10 Great Restaurants in Quebec City

While Chez Boulay teeters on the upmarket end of the scale, this superb Nordic-inspired restaurant in Quebec City is definitely worth the splurge. The venue has earned a legendary reputation for its eclectic mix of international and Quebecois gastronomic traditions. Of course, its sleek modern interior and impeccable service don’t hurt.

Its culinary team sources ingredients fresh from local producers – think exotic fungi and birch syrup foraged from the nearby boreal forest. The result? Uncomplicated and healthy culinary offerings plated up on single-serve casserole dishes. Brunch lovers should pop in at 10 am on weekends to savour a bountiful buffet.

Le Saint-Amour is a well-known restaurant that has been wowing Quebec City epicureans since 1978 with its refined French haute cuisine. Its celebrated local chef sources fresh seasonal produce from regional farmers. The sunny, shrubbery-strewn atrium offers a sophisticated setting to dine in.

The venue has a laundry list of prestigious awards and has been given the thumbs up by well-known celebs like Sting and Sir Paul McCartney. Keen to have some top-quality plonk with your meal? Its wine list is over 15,000 varieties strong (one of the longest in Canada).

Chez Biceps BBQ is a gastronomic paradise for meat lovers in Quebec City. The southern United States-inspired meat menu features all your comfort food favourites: BBQ ribs, brisket, surf 'n' turf, and more. But don’t forget to save some room for their signature carrot cake for dessert. Order a frothy glass of homebrewed beer or a smokey Scotch whisky to round off the hearty meal.

The charming barbeque haunt has a homely vibe, complete with cosy, log cabin-style wood panels, antique furnishings, and mismatched crockery. You wouldn’t pick it, but the building was once a caravan. An extensive 1970s renovation completely transformed the interior for the better.

Le Clocher Penché put the Saint-Roch neighbourhood on Quebec City’s gastronomic radar with its refined cuisine du marché (market-fresh food). Its head chef sources all ingredients fresh from local vendors each day. The Parisian-inspired venue packs out with locals who come to enjoy dishes like flame-grilled cod and salmon tartare.

The chic interior features tall French windows that afford an abundance of sunlight, while elegant-yet-unpretentious furnishings set a low-key vibe. Its wine selection is also a highlight. Allow the sommelier to suggest the perfect pairing to accompany your meal.

Chez Rioux & Pettigrew serves creative contemporary cuisine in a historic 1860s general store. A Quebec City institution, this charming Rue Saint-Paul restaurant retains its old-timey vibe, complete with exposed brick walls and vintage antiques – the old gramophone is an eye-catcher. A crackling fireplace makes the spot even cosier in winter.

The culinary team concocts a creative blend of contemporary flavours. Seasonal, artisanal meats and seafood dominate the menu – try the fresh oysters and homemade boudin. And if you rock up for brunch, don’t pass on the sea buckthorn bread pudding or the légendaire.

L’Affaire est Ketchup whips up tasty homespun cuisine in an infamously unpretentious setting in Quebec City. Don’t be put off by the name. The uniquely Québecois phrase “l’affaire est ketchup” means “everything’s fine” in English – there’s not a drop of tomato sauce in sight. Also, don’t let the unassuming, soup kitchen-like exterior turn you off because this place serves world-class cuisine.

The menu features refined local classics like celeriac purée scallops, sweet bread, crab gazpacho, and duck magret. All these tasty delicacies come from a casual kitchen (there’s just one electric stove in there!). Still, the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain gave it his tick of approval.

Les Sales Gosses serves elaborate French and Italian-inspired cuisine in a chic, contemporary setting in Quebec City. The brainchild of 2 hospitality veterans, Patrick Simon and Jeff Pettigrew, the restaurant has been building a loyal customer base for its consistent, high-quality fare.

A big blackboard displays the catch of the day, and there’s an extensive menu of tempting bistro-style meals. Not sure what to order? Try the Turlo pork belly, which comes with stewed beans, sage, and Tartufata. Book the banquette room if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy an amazing meal with a big group.

Ô6 Sens offers a unique culinary experience for diners who like to be surprised. At this eccentric eatery, the extensive tasting menu comes served without introduction and must be devoured in complete darkness. Blind waiters deliver each delicious dish at unpredictable intervals.

It’s not just a novelty. Their primary offering, the 3-course Discovery Menu, is superb – it’s even better when paired with local wines. Waiters reveal its theme upon arrival, which rotates every month. If you want to try the sensory-deprived dining experience on a budget, there’s a cheaper 2-course option as well.

Restaurant La Buche is a charming sugar shack-style establishment selling hearty Quebecois cuisine. The rustic, wood panel interior features a solid selection of unusual regional ornaments – there’s no shortage of hunting or sledging gear here. Among the more intriguing examples are the snow aquarium and the standalone bathtub-sized washbasin.

Quebecois favourites like shepherd’s pie, venison tartare, meat pie croquettes, and pork hock stew hit the spot. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of maple taffy to suckle on throughout the year. The festive venue hosts live music on some nights.

La Gueule de Bois does fine French fare in a classy, romantic locale in Quebec City. Although the name means “hungover” in English, there’s nothing headache-inducing about the cuisine here. The talented kitchen team pumps out consistently good dishes like sea bream, beef carpaccio, and sweetbread gnocchi.

Save room for dessert because the chefs at La Gueule de Bois excel at the sweet stuff. Crème brûlée is the obvious option, but you won’t go wrong with the cheesecake or black pudding. An extensive wine list and sophisticated modern decor make it a good choice for a date.