Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Québec City

Allison Van Rassel
Allison Van Rassel
Updated on August 21, 2023
Pied bleu
Le Pied bleu, Allison Van Rassel

Want to start your day off with energy to manage Québec City's famous hills and staircases? A brunch is simple and tasteful food that brings a smile to anyone's face. Here are the best restaurants that offer breakfast experiences that stand out:

  • 1

    Le Pied Bleu

    Not to be missed in the Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood, Le Pied Bleu, a Lyon-meets-Québec eatery, is known for its “nose-to-tail” philosophy and its award-winning boudin sausages. For brunch, the team puts together an ample buffet featuring house-made charcuterie and cheeses, as well as baked beans and other classics from Québec’s culinary heritage.

  • 2

    CIEL! Bistro-bar tournant

    The CIEL! bistro offers the most remarkable view of Québec City. It is a rotating restaurant where in 90 minutes, 563 feet above sea level, you’ll experience a plunging 360-degree view of Québec City’s unique landscape. The CIEL!’s weekend brunch is a play on Québec’s traditions. CIEL! knows how to wow palates, one local ingredient at a time. We love the view as much as the generous and tasteful cuisine.

  • 3

    Bistro hortus

    ecoTrue to a business philosophy that values traceability, most of the items on the menu at Bistro hortus—Latin for garden—are local and certified organic. There’s even a garden complete with beehives on the roof of the building above the restaurant. A first in Québec City! This little slice of foodie heaven in Old Québec is full of delicious offerings, including vegan and gluten-free options. Our tip? Kick things up a notch or two with the house-made hot sauce.

  • 4

    Chez Boulay-bistro boréal

    Located in Old Québec, one of the most tourist-friendly neighbourhood in town, Chez Boulay stands out among tourist shops and souvenir stores. For brunch, Chef Arnaud Marchand portrays rich aromatic flavours of the boreal forest; a direct contrast with its lively location inside the city walls. On the menu: fish, meat and rich flavourful dishes served in savoury sauces. Le Pêcheur is my favourite dish featuring duck fat seared potatoes and delicately smoked halibut.

  • 5

    Le Clan

    This a high-end restaurant takes diners on a trip across Québec, right down to the geographical coordinates of where the ingredients were sourced. Come here to discover ingredients that are a still mystery to most people even in Québec: sarsaparilla, black trumpet mushrooms, and paw paw, the iconic fruit of the Onondaga Nation. Every weekend there’s a tasting menu for brunch—the perfect opportunity to try something different without breaking the bank! Le Clan’s gourmet brunch experience includes several house-made creations, such as farmer’s butter and seawater bread. Valet parking available free of charge.

  • 6

    Lapin Sauté

    Le Lapin Sauté’s rustic decor seduces tourists, whereas its cuisine attracts locals. Located in the Petit-Champlain district, le Lapin Sauté is a quaint and charming restaurant. When the temperature drops, the fireplace is lit and makes a very romantic setting. For brunch, I’m a sucker for the maple-seared eggs served with meats, local cheese, baked beans and the rabbit rillettes; the perfect balance between sweet and salty. 

  • 7

    Buffet de l'Antiquaire

    Brunch on a weekday? Every day is brunch day at Buffet de l’Antiquaire, a go-to spot for comfort food in the heart of the Old Port antique district. Here it’s all about American diner classics, and we love the hearty breakfasts, complete with hash browns and onions hot off the griddle. The menu also features traditional dishes and sides, including the famous Québec “tourtière” (meat pie).

  • 8

    Rioux et Pettigrew

    If market food with a local twist is your thing, look no further than Rioux & Pettigrew. The décor of this gem in the heart of the iconic antique district gives diners a glimpse of local history, while the dishes served up all day long celebrate the very best of each season. We can’t resist the amazingly creamy scrambled eggs, with an unmistakable hint of black truffle on the palate.

      

  • 9

    Chez Maude Épicerie Laboratoire Culinaire

    Maude Desroches, chef and mom, runs a neighbourhood grocery store with a kitchen where she skilfully brings out the best in ingredients sourced from local farmers. Brunch at Maude’s is a celebration of all the colours and flavours of the season. The sweet and savoury crepe with prosciutto, homemade oatmeal, and apple butter is a classic!

Best Croissants

Croissants
Pixnio

Croissants are one of those little things that make Québec City so European, and they're perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or to take to your hotel room. In Old Québec and downtown, indulge yourself with the best pure butter croissants fresh from the oven. Yum!

Best Crêpes and Pancakes

Sweet or salted, crêpes and pancakes can be enjoyed in several ways and eating them is always a festive moment. Here are our favourite places to taste real good crêpes in Québec City for breakfast, brunch or any other moment of the day.


Allison Van Rassel
Allison Van Rassel

Journalist, columnist and blogger, Allison is passionate about Québec City’s culinary culture. Curious and aware of the latest culinary trends, Allison makes the region’s foodie culture shine bright.

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