65 Best Restaurants in Quebec City, Quebec

This simple, busy café-style restaurant serves crepes in generous proportions with a variety of options---from a menu of more than 20 fillings, pick your own chocolate or fruit combinations or design a larger meal with cheese, ham, and vegetables. Tables surround four round griddles at which you watch your creations being made. Crepes made with two to five fillings cost less than C$12.

This women-owned bakery across the street from Québec City Town Hall serves some of the best French macarons this side of the pond. In addition, every single one of Catherine's pastries is a delicate experience combining refined flavors and architectural marvel—try the swan-shaped religieuse pastry or the passionfruit mille-feuille.

As far as fast food goes, nothing is more Québécois than poutine, that rough-and-ready dish made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. In Québec City, this regional chain, founded in 1969, is the local favorite for hurried lunchers and late-night snackers. Also well worth trying here is a hot dog du lac, a "steamie" (steamed hot dog) with mayo, cabbage, and a few fries on top. It's nothing fancy, but after a late night out or before a long walk, there's nothing more filling than poutine.

Within the museum-like and luxurious Auberge St-Antoine, equally opulent Chez Muffy offers an exquisite dining experience focused on seasonal, local ingredients. Dishes change with the seasons, featuring fresh produce from their own organic farm on Île d'Orléans, visible from the windows—a mission central to their exclusively prix-fixe offerings. There is no à la carte menu here, but rather a choice of two tasting menus: C$$190for\; sevencourses\; orC\$$130 for five courses, each with a vegetarian alternative. The space itself is stunning, boasting original stone walls, attractive wooden floors, and exposed beams from the building's early 1800s warehouse days. The wine list, drawing from a 12,000-bottle cellar, features well-chosen cuvées from across the globe.

This is the place to go for the freshest flavors of Canadian cuisine (think seafood, terroir vegetables, game meat) without the white-tablecloth fuss. Chez Rioux & Pettigrew is a casual dining experience in a convivial, inviting venue with exposed brick. Back in 1860, Narcisse Rioux ran a general store here and supplied local restaurants, inns, and hospitals; it only makes sense that the gourmet mission carries on today (complete with trinkets from that former life). For a bit of everything, opt for the secretive tasting menu. Aficionados will find a modest yet curated wine list with an interesting selection of orange/maceration wines.

This cozy burger joint with brick-and-stone walls has a wide range of topping combinations, daily special burgers, and French fries are served with a dollop of homemade mayonnaise (there are five varieties available) and poppy seeds. Salads, sandwiches, and a daily dessert made fresh by the pastry chef are also available. This original location was so successful that it spawned several other branches, notably in the Vieux-Port area of the Lower Town.

Spectacular, unobstructed panoramic views of the entire city are just the beginning at this rotating restaurant. While the breathtaking vistas alone are worth the climb, the experience is elevated by friendly, well-managed service and a truly creative, delicious menu. Don't miss the roasted arctic char with lemon gnocchi and shiitakes, or explore their solid brunch offerings.

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.

Everything is homemade in this new neighborhood sandwich shop. Located in the heart of rue St-Jean, Ficelle prepares freshly made dishes of the day, such as sandwiches (baguette or focaccia) with a variety of fillings and soups. The selection varies from day to day depending on what's available. This is a place that is appreciated by the locals for its simplicity and quality. It's the ideal place for an uncomplicated lunch with no compromises.

Escape the winter chill at Gao Comptoir Vietnamien, a minimalist spot on bustling Saint-Jean Street. There's nothing quite like their steaming hot soups to provide warmth on a cold day. Beyond comforting pho, their menu features traditional Vietnamese favorites such as Bánh mì, crispy fried rolls, and flavorful grilled beef. It’s the perfect destination for an affordable and deeply satisfying lunch.

Hana Sushi, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, transports diners to a vibrant izakaya experience. This light-flooded venue, minimally decorated with birch and lush green plants, serves exquisite small dishes in the purest Japanese tradition. The menu focuses on classics: delicate yakitori, fresh sashimi, savory okonomiyaki, and perfectly crafted dumplings, alongside a daily changing tataki. While the cocktails are as artful as they are delicious (don't miss the "Japanese Eyeball"), the true star here is the impressive list of imported sake. And if a table isn't immediately available, simply pop next door to the more casual, yet also expertly led, Honō Ramen. With ample counter space, it offers an authentic ramen experience.

Halfway between a discreet speakeasy and an oyster bar, this is an unlikely pearl in the heart of the St-Roch district. Cross the threshold of the hidden entrance and you'll find yourself in a stunning interior. Magenta velvet, soft lighting, and brass create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Food-wise, expect seafood specialties, including the incredible two-tier platter. Drinks-wise, expect fresh, creative cocktails and a quirky wine list that embraces all things biodynamic. Service is as discreet as it is attentive, no matter what you order.

A true institution in Québec City, this popular and lively establishment has perfected steak frites for over 30 years. Their specialty, l'entrecôte—a particular, usually thin, sirloin cut—comes smothered in the restaurant's signature peppery sauce with a heaping pile of crispy fries. Diners choose from three steak sizes, and the menu also features other classic French fare like tender duck confit and smoked-salmon salad. This spot embodies the spirit of a typical Parisian bistro, and in summer, a stunning patio sprawls onto the pedestrianized street. For C$40 and up, depending on steak size, the prix fixe offers great value, concluding with decadent chocolate profiteroles, proving this restaurant is much more than just beef.

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.

At this lovely crepe shop, buckwheat-flour crepes are filled with simple ham and cheese or fancier combos like duck confit with onion marmalade, while a wheat crepe with salted caramel and sweet Chantilly cream makes a good dessert. The large shop also has bistro items like cod beignets, charcuterie plates, and cassoulet, and there's a nice selection of ciders and beers.

Next to the cruise terminal in the Old Port, this massive, Parisian-bistro-style restaurant with etched-glass dividers and palm trees has a spectacular view. The outdoor terrace in front overlooks the St. Lawrence River, while the side verrière (glass atrium) looks onto l'Agora amphitheater and the old stone Customs House. The menu, which isn't spectacular by any means but absolutely gets the job done, includes such classics as steak frites, rotisserie chicken, calamari, and duck liver pâté with raisin jam.

This busy, noisy Paris-like bistro featuring artwork by its namesake Canadian painter and patios in front and back has been around for more than 40 years and is a big local literary hangout, with a selection of great coffee, tea, and desserts. Open every day from early morning to late evening, Krieghoff serves specialties that include salmon, quiche, la Toulouse (a big French sausage with sauerkraut), steak with French fries, boudin (pig-blood sausage), and la Bavette (hanger steak).

At this refreshing alternative to the Old City's ubiquitous white-linen bistros, you can get fast food that's also high quality. Burgers made from grass-fed cattle served on soft artisanal brioche buns make this a prime locale for lunch goers. With long tables, red accents, and paper-towel rolls in place of napkin holders, the interior has a retro touch without feeling overly folksy or forced. Save room for dessert, which includes heavenly dark-chocolate milkshakes, chocolate ganache, or peanut-butter ice-cream sandwiches.

A beloved Québec City institution, Le Cochon Dingue (the crazy pig) offers a lively bistro experience with a touch of whimsy. Known for its generous portions of comfort food—from classics like ribs and steak frites to delectable brunch, for which queues are well deserved—it’s a consistently popular spot for locals and visitors alike, thanks to an unbeatable location by the port and Petit-Champlain.

If Québec City had a dining hall of fame, Le Continental would be there among the best. Since 1956 this historic spot, steps from the Château Frontenac, has been serving solid, traditionally gourmet dishes, such as tableside-prepared orange duckling and filet mignon, which is flambéed in a cognac sauce and then luxuriously covered in a gravy seasoned with mustard and sage. Try the truffled sweetbread ravioli or the foie gras with vegetable confit.

Despite its magnificent beaux arts interior and its reasonable prices, the National Assembly's restaurant remains one of the best-kept secrets in town. Chef Martin Gagné prepares contemporary cuisine with products from Québec's various regions, such as mini-fondues made with Charlevoix cheese to ravioli made from lobster caught in the Gaspé to pork from the Beauce region, trout from the Magdalen Islands, or candied-duck salad. At just C$37, the three-service tasting menu is an absolute steal.

Step into a magnificent Beaux-Arts interior at Québec's National Assembly's restaurant, a culinary gem that, despite being open for over a century, remains one of the city's best-kept secrets. The chef curates a seasonal menu, preparing contemporary cuisine with sustainably sourced products from Québec's diverse regions. Delight in dishes featuring mini fondues made with Charlevoix cheese, lobster ravioli from Gaspésie, pork from Beauce, trout from the Magdalen Islands, or asparagus from Île d'Orléans. A C$54 prix fixe menu offers exceptional value for the quality, making this an unmissable experience.

Step into one of Québec City's most romantic and treasured restaurants, where local star Chef Jean-Luc Boulay crafts culinary magic. He entices diners with creations like the Foie Gras Experience—a tasting plate featuring five exquisite variations of this French delicacy—alongside an array of elevated dishes sourced from across Québec. The restaurant is also renowned for its robust wine cellar, boasting over 15,000 bottles from around the world, making it one of Canada's largest. Even the likes of Paul McCartney and Sting have dined (and most certainly indulged) here. For an unforgettable journey, opt for the C$155 discovery menu, offering seven surprise courses.

With its fine French cuisine and convenient location in a 95-year-old house on the bustling Grande Allée, this restaurant has long been popular with many of Québec's élite. Dining areas range from the very public summer terrace to discreet second-floor meeting rooms, a solarium with bamboo chairs, and a cozy dining room with exposed stone walls and warm wood accents. Chef Hervé Toussaint's top dishes include seafood such as shelled lobster, as well as fresh pasta and a rack of lamb. With more than 5,000 bottles of wine on hand, nobody goes thirsty, and the owner checks in on diners himself.

Lueur, a recent Bib Gourmand recipient from Michelin, is essentially the more fun sibling of the seriously high-end Laurie Raphaël. It shares the same dedication to excellence but in a livelier, more casual setting. Its immense wraparound bar, seating just 14 guests, showcases affordable access to the finest local produce, simply prepared. Expect a short but enticing menu and signature cocktails that outshine even its impressive wine list.

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.

Ouroboros, a Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree, offers a cozy bistro ambiance, centered around a large circular bar mirroring its namesake. This unique spot champions low-intervention natural wines, and yet, boldly, does not have a wine list—just ask owner Daniel for a recommendation. The creative market cuisine, with many ingredients sourced directly from the owners' garden. The menu, designed for sharing or solo enjoyment, embodies a cyclical philosophy: from market to plate and even composting. In spring, don't miss the Arctic char, served on a layer of zucchini with a fish skin chip and a delicate, creamy dill emulsion.

This bakery, pastry counter, sandwich bar, pizza shop, and ice-cream parlor is a long-standing local favorite. Long wooden tables, designed to get customers talking to each other, create a convivial atmosphere.

This fun and friendly place has a menu with terrific meats, grilled cheese, and whimsical ideas, like the use of guinea fowl wings in lieu of chicken wings. The food here has personality, humor, and . . . lots of butter. Sit at the varnished plywood counter, have a glass of tasty organic wine, and watch the kitchen run in a way that seems a tad chaotic but always delivers. Its twin restaurant, L'Affaire est Ketchup, is a little farther east on rue St-Joseph.

The premise already has foodies salivating: "anthropomorphic universe" of local and organic cuisine. Chef Stéphane Modat, whose fame on this side of the pond is largely due to his masterful time in the kitchen of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, surrounds himself with precious collaborators (the name of the restaurant, "the clan," is by no means a coincidence) and brings his characterful verve to boreal gastronomy. This is the kind of place where it's best to just trust the process—and savoir-faire—and enjoy every miraculous bite. The menu, whether for lunch, brunch, or dinner, is not posted online and changes daily according to market arrivals (the geographical coordinates of each producer and gardener are listed on the menu), but the mussels, harvested in the remote waters of Côte Nord, are certainly among the best in the world.