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Restaurants Overview

Most restaurants here have a selection of dishes available à la carte, but more-creative specialties are often found on the table d'hôte, a two- to four-course meal chosen daily by the chef. This can also be an economical way to order a full meal. At dinner many restaurants will offer a menu dégustation (tasting menu), a five- to seven-course dinner of the chef's finest creations. In French-speaking Québec City, an entrée, as the name suggests, is an entry into a meal, or an appetizer. It is followed by a plat principal, the main dish. Lunch generally costs about 30% less than dinner, and many of the same dishes are available. Lunch is usually served 11:30 to 2:30, dinner 6:30 until about 11. Tip at least 15% of the bill.

Reservations are necessary for most restaurants during peak season, May through September, as well as on holidays and during Winter Carnival, in January and/or February. In summer, do as the locals do and dine outdoors. Every café and restaurant on the Grande Allée or elsewhere sets up tables outside if it can.

Québec City restaurants and bars, along with any public buildings, became smoke-free in June 2006. Some may have protected smoking sections, but chances are that folks looking to light up may have to do so outdoors.