Restaurant Pichai centers its culinary focus on the vibrant and bold traditions of Thai cuisine, prioritizing the integration of intense aromatics and precise heat levels. The kitchen specializes in authentic grill preparations that highlight the natural qualities of fresh seafood and premium fish cuts. Patrons encounter a direct approach to flavor where fermented seasonings and fresh herbs define each prepared dish. This establishment emphasizes a straightforward engagement with regional Thai cooking methods to deliver complex profiles in every bite. The environment remains dedicated to the delivery of these high-impact ingredients through traditional wood-fired grilling techniques. By maintaining strict standards for ingredient sourcing, the menu ensures that the specific textures and pungent profiles essential to this culinary style remain consistently represented in every portion served.
Pichai offers a creative and bold approach to Thai cuisine, frequently praised for its inventive, flavorful dishes and an impressive selection of natural wines. Many diners find the experience to be a culinary highlight, particularly noting the scallops, grilled pork, and signature Thai tea tiramisu as standout items. While the atmosphere is generally described as vibrant, cool, and cozy, the environment can be noisy and dim, with some guests finding the seating uncomfortable or the service inconsistent depending on the evening. Opinions on the pricing and portion sizes are divided, as some appreciate the quality of the shared plates, while others feel the value is lacking or the food is overly salty. Despite mixed reports regarding hospitality and pacing, many patrons consider it one of the top dining destinations in Montreal and look forward to returning.
Great food, but the atmosphere & service fall short of the price point.
I had mixed feelings about my visit here. On the positive side, the food is undeniably delicious-if you are strictly looking for a good meal, it is certainly worth a try.
However, I would not recommend this place for a romantic date or a quiet evening out. The environment is extremely loud; between the music & the high volume of other conversations, combined with tables being placed very close together, it is almost impossible to have an intimate or relaxed conversation.
Furthermore, given the price point of over $100 per person, I expected a higher standard of service & dining experience. The staff seemed overwhelmed by the crowd, which led to significant delays in ordering & receiving our food. We even ordered dessert thinking the meal was finished, only to realize that one of our main courses had never arrived.
Ultimately, while the food is tasty, the overall experience didn't match the cost. It might be suitable for a loud, casual gathering with friends or family, but I don't see myself returning for a date or a relaxed night out.
Excellent creative Thai inspired (but not purely Thai) food. One of the best bang for the buck in a tasting menu in Montreal ($70 pp). Great, original wine list. Highly recommended. Many tastes you have not tasted before unless you are a seasoned world traveler. You will love it. Atmosphere is more'cool' than upscale, & the service is excellent. Highly recommended, can't wait to go back.
De manière générale, j'ai trouvé la nourriture délicieuse. Le tartare de boeuf & les oeufs me sont encore restés en bouche !
Petite attention particulière cependant : la nourriture est particulièrement épicée sur certains plats. Bien que ce soit un restaurant thaïlandais, j'aurais vraiment apprécié un'baromètre de piment' sur le menu, car nous avons carrément dû mettre un plat de côté tellement il était piquant.
Nous n'avions entendu que du bien de cet endroit, mais malheureusement, notre serveuse n'était pas des plus agréables. C'était notre première expérience thaïlandaise & le menu n'est pas le plus intuitif (certains aliments nous étaient totalement inconnus), mais elle ne nous a rien expliqué. Nous avons dû l'appeler à plusieurs reprises pour lui demander comment se mangeaient certains plats ou ce qu'elle recommandait, & nous avions vraiment l'impression de la déranger. Peut-être faudrait-il éviter les places au bar... Ce sont finalement les autres serveurs qui nous ont gentiment aidés.
Le plus grand point positif reste le dessert, pour lequel nous n'avons absolument pas été déçus. Une cuisine de haut niveau, mais un service au bar à revoir !
Jul 3, 2026
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The dishes were loaded with playful spicy & subtle flavours & textures, light & fresh but also satisfying like comfort food. I was so full & happy after the corn salad & eggplant salad (which came with a nice portion of sticky rice to soak up the sauce) off the temporary specials menu. I'll be back to try more dishes soon :)
2026: I came back & had the special Galam Plee Pad Gapi (cabbage with oyster mushrooms) & a half portion of the pork collar which comes with sticky rice. Both were very good. The pork is salty but in a good way when you mix it with the rice & & eat the leaf in between bites. Also, maybe I'm just socially compatible with the staff but I think they give the best service in Montreal, maybe a tie or step up from mikado. They make you feel at home !
I came back a week later to have the Tom Som Pla soup (rockfish from Gaspesie, pineapple, tamarind). It was really wholesome but the red chilies are super spicy & they don't serve it with rice so this one I'd recommend ordering a rice to go with it. I think they should just include one tbh but I was lucky enough to be sitting next to someone who let me have some of her's ;)
A few weeks later I returned & treated myself to a mushroom night : 1/2 portion of Hed Nem Tok (grilled Montreal mushroom salad) that came with sticky rice, khanom jeeb tod (fried dumplings with stuffed pork, shrimp, Woodear mushrooms, Jimmy nardello sriracha), & 1/2 portion of the gaeng panang jaay (red curry, maitake mushrooms, celeriac, seasonal greens) that came with jasmine rice. Everything was exquisite & the service amazing as usual 🫠
Came back & had the nam Tok gai tod (lemongrass herb fried chicken that comes with dill & coriander & sticky rice). It was nice. There's a strong spicy salty kick. Similar flavour profile as their other dishes but not one of my favorites honestly. I sat on the terrace for a moment in the sun & it was chill.
Returned to have the pad normai farang & asked to get more of the rest instead of egg. The asparagus was sooo high quality & perfectly cooked. Nice fermented bean & garlic chive flavours
Always a pleasure talking to the staff, especially the manager Paras. She's such a sweetie!!! 🥺
Overall a fantastic dining experience. I highly recommend the mushroom salad & the raw scallops & pork belly were good as well. What really stood out in our experience was not specifically the service of our waitress but of the support staff. The bussers, the pass, & even hosts were all very kind & I think speaks highly about what kind of operation they are running at Pichai. I can't wait to come back to try more things.
Incredible Thai street food style restaurant in Montreal. Came here on the recommendation of a friend - it's a bit out of the way if you are staying in old town or downtown - but easy to get to with the metro & worth the journey.
Had a variety of dishes - Laab Ped (duck ) was a surprising favorite. Amazing natural wine list with a great by the glass selection.
Ambiance is a bit hectic but fun - definitely a bit of a hidden gem for a tourist but highly recommended!
All dishes flavorful & delicious, panang curry & fried chickpea with cauli salad were standouts. I'll be back to try the whole menu & whatever's in rotation. Highly recommend. Good service, cute place. chairs are firm, not cushioned.
We had a great time & the ordering was so simple. The staff was very friendly & made us feel welcome. The food was delicious & the overall experience was just lovely. I will certainly come back to try new things. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a wonderful time out.
10/10 every single time. Favourite restaurant in Montreal & best Thai in the country! so. much. flavour.
Dishes are to share! You won't find your typical pad Thai, pad see eew or green curry on the menu. If you want to try a bunch of things I recommend doing the chef's choice which includes appetizers, mains & dessert. They send out a variety of items from their regular menu & specials, & can also accommodate dietary restrictions. It's plenty of food - you can expect to be walking out with leftovers & a veryyyyy happy tummy. Favourites are the mushroom salad (omg), chickpea tofu, panang curry, massaman curry & Thai tea tiramisu.
Une soirée incroyable!! On est venus à 6, on a reçu un service impeccable de Franky & Paras, & la nourriture, rien à dire! Je recommande à 100%. Merci à Marquis pour les magnifiques plats:)
