Québec City, renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, offers many restaurant options that span across budgets. I always make sure I’m plenty hungry, because there are so many amazing restaurants in this fabulous historic city!
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.
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 Cafe La 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. The fresh croissants are as big as your head, and if the weather is nice, nab a table in the secluded courtyard.
Make your way to lunch or brunch
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, taking 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.
Another must-try is La Buche, which translated means, the log. This is a fun and quirky spot with walls lined with traditional Quebec sugar-shack items, and the odd mounted head or pelt, or two. Their traditional pea soup is ah-mazing (I’d love that recipe!!) and everything on the menu is fabulous.
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.
If you feel like splurging, check out Tanière3. This stunning prix fixe restaurant is housed in an ancient underground cellar, ante up for a 15-20 course meal that has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Michelin star-worthy restaurant.
Another must-try pick is either of the restaurants in Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. I love Sam Bistro, named after Quebec City founder Samuel de Champlain. It showcases the latest culinary trends in an informal setting with an open-plan kitchen and a creative mixology concept – and the food is fabulous!
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.
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.
This article originally appeared on At the Immigrant’s Table.