Montreal's best Chinese restaurants right now

Oncle Lee on Laurier West is what happens when Andersen Lee and the team behind Bouillon Bilk turn their attention to Chinese cuisine with a Montreal sensibility. The space—black banquettes, Chinese lanterns, thoughtful details—reflects a reverence for both craft and cultural heritage. The menu reimagines traditional dishes through a local lens: chow mein sits alongside steamed oysters with black bean, and everything feels considered without being precious.

The drink program matches the ambition, with bespoke cocktails and a wine list that actually complements the food. This is Chinese dining that respects where it comes from while understanding where it is—refined, communal, and distinctly Mile End.

Keung Kee's inconspicuous second-floor entrance in Chinatown hides its status as a Cantonese standardbearer in Montreal. Renowned for seafood and festive gatherings, the menu is extensive enough that scanning neighbouring tables for inspiration is a legitimate strategy. Don't be shy about asking for chef recommendations—they'll steer you right.

Signature dishes include lobster noodles, clams in black bean sauce, and steamed razor clams with vermicelli and fried garlic. The Peking duck arrives in a three-course extravaganza, and the steamed whole tilapia is worth ordering. The decor might be understated, but the cuisine is anything but. With late-night hours and ample portions, Keung Kee is the move for comforting yet refined Cantonese food when you need a break from the ordinary.

Dobe & Andy is a Cantonese BBQ joint that delights with straightforward, delicious fare inspired by Hong Kong's vibrant food scene. Since opening in March 2019 by Edmund, Eric, and Edward Ku with Webster Galman, this spot has charmed diners with authentic, well-crafted meals at prices that won't hurt ($7 to $17). The menu features succulent crispy pork roast and uniquely savoury curry braised beef.

The 90-seat venue emphasizes a communal approach, reflecting a family ethos in every dish. Nestled in the heart of Chinatown on Saint-Urbain, whether for takeout or delivery, Dobe & Andy offers dedication wrapped in the warmth of a family-operated gem.

J'ai Feng was where Anita Feng brought her Szechuan-anchored sensibility to the grocery aisle after building a following through Trilogie and a series of pop-ups that people still talk about. The project, just steps from Cul-Sec—the site of her first pop-up—represented a permanent stake in La Petite-Patrie. It's since evolved into Nouilles Sauvette, a takeout window project that keeps Feng's sharp culinary perspective alive in a new format.

Oncle Lee Kao reimagines modern Chinese-American cuisine in Old Montreal, building on the foundation of its Laurier West sibling while forging its own identity. Rather than adhering strictly to regional traditions, the menu takes a creative approach to familiar flavours—blending bold spices, wok-fired techniques, and flame-grilled elements.

Dishes range from a whole grilled seabream served in a fiery Sichuan-style broth to a brined, cumin-rubbed lamb skewer inspired by Northern Chinese street food. There’s also grilled octopus paired with lap cheong sausage and a house-made glaze, among other inventive takes. The high-ceilinged dining room, warmed by pale wood tones and anchored by a central bar, offers a lively yet refined setting. A semi-private space caters to groups without losing the restaurant’s energetic flow. With an appellation-driven wine selection and cocktails that layer Chinese influences into classic forms, Oncle Lee Kao delivers a fresh, dynamic experience—one that’s distinctly its own.

Flamme du Sichuan doesn’t hedge its bets. This is a restaurant committed to the full spectrum of Sichuanese cooking, including the textures and intensities that often get softened elsewhere. The menu leans hard into málà—the defining interplay of chili heat and the numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorn—using imported spices and techniques rooted in the region’s everyday food culture. Dishes like laziji-style crispy chicken, chili-oil-dressed bone-in poultry, and rabbit sautéed with pickled peppers signal a kitchen comfortable working with bones, offal, and heat as flavour rather than shock value. Cold plates, braised fish, and dry-fried meats round out a menu built for sharing and contrast, with ice powder desserts on hand to reset the palate.

At Petit Poisson Bistro, what was once a dumpling-focused spot near Concordia has re-emerged as a full-fledged Chinese bistro, trading single-minded specialization for range and flexibility. The revamped menu moves comfortably between crowd-pleasing classics and broader Asian influences: kung pao chicken, miso-marinated cod, stir-fried clams and squid, beef fried rice, skewers, and a lineup of small plates meant to travel across the table. Dumplings still exist, but they’re no longer the headline.

The room now leans into late-night energy—casual, social, built for drinks as much as dinner. Recalibrating the experience, Petit Poisson is a reliable stop for honest food and long evenings that don’t rush you out the door.

Mon Nan has been holding down Chinatown since 1982, offering Cantonese classics with the kind of consistency that comes from family-run commitment. Located by the east gate, the purple neon lights set the tone for what's inside: a menu filled with recipes the Lee family has been refining for decades. Standouts include salt and pepper shrimp, Peking duck with homemade pancakes, and perfectly steamed Dungeness crab that showcases the kitchen's respect for quality seafood.

Current owner Joe Lee has kept the restaurant true to its roots while evolving with the times. The atmosphere is lively, the food is on point, and the late-night hours make it a go-to for both daytime dim sum runs and post-bar cravings. This is Cantonese cooking done right—no shortcuts, no compromises.

If you're craving soul-warming noodle soup in Montreal, this tiny Chinatown gem delivers every time—if you can snag a seat. Famous for hand-pulled noodles, the menu offers an impressive range of noodle sizes, from delicate strands to udon-like thickness, all cooked to chewy perfection. The star is the Traditional Lan Zhou Hand-pulled Beef Noodle Soup: rich, daikon-infused broth, tender beef, and noodles that soak up every ounce of flavour.

Portions are huge—splitting a bowl is a legitimate option—and the value is unbeatable. Add a side for variety and you've got a meal that's as satisfying as it is hearty. The vibe is fast casual, service is lightning-quick, and the line moves faster than you'd expect. Whether solo or with friends, this spot hits all the right notes for comforting, no-frills noodles.

Found in a Taschereau Boulevard strip mall, Imperial's Brossard outpost brings authentic dim sum to the South Shore without downtown crowds. The menu is a love letter to tradition—shrimp dumplings wrapped in delicate rice paper, crispy shrimp rice rolls, and famed barbecue pork buns, all handcrafted daily. Beyond dim sum, Cantonese classics like crispy noodles and General Tao chicken round out the options.

The space offers a more intimate vibe than its Chinatown predecessor, with polished yet unpretentious atmosphere perfect for family celebrations or casual gatherings. Whether seated with friends over fried taro dumplings or exploring the specials menu, Imperial Brossard blends comfort and culinary craft in every dish. Worth the trip.

Chez Chili might take effort to find—its discreet entrance on de la Gauchetière leads to a basement dining room—but the hunt is worth it. Specializing in Sichuan, Hunan, and Dongbei cuisines, this spot delivers bold, fiery flavours that justify repeat visits. The spicy lamb with onions, laced with cumin and pepper, is a standout, while twice-cooked pork offers tangy satisfaction. For vegetarians, the spicy eggplant and green beans with ground pork are must-tries.

Despite the no-frills atmosphere, the space buzzes with energy, perfect for sharing plates and stories. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and heat levels can be adjusted to your tolerance. Whether you're craving a warming winter meal or a late-night spicy fix, Chez Chili is Chinatown's best-kept secret.

Golden Bowl has been feeding Brossard for years with the kind of portions that make you reconsider your dinner plans for the next two days. The menu is a marathon—General Tao, peanut butter dumplings, sizzling Szechuan beef, Yang Chow fried rice—spanning Chinese, Cantonese, and even touches of Vietnamese and Thai. Order a few dishes and you're set for leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day.

The open kitchen adds a bit of theatre, with woks tossing and flames leaping while you wait. It's cozy for dining in, but most locals know to grab takeout. Weekend waits can stretch, so call ahead. And bring cash—they don't do cards. Golden Bowl nails that sweet spot of big flavours, fair prices, and neighbourhood loyalty that makes it a South Shore institution.

Kam Shing has been a cornerstone for Chinese comfort food in Montreal for over three decades, with each location drawing loyal crowds who know exactly what they're there for. The menu leans into classic Cantonese and Szechuan—heaping portions of General Tao, mapo tofu, crispy Cantonese chow mein—the kind of dishes that disappear as fast as they arrive.

The shrimp toast has cult status, and the won ton soup consistently earns its reputation as some of the best in the city. The dining rooms are no-frills—plastic tablecloths, plain walls—keeping the focus squarely on the food. Service is efficient, sometimes brusque, but that's part of the deal. The food travels well too, and takeout often lets those bold sauces settle into their full potential. This is the spot you go to when you want familiar, done right.

Yin Ji Chang Fen brings authentic Cantonese flavours to the South Shore with their signature rice noodle rolls—delicate, translucent cheung fun filled with shrimp, pork, or roast duck. The menu also features savoury congee served with house-made fried doughnuts, Hong Kong-style milk tea, and iced red bean drinks that pair perfectly with dim sum.

Originally founded in Guangdong, Yin Ji offers a true taste of Cantonese tradition. The bright, modern space and efficient service create a welcoming experience for fans of authentic regional cuisine. This is comfort food from Southern China, done with care.

Renovated and reopened in 2017, Papa Jackie is one of Brossard's pioneering Chinese restaurants, maintaining culinary traditions while embracing Chef Jackie's innovative touches. The focus is on traditional Cantonese executed by seasoned chefs who know their craft—scallops and squid in XO sauce, Peking duck with crispy skin and succulent meat.

The ambiance is polished: tablecloths, circular tables with turntables that enhance the communal dining experience. The menu is vast, the BYOB policy is a nice touch, and the atmosphere strikes that balance between elevated and welcoming.

Noodle Factory, tucked in Chinatown since 2008, is a small but mighty haven for handmade noodles and dumplings. Specializing in Szechuan, Shanghai, and Cantonese flavours, this family-run spot keeps the focus on tradition and craftsmanship. The hand-pulled noodles are the heart of the menu—soft, elastic texture swimming in rich, aromatic broths that warm you to your core. Standouts include spicy pork and vegetable noodles, perfectly balanced without overpowering, and generously filled dumplings, steamed or pan-fried to perfection.

The cozy dining room seats just 28, creating an intimate, lively atmosphere where food takes center stage. With quick, friendly service and takeout options, Noodle Factory proves simplicity and authenticity reign supreme. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, this unpretentious gem delivers Chinese cuisine that's all about comfort and care.

Steps from Préfontaine metro, Maneki Comptoir Asiat' blends pan-Asian cuisine with a sleek, minimalist vibe that feels refreshingly unexpected in Hochelaga. The menu pulls from across Asia—Vietnamese coffee, Pad Thai (cheekily renamed Pad Homa as a nod to the neighbourhood), General Tao chicken. Portions are generous, shrimp wontons are a standout, and dishes like salt-and-pepper tofu cater to vegetarians.

The space is tiny but punches above its weight with thoughtful design and a laid-back playlist that breaks from typical restaurant tropes. Service is friendly and fast, though some dishes lean sweet. Whether you're grabbing takeout or dining in, Maneki is a go-to for quick comfort food that doesn't skimp on style. It's as much about the vibe as the bite.

Sammi & Soup Dumpling is the unofficial headquarters for Concordia students craving xiao long bao that won't destroy their budget. Specializing in soup dumplings with delicate, Southern China-inspired dough, this spot delivers plump parcels filled with savoury broth and tender meat. The sweet and juicy pork dumplings are the fan favourite, while fried seafood options add variety.

The decor is modest, but the energy is lively, and the open kitchen turns dumpling-making into entertainment. It's an easy call for budget-conscious diners who still want quality. Whether it's lunch, a late-night bite, or a dumpling feast with friends, expect a wait—it's earned its hype.

Hong Mère is where spice meets soul in Verdun. This unassuming spot pairs fiery Sichuan dishes with hearty northern Chinese fare, delivering flavours that hit hard and linger. The crispy pork with cumin packs a savoury punch, while the mapo tofu buzzes with numbing Sichuan peppercorns. For something cooler but equally exciting, try the Dongbei la pi—a cold vegetable salad with slippery rice noodles—or the standout green chilli salad, a mix of julienned cucumber, peanuts, and black vinegar that's as bold as it is refreshing.

Portions are generous, perfect for sharing or hoarding as leftovers. The ambiance won't wow, but the food will. With family recipes and no-compromise cooking, Hong Mère is a haven for spice lovers and anyone looking to explore Chinese cuisine without breaking the bank. Bonus: it's BYOB.

Tian Fu balances fiery Sichuan heat with Cantonese comfort in a Brossard strip mall that locals and spice lovers have been flocking to for years. The spicy boiled fish is the standout—silky fillets and tender soy sprouts swimming in a tongue-numbing broth spiked with Sichuan peppercorns and enough dried chilis to make you respect the kitchen. The dry pot pig intestines are for the adventurous: crispy, rich, not for everyone. If you need something milder, the pineapple sweet-and-sour pork offers balance.

Portions are generous, prices won't hurt, and the BYOB policy makes it perfect for group dinners. Service is quick, and the complimentary edamame on weekends is a nice touch. Whether you're going for hot and sour glass noodles or sizzling black pepper beef, Tian Fu doesn't hold back. Come hungry, leave with leftovers.

Atlas Uyghur offers a rare taste of Uyghur cuisine on the South Shore, blending Turkish, Persian, and Chinese influences into bold, shareable plates. The menu focuses on large-format dishes—tender lamb or chicken stews served over hand-pulled noodles or homemade naan, lamb skewers with a charred exterior and juicy interior, and platters meant for passing around the table.

The atmosphere is warm, with thoughtful nods to Uyghur culture in the decor—artwork evoking the mountains and deserts of Xinjiang. Service is attentive, especially for diners unfamiliar with the cuisine. Portions are generous, making this ideal for family-style meals or adventurous group outings.

Hidden up a creaky stairwell on Saint-Laurent, Amigo doesn't win you over with decor—it's the food that keeps people coming back. The undisputed star is the salt and pepper pork chops: golden, crispy, with just enough heat, served with buttery rice, bok choy, and a fried egg. It's the kind of dish that turns first-timers into regulars.

Portions are massive, prices are low, and the menu leans into battered, deep-fried indulgence. Beyond the chops, peanut butter wontons and General Tao chicken deliver crowd-pleasing flavours, though you should be ready for a greasy bite. Service is warm and familial, and the old-school vibe only adds to the charm. Come for the food, not the ambiance, and leave full enough to skip your next meal. This is the Chinatown hole-in-the-wall you won't stop thinking about.

La Maison VIP has long been a Chinatown go-to for Cantonese favourites that consistently deliver. Known for generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, this unassuming eatery serves staples like General Tao chicken, Cantonese chow mein, and shrimp in lobster sauce. For something special, the ginger lobster is a standout—a splurge-worthy dish that justifies every penny.

The cozy, unfussy atmosphere complements a menu full of crowd-pleasers: beef with bitter melon, garlic stir-fried snow peas. While no longer open until the early hours, Maison VIP remains solid for lunch, dinner, or late evening meals. Service is straightforward, portions are big enough for leftovers. This is reliable Cantonese comfort food without the fuss.

Walking into Kim Fung is sensory overload in the best way—the chatter, the clatter of chopsticks, the constant parade of steam baskets making their rounds. This bustling dim sum hall in Chinatown has been a fixture since long before the current wave of food hype, drawing families, students, tourists, and locals who know what's up.

You don't come here for quiet or coddling. You come for character and cart service that makes dim sum what it's supposed to be: communal, chaotic, delicious. Shrimp dumplings, pork buns, turnip cakes—all brought to you by servers who've perfected the art of efficiency. First-timers should brace themselves: carts whiz by loaded with mystery baskets, and you'll probably grab something without knowing exactly what it is. That's part of the initiation. The atmosphere is unapologetically busy, and the payoff is authentic dim sum that doesn't try to be anything other than what it is.

Liuyishou Hotpot has quickly become a downtown standout for Sichuan-style hotpot. The menu offers over ten broth bases—from fiery Chongqing-style simmered with chilies and Sichuan peppercorns to rich, comforting bone and pork rib broth. Mix and match ingredients like sliced beef, lotus root, udon noodles, and Pacific shrimp to build your ideal bowl.

The sleek, modern space is built for sharing, with large tables and robot servers adding a futuristic touch. The all-you-can-eat format makes it a steal, and the topping bar ensures your broth is loaded. End your spice-filled meal with fresh fruit—a sweet finale that balances the heat. Liuyishou gets hotpot right.

Tucked in Shaughnessy Village, Fu Chun is a must-visit for xiao long bao enthusiasts. The soup dumplings burst with juicy, gingery goodness—the crab and pork version is a fan favourite, while the beef and onion fried dumplings offer a crisp, flavour-packed alternative.

The menu is compact but full of hits: Shanghainese duck leg, scallion oil noodles, and comforting desserts like eight treasure rice porridge. The small space, with bright green walls and simple wood furniture, is cozy yet bustling—expect a wait during peak hours. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, Fu Chun serves expertly crafted dumplings and classic Shanghainese dishes that respect the tradition.

Mai Xiang Yuan has been serving handmade dumplings with Northern Chinese flair since 2010. This cozy, no-frills eatery specializes in fresh, juicy dumplings made to order, with over 35 varieties—steamed, boiled, or fried—to satisfy every craving. The lamb and cilantro dumplings are a fan favourite, while the pork, shrimp, and mushroom variety delivers layers of flavour.

Don't miss the fried dumplings with perfectly crisped bottoms or the tender steamed options with just the right chew. Portions are generous, prices are wallet-friendly, and there's an ATM on-site for this cash-only spot. The payoff is worth it when you bite into a dumpling that's been lovingly hand-rolled. This is dumpling-making as craft.

Qing Hua has been holding it down for dumplings in Chinatown and Shaughnessy Village long enough to know what works. The menu reads like a dumpling manifesto—vegetarian, seafood, pork, beef, chicken, lamb—steamed or pan-fried, each one a small triumph of dough and filling that actually tastes like something.

The xiaolongbao are the move here: delicate parcels filled with pork and a hit of savoury broth that requires a moment of respect before you bite down. Their Concordia location upped the game with Shanghai-style shengjian bao and vegan options that don't feel like an afterthought.

Restaurant Beijing has been a Chinatown fixture since 1989, drawing a mix of loyal regulars and curious newcomers to its sprawling menu. The spot serves Cantonese staples like sweet and sour pork and peanut butter dumplings alongside adventurous off-menu options like razor clams and black-bean snails. The sizzling clay pot chicken with gizzards and wings—jeh jeh gai bo—is a standout for those who know to ask.

This old-school eatery is a haven for bold flavours and variety. The food consistently earns praise, though the ambiance and service can be polarizing—bustling vibe, dated decor, less-than-spotless bathrooms. But the kitchen's quality keeps fans coming back regardless. It's authentic Chinatown in all its unpolished glory.

Kan Bei is a cornerstone for Sichuan cuisine in Chinatown, serving the kind of bold, complex flavours that define the region. Signature dishes like Maoxuewang, spicy chicken, and boiled fish deliver heat and depth in equal measure, while classics like eggplant with minced pork in garlic sauce and salt and pepper squid offer rich, comforting alternatives for when you need a break from the fire.

The space is large and inviting, built for both intimate meals and bigger gatherings. Attentive service and an extensive menu mean everyone finds something that works, whether you're chasing spice or playing it safe. Kan Bei knows what it's doing.

At Cuisine Aunt Dai, the menu is as candid as the cooking is robust. Owner Feigang Fei's refreshingly honest descriptions add a unique layer to this beloved spot for Sichuan and Northern Chinese cuisine. Expect bold flavours and spice-laden favourites like cumin beef, braised pork belly with sweet potato noodles, and potato julienne with a tangy kick.

What sets this place apart isn't just the food—it's Fei's self-deprecating commentary, like confessing that some dishes aren't his personal favourites or haven't quite met his standards yet. It's disarming, honest, and makes you trust the recommendations even more. This is cooking with personality and zero pretense.

Near the Bois-Franc REM station, Restaurant Miran is doing something rare: bringing Uyghur cuisine to Montreal with the kind of authenticity that comes from lived experience. Chef Abdul Samad, originally from Hotan in Xinjiang, is cooking dishes that carry generations of culinary knowledge—cumin-spiced lamb kebabs with char and depth, hand-pulled laghman noodles that have real chew, and samsa baked in a traditional tandoor oven.

The pilov—a rice pilaf with tender lamb and sweet carrots—and the petir manta steamed dumplings showcase flavours that blend Turkish, Persian, and Chinese influences into something entirely their own. The space, decorated with Uyghur arts and crafts, feels warm and familial, perfect for groups. Don't sleep on the tandoori lamb feast if you can plan ahead (24 hours' notice).