215 Best Restaurants in Quebec, Canada

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.

Simple preparations mean the flavor of seafood shines. Broiled lobster is the main attraction. Get it on its own or on a seafood combination platter. Fish and shellfish might get a quick sauté in butter, and steamed shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink and tender. Dessert brings a local specialty: cloudberry pie. The amber-color fruit, native to the area’s boreal forests, is similar to raspberries. The no-frills dining room supplies booth and table seating.

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.

Open since 1920, this iconic eatery bordering the western edge of Downtown is popular with locals for its old-school diner ambience, friendly staff, and consistent quality of its food.

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.

A beacon of the French (from France) cultural diaspora in Montréal, Chez Victoire is the epitome of Plateau Mont-Royal’s warmth and joie de vivre. Fittingly, the creative menu features French-inspired seasonal market cuisine. Take a seat at the long bar and order one of the shareable plates such as the oysters or the fried artichoke heart with black garlic mayo, or opt for a booth to share the classic tomato and mozzarella di bufala salad or the famous burger Chez Victoire. 

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.

Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike love this casual Thai restaurant where no meat is served. The chefs prepare meatless versions of such classics as calamari with basil, chicken with green beans, fish with three hot sauces, and beef with yellow curry and coconut milk, substituting the real thing for soy and seitan.

Located on a quiet side street in Old Montréal, you can't miss the bright tangerine doors and windows of this small, new, retro-style panini joint. If simple Italian sandwiches are your jam, Ciccio's is your place. From the primo (mortadella, tomato, mozzarella) and the tacchino (smoked turkey, mozzarella, bacon, tomato, red onion) to the caprese (with or without prosciutto) with pesto, the parmigiana (breaded eggplant, mozzarella, tomato confit, pesto), and the capo (capocollo stagionato, spicy gabagool, burrata, marinated peppers, basil), Ciccio's makes it all. They also make salads and prepare antipasto and charcuterie platters, in addition to a few desserts.

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.

Despite the name—French for "Hunting and Fishing Club"—this isn't a hangout for the local gun-and-rod set. Impeccable service and top-notch ingredients have made this one of the best restaurants in the city; the name is simply referencing the wood-and-leather décor. Chef sommelier, Joris Gutierrez Garcia, was named the 2025 Best Sommelier of the Americas by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.

Undoubtedly the most strikingly beautiful café in Montréal, perhaps even in North America, Crew Collective and Café is housed inside a former 1920s-era bank that's fitted with 50-foot-high vaulted ceilings, multiple arches, marble flooring, intricate tiling, and bronze chandeliers. It's no wonder Forbes named it one of the five most beautiful coworking spaces in the world. The café doubles as a coworking space for Web start-ups, so it’s only fitting that patrons be able to order their coffee and nibbles directly online, in real time, without ever having to queue. Expect barista-approved brews, gourmet sandwiches, and an appetizing range of baked goods, including vegan, soy-free, and nut-free options. 

The cellar of what used to be Montréal's first women's prison hardly sounds like the ideal setting for an Italian eatery, but Nonna Emma's cuisine shushes any bad vibes from the 1800s. Nonna Emma recently retired, at the age of 80, but today her daughter, Olga Aureli, and her grandson, Luca, the sixth generation of restaurateurs in the family, now helm the well-known institution. Stone walls and heavy beams serve as a backdrop for Roman dishes like roasted lamb, fettuccine con funghi porcini and salmone alla griglia, which have all forgone fussy presentation to focus on superior fixings. Repeat customers, including Hollywood A-listers, enjoy the privacy of the secluded garden.  Reservations are recommended Thursday through Saturday.

Colorful and cozy, with beautiful glass lanterns hanging from the red ceiling and hot and cold meze dishes that are perfect for sharing, this Syrian restaurant is a treat. If it's on the menu, try fatta (yogurt, tahini, pita, pistachios, pine nuts, and herbs), hummus shawarma, hummus with mushrooms, or moujaddaraa (braised lentils with bulgur and caramelized onions, tomato salsa, and yogurt mint sauce). Add a glass of arrak—a traditional, anise-flavored drink—or wine from the list of Mediterranean imports to bring it all together.

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.

Located in Montréal's Downtown core, Deville Dinerbar is a fun alternative to the otherwise rather serious dining options in the area. A palette of neon pink, white, and black keeps the dining room vivid and exciting (but not diner-kitschy). The meat-heavy menu, with dishes like the substantial Deville burger, shepherd's potpie (peas, corn, braised short ribs, and puff pastry), or fish-and-chips on a brioche bun, provides filling choices, so be sure to leave room for dessert. Whimsical drinks like the Hawaii 5-0, Miami Vice, and Preciso Quetzal, presented in a bird-shaped glass with plumes of pineapple leaves, in addition to tasty, brightly colored mocktails, complete the entertaining vibe.

Locals line up outside the window of this shoebox-sized take out joint, sandwiched between ice-cream shop Kem CoBa and Fairmount Bagel, to get their fix of Nonna Caterina Gattuso's gnocchi topped with her famous Calabrian tomato sauce. It's served in a little cardboard take-out container and costs only C$5. If you ask for parmesan it's C$6. With extra spice C$6.50. Diehards can purchase 750-milliliter jars of Salsa della Nonna for C$10 or a one-liter jar of Gnocchi della Nonna, also for C$10. Olive oil and a few other sauces are also available for sale.

A light croissant or rich pastry from the city's oldest pâtisserie makes for a nice break after visiting the Parc Mont-Royal or Oratoire St-Joseph. For lunch, try the avocado toast with goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil; the onion soup; or the mushroom or lobster risotto, followed by a tartelette aux abricots (apricot tart). If you're taking pastries home, try to snag an almond-paste (as opposed to almond-cream) croissant (or roulé) before the shop runs out.

Escondite's young, ambitious, and talented owners know a good idea when it comes to them. So much so that they now have seven branches across the city since the avenue Union location opened in 2015. Each of their Mexican restaurants (they're also behind a handful of funky Japanese izakaya and Hawaiian poke eateries) crackles with energy and eclectic style, a mishmash of neon signs, portraits of Frida Kahlo, bright murals of saints, Día de los Muertos skulls, turquoise banquettes and barstools, and mismatched press-back chairs. On the menu is inventive Mexican-inspired cuisine—think Mexican General Tao cauliflower with tamarind, agave, and coriander; Monterey Jack and jalapeño gyoza nachos with pomegranate pico de gallo, serrano chili and black pepper cream; and Korean steak with Oaxaca cheese, grilled cactus, pickled jalapeño, and orange crush sauce—and delicious tequila-based cocktails.  There is a second Downtown location on rue Drummond.

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.

Blink and you'll miss it. While the address is written on the building's façade, the restaurant's nondescript exterior and lack of a sign mean you may be searching for a while. Popular options at this atmospheric see-and-be-seen locale, steered by local celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, include bountiful platters of seafood, mains featuring fish, duck or beef, and usually a pasta dish with meat. With few plant-based sides on the menu, vegetarians and vegans will be left wanting. The bar, where flirting is in high gear, is a fun option for dining and hanging out. The kitchen closes at 10, after which the party rages until 3 am. Minors are not permitted on the premises.

Eclectic may be the best way to describe the food at this scarlet-colored restaurant, as the dishes combine a French bistro feel with a little bit of the American Southwest. The seasonings are down to a science here, and the proof is in the homemade ketchups, hot sauces, and salsas that are generously offered at each table. As with many restaurants, the menu changes with the seasons, but the Caesar salad made à la minute and the copious Baileys fudge chocolate cake are popular constants. The meat and seafood are carefully sourced; any of the nightly available options are always a great choice.

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.

A boisterous Japanese pub (known in Japan as an izakaya), Imadake serves small plates meant to be shared with a beer or cocktail in hand, and you won't find any sushi on the menu. The name Imadake means "only for now" and is a reference to the restaurant's ever-changing menu and "live in the moment" philosophy. You can pick from a variety of dishes, including ramen and noodle bowls as well as house specialties like korokke (mashed potato croquettes); konoko (oyster mushrooms served with yuzu sauce); or shiitake karaage (deep fried shiitake mushrooms) marinated with seafood dashi (stock) and spicy mayo.

Long held in disdain by Montréal food critics, the restaurant at the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) has upped its epicurean game. These days the restaurant’s top-notch cuisine pays homage to Québec’s terroir with enticingly presented dishes served in a contemporary yet elegant setting (think white tablecloths, cloche plate covers, and impeccable service). There is an à la carte menu, in addition to a table d’hôte (starting at C$62) and a five-course tasting menu (C$89). The optional wine pairing is an additional C$57.

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.

This popular Québec restaurant/chocolate bar chain is the brainchild of Juliette Brun, a self-confessed chocoholic since she was a child. First opened in 2003 when Juliette was only 22, there are now nearly 30 locations across the province. From the molten chocolate lava cake served with a scoop of ice cream and melted chocolate sauce to the dark chocolate raspberry dome, the speculoos cookie butter fondant, and the banana split milkshake, chocolate and sweets lovers are sure to fall in love with Juliette’s. Brunches and savory meals are also served.

You could almost walk right by this small, unpretentious establishment on this seedier stretch of rue Ste-Catherine, but the line of people waiting to get in is a telltale sign. Locals and visitors alike love Kazu not for its décor but for its delicious Japanese comfort food. The tiger shrimp burger, the tofu vegetable hot pot, and the salmon and tuna bowl are all great options. Arrive 15 minutes before opening time or well before 8 pm to beat the queue.