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There are many cute cafés and fine eateries within the walls of the Old City, but don't miss the thriving culinary scene beyond them. Le Café du Clocher Penché is arguably the bistro with the best brunch, and it gives you an excuse to visit trendy St-Roch. Or if you're looking for a little more luxury, head to Louis Hébert to nibble on trendy dishes while playing "spot the politico."
Work up a good appetite by wandering through the streets. No visit to Québec is complete without a picnic in the park; pop into one of the city's little out-of-the-way patisseries for buttery croissants and heavenly brioches.
Expect the usual crowd of students, freelancers, and others toting laptops at this third-wave café that has thoughtfully selected beans roasted on-site. Even so, the contemporary, all-white café is a welcome respite from the cold in wintertime—and the doughnuts alone are worth a visit.
Expect the usual crowd of students, freelancers, and others toting laptops at this third-wave café that has thoughtfully selected beans roasted on-site. Even so, the contemporary, all-white café is a welcome respite from the cold in wintertime—and the doughnuts alone are worth a visit.
Some of Québec City's finest pastries are made at this gourmet newcomer on rue St-Jean. The weekly rotation of four flavorful chouquettes, puffy, bite-sized treats that are so good, no amount of guilt can stop you from indulging. There are also a few equally delightful vegan cakes on offer.
Discover Café Olive, a charming hole-in-the-wall on Avenue Cartier, beloved for its dedicated service and exquisite Scandinavian pastries. Grab a coffee to go and savor these delights while enjoying a stroll on the nearby Plains of Abraham.
One of the newer additions to the St-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood, Cantook is a micro-roaster that is more traditional than trendy, but no less excellent. Visit for a cappuccino, a good conversation with the owner, or maybe even both.
In the bright, light-filled deTerroir café in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, discover a rotating display of local art. Owners Allison and Pier-Paul offer traceable coffees, micro-roasted from the coffee tree to each cup. Enjoy your brew in handcrafted mugs by local ceramicists, perhaps with a delightful "croffle"—a unique croissant-waffle hybrid. It's a truly welcoming respite from the cold.
For over 20 years, La Boîte à Pain has upheld a commitment to freshness, crafting gourmet artisanal products daily right on-site. This European-inspired bakery offers an irresistible array of breads, pizzas, sandwiches, pastries, and cakes, all beautifully displayed on their large counter. In a convivial atmosphere that even includes a small play area for kids, every bite is a testament to their dedication.
This is another five-star coffee shop to visit in St-Roch, either for a roasting lesson or a warm macchiato respite from the Québec winter. Known for its ecological and humanist approach, Nektar works closely with its fair trade producers in Brazil to produce the Para Ela blend, which means "for her" and is harvested by hand and processed exclusively by women who are paid 50% more than the regional average. With its beautiful packaging, Nektar's coffees are also a perfect travel gift for yourself or for friends.
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