Must-see restaurants in Québec

  • Olive + Gourmando

    Old Montréal

    Named after the owners’ two cats, this bakery-cafe is legendary in town for its hot panini, generous salads and flaky baked goods. Excellent choices…

  • Café Parvis

    Montréal

    Hidden on a quiet downtown lane, Café Parvis is set with oversized windows, hanging plants, old wooden floorboards and vintage fixtures. Once part of the…

  • Tuck Shop

    Montréal

    Set in the heart of working-class St-Henri, Tuck Shop could have been plucked from London or New York if it weren’t for its distinctly local menu, a…

  • Buvette Scott

    Québec City

    At this tiny wine bistro with just eight tables and seating at the bar, enlightened French classics like breaded calf's brains, bone marrow and brandade…

  • Le Lapin Sauté

    Québec City

    Naturally, lapin (rabbit) plays a starring role at this cozy, rustic restaurant just south of the funicular's lower terminus, in such dishes as rabbit…

  • Barroco

    Old Montréal

    Small, cozy Barroco has stone walls, flickering candles and beautifully presented plates of roast guinea fowl, paella, braised short ribs and grilled fish…

  • St-Viateur Bagel

    Montréal

    Currently the bagel favorite of Montréal (or is it Fairmount?), St-Viateur Bagel was set up in 1957 and has a reputation stretching across Canada and…

  • Le Poivre Noir

    Eastern Townships & Mauricie

    At this upmarket place by the riverfront, chef José Pierre Durand’s inspired, often daring, blend of French, Québécois and international influences…

  • La Tablée des Pionniers

    The Laurentians

    For top-notch traditional Québécois cuisine in rustic country surroundings, don't miss this seasonal roadside eatery between Mont-Tremblant and Ste-Agathe…

  • Le Diapason

    Baie St Paul

    This pleasant surprise (Alsatian in Charlevoix?) serves all our favorites from eastern France: flammekueche (Alsatian 'pizza'), tartiflette (potatoes…

  • L'Express

    Montréal

    L’Express has all the hallmarks of a Parisian bistro – black-and-white checkered floor, art-deco globe lights, papered tables and mirrored walls. High-end…

  • Auberge Le Coeur d'Or

    Eastern Townships

    For a delightful night out, head to this charming farmhouse inn. The restaurant's four- to five-course dinners make abundant use of local ingredients,…

  • Au Petit Poucet

    The Laurentians

    For the ultimate Québécois dining experience, head for this rustic cabin a couple of kilometers south of the village. In place since 1945, it's every…

  • L'Innocent

    Québec

    The hippest cafe around serves great-value daily specials to a ska/indie/name-your-cool-music-genre-here soundtrack. It's the best place in town to meet…

  • 1608

    Québec City

    At this Frontenac-based wine-and-cheese bar you can either select some cheeses yourself or let the staff take you down a wine-and-cheese rabbit hole that…

  • La Brûlerie d'Ici

    Québec

    This hip hangout with complimentary wi-fi offers Guatemalan and Ethiopian coffees and light bites from sandwiches to bagels to banana bread.

  • Veuve Chalet is a bistro located in the Plateau Mont-Royal.

    Veuve Chalet

    Montréal

    With its friendly staff, warm-yet-chic ambience and a charming back patio, Veuve Chalet makes you feel welcomed. The menu ranges across oysters and…

  • Au Pied de Cochon

    Montréal

    One of Montréal’s most respected restaurants features extravagant pork, duck and steak dishes, along with its signature foie gras plates. Irreverent,…

  • Le St-Amour

    Québec City

    One of Québec City's top-end darlings, Le St-Amour has earned a loyal following for its beautifully prepared grills and seafood, and luxurious surrounds…

  • Satay Brothers

    Montréal

    Amid red walls, hanging lamps and mismatched thrift-store furnishings, this lively and Malaysia-chic bar-bistro serves some of the best 'street food' in…

  • L’Affaire est Ketchup

    Québec City

    Book ahead for this quirky local favorite with only eight tables. Dressed in T-shirts and baseball caps, bantering relaxedly with one another as they cook…

  • Impasto

    Montréal

    There's much buzz surrounding this polished Italian eatery – largely owing to the heavy-hitting foodies behind it: best-selling cookbook author Stefano…

  • Garde-Manger

    Old Montréal

    The buzz surrounding Garde-Manger has barely let up since its opening back in 2006. This small, candlelit restaurant attracts a mix of local scenesters…

  • Le Café du Monde

    Québec City

    This Paris-style bistro is the only restaurant in town directly on the St Lawrence River, although actually getting a table with a view can sometimes be a…

  • Orange Rouge

    Old Montréal

    Hidden down a narrow lane of Chinatown, Orange Rouge has a quaint, low-lit interior that's rather nondescript save for the bright open kitchen at one end…

  • Damas Restaurant

    Montréal

    Unique Syrian-inspired cuisine just a few minutes from Mile End and Little Italy, Damas is consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in the city. A…

  • Le Filet

    Montréal

    Le Filet presents masterfully crafted fish and seafood with Japanese touches in a low-lit setting facing Parc Jeanne-Mance. Small plates are meant for…

  • Le Vin Papillon

    Montréal

    The folks behind Joe Beef continue the hit parade with this delightful wine bar and small-plate eatery next door to Liverpool House – another Joe Beef…

  • Moishes

    Montréal

    Moishes feels a bit like a social club, although guests from all backgrounds come to consume its legendary grilled meats and seafood. Closely set tables…

  • Liverpool House

    Montréal

    Liverpool House sets the standard so many Québec restaurants are racing for: an ambience that feels laid-back, like a friend's dinner party, where the…

  • Bello Ristorante

    Québec City

    Luc Ste-Croix, former student of French master chef Paul Bocuse, brings his passion for Italian cuisine to this stylish and very welcoming eatery near…

  • Morena

    Québec City

    Tucked into a gourmet grocery-deli on chichi Ave Cartier, this Italian-themed neighborhood bistro makes a lively but low-key lunch stop. Daily chalkboard…

  • Robin des Bois

    Montréal

    Montréal’s own 'Robin Hood,' restaurateur Judy Servay donates all profits and tips from this reliable favorite to local charities. The relaxed, spacious…

  • Montréal

    Inspired by the street food (and beer) of Vietnam, this neighborhood charmer showcases simple but delectable recipes, near the foot of Mont-Royal. The…

  • Le Baccara

    Québec

    Secreted away from the flashing lights and jangling slot machines of Casino du Lac Leamy, this world-class culinary experience features an open-concept…

  • L'Gros Luxe

    Montréal

    With classy vintage decor, booths or tables and inexpensive comfort fare, L'Gros Luxe has obvious appeal. The small dining room is always packed with…

  • Faite à l'Os

    Québec City

    You'll smell this cozy spot well before you arrive; the fumoir (smokehouse) would appear to be working overtime. The all-time favorite dish is the Ribs…

  • Joe Beef

    Montréal

    In the heart of the Little Burgundy neighborhood, Joe Beef remains a darling of food critics for its unfussy, market-fresh fare. The rustic, country…

  • Le Pied Bleu

    Québec City

    This bistro in a one-time clothing factory in working-class St-Sauveur is a Québécois take on a Lyonnaise bouchon, which means it serves such meaty fare…

  • La Banquise

    Montréal

    A Montréal legend since 1968, La Banquise is probably the best place in town to sample poutine. More than 30 varieties are available, including a vegan…