French cuisine is world-renowned and Quebec City is a wonderful place to enjoy it. Quebecois food incorporates both traditional recipes and locally sourced foods. Quebec City offers an abundance of great restaurants and here are a few of the favourites we highly recommend. We always try to enjoy some local food, beer, and wines at each travel destination. Our list of top 10 restaurants in Quebec City includes these options.
Top Restaurants Located in Upper Town
Aux Anciens Canadiens $$-$$$
Aux Anciens Canadiens is a terrific restaurant and also a sight to behold as it is located within the oldest house is in Quebec City built in 1675. Their menu features authentic Quebecois cuisine using local meat and produce. Homemade soups make for great appetizers however the traditional meat pie served with vegetables is their best main course. Be sure to save room for dessert to enjoy a slice of their delectable sugar pie topped with fresh cream. We always enjoy a meal here each time we visit Quebec City.
Bistro Le Sam $$-$$$
Bistro Le Sam is a notable gourmet restaurant located inside the Château Frontenac. Their menu ranges from small bite appetizers to full meal entrees featuring locally sourced food. Be sure to delve into their French onion soup made with a special Charlevoix cheese. There is also a lounge section with a circular bar and small booths so you can stop in for a cocktail and enjoy the venue. A daily happy hour menu showcases their mixology. The rear dining section of the restaurant overlooks the Terrasse Dufferin offering riverside views.
Champlain Restaurant $$$$
Dining at the Champlain restaurant at the Chateau Frontenac is an experience in gourmet delights with exemplary service. Overlooking the Terrasse Dufferin and St. Lawrence River the ambiance of this space complements their fine food.
Their menu features French cuisine using locally sourced cheeses, fish, meat and produce. An extensive wine list allows for perfect meal pairings.
Le Continental $$$$
Since 1956 Le Continental has offered a fine dining experience with classic French tableside service. Their menu specializes in game meats, steak, and fish. We enjoyed the Chateaubriand with Béarnaise sauce for 2 as our main course. This restaurant also has an extensive wine cellar with French, Italian, and American vintages. It is worth the splurge for the wonderful food, service, and ambiance of this elegant restaurant.
Paillard $-$$
Paillard is an amazing bakery and café located on Rue Saint Jean. Inside you will find a selection of freshly baked croissants, bread, and pastries. The freshly baked croissants are delicious with their buttery flavor and flaky pastry. There are also soups, salads, and sandwiches on their menu. Their dessert options also include gelato and sorbet. Whether you sit inside to enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat or take your order to go Paillard is definitely worth a visit.
Top Restaurants Located in Lower Town
Lapin Sauté $$-$$$
Lapin Saute is a wonderful bistro located in the lower town which specializes in duck and rabbit.
Their sampler platter offers a tasting of these meats along with local cheeses, pates, pickles, and salad. This is one of our favourite menu items.
We recommend their divine crème brulee for dessert. Local wines are featured at this restaurant and pair well with their food.
We also dine here on each visit to Quebec City. The food and service are always excellent. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Dining here continues to make this not only one of our top 10 restaurants in Quebec but one of the most memorable meals anywhere in the world.
Bistro Sous Le Fort $$-$$$
This quaint bistro close to the funicular station serves both French and European cuisine. There is a daily set menu with specials featuring fish, game meats, and vegetarian entrees. The indoor space of Bistro Sous Le Fort is quite small however they also have a heated patio out front.
Cochon Dingue $$
This is a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their menu offers both bistro-style meals and pub favourites. Their French onion soup is very good and hearty made with a Quebec dark beer. The duck wing drumettes are a delicious appetizer. The menu at Cochon Dingue is marked to indicate which items feature local Quebec products. A daily fixed menu is also available in order to enjoy specials. Look for the local beers on tap such as Cheval and Griffon to enjoy with your food.
Le Buffet De L’Antiquaire $$
A staple of the lower town neighbourhood Le Buffet De L’Antiquaire has been serving hearty French Canadian food for 40 years. Their menu offers an array of diner favourites along with traditional Quebecois fare. We enjoyed the meat pie with beans and vegetables. Portions are quite generous and the food has that comforting homemade taste. This restaurant also makes for a great coffee and rest stop while you explore the Old Port area.
Casse-Crepe Breton $$
Casse-Crepe Breton is the perfect place to indulge in a crepe meal with both savoury and sweet options available. Their menu also has sandwiches and salads. The beverage menu offers specialty coffees, fresh juices, beer, and wine. We each enjoyed a crepe for brunch which kept us full until dinner time. I also recommend ordering a creamy hot chocolate to warm up.
For more restaurant ideas in Quebec City check out this travel guide for your province of Quebec adventures.
This list is just a tiny portion of the fantastic culinary experiences you can find here. Why not try an Old Quebec City Food and Drinks Tour and have some the city’s best food! You can book a tour here. We hope you enjoyed our favourite top 10 restaurants in Quebec City. Please let us know what you think.
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