Oncle Lee serves a refined selection of Szechuan and Chinese cuisine focusing on authentic spice profiles and traditional preparation methods. The menu features complex flavor combinations such as mapo tofu, crispy chili chicken, and various hand-pulled noodle dishes that showcase deep culinary roots. Diners encounter a bold approach to heat where peppercorns and aromatic oils create a distinct numbing sensation characteristic of regional Asian cooking. The environment maintains a functional design that highlights the artistry of the food while ensuring efficiency for all guests. Fresh seasonal vegetables and high-quality protein sources form the foundation of each meticulously prepared plate served in this vibrant setting. This establishment delivers consistent quality through techniques that emphasize balance, texture, and technical precision in every component of the expansive menu.
Oncle Lee offers a vibrant and stylish dining experience in Montreal, celebrated by many for its imaginative fusion of Asian flavors and cozy, well-decorated atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the five-spice duck, crispy rice salmon bites, and umami-rich mushroom dishes as standout menu items, often complemented by a thoughtful selection of cocktails and sake. While the service is consistently described as attentive, warm, and highly professional, opinions on the experience are nuanced; some patrons find the flavor profiles and modern creative twists to be a gastronomic triumph, while others point to occasional inconsistencies in portion sizes, pricing, or noise levels. Despite a few mixed feelings regarding the value and saltiness of certain dishes, the restaurant remains a popular destination for group celebrations and casual outings, particularly for those who appreciate a lively environment and a refined approach to shared plates.
This restaurant was fantastic for a group lunch for a bachelorette. They were so accommodating for all our dietary restrictions - vegetarian, gluten free, & dairy free. The desserts were amazing & high tot recommend you get the garlic fried rice, scallops, & the mushrooms.
Oncle Lee on Laurier is the kind of meal you keep thinking about long after you've left the table.
We started with fried calamari & shrimp - simple, but executed perfectly. Then scallops in XO sauce, & a ceviche so creamy & flavourful it stopped the conversation at the table. A strong opening act.
The spicy sesame noodles & garlic fried rice followed - both loved, both demolished. Fair warning: there's an aioli mayo on the rice that isn't for everyone. It wasn't for me. Didn't stop me from scraping every last grain.
Then came the highlight of the night: the five-spice duck platter. A refined spin on Peking duck - perfectly cooked duck breast served with pancakes, sauces, cilantro, peanuts, & chilli oil. Elegant & deeply satisfying. The kind of dish that justifies the trip on its own.
We finished with the pain perdu - French toast with ice cream. The right ending to a remarkable meal.
Michelin rated. The service is excellent & attentive throughout. If you're visiting Montréal, this is a non-negotiable stop.
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What a lovely treat to dine at Oncle Lee. The staff was extremely attentive to guests' needs. I felt well hosted & given enough alone time to catch up with my group of gals. The food served was delicate & delicious - we opted for mostly vegetarian options & really enjoyed the fried rice, eggplant dish & the tofu dip is so so unique (a must try!). Left with a happy belly.
We really enjoyed our dinner on the back patio. Food, service & atmosphere were great. We tried deviled eggs, salmon on rice cakes, steamed bream, eggplant, spicy noodles & garlic fried rice. The fried rice was my favorite. Also had gin cocktail #2 that was delicious & so refreshing.
The newish Oncle Lee has developed a strong name for itself in a short period of time for a take on Chinese-style dishes. The overall ambiance when you enter Oncle Lee is warm & inviting, with the exposed brick wall contrasting against the deep red Chinese lanterns setting a very unique vibe. The menu is tight & not necessarily what you'd expect from a typical Chinese restaurant & here is where I need to point out that this is not a Chinese restaurant in a classical sense but a restaurant serving strongly inspired Chinese dishes. The portions are relatively small for sharing (again, a difference from the Chinatown restos) & you should be prepared to order multiples of the same if you are a large party. For our meal we Deviled Eggs (good), Fried Calamari (excellent...very good batter & sauce), the Scallops with XO Sauce (very good), Sweet & Sour Eggplant (very good & tasty), Sautéed Greens (good but not especially flavorful), Garlic Fried Rice (very good but for rice the portion was far too small), Crispy Noodle Seafood Chow Mein (very good), & the 5-Spice Duck Platter (good but not the typical Beijing version you may have had) & ending with the French Toast with Ice Cream (very good but a little out of place in a Chinese-style restaurant. Service was extremely friendly, helpful & attentive & we never had to want for anything on that front. Enjoy!
3.5/5 overall, the atmosphere & service were great but expect the food portions to be small for the value. The flavours aren't really tailored to the Asian demographic either; some of the dishes seem to be doused in sauces that take away the original flavour of the food vs elevating it (ie. was not a big fan of the tofu with caramelized onion that came in a paste format, sautéed veggies doused in buttery sauce or the ribs that had too much sauce) but really enjoyed the garlic fried rice & French toast dessert. It might also be helpful for the dishes to be more descriptive, as there are no pictures on the menu.
