Quebec Restaurant Guide – Travel Quebec Like a Local
At the cross-roads of East and West, a modern city melds with an irrepressible past. Quebec City is proudly French, eternally lively, and endlessly charming. These attributes translate to really, really great food. From corner shops with fresh baguettes, to spicy and authentic Thai, Quebec City has it all, and after a day of exploring its shops, galleries, and historic streets, you're sure to enjoy diving in.
Casual eats with great atmosphere
More refined than your average pizza parlour, La Piazzetta (several locations, 63 rue St-Paul in the Vieux Port, 418.692.2962) offers up tasty, fresh pies in a casual and comfortable environment. The salads, sandwiches, and breakfasts are equally tasty.
Le Cochon Dingue (several locations, 1326 ave Maguire, 418.684.2013) is a popular Quebec chain, with reasonably-priced meat and pasta dishes in a lively (if sometimes noisy) atmosphere.
Discover the best sugar pie (Quebec's favorite dessert), at Aux Anciens Canadiens (34 rue St-Louise, 418.692.1627). The entrees are good, but the real draw is the smooth maple sugar of this traditional treat.
For any night of the week:
In a city that specializes in the informal bistro tradition, L'Echaudé, (73 rue Sault-au-Matelot, 418.692.1299) is a star. Discover classic French Canadian dishes like steak frites and duck confit on a dining terrace on a pedestrian-only street.
For delicious and fresh seafood, discover the charming bistro of Le Marie-Clarisse (12 rue du Petit-Champlain, 418.692.0857). Just-off-the-boat seafood is personally selected by the chef and owner, and served in traditional and innovative ways in a charming space (choose between the fireplace inside or the terrace outside, depending on the weather)
Le Casse Crepe Breton (1136 rue St-Jean, 418.692.0438) is a great place to take a hungry family, with pizza-sized crepes on offer. Pack 'em with your choice of meats, eggs, peppers, cheese, or, for a sweet treat, jams, fruits, and chocolate, and watch them come together before your eyes.
Fine dining for celebrations and the best of gourmet local fare:
Although the thought of an all-red design scheme may put some people off, Toast (17 rue Sault-au-Matelot, 418.692.4331) somehow makes it work. It's small, it's trendy, and the food is delicious.
Panache (8, Saint Antoine St, 418.692.2211) is chic, charming, and romantic. With stone walls, terrific views of the St Lawrence, and innovative twists on traditional French Canadian fare, this restaurant tucked away in the Auberge Saint-Antoine is great for a cozy dinner for two.
There is no better place for a romantic dinner than Le Saint-Amour (48 rue Ste-Ursule, 418.694.0667) with great French fare, a beautiful room illuminated by candlelight, and unobtrusive service.
Utopie (226 rue St-Joseph, 418.523.7878) may be new, but it stands out amongst many and promises to give established venues a run for their money. A few steps away from the Old Center, Utopie has an dining room that is at once sleek and warm, and offers a great four-course tasting menu.
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