staff are extremely friendly & some do their job well. Food is served hot & relatively fast. The price you pay for a full meal is quite cheap compared to many restaurants in Montreal. I have seen many families who come for lunches & the expats flock to the place with nostalgia. Check the place out if you have a spicy tongue.
Absolutely ridiculous & disappointing. My family & I came all the way from Toronto & decided to come to this restaurant. All of us were hungry to have dinner that we mistakenly ordered 2 kotthu rotis, 2 appitizers (chilli chicken & chicken 65), & chicken noodles along with chicken puttu. As soon as we all had one bite from the appetizers, we knew we made a huge mistake. Right then & there we lost our appetite. For the chilli chicken, all the did was put hot sauce all over, & the chicken 65 was entirely bone. The kothu rotis, noddles, & puttu did not have any taste whatsoever. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone.
We walked in & were by far the two whitest people there, so clearly a really good local spot!
The man behind the counter was really nice & incredibly helpful in our exploration of international cuisines! He suggested the lamb Khottu Roti & even gave us a sample of the tabbouleh afterwards. Very decent price & we had leftover for days!
Beware the spice level is no joke (my partner had 4 glasses of milk with it 😭).
Aug 28, 2025
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While on trip to Montreal, my husband convinced to try something different , he took to me the Jolee, i tried over there Samosa , puri masala & veg kothu roti, everything is so yum & worthy to visit, definitely i found it affordable & plus in terms of quatity , good portion. Really appreciate . Fully satisfied
My mom kept talking about this restaurant & I'm so happy I came along this time. The portions are big, the prices are very affordable & the waitress was so nice & gave me good recommendations. I really enjoyed my lamb kothu roti
Still great here love the kotttu roti among a lot of other things on the menu!! People are very kind here & the price point is very decent the quick eats are delicious as well love the beef rolls samosa & vege roti !!
Came here the first night of our weekend in Montreal, probably the best food I ate the entire weekend being here. The food was flavorful & everyone who ate with me all shared the same sentiment. The kotu roti was made very well, probably some of the best kotu roti I've had!
Étant très curieuse & ouverte aux cuisines du monde, c'est un ami sri-lankais qui m'a conseillé ce petit resto. Je dois avouer que je ne connaissais pas grand chose de la cuisine indienne en général & encore moins de la cuisine du Sud. Je m'étais renseignée sur Internet & j'ai pu en avoir une idée approximative, à savoir qu'elle était beaucoup plus épicée, plus végétarienne &, par conséquent, plus santé.
Situé à deux pas de la station Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Jolee est un minuscule établissement, pas très éclairée & étouffante en été, avec un comptoir au fond. La serveuse est très compétente quoiqu'elle peut être très souvent occupée à gérer les commandes face-à-face ou par téléphone, ce qui peut créer une distance avec le client. Malgré tout, cela signifie que la communauté tamoule lui est très fidèle, me rassurant à propos du resto. En fait, Jolee est plus un boui-boui qu'un resto; je vous conseille de commander pour emporter & non manger sur place.
Malgré tout, pour une clientèle nombreuse, le service est rapide, pas cher du tout & le premier masala dosa (grosse crêpe farcie d'oignons & de patates épicées) que j'ai goûté dépassait de loin mes attentes! C'est une explosion de saveurs pour les papilles, un vrai délice. & tellement appétissant! Le sambar (soupe de légumes pimentés)est délicieux mais attention, buvez de l'eau car c'est très épicé! Pour ce qui est de mon premier chutney à la noix de coco, je trouve que ça ne goûte rien mais en tout cas, ce fut toute une découverte.
J'y suis retournée une seconde fois pour essayer cette fois les idlis (cakes aux lentilles & au riz, spongieux & légèrement salés. Le mieux est de le tremper dans le sambar pour bien le déguster. Ici aussi, pas du tout déçue, quoique le masala dosa reste mon préféré à date. La prochaine fois, j'essaierai le plat national sri-lankais, le kottu roti que mon ami me décrit comme un pur délice. Juste pour vous dire que j'y retournerai bientôt. ;)
