Piment Rouge (Le), Montreal

Located right across from Place du Canada, this restaurant is considered one of the best in Montreal for world-class Szechuan cuisine. It is run by the Mah family, whose kitchen prides itself on authenticity and friendly, informed service. A specialty of the house is General Tao's Chicken, a dish dating back to the Chin dynasty in the northern province of Hunan. Class and understatement prevail with white linen tablecloths, plenty of flowers and a pleasant, calming airiness.