215 Best Restaurants in Quebec, Canada

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.

For a true Quebecois treat, stop by this rustic cabin for breakfast or lunch. Founded in 1945, it's a big draw with tourists and locals alike. Meat pies, maple-smoked ham, egg dishes, homemade chutneys, and the restaurant's famous country bread (also homemade) are all on the menu. The gift shop at the front sells many of its popular dishes—and you will want to take some home.

The best of old and new blend at this restaurant in an 1840 French Canadian farmhouse, built by the owners' ancestors, which lies east of Château-Richer toward Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré. Antiques and old-fashioned woodstoves decorate the dining rooms, where you can sample traditional Québec dishes, from tourtière (meat pie) and pork hocks to maple-sugar pie. You can also opt for contemporary dishes such as the lobster sauce tagliatelle shrimp poached in a garlic and white wine sauce, or the wild boar ham braised with maple syrup and beer mustard sauce, served alongside pork rinds and carrots puree with a maple coating. Upstairs is a five-room B&B, also decorated in Canadiana; two exterior buildings hold two additional rooms.

A favorite among vegans, celiacs, and vegetarians (and even omnivores), Montréal's first vegan restaurant serves comfort food dishes and beverages that are creative and delicious—not to mention packed with vitamins. Try the gigantic sandwiches such as the Sirocco (grilled eggplant and hummus), which comes on chapati bread, or for something a little earthier, go with the Dragon bowl, a crowd favorite of steamed bok choy, organic rice, tempeh, marinated veggies, and tamari sauce. Don't forget to order the "uncheesecake" for dessert. 

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.

The Schkolnick family has been serving brunch at this Montréal landmark since 1942, and very little here has changed, including the menu. On weekends, the line out front can be daunting. The Beautys Special—bagel, lox, and cream cheese—is the ultimate classic. Standard picks also include the Mish Mash omelet, with sliced frankfurters, salami, green peppers, and fried onions; and the Superbeautys 2 with two eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage, and a toasted bagel. Until he passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, Hymie, the original owner, still sat at the counter and directed patrons to their seats.

The mastermind behind this photogenic bakery had been making bread for Montréal's best restaurants for years before he decided to open up his own place. His own shop is a favorite with locals, who line up every weekend for fresh baguettes. In addition to serving a delicious rye-and-caraway-seed loaf and chocolate babka, Hof Kelsten also makes sandwiches—like homemade gravlax with seasoned cream cheese or chopped liver with crispy onions—that make for an excellent lunch or early evening meal (the shop closes at 5). The bakery serves brunch on weekends.

Instagram famous for its dusty pink chairs and pleasing, contemporary space, this seriously cool brasserie is home to 41 home brews—sold at the boutique upstairs—and a solid menu that may include beer-steamed mussels, portobello burger, and beef tartare. In 2021, a new, larger brewhouse was opened. Waiters are masters at their craft; don’t hesitate to ask for beer pairings with your meal. 

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.

Tucked away in an unassuming Lower Town corner, Café Apotek reveals itself as a beautifully designed, minimalist sanctuary. Step inside to discover a refined, perfectly welcoming space adorned with a grand wraparound brown marble table, microcement walls, and warm walnut beams. Indulge in delicious Danish pastries, including exquisite cardamom brioches, and savor coffee crafted from beans roasted and imported directly from Denmark. It's a proper Scandinavian experience and an absolute must-visit for discerning coffee aficionados.

One part pâtisserie, one part café, one part French bistro, this little restaurant has been a darling of food critics since it opened in 2017. Serving deftly executed French dishes like quiche, vol-au-vent, and tartines niçoises in a fresh, modern setting of white subway tiles, decorative brass struts, richly patinated wooden tables, and mint-green velvet seating, Café Bazin is a little corner of France in the heart of Anglo Westmount. You'll likely feel sated after your main course, but don't make the mistake of passing on dessert. Bazin is originally a pâtissier by profession, and the pâtisseries here are exquisite. Try the tartelette choco café, a chocolate flan with Chantilly coffee cream, or the Paris-Brest, a choux pastry with hazelnut praline mousseline.   

Ranked one of the world's best cafés by the United Kingdom's Telegraph, this unpretentious 1970s-style café is popular with locals for Italian pastries like cannoli and pistachio bomboloni and, of course, great espresso made from a secret blend of six different coffee beans. It's also a good place to get a feel for authentic Montréal. Families and suits alike head to Café Olimpico in the morning to kick-start their day, and the patio is overflowing with hipsters on sunny days. Baristas here know their craft, and the grinding of the espresso machine is a welcome melody to serious coffee drinkers.

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.

A veritable institution in Little Italy, this modest cafe hasn't changed much since it first opened in 1956; think terrazzo flooring, half-wall plywood panelling, authentic retro barstools, and lots of photos and vintage posters on the walls. The one difference is that now there is a much wider range of coffees available to cater to the more demanding drinking habits of today's consumer. The friendly, welcoming cafe is a family affair, with daughter Luciana and granddaughters Nadia and Laura who manage the Tuscan patriarch's caffè.

Step inside Caffettiera and you just might be convinced you've entered a caffè in Italy circa 1994. Here in this faux-wood-paneled space with its stand-up espresso bar, beige and blue banquettes, and formica tabletops, you'll drink flavorful coffee made from arabica coffee beans roasted in Rome by Fantini and brewed from Vittorio Arduini Lever machines or classic aluminum Bialettis. At the bar, you'll choose from an assortment of panini and Italian dolci, such as brioches, crostate (jam tarts with a lattice pastry top), and bomboloni (ball-shaped doughnuts filled with jam or Nutella). And, since Caffettiera is an authentic Italian bar, not just a café, you'll see bottles of Aperol, Campari, Fernet Branca, and Amaro Nonino behind the bar. There's no detail Italian-Canadian owner Andreas Vecchio and his partner and cousin Diego Lovino haven't thought of. Imported Italian chocolates and bonboni? Check. Italian chips and snacks for aperitivi? Check. Cheap-quality Fantini paper napkins (they also have higher-quality napkins) in Fantini dispensers? Check. Just like in Italy.

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.

Dinette Triple Crown is relatively small (a counter with just eight stools), but the real draw here is not indoor dining but taking the comfort food to go. Locals know to ask for a picnic basket (fully equipped with cutlery, dishes, and a tablecloth) that will be enjoyed in Little Italy Park across the street. Have it filled with fried chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, braised greens, and biscuits, or pulled pork sandwiches and brisket.

This unpretentious, industrial-chic Little Italy restaurant has garnered a great reputation, thanks in part to its celebrity-chef owners, Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione, who make some of the best pasta dishes in town.

Eating out at this establishment in the St-Henri/Little Burgundy neighborhood is a little like being invited to a dinner party by a couple of friends who just happen to be top-notch chefs. Everything written on the chalkboard menu is simple, hearty, and just delicious, from the fresh oysters to the organic rib steak and the now-famous lobster spaghetti. In summer, the best seat in the house is one of the 25 coveted chairs spread out on the back patio, among the beautiful patches of an organic vegetable garden. The restaurant is notorious for serving generous portions; thus an outing at Joe Beef should not be attempted without stretchy eating pants!  If there's no space at Joe Beef, try booking a spot at sibling restaurant Liverpool House a few doors down at 2501 rue Notre-Dame Ouest.

Only one word accurately describes the all-natural goodness at this ice-cream and sorbet stand: yum. Flavors change frequently based on what chefs find at the market, but the lightly salted butter ice cream is a staple; partner it with the apple sorbet and you'll have yourself an apple pie on a cone. Or, better yet, give the “soft serve of the week” a taste. Oddly satisfying combinations like blueberry and honey as well as rosewater, raspberry, and lychee are to be expected.  Expect very long queues in summer and make sure to bring cash as they don't accept other forms of payment.

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.

This iconic Montréal bistro hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1980, and it’s just as well—regulars would throw a fit if it did. Quintessential French fare is fairly priced and appetizing, outstanding even, with dishes like steak tartare with fries, salmon with sorrel, and calf's liver with tarragon. Tiny tables sometimes struggle to accommodate the ever-present crowds (including local chefs, who congregate here for dinner after hours), but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Kids are warmly welcomed.

Québec is notorious for poutine—French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—and La Banquise has been the place for an authentic experience since 1968, with an extensive menu featuring 34 varieties. Neophytes might want to stick with La Classique, but mouthwatering novelties like La Taquise (guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes), L'Obélix (smoked meat), La Veggie Reggie (pickles, tomatoes, creamy coleslaw, and Banquise sauce), and La Véganomane (vegan sauce and cheese) are quite alluring. On the odd sunny day, have your poutine to go and enjoy it alfresco in nearby Parc Lafontaine.

The self-proclaimed "un coin perdu de Paris" (a lost corner of Paris) is famous for its wraparound patio, Parisian vibe, century-old corner building featuring stained glass and woodwork, and Art Nouveau bar. Although this is a full bistro serving three meals every day of the week, it shines brightest in the morning. Order a croissant while nursing a large bowl of café au lait.

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.

There are lines outside this hip establishment before the restaurant even opens. The primarily teal blue and emerald green color palette makes for a soothing ambience—even the menu's binding is a chic peacock blue—the vibe is laid back and the service warm. The prix-fixe, multi-course menu changes monthly, in sync with the seasons, and costs C$110 per person, including service but excluding drinks.

 Also try Larry's, a more casual all-day, all-evening café/restaurant/wine-bar/breakfast-joint around the corner at 5201 boulevard St-Laurent.

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.

Families and couples with dogs congregate here on warm summer nights, where the artisanal ice-cream recipes are prepared by hand. Real cream and real milk are the star ingredients, while the sorbets are 80% fruit puree. The hottest flavors? Mi'Kmaq with coffee, maple taffy, classic vanilla and chocolate, and strawberry basil sorbet. At the peak of the season, the Outremont location is open until 11 every night.  There is a nearby outpost at 1600 rue Laurier Est.