18 Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Old Quebec City? Well, Quebec City is home to many fine dining establishments that serve not only new takes on traditional international cuisine but also French-Canadian specialities that are among the best in the country.
The food that is made in Canadian restaurants is typically hearty, filling, and comfortable; nevertheless, there is a much wider variety of cuisine available in Quebec City.
1. An “Old” Quebec City?
A roughly 135-hectare urban area makes up the Historic District of Old Québec. It is divided into two parts: the Lower Town, which is built up around Place Royale and the harbour, and the Upper Town, which is located atop Cap Diamant and is fortified with citadels, citadel ramparts, and other defensive structures.
Québec City is well-known for its internationally renowned Château Frontenac, as well as for its extensive history, cobblestone streets, European architecture, and fortifications. It’s like having a little piece of Europe in Canada.
2. What Cuisines are Popular in Quebec City?
Quebec’s cuisine is diversified and well-known for dishes such as poutine, tourtieres, pate chinois, pea soup, feves au lard, cretons, and sweets including grands-peres, pouding chomeur, and St. Catherine’s taffy.
The city is recognized for more than just Poutine! In addition, meat is essential in typical Quebec City cuisine, particularly in the shape of substantial pies. Since pub grub and taverns are popular in this city, you’ll see French onion soup on many menus.
As far as breakfast goes, crepes and anything slathered in maple syrup are extremely popular. Maple syrup can be found almost anywhere, from inside enormous Canadian-leaf-shaped lollipops to on top of breakfast crepes.
3. Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City
Visit these best Quebec City restaurants to sample Quebec’s gastronomic offerings. There are a lot of great places with delicious food to eat in Quebec City, so make sure you don’t just pick anyone.
The top 19 best restaurants in Old Quebec City are listed below;
3.1. Chez Muffy
One of the Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City which is most elegant and historically significant is Chez Muffy. It is situated in the little Hotel Auberge Saint-Antoine, which views the Saint Lawrence River.
This elegant restaurant is run by chef Louis Pacquelin. On the menu, you can find traditional Quebecois food with a modern twist.
The seasonal ingredients used in this restaurant’s dishes are primarily those from their garden on the Isle of Orleans. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the stunning stone walls and wooden beams that have helped turn Chez Muffy (which was formerly known as Panache) into a Quebec City institution.
The menu offers improved renditions of tourtiere, duck, and Rouennaise sauce together with contemporary Quebec City cuisine. Our “slow cooking” of meat, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and vast wine selection delight all palates. The wine cellar houses an extraordinary collection of 12,000 bottles from 14 nations.
3.2. Le Saint-Amour
Let us now talk about one of the most romantic fine-dining Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City which is Le Saint-Amour. Le Saint Amour may be found on the serene Rue Saint Ursule.
Le Saint-Amour is among the best in every way. The wine list is regarded as one of the top ten in Canada, and the restaurant, chefs, and staff have all received numerous honours over the years.
While the chef’s specialty is foie gras, he also excels with the game, as evidenced by dishes like grilled caribou steak with wildberry and peppercorn sauce. The presentation of the cuisine is exquisite, and seeing the plate is half the fun of eating here.
Le Saint-Amour has been a local favourite for the past 40 years, and its French menu uses as many products as possible cultivated nearby. To begin, each of their dishes is artfully presented, creating a veritable feast for the eyes.
The gourmet French dishes are the ideal fusion of regional ingredients and chef Jean-Luc Boulay’s vast culinary expertise. Lunchtime is perfect for dining because the garden terrace becomes more light-filled.
Le Saint Amour has an excellent setting for an experience that cannot be forgotten after eating there. There are vegetarian choices available.
Finish off your indulgent hearty meal with anything from their extensive dessert menu, which includes chocolate mousse or cream puffs, Grand Marnier, and coconut ice parfait, among other sweets.
3.3. La Buche
La Buche is the other best restaurant in Old Quebec City and serves traditional and revived gastronomic traditions. La Buche, a Québécois restaurant with a vibe of an urban sugar shack, is situated on street Saint-Louis, close to Château Frontenac.
The room is decorated with wooden elements, including gingham patterns, furs, vintage wooden sleighs, and more. La Buche is one of the few places in Old Quebec City that can handle big parties and is no longer a tourist trap.
If you enjoy French onion soup, you should try their non-traditional version, arguably the best in Old Quebec City.
Additionally, the menu offers items like Poutine, tourtiere, salmon tartare, foie gras, and gourmet mac & cheese. Dive into the traditions of sugar shacks, where you can figuratively shower your dish in maple syrup as a Quebecois way of subtly honouring the cook.
You’ll want the recipes for the hearty Sheppard’s pie, the gourmet tourtiere served with a side of fruit ketchup, as well as the soups and desserts that are served. La Buche is the place to indulge in maple taffy on a snow bar, even in the summer!
From brunch to dinner, everything at La Buche is made in the traditional Quebecois style. The brick, wood, and stone create a cozy cabin atmosphere. Even a small children’s menu and live music are available occasionally, making this a great family outing.
3.4. 1608 Bar
This classy bar serves wine, drinks, artisanal cheeses, and light meals at the Chateau Frontenac Hotel, where the city was founded in 1608. The bar has stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and an eye-catching chandelier that casts a cozy warmth and makes it among one of the Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City.
Nothing is more excellent than enjoying a drink in this bar while relaxing next to the fire. Amazing drinks, but you should save your money. A pleasant setting for one or two drinks.
This is a great place to warm up your taste buds before the main event because it offers a wide selection of privately imported wine and a wide choice of top local Quebec cheeses. The magnificent circular area has chocolate wood panelling and pendant lights at the bar.
It was an excellent way to spend a chilly late afternoon with friends. Excellent service and a wide variety of drinks. The group was warmly welcomed by Maude, who was quite informed. The group tried a variety of beverages. The Thai Buck is a must-try.
3.5. Chez Boulay Bistro Boreal
Chez Boulay-Bistro Boreal is a contemporary, chic restaurant in Old Quebec City that serves seasonal Nordic food in an intimate atmosphere.
It can be located at 1110 Rue Saint Jean, Quebec City, Canada, G1R 1S4. The restaurant is run by Les Chefs alums Jean Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand, and the food they serve is flavorful and assertive.
The service is more refined, in contrast to the casual and understated atmosphere of the restaurant’s interior, which was modelled after cafes and bistros in Scandinavia.
Chez Boulay’s cuisine provides a variety of flavours you won’t find anywhere else. Think of wild mushrooms and delectable flavours from fir tree essence and birch syrup.
Enjoy their modern, chic eating space built of chocolate wood while feasting on food with a Nordic influence. You may taste the various scents of the wilderness of Quebec City, much like a tour through the boreal forest.
Their game meat shines the most, especially when combined with Labrador tea and oyster mushrooms. Those who enjoy sauce should increase the amount of pan-seared foie gras. They have finger-licking desserts, and anything made with sea buckthorn berries is a must.
3.6. Le Chic Shack
Le Chic Shack, a popular hamburger and among the best restaurants in Old Quebec City, serves Poutine, milkshakes, and unique toppings.
Le Chic Shack is situated across the street from Fairmont Château Frontenac and is renowned for its gourmet burgers and Poutine. If you’re planning to have both the burgers and the Poutine, you’ll need to be very hungry because both are juicy and plump.
Try their truffle fries or sweet potato fries if you’re not a fan of Poutine. Both are mouthwatering. The environment is relaxed and welcoming, making it a fantastic location to hang out with friends.
Le Chic Shack, located in a historic home, offers authentic Italian cuisine and mouthwatering gourmet burgers made with ingredients that are acquired locally.
The Le Chic Shack makes you feel like you’re in a cozy cabin, with tree trunks at the base of each table. Try their homemade sodas and milkshakes with whipped cream on top, and indulge in a substantial poutine. It’s the perfect place to warm up with a great meal on a cold day because it looks like a stylish lumberjack cabin.
A food burger Is accessible, yet it has pumpkin seeds. On-demand, gluten-free buns are provided. Don’t be scared by the cafeteria atmosphere; instead, take comfort that one bite will convince you that it’s completely genuine.
Even though Le Chic Shack is situated in the most tourist-friendly area of the city, it is not a tourist trap.
3.7. Chez Rioux & Pettigrew
Let us talk about another great restaurant in Old Quebec City which is Chez Rioux & Pettigrew. The restaurant and pub known as Chez Rioux & Pettigrew can be found at 160 Rue Saint-Paul, one of the most well-known streets in the downtown area of Montreal.
Chez Rioux & Pettigrew offers casual meals in a warm, welcoming setting with exposed brick. Since Narcisse Rioux had a general store at this location in 1860 and supplied local restaurants, inns, and hospitals, it is only natural that the culinary mission continues today (complete with relics from that previous life) in a slightly more hands-on manner.
At Chez Rioux & Pettigrew, seasonal, local ingredients become a world of flavours.
The room mixes modern conveniences with antique objects that pay homage to its origins as Rioux & Pettigrew General Store, founded in 1860, much as the colourful, inventive cuisine layers textures and tastes. Order delicious treats for brunch, lunch, or supper, or reserve a table d’hôte and let the chef’s incredible creations excite your curiosity.
The restaurant, which specializes in market-fresh food, offers exotic cuisines from all over the world as well as a table dhote menu that highlights the chef’s outstanding inventions.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the restaurant’s French heritage through old furnishings and décor. This is where you should go if you want Canadian food that is as fresh as possible without the hassle of a white tablecloth (think fish, terroir vegetables, and game meat).
3.8. Le Clocher Penche
Le Clocher Penché is a rustic-chic restaurant in old Quebec City located in an urban environment that obtains its food from local producers. The restaurant also features inventive cuisine and an extensive wine selection. It is located at 203 Rue Saint-Joseph E, Quebec City, QC G1K 3B1, Canada.
The restaurant is well-liked by residents for its seasonal meals, which change with the seasons. This Parisian-inspired café is a local favourite and helps make Saint-Roch a culinary destination.
The restaurant, known for its straightforward yet elegant market cooking, just underwent a total makeover, with contemporary décor drawn from the natural colours of the forest and the food of chef Mathieu Brisson.
Marc Lamarre’s carefully chosen wine list reflects the diversity of the area. He takes well-known grape varieties or bold local yeasts and skillfully pairs them with the chef’s dishes.
3.9. Le Sam Bistro Evolutif
Le Sam, a French restaurant, is located on the main floor of the old Chateau Frontenac and has a lovely view of the Saint Lawrence River which makes it among one of the Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City. On the menu, you’ll find regional produce prepared in a French bistro style that will make everyone happy.
There is something for everyone on their long list of cocktails. If none strike your taste, they will create a drink depending on your preferences. The dining area is elegant and cozy, with a dark blue, gold, and brown palette. Enjoy their assortment of meats, tartar, and other dishes, as well as a few alternatives for kid-friendly meals.
This trendy restaurant in Old Quebec will meet all your needs. The setting, which is inside the lovely Fairmont Château Frontenac, will undoubtedly dazzle your visitors.
It’s ideal for sharing meals with friends on a night out. You must sample one of their fantastic cocktails, which their mixologists have designed and crafted to suit your preferences.
3.10. Restaurant Legende
This is another great restaurant in Old Quebec City for its Canadian fare and Wine. Restaurant Legende is located at 255, rue Saint-Paul QC, CANADA G1K 3W5. Legende is a fine dining establishment serving Canadian fare and wine that changes with the seasons.
The upmarket restaurant is well-recognized for its market-driven cuisine and features a patio. The cuisine at Restaurant Legende is organized into the categories of Water, Earth, and Land to pay homage to the indigenous culture of Quebec City.
The upmarket cuisine includes a tasting menu option in addition to local fish, veggies, and gamey meats.
The walls are covered with wood panels, giving the room a warm and sophisticated appearance. Legende Restaurant offers a taste of history.
Executive chef Frederic Laplante chooses meals that reflect Quebec’s rich past and inspires a story of great food influenced by many historical events.
3.11. BO Cuisine d’Asie
BO Cuisine d’Asie is a stunning new restaurant that debuted in 2021 outside the Saint-Jean Gate on the street of Saint-Jean. This café, connected to the Le Diamant performing arts theatre, is an oasis of calm and relaxation.
The dishes on the menu are a mashup of traditional dishes from the monsoon regions of Asia with regional specialties from Quebec City. The combination of these two styles of cooking results in some words that are exceptionally delicious.
Some of my favourite dishes at Kaoya are the Kou Rou (pork belly with puréed carrot and ginger) and the Kaoya Bun (sweet and sour pork buns) (Lac-Brome lacquered duck). The chef’s tasting menu is an option, or you can order à la carte.
3.12. Don Vegan Restaurant
Don Vegan Restaurant is a unique, vegan-friendly restaurant in Old Quebec City with an extensive wine list and specialty drinks. It may be located in Canada at 97 Rue Saint du Sault-au-Matelot in Quebec City, QC G1K 3X7. You can have breakfast there and savour delectable cuisine in a setting with unique decor and a welcoming ambiance.
Le Don, the only vegan restaurant in Quebec City, is a sophisticated establishment with street-style drawings by local artist Berko and elegant velvet banquettes.
You won’t even miss the meat with chef Anne-Marie Grenier’s seasonally inspired meals, which include soothing soups and finger-licking excellent desserts. Fantastic service, delicious vegan food at a fair price, and a fun atmosphere.
3.13. Saint Roch
The St-Roch district is situated in the center of Quebec’s downtown and is another great restaurant in old Quebec City. In this busy neighbourhood, you’ll find a lot of local breweries, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Try one of the culinary tours, take a cocktail lesson, visit Quebec’s largest cathedral, or play an escape game in this urban region.
There are many things to do in St-Roch to keep your schedule full. This is a well-liked area that is located outside of the historic center, yet it is not too distant from the center. It is renowned for its fine dining establishments, architectural design, and vibrant urban lifestyle.
As soon as you leave Old Quebec, you enter a new world of cuisine. On the Saint-Roch Evening Tour, you’ll sample five popular eateries with residents. Still, you may not be listed in travel guides, offering you an authentic, off-the-beaten-path view of the burgeoning neighbourhood.
At a few of the stops, you’ll also get drinks to go with your food, which will make your dining experience better.
In the meantime, your guide will entertain you with anecdotes about Quebec City, Saint-Roch, and the eateries you visit, all of which are filled with the guide’s insider knowledge.
3.14. Le Champlain
Le Champlain, found within the Chateau Frontenac, is a great dining experience that can gratify even the most discriminating palates.
The menu is primarily composed of grilled beef, veal, and lamb, as well as French classics like tartar and flambés.
The outdoor table is set up to look like they belong in a Parisian restaurant, complete with white tablecloths and wine glasses on the tabletop. If you want a little luxury, go to this magnificent landmark for Sunday high tea in their dining room overlooking the Saint Lawrence river.
Overall, Le Champlain offers the white tablecloth experience with some culinary entertainment. Try their grilled octopus and end your meal with their “all chocolate dessert” dish when dining there for French cuisine at night!
3.15. Bistro L’Orygine
Bistro L’Orygine is a cozy restaurant with a rustic-chic vibe known for its inventive and delectable organic cuisine made with local ingredients. It is a member of the Groupe La Taniere network.
It takes pride in using the best organic ingredients possible, including fresh fish and meats, organic salads and vegetables, and handcrafted desserts.
In the heart of Old Quebec City, this chic yet inviting restaurant delivers creative and delectable dishes made with local, organic, fresh ingredients. The recipes utilize responsibly sourced meat and fish and highlight the area’s abundant vegetables.
You may sample Quebec city cuisine at its most authentic if you stop by for lunch or dinner. They serve lunch which is really delicious. Your friends, physique, and taste buds will all appreciate it.
3.16. Louise Taverne & Bar a Vin
Louise Tavern & Bar a Vin promotes itself as one of the best restaurants in Old Quebec City that specializes in Wine. The Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin is a wine bar and gourmet tavern that is one of the loveliest boutique hotels in Old Quebec City. It is located at 48 Rue Saint-Paul, Quebec City, QC G1K 3V7.
Since July 2017, Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin has provided guests with a one-of-a-kind gourmet tavern and wine bar experience. The establishment is situated in the center of Québec City’s Old Port.
The owner-chef Nikolas Couture and his energetic crew welcome visitors to our warm and vibrant location, where we provide a simple, tasty, and well-sourced menu, first-rate and friendly service, and one of the best selections of premium imported wines, cocktails, and beers in town at a fair price.
It’s the perfect location to relax with a drink and a meal in Old Port with its modern and historical aspects. With its combination of a tavern and a wine bar, Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin provides a welcoming and celebratory environment.
You’re in for a lovely evening whether you decide to have it fueled by the customs of Europe’s upscale taverns or by the raw bar treats, sharing platters, and, of course, drinkable indulgences that characterize the wine bar scene. In the heart of the Old Port, stop by for a drink, an amuse-bouche, or a substantial dinner.
3.17. Le Lapin Saute
Le Lapin Saute is another restaurant in old Quebec City for a romantic celebrations. Le Lapin Sauté is located at 52 Rue Saint du Petit Champlain, Quebec City, QC G1K 4H4.
Le Lapin Saute is a tiny, rabbit-focused French restaurant. The restaurant has a cozy setting and sitting outside, and the menu has inventive items like rabbit liver salad and bunny poutine.
The location is ideal for a weekend breakfast or romantic celebration. When we first came across Le Lapin Sauté while meandering through the lower town, we knew we had to stop and take a picture of the adorable outside.
It feels like a little piece of the French countryside in the middle of the city. Now, we have never in our lives eaten rabbit, and we had no intention of doing so on this trip. No worries if you’re like us.
On their menu, there are a lot of additional delectable choices. Since it was our last night together, we decided to splurge and order an appetizer and two substantial dinners.
First, we shared the excellent fondue pot. Thankfully, the pool was small; else, this rich and wonderful beginning may have been our entire meal! We chose the pasta with lemon basil sauce as our entrée.
It was served with goat cheese on top, and it was delicious. Just thinking about it makes us drool once more. My husband ordered the Quebec beef burger, and he couldn’t have been happier with his purchase. Beyond the mouthwatering food, our server was incredibly attentive and kind.
3.18. Le Tournebroche Restaurant
Le Tournebroche restaurant is another great restaurant in old Quebec City. This restaurant in Québec City’s Old Town serves delicious organic food. This restaurant is at 1190 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1S6, Canada.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with stone walls, oak tables, and vintage concrete floor tiles adding a sense of character and warmth to the space. Diners can pick from seats at the bar, which features whimsical blown-glass lighting, or on an extended bench, where the rotisserie staff works right behind them.
The fact that it is still considered one of the top restaurants in Quebec City speaks volumes about the quality of the fare served there. Excellent surroundings, a buzzy yet laid-back ambiance, and delicious food created with only the freshest ingredients.
In the center of Old Quebec, this French eatery is a cozy and stylish cafe specializing in roasted chicken, shellfish, and other meats. While Tournebroche also has a garden where they raise their veggies, their chicken comes from a nearby Charlevoix farm. Additionally, they produce their ice cream, bread, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
Try their handcrafted crème brûlée for a delicious finish; because it is reimagined each day with a fresh flavour, you’ll never have the same one twice!
4. The Old Quebec City Food Tour
The Old Quebec Food Tour allows you to explore the historical background and gastronomic legacy of Old Quebec City. The trip offers you the chance to sample 12 various foods and beverages rather than limiting you to just one restaurant.
While your tour guide educates you on the fascinating history of the region, you can get a taste of what it’s like to dine like a native Quebecer by sampling the region’s traditional as well as modern foods.
La Buche and Le Chic Shack, two eateries from this list, will be available for you to try. The Old Quebec Food Tour offers a culinary exploration of Old Quebec.
4.1. Reasons To Visit The Old Quebec City Food Tour
It is not a secret that Old Quebec City is a popular tourist site in Canada. Some things that make it a unique and intriguing area include its historical buildings, monuments, cobblestone streets, reputable restaurants, and bustling activities.
They have carefully chosen the area’s top-rated restaurants, making sure to offer a variety of traditional Québécois dishes. With your tour guide, the Old Quebec Food Tour allows you to see the best of the historic district.
They will also show you secret historical and architectural landmarks! All of this comes with the extra benefit of a local tour guide who will impart insider knowledge, secrets, and tales about the region.
Conclusion
We hope this list of our best restaurants in Old Quebec City, Canada, will encourage you to visit this great nation. There is something extraordinary about going to an area that isn’t crowded with tourists yet still offers a variety of things to see and do.
There is likely a restaurant out there that is ideal for you, whether you want a more informal dining experience or an elegant lunch.
Whether looking for the best Poutine or Canadian food, these Old Quebec City restaurants offer some of the island’s best cuisine. Visit one of the top restaurants in old Quebec City, Canada, on the list above to make your weekend best.
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