45 Best Restaurants in Quebec City, Quebec

Seafood lovers, rejoice: Québec City now has its very own ocean-based restaurant, and a great one at that. Helmed by a team of seasoned chefs, this gourmet restaurant provides diners with flavorful, flawless, and generously sized dishes of anything from scallops to clams and marlin tatakis, all nicely complemented by delicate side dishes such as lentils, sorbet (yes, ice cream for dinner), and edible flowers. It is a light-filled, beautifully appointed venue.

Chef Guillaume Saint-Pierre's love for authentic Italian cuisine led him to open this popular 25-seat restaurant, located off the main St-Roch thoroughfares, where he can fully concentrate on that passion with gusto and skill. Italian tradition (there's arancini and vitello tonatto) blends with local flair (there's cacio e pepe with Swiss chard, and lobster spaghetti). The restaurant's immense popularity means reservations are essential, often requiring booking weeks in advance, especially for weekends.

Buvette Scott, nestled on an unpretentious spot in the heart of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, delights with its attractive menu and impeccable service. This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has quickly become a local favorite, exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere thanks to its cozy wooden décor. Here, the menu changes almost weekly on a handwritten blackboard, offering a dozen small and medium-sized seasonal dishes, primarily highlighting fresh vegetables and exquisite seafood. Waiters even curate the music, happily taking suggestions to blast that perfect tune on the record player, adding to the friendly, almost family-like ambiance.

Helmed by revered chefs Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand, this establishment delights patrons with elegant interpretations of their philosophy: "At the crossroads of Nordic terroir and French know-how." The menu, crafted entirely from local ingredients, features innovative dishes like smoked bison breast, braised beef ravioli with candied red cabbage, and salmon in a flavorful cranberry glaze. Even classic desserts are reinvented, such as iced nougat with cloudberries. The elegant dining room, with its rustic-meets-modern design and dark wood trim, attracts both locals celebrating special occasions and tourists fresh from shopping on Rue St-Jean. Can't snag a reservation? Pop into their fine grocery next door on Côte du Palais. On a budget? Consider booking for brunch or lunch.

For over 30 years, L'Échaudé has drawn a loyal clientele of businesspeople and tourists alike, thanks to its honest pricing and ideal location nestled between the vibrant business and antiques districts. At lunch, the flank steak with shallot butter remains a timeless classic, while daily specials feature excellent fish, tartares, and pasta dishes. For those with a hearty appetite, the three-course tasting menu at just C$65 offers remarkable value for dinner. Regardless of the hour, though, expect nothing less than courteous and professional service. Inside, the warm ambiance of the mahogany-paneled lobby gives way to a modern, inviting dining space with green-and-beige accents, hardwood floors, and a striking stainless-steel bar illuminated by backlit river stones. In warmer months, you might even be lucky enough to snag a coveted, sun-drenched table on their outdoor terrace.

Now holding a coveted Michelin star, this restaurant is a true pioneer. Celebrity chef Daniel Vézina was one of the first in Québec City to draw inspiration from local terroir and pay tribute to Québec growers, truly revolutionizing the city's definition of gastronomy. Its motto, "chemistry and poetry," perfectly encapsulates the gastronomic experience. Here, local and regional products are passionately emphasized, with a special focus on sustainably sourced seafood, alongside creative dishes like truffled scallops. The experience is offered through two prix-fixe, five-course menus (C$$185andC\$$140), both with the option of remarkable wine pairings, largely from private imports. The founder has since passed the baton to his children, not-so-coincidentally named ... Laurie and Raphaël.

Step into Le Bedeau (French for beadle) on Rue Saint-Jean, a playful concept rooted in ecclesiastical heritage helmed by Arnaud Marchand—of the esteemed Chez Boulay brigade, so you know to expect nothing but the best. This upscale wine bar boasts an interior playing with religious symbols, from confessional doors to organ pipe-inspired mezzanines. Here, gluttony is not a sin bur rather a requisite, with delights like truffle pork rillettes or scallops with sweet clover and lemon. The wine list, naturally, is up to par, featuring excellent picks from Québec wineries, making every visit a delightful pilgrimage.

The high ceilings and imposing vault door give away the fact that this was once a bank, but an amiable staff and inventive bistro cuisine (without pretentious fluff) make this establishment a favorite among locals, who munch on well-prepared seasonal, creative, flavorful shareable plates like smoked aubergine with romesco sauce or veal tartare with lemon and fiddleheads.  Wine lovers, this restaurant recently hired the best sommelier in Québec City.

Having recently snagged a coveted Michelin star, Légende transcends the typical "locally sourced" label; its dedication to Québec's terroir is absolute. The restaurant entirely foregoes foreign ingredients like vanilla, pepper, chocolate, and citrus fruit to passionately spotlight indigenous flavors. The à la carte menu features thoughtfully designed sharing plates, with highlights such as the tender bison hanger steak, emulsified candied mushrooms, and a particularly delightful fish and seafood board. Yet, the real star remains the C$115 six-course tasting menu, complemented by an C$80 wine pairing. Over 30 wines are also offered by the glass. Set in a spacious wood-and-stone room with plush banquettes and an elegant bar, Légende's contemporary aesthetic perfectly mirrors its elevated gastronomic experience.

Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza and antipasti, this stylish pizzeria has been on everyone's lips ever since it opened (thanks to crowdfunding). Its beast of an oven weighs 2.5 tons and was imported straight from Italy—and it's worth it: the thin-crust pizzas are cooked in just 90 seconds at 900 degrees. Expect sides of flavorful salads, creamy burrata, charcuterie, and cheeses. Also note the excellent cocktail list. If you prefer to eat in the St-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood, Nina recently opened a second location there.

It's worth heading to the outskirts of the St-Roch downtown district for this unique dining experience, inspired by French bouchons (as bistros are called in the city of Lyon). "In the pig, everything is good": so goes the French adage that advocates responsible, farm-to-table gastronomy. This is precisely what drives Pied Bleu: every week, the chefs receive a whole pig and come up with proven, creative ways to serve it (the charcuterie plate is a must). Also offered is le tour lyonnais, a tasting menu including salads, cheeses, hearty mains, and desserts. While there are a few vegetarian options, this is primarily a place of communion for hardened carnivores; the restaurant has actually won prizes all over France for its excellent boudin (blood sausage). The wine list is largely European but reserves a special place for Beaujolais vineyards.  The brunch menu is equally gargantuan and tasty, with a dreamy smoked-fish sandwich and a large rib steak with béarnaise sauce for big appetites.

Inside the most romantic dining room at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is one of the city's top gastronomical tables, showcasing three distinct tasting menus comprising Nordic-inspired ingredients and whimsical presentations. Although service can be a bit stiff, the food is anything but, and the rewards on the plate are definitely worth any formality. Dine by the ornate woodwork of the majestic fireplace or the 1,600-bottle state-of-the-art wine cellar, both offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. The Sunday brunch is a must, with tons of delicious small bites and more classic offerings.

Craving sugar shack delights? Experience them year-round, right in Old Québec's Upper Town. This charmingly rustic spot serves up all of typical Québecois heavy hitters—think venison tartare, shepherd's pie, and maple-drenched pouding chômeur—alongside modern pleasures like award-winning local cheese plates. In true sugar shack fashion, indulge in maple taffy, poured fresh onto an everlasting snow counter—a delight available even in summertime! The lively atmosphere, complete with lumberjack-clad fiddlers playing live folk music, creates a unique, family-friendly experience that's an absolute must for first-time visitors.

This sun-drenched corner bistro, with its wraparound windows letting in splendid light year-round, now calls a former bank home—its past echoed in the safes woven into the decor. Black and dark wood accents lend a profoundly Parisian flair, while the menu serves local fare in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. From game meat and seafood to fresh pasta and revisited classics (don't miss the Brussels sprouts Caesar), alongside a strong selection of vegan options, Alphonse certainly aims to please. Its cocktail menu is an absolute must.

The trek to Limoilou is unequivocally worth it for ARVI, a restaurant that has earned a coveted Michelin star and been hailed by local critics as an unforgettable gourmet experience. Here, Chef Julien Masia orchestrates a culinary ballet in a contemporary, open-plan space where urban edginess meets sleek design, featuring exposed bricks and concrete. Diners enjoy unobstructed views of the chef at work, thanks to the signature open kitchen nestled right in the middle of the tastefully designed space. Food-wise, the prix-fixe, five-course tasting menu is a steal at just C$98, with underappreciated ingredients like turnip, lovage, wild garlic, verbena, and agastache given star treatment.

Named for a 19th-century book by Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé, who once resided in the 1675 house, this establishment offers an authentic taste of French Canadian cooking. While it boasts a surprisingly good wine list, most guests come for the traditional Québec menu featuring hearty dishes like pea soup, tourtière (meat pie), meatball stew, and baked beans. You might also find more elaborate options such as wild game creton, bison bourguignon, or Lac St-Jean meat pie with wild meats. Servers in period costume enhance the historical ambiance, and each of the five dining rooms, like the bright vaisselier (dish room) with its colorful antique dishes and fireplace, offers a unique theme.  Grab one of the city's best dining deals: a delightful three-course lunch, starting at just C$39.95, available daily from 12 to 5PM.

The culinary genius behind the success of city hotspot Chez Muffy, Chef François Blais, opted for a more casual approach with his own restaurant on Avenue Cartier. This spot, which has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, embraces "market cuisine" that's straight to the point and expertly executed. The entire menu, displayed simply on a blackboard, features a handful of daily changing appetizers, main courses, and desserts. It's particularly famous for its expertly prepared sweetbreads. The C$36 prix fixe for lunch is an absolute steal, offering a compelling reason alone to explore the charming Montcalm area.

Experience sustainable dining at this Old Québec gem, where many herbs and vegetables are harvested directly from its green roofs, making their way straight to each plate. Indulge in an entirely organic, nut- and gluten-free menu, with ingredients almost entirely sourced within single-digit kilometers. Its elegant interior, with stone walls and wooden ceilings, is beautifully illuminated by abundant windows. Note that each service features a "farm to table" daily special, changing with market finds and seasonal flavors, while the lunch prix fixe offers exceptional value for budget-conscious visitors.

L'Orygine, a sophisticated bistro in the heart of Lower Town, stands by its promise of being 100% organic. With a strong emphasis on freshness and local flavors, the chef crafts seasonal, shareable plates that are as delightful as they are guilt-free. Expect innovative creations like lobster cavatelli and a creative mix of duck and eggplant. The space itself is stunning, featuring an all-glass wine cellar and elegant turquoise seating.

Hearty home cooking, generous portions, and rock-bottom prices have made this no-frills, diner-style eatery a Lower Town institution in the heart of the antiques district. Confusingly, it's not a buffet, but a fantastic place to sample traditional Quebecois dishes like pea soup and cipaille (a deep-dish layered pie using poultry, meat, or seafood). Don't miss their homemade and delicious sugar pie, crepes, and other desserts. In summer, grab a seat on the small sidewalk terrace and watch shoppers stroll by.

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.

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.

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.