Where to Eat in Quebec City: A Foodie’s Paradise

If you’re wondering where to eat in Quebec City, you’re in for a treat! Québec City is known for its incredible food scene. With so many restaurants to choose from, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming, especially on your first visit.

As a Québec City local, I wanted to share some of my favourite restaurants in town. You’ll find everything from cozy brunch spots and traditional Québécois cuisine to Italian comfort food and refined dining experiences. I’ve included a variety of places to suit different tastes and occasions.

These are places I genuinely enjoy and would happily recommend. I’ll keep updating this guide as I discover more restaurants, so make sure to save it for later! I hope it helps you find some delicious spots during your next visit.

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Where to Eat in Quebec City: Beyond the Famous Poutine

Québec City is famous for its poutine, and for good reason! But there’s so much more to discover. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a memorable dining experience, the city has plenty of surprises for food lovers. Here are some of my favourite spots worth adding to your itinerary!

Quai 1635 – Cap-Rouge

Located outside Old Québec, in the heart of Vieux-Cap-Rouge, Quai 1635 is one of my favourite places for dinner. And the experience starts before you even enter the restaurant!

Right along the St. Lawrence River, it’s the perfect spot to combine a good meal with a waterfront walk. I love arriving early, watching the sailboats go by and enjoying the sunset from the nearby quay. It’s a beautiful setting, especially on a warm summer evening.

I strongly recommend making a reservation. I honestly can’t remember ever seeing this restaurant empty! Several times, I’ve simply given my name at reception before heading out for a walk along the river. They’ll send you a text when your table is ready, which is incredibly convenient.

Waterfront Dining and a Beautiful Summer Terrace

The atmosphere is great year-round. During colder months, the slightly elevated indoor dining area offers lovely river views.

But if you’re visiting during summer, try to get a table on the outdoor terrace. Between the waterfront setting, passing sailboats and evening atmosphere, it’s one of my favourite places to spend a summer night.

The menu changes with the seasons, and everything I’ve ordered so far has been delicious. One of my go-to dishes is their fish and chips, which I absolutely recommend!

Something else worth knowing: Quai 1635 hosts seasonal events, including live music, salsa evenings and special food and drink experiences. They also have a private event space upstairs called Le Salon du Quai 1635. It’s designed for groups and private gatherings. Check their upcoming events if you’re visiting during summer.

My tip: Arrive before sunset and leave yourself time to enjoy the waterfront. The setting is just as much a part of the experience as the food!

Portofino – Authentic Italian Cuisine in Old Québec

If you’re craving Italian food while exploring Old Québec, Portofino is a great place for a delicious meal in a charming setting. The restaurant is tucked inside a historic building dating back to 1760.

The menu features everything from wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta to seafood dishes. I definitely recommend ordering their antipasto platter to share! It’s a great way to start your meal, especially with friends or family.

And when it comes to the main course, you honestly can’t go wrong with their pizza or pasta!

The atmosphere is warm and lively. It’s a great spot for dinner after wandering through Old Québec’s streets. Whether you’re planning a date night or simply craving Italian food, Portofino is worth adding to your list.

Au Petit Chalet on Maguire – A Cozy Brunch in Québec City

If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, Au Petit Chalet is definitely one to add to your list! They actually have four locations around Québec City. However, the one I’ve visited several times and can personally recommend is on Avenue Maguire.

As the name suggests, Au Petit Chalet brings a little traditional Québécois chalet atmosphere to the table. Think generous portions, comforting dishes and a warm, welcoming setting.

My tip: If you’re craving a hearty brunch and a little Québécois comfort food, Au Petit Chalet on Maguire is a great choice!

Kundah Hôtel – Indian Flavours with a Québécois Twist

If you’re looking for something different, Kundah Hôtel is one restaurant I’d definitely recommend for a culinary experience! Featured in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, it combines Indian-inspired cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Québec.

I would personally describe it as Indian food with a Québécois twist. That’s exactly what makes it interesting. The menu combines Indian spices and flavours with regional ingredients, creating dishes that feel both familiar and unexpected.

Since I love tasting a little bit of everything, I decided to try their discovery menu. And I’m so glad I did!

Instead of choosing just one or two dishes, I got to sample several creations throughout the evening. It was such a satisfying way to explore the menu and discover different flavours.

For me, Kundah Hôtel is more than just going out for dinner. It’s a place to take your time, try something new and enjoy the experience.

My tip: If you love discovering new flavours like I do, go for the discovery menu! It’s a great way to experience what makes Kundah Hôtel unique.

L’Orygine – A Creative Culinary Experience in Old Québec

If you’re looking for a true culinary experience, L’Orygine is definitely one of my favourites! Located near Place Royale in Old Québec, this restaurant is featured in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.

The kitchen focuses on creative, refined cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Led by chef Sabrina Lemay, it puts seasonal Québec products at the centre of each dish. You’ll find beautifully crafted options for both vegans and omnivores.

The menu evolves with the seasons, so there’s always something new to discover.

A Beautiful Setting and a Discovery Menu Worth Trying

I’ve been to L’Orygine twice, and each visit has felt different, especially when it comes to the setting.

The indoor dining room is absolutely beautiful, with thoughtful details throughout. But the outdoor terrace is something else! It feels warm, intimate and almost like stepping into a little fairytale. If you’re visiting during summer, I would definitely recommend sitting outside.

As someone who loves tasting a little of everything, I’ve tried both their vegan and omnivore discovery menus. I genuinely recommend the experience!

You can absolutely order à la carte. However, I think part of the fun is letting the chef introduce you to different flavours and ingredients. Their six-course discovery menu is a wonderful way to appreciate the creativity behind each dish.

For me, L’Orygine is a restaurant where you want to slow down and enjoy every course. It’s a great choice for a special evening, whether you’re celebrating something or simply treating yourself.

My tip: Go for the discovery menu if you can! During warmer months, try to reserve a table on the terrace. The combination of creative food and that beautiful setting makes the evening even more special.

Le Livernois – One of My Favourite Terraces for Sunset in Old Québec

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a cocktail in Old Québec, La Maison Livernois is one of my personal favourites, especially during summer!

Set in a historic setting inspired by the 1800s, Le Livernois has an impressive collection of over 250 gins. This includes their own creations, Jules-Ernest and Wilhelmine.

Whether you love gin or simply want to share a few appetizers, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

My Local Tip for Catching the Evening Sun

Here’s something I especially want to share as a Québec City local: finding a sunny terrace around sunset in Old Québec isn’t easy!

With the narrow streets and historic buildings, many terraces lose the sun quite early. Le Livernois is one of those places where you can still enjoy the evening sunshine during summer. Honestly, that’s one of the main reasons I love going there.

After a long day exploring Old Québec, this has become one of my go-to spots. I love grabbing a cocktail, sharing an appetizer and enjoying the last rays of sunshine.

There’s something about sitting outside as the day winds down that makes it a lovely place to end an afternoon.

My tip: If you’re visiting Old Québec during summer, keep Le Livernois on your list! It’s one of my favourite local recommendations for a relaxing evening in the city.

Aux Anciens Canadiens – A Taste of Traditional Québécois Cuisine and History

If there’s one restaurant where you can truly feel like you’ve travelled back in time, Aux Anciens Canadiens is definitely worth experiencing!

As you’ll quickly realize while exploring Old Québec, history is everywhere. And this restaurant brings that history right to your table.

Located inside the historic Maison Jacquet, built between 1675 and 1676, it’s one of Québec’s oldest buildings. Just imagine having dinner in a house that’s been standing for more than 350 years!

The setting alone makes it worth visiting, especially if you love places with a story behind them.

The menu combines traditional Québécois recipes with modern Canadian cuisine. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover some of our local culinary traditions.

And honestly, you don’t need anything fancy to appreciate it. Even their Soupe aux pois Grand-Mère (traditional pea soup) brings me right back to my childhood. It genuinely tastes like the pea soup my grandmother used to make. That’s something I absolutely love about this place.

For me, Aux Anciens Canadiens isn’t just about enjoying a good meal. It’s about experiencing a little piece of Québec’s history and discovering flavours passed down through generations.

My tip: If you’re visiting Québec City for the first time, this is a great place to discover traditional Québécois cuisine. And don’t overlook the pea soup! Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable.

Nektar Caféologue – A Great Coffee Stop in Limoilou

When I moved to Québec City, someone told me that Nektar Caféologue had the second-best coffee in town! Haha! I can’t personally confirm that ranking, but I can definitely recommend this little coffee shop in the heart of Limoilou.

Nektar is a Québec-based micro-roaster that’s been exploring specialty coffee since 2018. They love discovering different coffee-growing regions, producers and processing techniques. You can really see their passion for coffee.

What I love about this spot is that you can enjoy it in different ways.

Grab a coffee to go and explore Limoilou’s charming streets, pick up some coffee products to bring home, or settle in and enjoy the atmosphere.

I’ve actually worked from here several times. It’s also a nice option if you’re looking for a café where you can spend some time with your laptop.

My tip: If you’re planning to explore Limoilou, make Nektar one of your stops! It’s a great excuse to discover a neighbourhood that deserves more attention from visitors.

I’ve also included Limoilou in my 25 Best Things to Do in Québec City guide if you’d like more ideas for exploring the area.

Best Neighbourhoods for Restaurants in Québec City

One thing I love about Québec City is that you don’t always need a specific restaurant in mind. Some neighbourhoods are worth exploring just for their atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés and terraces.

Here are a few areas I’d recommend when deciding where to eat.

Restaurants in Old Québec and Nearby

• Grande Allée: One of the liveliest areas for restaurants, bars and terraces, especially during summer. It’s a great place for dinner before heading out for drinks or enjoying the evening atmosphere.
• Petit-Champlain & Place Royale: Looking for a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and historic buildings? This area is hard to beat, especially in the evening.
• Old Québec, near Château Frontenac: You’ll find everything from traditional Québécois cuisine to refined dining experiences. It’s a convenient area to enjoy a meal while exploring the historic heart of the city.

Restaurants Beyond Old Québec

• Limoilou: One of my favourite neighbourhoods for discovering a more local side of Québec City! Along 3e Avenue and the surrounding streets, you’ll find independent cafés and casual restaurants. It’s a lovely area to explore away from the busiest tourist spots.
• Avenue Cartier & Montcalm: Another area I’d recommend exploring beyond Old Québec. With its neighbourhood cafés, restaurants and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place for a meal. You can also combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Plains of Abraham.

My local tip: Don’t limit yourself to restaurants inside the walls of Old Québec! Some of my favourite places are in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Exploring them is part of the experience.

Not sure how to fit these neighbourhoods into your visit? My 2-day Québec City itinerary covers Old Québec, Petit-Champlain and Montcalm. It also leaves plenty of opportunities to stop for food along the way.

My Tips for Eating Out in Québec City

With so many great restaurants in Québec City, a little planning can make your experience even better. Here are a few things I’d recommend before heading out.

• Make reservations in advance. I can’t emphasize this enough, especially for popular restaurants, weekends, holidays and summer evenings. Some places fill up quickly. If there’s somewhere you really want to try, book as soon as you know your plans.
• Don’t underestimate terrace season! After a long Québec winter, everyone wants to enjoy the sunshine. Terraces can get particularly busy on beautiful summer days, so plan accordingly.
• Check opening hours. Not every restaurant is open seven days a week. Some also close between lunch and dinner or offer different menus depending on the time of day.
• Leave room to explore. I recommend booking your must-visit restaurants, but I also love leaving a meal or two unplanned. Sometimes discovering a little café while wandering through a neighbourhood is part of the fun.
• Consider going beyond the tourist areas. Old Québec has wonderful restaurants. However, neighbourhoods like Limoilou, Montcalm and Cap-Rouge also have plenty to offer.
• Check for seasonal menus and special events. Some restaurants change their menus throughout the year or organize special evenings, particularly during summer. It’s always worth checking what’s happening during your visit.

My biggest recommendation? If there’s a restaurant you’ve been dreaming of trying, don’t leave it to chance. Book ahead, especially for dinner, and leave yourself time to enjoy the experience.

Québec City has such a wonderful food scene, and it’s worth slowing down to appreciate it!

Final Thoughts on Where to Eat in Quebec City

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Quebec City, I’d recommend trying a few different dining styles. That’s what makes the experience so fun!

Start with a cozy brunch at Au Petit Chalet. Add a traditional Québécois meal, then treat yourself to a culinary experience at L’Orygine or Kundah Hôtel. For a beautiful waterfront setting, consider Quai 1635.

For me, that’s exactly what makes Québec City such a great destination for food lovers.

And if you love discovering local flavours as much as I do, don’t stop at Québec City! Just outside town, Île d’Orléans is filled with farms, local producers and delicious little stops. I’ve shared my favourites in my Île d’Orléans day trip itinerary.