Discovering Quebecois food is a big part of a trip to Quebec City, but with so many options it can be hard to know where (and what) to eat.
Whether you’re looking for the full gastronomic experience or just reasonably priced restaurants in Quebec city, I have them all! From restaurant recommendations in Old Québec to the trending Saint Roch neighbourhood.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
What Is Québecois Food?
Quebecois food is local dishes from the Province of Quebec.
Two words describe Quebec cuisine best: heart attack!
Not to scare you too much, Quebecois food is all about maximum comfort. Think, flavourful fatty warm goodness to get you through those cold Canadian winters.
The most famous Quebecois food that you have to try is obviously poutine. This is gravy, cheese curds, on top of french fries!
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A speciality dish you might not have heard of before though is Tortière.
Tortière is a meat pie that is popular to serve during holidays. The recipe varies from family to family but can include ground beef, chicken, pork, lamb… really any meat you have available! It’s typically combined with spices and onions in a pie crust.
Of course, while not only traditionally Quebecois food, you have to try maple syrup while in Quebec City as well!
P.S. If you’re interested in finding out more about traditional Quebecois food, book a food tour with Viator.
Heads Up When Eating Quebec City Food…
Quebecois Food Does Not Cater Well To Dietary Restrictions
Maybe you can already tell that Quebecois food is all about serving comfort food that’s light on veggies!
It’s heavy on the pork, every meat comes with cheese (and vice versa) and sometimes it’s not always the easiest to substitute.
This doesn’t exactly cater very well to different dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free, kosher, hallal…etc.).
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What’s It Like Traveling As A Picky Eater In Quebec City
As somewhat of a picky eater with dietary restriction, Quebec City isn’t the easiest place for me to eat and indulge in local cuisine. Usually I’m able to find a lot of alternatives, but Quebec City is all about keeping it authentic with traditional Quebecois food.
To them, keeping it authentic is all about pork and really all kinds of unique meats (deer, bison, elk…). Plus, like I said, whenever there’s meat there has to be cheese.
Let’s just say the fancy restaurants in Quebec City don’t tend to have a lot of vegetarian options. Or if they do, it just isn’t the same.
On top of that, it’s often hard to substitute items. A lot of things are pre-made and mixed so it’s hard to remove the meat from the dish (like French onion soup is usually made with a beef broth).
Quebec City Restaurants Will Cost You And Still Leave You Hungry!
Quebec City food is special to say the least.
It’s unhealthy and not very catering to most cultures.
But now, they’ve also picked up on the fine dining experience. It’s all about enjoying the gastronomic experience in Quebec City, which now adds a hefty price tag to your night out!
You have two options if you want to eat at a French Canadian restaurant. Either you order A LOT and have an exorbitant dinner bill at the end, or pay a relatively normal bill and leave hungry.
The prices are high and the portions are SMALL! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
13 Best Restaurants In Quebec City
Now that you know what to expect from restaurants in Quebec city, here are the best restaurants to eat at – from the gastronomic experiences to local pubs.
1. Gastronomic French Canadian Food: Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadienne
This is the ultimate Quebec City restaurant at it’s finest. Expensive, all about the meat, and small portions.
But if you’re interested in indulging in this aspect of Quebec City food there’s no better restaurant in town.
As a bonus it’s in the oldest building in Quebec City from 1677. It survived all the wars and sieges – so that’s kind of cool! It makes the cost of eating here a bit more worth it.
2. Sugar Shack In The City: La Buche (Good For Brunch)
La Buche is all about imitating local sugar shacks.
If you don’t know, sugar shacks are a huge part of Quebecois food culture. Starting in February and going into the early Spring, Quebecers go what’s called sugaring off.
Sugar shacks are usually in the woods, serving all the best Quebecois food filled with maple syrup. A popular sugar shack dish is actually pea soup (don’t think it’s vegetarian though, there’s usually ham in there!).
So La Buche brought the sugar shack vibes to the city all year round. You can find a lot of Quebecois classics here in a more relaxed cabin vibe.
This is actually a brunch hot spot also if you’re looking for a place – they serve “bottomless” mimosas!
Alternative To La Buche…
La Buche is the spot to go for brunch in Old Quebec, so there’s often quite a long line, especially on the weekends.
You can actually make a reservation in advance (but they charge a $20 cancellation fee!).
So you can try to go as early as possible to the restaurant. Or you can try their new restaurant La Buchette down the street.
It’s a smaller restaurant and menu, but I actually found it was more accessible to my dietary restrictions. We were there before 9:00 A.M. and the restaurant was empty!
3. Reasonable Prices & Options: Poutineville
If you’re vegetarian and looking for a place in Quebec City to try Poutine, Poutineville is your stop!
Although Poutineville is actually from Montreal, they make a mean poutine! They also offer a lot of gravy options including vegetarian or vegan.
There are two locations, one just outside the city walls and another in Saint Roch (about a 20 minute walk from Old Town).
4. First Nations Food: Sagamité
The first nations are a huge part of Quebec history and still are today. Wendake is a First Nations village home to the Huron-Wendat about a 20 minute drive outside Old Quebec.
One of the best ways to learn about and support the Huron-Wendat is to try their local cuisine. You used to have to go to Wendake to try their food, but now they opened up a restaurant in Old Quebec. (But you should still go to Wendake to support their businesses – read more about visiting).
The main thing you’ll want to try is the Three Sisters soup. This is the same soup they’ve been eating for centuries focusing on corn, beans, and squash.
The menu is all about sharing. So for the full Huron Wendat experience, order the Yatista – which means fire. Yes, they will light a fire to cook your meat in front of you!
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5. Petit Champlains Restaurants In Quebec City: Sous Le Fort or Q de Sac
These Quebec City restaurants are more about the location than the food itself. I mean Petit Champlain is the iconic part of Old Quebec, it’s quaint and romantic – especially at night.
So needless to say, you definitely want to try to eat here at least once during your stay. Only problem, they’re usually full… well the good restaurants are anyway.
So far I’ve tried Lapin Sautee and Q de Sac.
Lapin Sautee is that classic overpriced and small portion with all the Quebecois food classics.
Q de Sac is a more normal pub style restaurant but serves surprisingly delicious food. They’ll also have something for everyone on their menu, like pizza, pasta, and burgers!
6. Best Experience: Ciel! Bistro-Bar
There are so many things about this restaurant in Quebec City. You have to come here for the experience alone. It’s a revolving restaurant giving you the best views of Quebec City while you eat.
It’s the same chef as Le Lapin Sautee, so expect a small and overpriced menu if you come here for dinner.
Instead, I recommend coming here for brunch or even better is to come for drinks. You don’t need a reservation for drinks and they’re reasonably priced which was shocking!
Québec City Food Tours
Tour Old Quebec With Food & Drinks →
Tour Old Quebec with 5 Course Gourmet Dinner →
See more Québec City organized tours with Viator.
7. Must Try Canadian Dessert: Queues de Castor (Beaver Tails)
This is the ultimate Quebec delicacy (that actually started in Ottawa Ontario…).
Despite Beavertails not actually being from Quebec, it’s been their largest market since the 90s (only 12 years after it fist opened). Remember, the Quebecois love everything sweet, fatty, and unhealthy! So it kind of lines up with our morals!
But what is a beavertail you may ask? Well it’s essentially doughnut dough that’s been flattened and toppings are added on top. My favourite is the classic Beavertail with hazelnut spread!
8. Local Chain With Overpriced Coffee & History: Maison Smith
When you’re walking around Old Quebec, you might notice that there aren’t any Starbucks. But – there are quite a few Maison Smiths. These are only in Quebec and so obviously, a must try when you visit.
I will warn you though – there’s absolutely nothing special about this cafe. AND it follows the Quebec rule of being mediocre and insanely expensive. I think it’s the most expensive Matcha Latte and London Fog I’ve ever had!
But, it’s part of Quebec and so you have to go at least once because you can’t get it anywhere else!
If you want to go to the first ever Maison Smith (from 2013!) go to the one in Place Royale. It will say it’s from 1653, but that’s just when the house itself is from and it was owned by the Smiths (see where the name comes from now!).
This is a good spot though if you’re looking for a quicker breakfast on the go! I actually do love their Chia seed yogurt bowls!
9. Actually Good Coffee In Old Town: Faux Moment
If you’re a coffee lover, then this is the place to come in Quebec City. Every coffee is made to order starting with freshly grinding the beans.
It’s a whole experience watching them make your coffee. You can just tell how much care goes into making each brew. Plus, it’s a great relaxing atmosphere to get off your feet a bit and just watch the world go by outside!
2024 Update: Although Faux Moment still serves coffee, they no longer have seats in the cafe it’s turned into a boutique. So as you wait for your coffee to brew you can peruse the shop!
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10. Quick & Delicious Lunch: Paillard
I seem to eat at least once here every time I come to Quebec City. It’s just so quick and easy, and the food is pretty solid every time.
I’ve come here for a quick breakfast and lunch and was happy with it each time. They often have combos that will give you a sandwich, drink, and mini dessert. For breakfast we were able to get a small fruit cup and at lunch it was a little piece of cake!
It’s the perfect spot to come if you need something in a pinch and want to get right back to touring. Just a heads up though, the menu is hard to understand and hard to see so we had our fair share of frustrating moments trying to order here… But once we get our food we’ve never been disappointed.
11. Old Port Quebec City Restaurants: Rain Or Shine
There’s no better Quebec City restaurants in the Old Port than Cafe du Monde and La Cour arrière du Festibière.
Featuring floor to ceiling windows, Cafe du Monde is the perfect place to eat in Quebec City on a cold or rainy day but still feel like your outside. You can just get lost staring out the window off into the St. Lawrence towards Levis Quebec.
If it is nice outside though, opt to dip your feet in the pool with a local beer at La Cour arrière du Festibière. This is the ultimate Quebec City hangout.
12. Best Summer Terrace & Large Menu: Archibald Microbrasserie
Archibald is a local Quebec microbrasserie. Although you can find their beers throughout Quebec, this is one of the best outdoor terraces in the summer time (and the food isn’t too bad either!).
Opt to come here in the afternoon to try a flight of beer, or come here for dinner. But one thing is for sure, which every direction you’re seated, you won’t be disappointed with your view! You either get to enjoy a gorgeous view of Old Quebec or the St. Lawerence River!
Plus their Shepherd’s pie DELICIOUS!
Québec City Food Tours
Tour Old Quebec With Food & Drinks →
Tour Old Quebec with 5 Course Gourmet Dinner →
See more Québec City organized tours with Viator.
13. Place Dufferin (Chateau Frontenac)
Place Dufferin is one of the three restaurants in the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Although it’s expensive, it’s one of the nicest restaurants to eat at in the city. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated by the windows overlooking Dufferin Terrace and the St Lawerence River.
The chairs are comfortable and the sun beats in on a nice day. Honestly, I could sit here all day!
Place Dufferin is only open for breakfast or afternoon tea. And yes, I’ve done both!
If you’re more budget friendly, I recommend coming here for breakfast and asking for their A La Carte menu. Typically, it’s a breakfast buffet, and they’ll try to sell you on that, but just ask for the menu and you’ll save a lot of money.
You can also ask for a window seat, and I recommend waiting a bit for one to open up – it’s worth it.
You can also come here for afternoon tea, but it will cost you a lot more, and you aren’t guaranteed a window seat… Apparently, the window seats go to the customers that made their reservation first, but I’m not sure I trust that excuse…
Also, this was my least favourite food at any of the Fairmont afternoon teas….
My Favourites Places To Eat Just Outisde Old Quebec
If you’re willing to travel a bit further outside Old Québec (like a 20 minute walk), there are some really neat local finds in the Saint Roch neighbourhood.
14. La Barberie Micro Brasseries
My only regret is that we didn’t discover this microbrewery sooner on our trip (and p.s. they also have a great summer terrace!).
La Barberie somehow has a beer for everyone. They make every type of beer, and they make them all well. I swear, even types of beers that I’m not a fan of (like red beers) I still enjoyed. The only exception was their IPA – but I will never be a fan of IPAs!
What I love about La Barberie is that although they have a food menu, you can also bring in takeout from anywhere. And it’s not that their food is bad (it’s actually insanely good!) but it is a small menu.
For my fellow tea lovers, they make a tea beer – and it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted! I’m talking a bergamot beer… it’s out of this world!
Easily Rate & Compare Each Beer
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15. Nektar Cafeologue
I LOVE everything about this cafe. If you need a place to work or just pass the time catching up with friends this is the place to come. Plus I have yet to try a coffee that I don’t like from them!
The only thing is that if you want some tea, I would definitely go somewhere else. I haven’t been too impressed so far and I’ve read some similar reviews about the tea.
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16. Tora Ya Ramen Or Hōno Ramen
If you’re looking for a change from the heavy Quebecois food, then what about the best Japanese food you’ve ever tried? Ramen is perfect to warm up with in the fall or winter.
Just a heads up, both of these restaurants in Quebec City FILL UP! You can make a reservation at Hōno Ramen, but Tora Ya is walk-ins only.
17. Fanamanga For Bubble Tea & Onigiri
I’m usually not a fan of bubble tea, but this is some of the best bubble tea I’ve ever had. Seriously, if you’re a fan, you have to come here. My favourite is the Totoro (matcha & vanilla and I get it with lychee balls).
They also make delicious Onigiri that you can take to go. Maybe a good thing to pick up on your walk back to Old Town?
18. La Revanche
If you’re looking for restaurants in Quebec City to have a good time, you have to come to La Revanche. We practically lived here for a month. We love board games though, so can you blame us?
You have your pick of games here. Perfect to come with friends and spend the night trying as many new games as you want. If you’re a board game fan like us, then you’ll just love it here!
I do find it a bit overpriced, but it’s still just great place to come if there’s a game that you want to try before buying it.
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Bonus! Sebz Tea Tasting Quebec City Restaurants – CLOSED
2023 Update: Sebz teahouse is now permanently closed.
This is another one for my tea fans in Quebec City. Sebz not only has some authentic tea ware and unique teas to choose from, but they also offer free tea tastings.
Quebec City Food To Bring Home As A Souvenir
Maple Syrup
Did you know that Quebec is the largest exporter of Maple Syrup in the world!? It’s no wonder we love it so much, it’s in our blood!
So, one of the easiest things to bring back is of course some real maple syrup.
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The best place to buy maple syrup is simply at the grocery store… I mean that’s where I get mine from! The classic one is in the can (making it great to travel with as well you don’t have to worry about it breaking in transit).
If you can’t find the can, just make sure to read the ingredients. There should be one and only one: pure maple syrup!
P.S. once you try pure maple syrup, you can’t go back!
Quebec Alcohol To Bring Back
Maple Whiskey
Like I said, we love our maple syrup. So a maple syrup souvenir doesn’t have to stop at pure maple syrup. You can find it in almost anything in Quebec…
Like whiskey! There are two brands you can buy from the SAQ: Sortilege and Coureur des Bois. Both are Canadian Whiskey with a maple syrup liqueur!
Ice Cider
Quebec is also very known for their ice ciders (a.k.a. cidre de glace). You can buy some local ice ciders that are from the neighbouring island: Ile D’Orleans.
Ice cider is made from apples that are literally frozen during the cold winters. It’s higher in alcohol than cider and sweeter – it takes a lot more apples to produce ice cider than regular cider.
Quebec City Nougat
I never thought there were different styles of Nougat, but this Quebec company changed everything.
La Nougaterie de Quebec is from Îles D’Orlean (across the St. Lawerence from Quebec City) but they have a shop in Petit Champlain.
I normally hate nougat for being hard and chewy. Instead, La Nougaterie de Quebec changed the formula based on what the Quebecois liked (so I guess it’s no surprise that I like it!).
Their nougat is soft and delicious! The amount of flavours they make is also crazy (even a matcha green tea flavour!). But don’t worry they also sell a maple nougat one as well!
Need A Place To Stay In Quebec City?
I’ve visited Quebec City and stayed in a few places over the years, here are my recommendations.
If you’re on a budget but want to stay in the city centre, there’s no better place than Au Petit Hotel (see it on Booking.com). It’s a small but mighty hotel and for a night or two it gets the job done! Plus, you’ll feel like you’re staying in old time Quebec when you stay here!
I’ve also stayed just outside Old Quebec at the Hilton Québec. If you’re going to stay here, you have to upgrade your room to one with a view. This way, you’ll have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Chateau Frontenac, plus you’ll have all the luxuries of staying in a hotel. It’s not far from Old Town either, only about a 5 minute walk. See it on Booking.com.
I’ve also heard only good things about the Clarendon Hotel in Old Town Québec. It’s be a bit pricier than Au Petit Hotel, but it’s also a more regular size hotel room. Plus, this is THE location to be in Quebec City. See availability and room rates on Booking.com.
For more accommodation options in Quebec City on Booking.com, or for more recommendations read my blog post.
My Amazon Quebec City Must Haves
Read More Related Posts
- 40 Things To Do In Quebec City: Top Attractions To Hidden Gems
- Top 10 The Best Hotels In Quebec City For Every Budget
- 10 Special Québec City Souvenirs To Bring Home
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