You’re in for a treat when you explore restaurants in Québec, where historic charm meets innovative cuisine in some of Canada’s most memorable dining rooms. From traditional French-Canadian comfort food at La Buche to silent breakfasts in a converted monastery at Le Vivoir, Québec City offers dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else in North America.

I’m excited to share these eight exceptional spots that showcase everything from indigenous cuisine to modern Québec flavors.

Many thanks to the Québec City Tourism Office for sponsoring my recent trip. All opinions and recommendations are based on my personal experience.

Understanding Québec City’s Restaurant Scene

There are so many fabulous places to eat in this culinary city, but we’re focusing on a select few that really reflect its rich cultural heritage:

• French culinary traditions
• Indigenous influences
• Local seasonal ingredients
• Farm-to-table philosophy
• Historic preservation

Traditional Restaurants in Québec

La Buche

La Buche is the best place to experience a true taste of Québec’s culinary heritage and local specialties. You will love the rustic charm, wooden beams, and cozy seating. Make sure to take your camera when you use the restroom! It’s really fun. You’ll also want to make a reservation because La Buche is very popular and very busy.

Location: 49 rue Saint-Louis, Old Quebec

Atmosphere:

• Rustic charm
• Wooden beam decor
• Cozy seating
• Playful bathroom decor worth photographing

Must-Try Dishes:

• Poutine Traditionnelle ($18 CAD)
• Sugar Shack Breakfast Experience ($35 CAD)
• Maple-Smoked Trout ($19 CAD)
• NOTE: Verify menu prices before you go as they can change.

Pro Tips:

• Reserve 2-3 months ahead for dinner
• Best for traditional breakfast
• Great for groups
• Fun, lively atmosphere
• Check out the whole menu: Menu Highlights

Aux Anciens Canadiens

Located in the historic Maison Jacquet dating back to 1675, this is Quebec City’s oldest restaurant. The restaurant specializes in hearty Québécois cuisine, with many standout dishes and a menu of the day. While dinner here can be expensive, they offer a discount on their daily menu for food ordered before 5 pm. Reserve well in advance, especially during tourist season, and dress smart casual.

Location: 34 Rue Saint Louis

What Makes It Special: Quebec’s oldest restaurant, housed in a historic 1675 building

Atmosphere:

• Historic setting
• Period furniture
• Traditional decor
• Intimate dining rooms

Must-Try Dishes:

• Traditional Tourtière
• Wild Game Platter
• Maple Syrup Pie

Pro Tips:

• Lunch menu offers better value
• Perfect for special occasions
• Reserve well in advance

Modern Quebec Cuisine

Ophelia

Chic and modern, fine dining with an artistic flair in decor, plus outdoor igloos for warm seating outdoors even in the winter Ophelia is a great restaurant for a delicious and upscale dinner or lunch. You will love the  innovative surf and turf dishes that blend Québécois flavors with global influences. Make reservations here.

Location: 634 Grande-Allée Est

What Makes It Special: Modern take on Quebec cuisine with artistic flair

Atmosphere:

• Chic, contemporary design
• Outdoor winter igloos
• Upscale dining room
• Artistic presentations

Must-Try Dishes:

• Snail Puff Pastry – A unique and delicious starter featuring foie gras torchon, leek, and black garlic veal jus.  
• Delmonico Steak – Cooked to perfection and the side dishes were fabulous.
• Dôme Chocolat – This dessert reminds me of a hot chocolate bomb. It includes mascarpone, biscotti, meringue inside a chocolate ball which is melted by pouring a yummy coffee and amaretto sauce on top. 

Pro Tips:

• Book igloos well in advance
• Great for date nights
• Business appropriate
• Excellent wine list

Indigenous Cuisine

La Traite

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Indigenous peoples in a uniquely beautiful setting.  La Traite offers an upscale dining experience in a stunning blend of modern design and Indigenous artistry. We love the seasonality of the menu as well as a delicious spin on Indigenous cuisine. This is another must visit restaurant when you’re in Quebec. Make reservations here.

Location: 5 Place de la Rencontre, Wendake

• Located inside the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations that we recommend in our article, 5 Famous Hotels in Québec City.

What Makes It Special: Authentic Indigenous cuisine in a stunning setting

Must-Try Dishes:

• St. Magdalena Islands Scallops – La Traite takes care to source local ingredients and this scallop appetizer served with butternut squash cream and verbena oil is phenomenal.
• Boileau Deer Loin – Tender deer loin served with maple parsnip purée, carrot in fir oil, Brussels sprouts leaf, wild boar bacon, red wine and fir juice – this dish was so delicious. 
• Indigenous-inspired breakfast – Eggs Benedict with Oushata smoked salmon and sage, daisy buttons, light cheese hollandaise with fir salt, potato casserole.

Pro Tips:

• Worth the trip outside city center
• Consider staying at the hotel
• Try the tasting menu
• Book window table if possible

La Buchette

Indulge in smaller plates bursting with exquisite flavors in an intimate setting. Owned by the same people as La Buche, La Buchette is equally as delicious but with a more intimate and charming atmosphere. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a drink and appetizers at the bar.

Location: 24 Rue Sainte-Anne

What Makes It Special: Intimate sister restaurant to La Buche

Must-Try Dishes:

• French Onion Soup (Oignons) – A delicious French Onion Soup.
• Surf N Turf – A complete meal for two featuring bison tomahawk, aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes), béarnaise sauce, pan-fried asparagus, scallops, green oil, butternut puree
• Tableside Crêpes Annette – A decadent dessert made tableside! Bring your appetite when you visit La Buchette.

Pro Tips:

• Perfect for couples
• Great bar seating
• More refined than La Buche
• Excellent for wine lovers

Unique Dining Experiences

Le Vivoir at the Monastère des Augustines

For a healthy, mindful eating experience, make sure to go to Le Vivoir. This restaurant located inside the Monastère des Augustines is dedicated to locally grown produce and serves fish, meat, and vegetarian menu options daily. It’s buffet style, dedicated to eating healthy, and really delicious!

• Location: 77 des Remparts Street, Quebec City

What Makes It Special: Mindful dining in a historic monastery, focusing on wellness and local ingredients

Atmosphere:

• Peaceful, contemplative setting
• Historic monastery building
• Bright, airy dining room
• Wellness-focused environment

Unique Features:

• Silent breakfast open to hotel guest only
• Buffet-style lunch dining open for all visitors
• Buffet-style dinner by reservation only
• Focus on mindful eating
• To-go counter available

Casual Dining & Pastries

La Maison Smith

A great place to start your day with a perfect cup of coffee and artisanal treats in a relaxed atmosphere when you visit La Maison Smith. You can also take a deep dive into coffee with one of their coffee training workshops. And, buy their delicious coffee online and have it shipped right to your house!

• Location: Currently 7 locations in the Québec City Area, including 9, Rue des Jardins

What Makes It Special: Perfect for breakfast or casual lunch

Best For:

• Artisanal pastries
• Single-origin coffees
• Light meals
• Coffee workshops

Pro Tips:

• No reservations needed
• Great morning spot
• Multiple locations
• Ship coffee home

Boulangerie Paillard

A European-style bakery with delicious pastries, sandwiches, salads conveniently located in Old Québec. If you need a quick and delicious lunch or bread and pastries to go, this is the place!

• Location: 1097, Rue Saint-Jean

What Makes It Special: Authentic French bakery experience

Must-Try Items:

• Fresh croissants
• Quiches
• French pastries
• Sandwiches

Pro Tips:

• Early morning for best selection
• Great for quick lunch
• Take-away available
• No reservations needed

FAQ About Restaurants in Québec

Do I really need to make restaurant reservations far in advance?

Yes, especially during peak seasons. For Winter Carnaval (January-February) and the summer tourist season (June-August), book fine dining restaurants 2-3 months ahead.

During regular season, most restaurants require 2-4 weeks’ notice for dinner reservations. Lunch tends to be more flexible. Casual dining spots might accept walk-ins, but expect long waits during peak hours and festival periods.

2. How much should I budget for meals in Quebec City?

Plan to spend between $100-150 CAD per person for fine dining experiences, including tax and tip. Traditional Québec restaurants typically run $60-100 CAD per person. Casual dining averages $30-60 CAD, while breakfast spots and cafes range from $15-25 CAD per person.

Add about 15-20% more if you’re including drinks with your meal. During Winter Carnaval and peak tourist seasons, prices might be slightly higher, and special event menus often cost more than regular dining.

3. What’s the tipping etiquette in Québec restaurants?

Tipping in Québec follows North American customs, with 15-20% of the pre-tax total being standard for restaurant service. This isn’t included in your bill unless specified for large groups. At bars, $1-2 per drink is customary, while cafe service typically warrants 10-15% if you’re served at a table. You’ll often see suggested tip amounts on credit card machines, usually offering 15%, 18%, and 20% options.

4. Do I need to speak French in Québec restaurants?

While French is Québec’s official language, you don’t need to speak it to dine out. Most restaurant staff, especially in tourist areas, speak excellent English, and menus are typically available in both languages.

However, learning a few basic French phrases like “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), and “l’addition s’il vous plaît” (the bill please) is always appreciated and can enhance your dining experience.

Once again, maybe thanks to Québec City Tourism Office for sponsoring my trip. Head to their website for the most update travel information.

Here are more posts you need to read about Visiting Québec

Why a Winter Visit to Québec City Needs to be on Your Travel Bucket List

Where Can You Sleep in a Castle, Ice Hotel & Monastery (5 Famous Hotels in Québec City)

8 Must Try Famous Drinks in Québec

12 of the Most Famous Foods in Québec to try at Winter Carnaval