M. Poisson specializes in authentic Szechuan cuisine characterized by the bold use of numbing peppercorns and vibrant chili oils. The menu prioritizes fresh seafood preparations that highlight the natural textures of shellfish and various fish fillets. Patrons find complex flavor profiles ranging from aromatic garlic sauces to deeply savory fermented bean pastes. The preparation techniques adhere to traditional regional methods that emphasize high heat wok cooking to seal in moisture and preserve vibrant vegetable colors. Every dish serves as a testament to the spice-forward philosophy inherent in classic southwestern Chinese cooking traditions. This establishment provides a focused environment centered on communal sharing and the appreciation of robust regional gastronomy. The culinary approach avoids unnecessary ornamentation, allowing the quality of ingredients and the precise balancing of heat and umami to remain the primary focus.
Online reservations are not currently offered through this listing for M. Poisson. However, you can call them directly at (514) 866-0606 to inquire about table availability.
Does M. Poisson offer online ordering?
Yes, M. Poisson offers online ordering for delivery.
M. Poisson offers an authentic and flavorful culinary experience in the heart of Chinatown, frequently praised for its generous portions, affordable pricing, and wide variety of traditional dishes. Many visitors highlight the quality of the signature soups, stir-fried noodles, and fresh, crispy chicken preparations, noting that the restaurant is well-suited for both casual meals and large groups. The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming, with many guests commending the attentive and friendly service provided by the staff. Despite a range of personal preferences regarding specific spice levels and regional styles, the establishment remains a popular destination for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal with reliable value.
The portion size is pretty weak especially for the General Tao chicken - you do not get what's in the picture. Fish says walleye, but it's not. Soup noodles are good, & the $3 drinks are well priced. The Sichuan food is pretty authentic.
I visited this restaurant on a Monday evening because it was one of the few Chinese places without a long wait. I am Chinese myself, though Cantonese, & perhaps that is why the flavors here did not fully match what I was craving. This restaurant serves more Taiwanese style dishes, so the taste is different from the Cantonese food I usually enjoy. We had already eaten pho earlier in the trip & wanted something different, so we decided to give this place a try after reading some reviews.
I ordered the General Tao chicken special for $12.99, which came with two spring rolls, a bowl of rice, & the main dish. Online the photos make the portion look larger, but in reality it was an average serving size that could really only feed one person. The taste was fine but not something I found appealing, & I could not finish it. We also shared the fried tofu appetizer, which came in a small portion with a sauce that was somewhere between sweet & sour. The flavor combination was not what I expected & threw me off.
The Hong Kong style milk tea was a pleasant surprise. At $2.99 it was inexpensive & tasted authentic. The service was also very good. Our waitress was polite, attentive, & very friendly which made the experience more positive. While we were dining, I also noticed a Quebec family come in, look at the menu for a bit, & then leave shortly after. That gave me the impression that perhaps the food style here may not suit everyone's taste.
The total for two people was about $41, which is fair for a sit down dinner. Unfortunately I did not feel well after the meal & went back to my hotel to rest for the night. Overall, I would say this restaurant is decent but not exceptional. The pricing & service were good, but the flavors & portions were not what I hoped for. If you enjoy Taiwanese style cooking, you may appreciate it more, but for me it was simply an average experience.
La Belle Épicée absolutely deserves five stars. The prices here are very affordable which makes it a great spot to enjoy with friends or family. Right next door is Fang Tea, & together they even offer combo specials for about $50 for two people, which is such a good deal & honestly hard to beat in Montreal.
The food itself was delicious, well prepared, & came out quickly. Everything tasted fresh & comforting, & the portions were generous for the price. It really felt like good value without sacrificing quality.
The service also stood out. The waitress who helped us was not only very beautiful but also incredibly kind & attentive. Even though I only know limited French since I am from Ontario, I was able to speak Mandarin & that worked out perfectly fine. She made me feel comfortable & welcomed, which I really appreciated.
Overall, La Belle Épicée offers a mix of affordability, good food, & warm hospitality. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this is the kind of spot that makes you feel at home while also giving you a taste of authentic flavors. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a casual yet memorable dining experience in Montreal.
I highly recommend this restaurant-not just for the authentic Chinese food, but also for the exceptional service. A special thanks to the young intern who ran out to return my cellphone after I accidentally left it on the table. By the way, if you order food here, you can get milk tea for just $2.99-definitely a must-have! I wish this restaurant great success & will absolutely come back on my next vacation in Montreal.
Craving for spicy food & this place certainly helped! We came here twice in this trip, no need to wait , quick service. The food & menu is adapted to European western style but the level of spiciness in the spice dishes is still intense. Decent price, definately recommend for those want quick fix for a taste of chinese spicy food.
Absolutely loved the food at La Belle Épicée in Chinatown, Montreal!
We originally wanted to try their pork dish, but it wasn't available, so we went with the signature chili oil Szechuan chicken instead-& we thoroughly enjoyed it! The flavors were bold, spicy, & incredibly satisfying. Will definitely be back to if we happen to be at Montreal !
