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 is widely celebrated as a vibrant Montreal gem, offering an imaginative and delicious fusion of Chinese-inspired cuisine that consistently delights diners. Many visitors highlight the five-spice duck, crispy salmon rice cakes, and umami-rich mushrooms as standout dishes that showcase culinary creativity and high-quality execution. The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, trendy, and inviting, with a beautiful interior and a highly sought-after terrace perfect for a memorable evening. Above all, the service receives recurring praise for being exceptionally warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, contributing significantly to a welcoming experience. While some guests suggest exploring the menu for shared plates to ensure a satisfying portion size, the majority agree that the restaurant delivers a sophisticated and flavourful experience that justifies a return visit.
During our first trip to Montreal, my wife & I stopped by this restaurant. We enjoyed the food, especially the five-spice Beijing duck, sesami noodles, & several other dishes. For most of the evening, our server was courteous & the experience was pleasant.
Unfortunately, the interaction at the end left us with a very negative impression. When my wife left a 15% tip on our approximately $100 total bill, the server visibly expressed disappointment & dismissive shoulder shrug. I did not appreciate this reaction.
A 15% tip on a $100 meal is $15, which I do not consider an insignificant amount for serving a table of two. Regardless of whether the server hoped for a larger tip, I believe customers who leave a reasonable tip should be treated with courtesy & appreciation, not made to feel uncomfortable.
The food was good, but the server's reaction at the end overshadowed an otherwise enjoyable dinner. For that reason, I am giving two stars.
I went on a solo dinner & it was such a nice experience. The staff were warm & friendly. The espresso martini was delish with the perfect amount of espresso & cream top. I got their oyster & tuna rice to start which both were excellent. I also got their noodles which was also good & nicely coated with the sauce.
We had a group of 8 for dinner & the service was so bad. She had a very bad attitude. All foods, Hotspot, noodle, mushrooms, taufufa, were so salty. Never come back here again.
The sesame noodles & eggplant were a bit above average but together they made a surprisingly nice combination. I loved the way the eggplant was cooked to perfection & the sauce was delicious. My main complaint is the bacon wasn't necessary but they said it was for saltiness. The peanuts on the eggplant were out of place too but went well when mixed with the sesame noodles. Maybe the peanuts should go on the sesame noodles instead but I think they should have been smaller pieces. When I gave my feedback about the eggplant to the waiter he offered to take it back at no charge but I didn't want to waste food because it wasn't bad. The service was really good the whole time & the restaurant was beautiful.
I came back & had both types of oysters : black bean & the yuzu mignonette. Both delicious & high quality but expensive. 10 oysters for $50.. still, I don't regret trying them
The chili oil cucumber salad & the tofu dip made a great combo! The tofu dip is insanely good & the chips it comes with are fun. You can pair them with the cucumber if you have some leftover & it helps cut the spiciness
The service & place is very nice. Had the the tofu dip (8/10) & tartare (7.5) which were probably my favorites. The spicy noodles (7.5) & veggies (7.5) are good. Not a fan of this version of peking duck (6.5). The sauces, daikon, peanuts almost makes it taste like a banh mi instead of the traditional chinese duck.
Overall decent for a first time, but don't expect traditional taste.
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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Really enjoyed our experience here. Walked in at 8 pm on a Tuesday & were sat no problem. Service is fast & attentive!
We got the duck, sesame noodles & eggplant.
Duck platter was a great experience, with complimentary refills of the side sauces & veggie filling.
Sesame noodles on their own were just okay, but pared with the eggplant added much needed texture variety & punchy flavour.
We left full & satisfied!
Everything was very tasty, but the cucumber salad needed a touch more acidity. Sorry guys but I paid more than I could afford for that meal...it needed to be perfect. The noodles were perfect I must admit.
Had such a great experience at Oncle Lee! The food was absolutely delicious - the ribs were incredible & the spicy sesame noodles were easily one of my favorite dishes of the night. Everything we tried was full of flavor & clearly made with care.
The drinks were also fantastic, & the staff made the whole experience even better. Everyone was super friendly, attentive, & welcoming, which made the night feel relaxed & enjoyable.
I'd definitely recommend Oncle Lee for a dinner with friends or a date night. The atmosphere is lively & it seems to get busy - which makes sense because everything was perfect - so I recommend reserving in advance.
