Québec City, renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, offers many restaurant options that span across budgets. Over a weekend getaway, food enthusiasts can discover an array of flavors while wandering through the city’s quaint cobblestone streets steeped in centuries-old European charm.
From quaint bistros to high-end eateries, Québec City’s food scene reflects both tradition and innovation. The city’s best dining experiences feature a medley of locally sourced ingredients and a dedication to culinary craftsmanship, reflecting Québec’s unique blend of French Canadian heritage.
The accommodations
Before starting to make your way through the best Québec City restaurants, settle down for a stay at Hotel Le Clos St. Louis, a hotel that offers a perfect blend of charm, heritage and comfort. Tucked away on rue St. Louis, this gem is just a brief walk from iconic landmarks, such as the Chateau Frontenac and the bustling boardwalk.
Constructed from two joined heritage homes, the hotel features 18 distinct rooms, each adorned with antiques and portraits that transport guests to a bygone era. Attention to detail is evident, and for those curious about the property’s past, a comprehensive guide awaits in the lobby. The combination of a prime location, antique decor with modern amenities and a tempting all-day parking option make this hotel a standout choice for travelers. It’s the perfect setting for building your Québec City itinerary if you don’t have one yet.
Get caffeinated
Upon arrival at Québec City, one of the five most beautiful cities in Canada, make your way towards a relaxing tea session at Maison Smith, a quaint local chain renowned for its java brews. Sitting down with an espresso or a tisane alongside a selection of expertly made French pastries and watching the tourists make their way along the cobblestones sets just the right tone for your upcoming exploration of this city’s rich flavors. Go for a small drink so as not to take up valuable stomach real estate before dinner.
Make your way to lunch
Walk the cobblestones of Old Québec and feast your eyes on beautiful architecture. You can spend some time on the boardwalk overlooking St. Lawrence or traipse through the Citadelle grounds, making a convoluted path down to the city.
It’s easy to grab lunch at one of the old town’s many tourist restaurants, but you’d be missing out on how locals actually eat these days. Instead, we recommend setting down for a “prix-fixe” or, in English, a fixed-price menu at La Piazzetta. This Italian and Mediterranean-focused local chain is famous for its thin crusts and Québec-inspired topping combinations for a reasonable price.
An afternoon treat
Head down for dinner at the Saint Roche neighborhood in Québec City. An up-and-coming area that still retains a lot of its original charming grittiness, this neighborhood is home to some of the best coffee and food in this city.
But before dinner, make your way down to a little bakery before your dinner reservation becomes available. La Croquembouche is considered one of the top bakeries in the whole city. They have a variety of breads, old French gems and even vegan and gluten-free treats. Don’t skip the black forest no-bake chocolate cake or hot chocolate.
Settle down for dinner
Book in advance for a seat down at L’affaire est Ketchup. This Anthony-Bourdain recommendation looks like a hole-in-the-wall but delivers on food, conviviality and true Québec culture. The name is a local French saying that basically means everything is better with ketchup — but you’re unlikely to get this American condiment on your plate.
Eating here is like listening to a modern, experimental symphony: surprising, ad-hoc, familiar but also falling flat at times — but overall, spectacularly comforting. The menu changes nightly and reflects the best available produce and the whims of the chef and the crew behind this gem; it’s a journey you want to go on.
Breakfast at the falls
The second day in Québec should begin with a visit to an exceptional natural landmark, the Montmorency Falls. Standing taller than its more famous counterpart, Niagara Falls, Montmorency captivates visitors with its towering cascades, especially during the vigorous flow of early spring. Historical narratives come alive at Montmorency Manor, where the confluence of nature’s majesty and human history is on full display. Grab breakfast here or snag a treat from the food truck in the back.
Make your way to Isle D’Orleans
Following the morning’s awe-inspiring start, travelers can revel in the bucolic splendors of Isle D’Orleans, an island renowned for its viticulture and agriculture. Winding through the lush landscapes, explore esteemed wineries and cideries, such as Cassis Monna & Filles and Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille. Each establishment offers a selection of its finest creations, giving guests a taste of the island’s rich bounty.
Settle down for lunch at Goéliche Hotel-Resto, unquestionably one of the most gourmet stops on the island. You can order from the full menu or place your order at the shack’s counter and enjoy your meal on the terrace, offering stunning views.
Another phenomenal lunch option is La Monnaguette, the restaurant at the Cassis Monna & Filles winery. With cassis berries having a prominent role in nearly every dish, it doesn’t get much more local than this.
International dinners
It’s easy to eat in the best Québec City restaurants and stick only to French cuisine. But then, you’d be missing out on the things that make this place come alive.
With a large history of immigration in the 2000s, Québec City is also well known for its international fare. If you’d like to go on a voyage to the Far East, taste the flavors of Thailand and Cambodia at Bati Bassac. Order the table d’hote menu alongside a good cocktail. Between the Thai soup, fragrant spring rolls, the Bassac main — made of chicken and shrimp in a sweet pineapple sauce — and the incredible dessert of sticky rice, passion fruit syrup and fresh fruit, prepare to be swept on a journey of flavors.
For a more traditional dinner option, head to the Swiss institute, La Grolla. Choose between fondue and raclette, or order a meal to be cooked tableside on an alpine slate skillet. Any way you choose, a dinner here is an Instagram-worthy moment of play and eat.
Wrapping up
Québec City’s dining landscape stands out for its variety, commitment to local ingredients and innovative takes on traditional dishes. The city’s restaurants offer a range of experiences, from casual to upscale, all characterized by their focus on quality and a dedication to creating a unique dining atmosphere. Whether it’s through blind-tasting menus or the infusion of modern flavors into classic cuisine, Québec City’s culinary scene is a testament to its excellence in food craftsmanship.
Ksenia Prints is a food writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table, a food blog showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures by working with chefs from relevant countries and adapting those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.
This article originally appeared on At the Immigrant’s Table.