Must-see restaurants in Québec

  • Gandhi

    Old Montréal

    Gandhi has a core of loyal fans who come here for classics like tandoori chicken as well as the extensive curry menu with adventurous fare such as malaya,…

  • Holder

    Old Montréal

    High ceilings, a warm color scheme and beautifully turned-out dishes are just part of the appeal of this classic bistro on busy Rue McGill. It’s a buzzing…

  • La Cantine d'Asie Indochine

    Québec City

    This hole-in-the-wall in the Lower Town, in place since forever, seats just two dozen people at tables, at the window and along a counter, but serves up…

  • Le Clandestin

    Québec

    Tame the munchies in this petite bistro in central Hull, known for decadent plates like foie gras French toast, super-cheesy macaroni or fried chicken …

  • Da Emma

    Old Montréal

    The old stone walls and beamed ceiling of this atmospheric place – a former women’s prison – today provide the backdrop to delicious Italian cooking. Osso…

  • Le Taj

    Montréal

    Le Taj throws down the gauntlet for some good, mild Indian dishes. The time to go is at lunch, when downtowners line up for a buffet ($16) featuring a…

  • Comptoir 21

    Montréal

    Slide onto a stool around the horseshoe-shaped wooden counter and feast on tender morsels of fish and chips, served on blue-and-white checked paper in…

  • Mango Bay

    Montréal

    A converted Victorian house with simple mango-coloured tablecloths is the setting for serves of authentic chicken jerky or stew, curried goat or island…

  • Le Cachottier

    Rouyn-Noranda

    Dominated by a dramatic wall mural, with a long communal table and a sidewalk terrace, this bistro-bar buzzes with conversation and gets creative with its…

  • Lester’s Deli

    Montréal

    With its art-deco-meets-1950s-diner-style decor and period knickknacks adorning the walls, this famed restaurant attracts a fiercely loyal following of…

  • La Panthère Verte

    Montréal

    Green in every sense of the word, La Panthère Verte is a casual vegetarian spot, where you can stop for delicious falafel sandwiches, energy-charging…

  • Café Névé

    Montréal

    This much-loved neighborhood haunt serves excellent coffees, and the food selection goes far beyond the typical baked goods found in most cafes. Stop in…

  • Diner Saint-Sauveur

    Québec City

    What looks like the real McCoy and calls itself just that is actually a recent reconstruction of an American 1950s-style diner, complete with rounded…

  • Le Bilboquet

    Montréal

    A legendary institution in Montréal, Le Bilboquet whips up highly addictive homemade ice cream and refreshing sorbets. On warm summer nights (and even on…

  • Au Festin de Babette

    Montréal

    This charming cafe with sidewalk terrace is famed for its homemade ice cream. The supremely satisfying crème glacée molle à l’ancienne is chocolate or…

  • Usine C Café

    Montréal

    On the lower level of the creative performing center Usine C, you'll find this low-lit bistro serving up a short menu of French classic-inspired dishes…

  • Café Santropol

    Montréal

    This bohemian Montréal eatery is known for its towering and creative sandwiches, colorful digs and lush outdoor garden patio. Its creations range from the…

  • Les Délices De La Mer

    Gaspé Peninsula

    Inside this gourmet market and fish store, set in a strip mall, is a casual, order-at-the-counter cafe that serves sandwiches, soups and salads, from…

  • Beijing

    Old Montréal

    Every Montréaler has a favorite Chinatown restaurant, a familiar place where a warm welcome awaits when turning up in the neighborhood. The unassuming and…

  • L'Intercolonial

    Québec

    The name refers to the train that once stopped in Rivière du Loup, but it's also a good description of a menu featuring dishes that take inspiration from…

  • Gibby's

    Old Montréal

    A purveyor of the good old-fashioned steak, Gibby’s serves excellent grilled meats and seafood, including a respected rack of lamb. A mix of corporate…

  • Restaurant Nek8arre

    Québec

    This eatery at the Onhoüa Chetek8e with long communal tables serves what most places do in Wendake – game and offal for the most part – but some of its…

  • Rouge Burger Bar

    Saguenay-Lac St Jean

    This build-your-own-burger bar has got a good thing going when it comes to meat on buns. There are tons of burger-component options, from lamb to salmon…

  • Furusato

    Montréal

    This humble eatery presents some of the most authentic Japanese in town. Ultrafresh sushi, decent sake, shrimp and vegetable tempura, sukiyaki and grilled…

  • Chez Julie

    Québec

    A welcoming old-style eatery that's open year-round, Chez Julie specializes in local seafood, from river shrimp to cod to scallops, plus pizza, sandwiches…

  • Brûlerie du Quai

    Gaspé Peninsula

    Locals flock to this lively roastery, store and coffee shop for out-of-this-world espresso drinks. There's a small patio overlooking the quay, and you're…

  • Pastaga

    Montréal

    Pastaga takes tapas and gives them a gourmet Québécois, French and wider Mediterranean spin to great effect in their garlic snails, maple-syrup foie gras,…

  • Café Différance

    Old Montréal

    Hipster baristas whip up delightfully smooth lattes at this bright little espresso bar on the edge of Old Montréal to a mostly hurried professional crowd…

  • Alati-Caserta

    Montréal

    For more than four decades, this marvelous family-owned pastry shop in Little Italy has wowed Montréalers with its deliciously decadent cannoli, almond…

  • La Gaufrière

    Ville-Marie

    The whole town seems to gather at this eatery on the main street to catch up over coffee or dig into its specialty: waffles. They're served with your…

  • Barbacoa

    Québec

    You probably never thought you'd be eating Memphis-style barbecued ribs while gazing at the St Lawrence, but life is full of surprises. Located just…

  • Un Thé au Sahara

    Québec City

    Bring your own wine or hit the mint tea in this basic but popular Moroccan restaurant in Old Québec. All the classics are available: tabbouleh, hummus and…

  • La Piazzetta St-Jean

    Québec City

    The pizza crust at this often-overlooked chain is as thin as a vinyl record, with toppings that run from simple cheese and basil to everything plus the…

  • Le Saint Pub

    Baie St Paul

    Ale lovers will foam at the mouth in this dark and friendly brewpub, where the dinner menu begins with beers and continues with beer-based sauces,…

  • Emporte-moi

    Saguenay-Lac St Jean

    A short walk from the marina in the center of Roberval, this restaurant and tea shop serves home-style fare with a bit of flair. The midday set menus,…

  • Ital Delli

    The Laurentians

    Locals say this place serves the most authentic Italian food in town, so who are we to argue? There's a three-course set menu for $25 if you're feeling…

  • ClicKafé

    Québec

    It's worth hunting for this cheerful cafe in a strip mall off Rte 138 when you're looking for a good cup of coffee, a light breakfast (perhaps a bagel…

  • Thali

    Montréal

    A popular budget gem in the Concordia Chinatown, Thali offers quick plates of delish Indian fare, with three-course specials for about $10. The naan bread…

  • Espace La Fontaine

    Montréal

    In a chalet perched above the water, Espace La Fontaine is a bright and cheery bistro that serves sandwiches, salads and drinks, as well as a good weekend…

  • La Coureuse des Grèves

    Québec

    In this rustic old-school restaurant in a country cottage, the interior is all old-wood accents and the cuisine is French classics with some Québécois…