Best Terrace Restaurants in Québec City and Around

Allison Van Rassel
Allison Van Rassel
Published on July 7, 2023
L'Orygine - Terrace in the evening
Simon Ferland-Groupe La Tanière

One of the best places to soak in the summer vibes of bars and restaurants in Québec City is on a patio. Shielded by greenery, discreetly veiled or staring onto the St. Lawrence River, some terraces offer more than just a mysterious or charming appeal. Below, you’ll find Québec City’s most beautiful terraces worthy of unforgettable memories.

  • 1

    Open-Air Restaurants in the Old Port

    Several streets in the Old Port turn into terraces and allow visitors to live the unique experience of a huge open-air restaurant, where renowned chefs welcome them with their finest local products. The event La Grande Tablée takes place until mid-September, from Thursday to Sunday, on rue Saint-Paul, rue du Sault-au-Matelot and Place de la FAO.

  • 2

    La Cale du Port de Québec

    La Cale du Port de Québec feels like an oasis in the heart of the Old Port. Located along the waterfront of the majestic St. Lawrence River, this pool-like terrace offers the ideal atmosphere to soak up summer vibes. La Cale is obviously the most refreshing terrace in town. 

  • 3

    L'Orygine

    With its partial view of the St. Lawrence River, oversized patio umbrellas, and heat lamps, the patio at L’Orygine bistro is gaining traction as one of the finest in the city. Set within the walls of a heritage building, this patio has an intimate feel that brings you to a fuller appreciation of the cuisine. Be sure to try their superb cocktails (or mocktails) made with wild edibles.
     

  • 4

    La Maison Smith (Place Royale)

    Have your coffee in a picture-perfect setting at this café with a patio on the site where Québec was founded. Enjoy the morning calm or watch Place Royale grow more animated as the day goes on. Also recommended are the tasty sandwiches and pastries. 

  • 5

    Café du Monde

    What could be better than starting the day with a panoramic view on the St. Lawrence River? The Café du Monde is a meeting place for a festive breakfast and an excellent starting point for a day of discoveries in the Old Port.

  • 6

    Le Lapin Sauté

    If the title of “Most Beautiful Street’’ in Canada from 2014 does not convince you to visit Le Petit-Champlain, then the Lapin Sauté’s terrace will. It looks so small next to the immensity of the cliff and the park's foliage. If seated close to the rock, you’ll feel cool air escaping from it; a shivering experience. An exceptional environment for a weekend brunch. 

  • 7

    Musée de la civilisation's Courtyard Terrace

    Enclosed between the walls of Musée de la civilisation and those of an historic house, this quaint patio is a well-kept secret.

    Visiting the Museum or Old Québec, this is the perfect place to quench your thirst and have a bite. Open during the day only, Nollen offers cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, coffees, teas and matchas available in iced versions, homemade ice cream sandwiches, floats, tasty bruschettas and more.

  • 8

    AML Louis Jolliet

    The AML Louis Jolliet of AML Cruises is the only restaurant boat in Québec City. This huge floating terrace offers a panoramic view of the city, Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans. Different options are available: evening cruise (perfect for having a drink!), brunch cruise and 3 or 5-course dinner cruise.

  • 9

    Le Diamant's Rooftop Terrace

    Until Labor Day, Le Diamant gives access to its spectacular rooftop terrace for a happy hour with an exceptional view of Old Québec, the fortifications, the Château Frontenac and Place D'Youville. Combined with the free visit of the magnificent theatre and a dinner at the new BŌ - Cuisine d'Asie restaurant located in the same building, here is the perfect formula for a memorable night.

  • 10

    Ristorante Il Teatro

    Bursting with greenery and boasting an incredible view of Porte Saint-Jean and the fortifications, Il Teatro’s covered patio makes a memorable setting for a fine Italian meal. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite before or after a show at one of three nearby theatres: Théâtre Capitole, Le Diamant, and Palais Montcalm. 

  • 11

    La Barberie

    The Saint-Roch neighbourhood is home to La Barberie, a pioneer brewing cooperative in Québec, recognized by artisan beer lovers far and wide. La Barberie is without a doubt the greenest, down-to-earth terrace in Québec City. Bring your kids and enjoy summer! 

  • 12

    Le Sacrilège

    Le Sacrilege’s terrace is one of the Faubourg Saint-Jean’s best kept secrets. Caved in part by stonewalls and mature trees, it is completely concealed from the street; one must walk to the end of the bar to discover a near Garden of Eden setting where vintage furniture reveals history and several tests of time. A popular hangout among local artists. 

  • 13

    Cassis Monna & Filles

    Sunsets hunters will definitely appreciate the heated terrace of Cassis Monna & Filles in Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, with a clear view of the Laurentians mountains and bridge of the island. Below the terrace and next to a fraction of the blackcurrant plants is a welcoming and family-friendly rest area. Cassis Monna & Filles has created an enchanting environment where happiness is harvested from the farm to the table. 

  • 14

    Quai 1635

    It only takes a few seconds to truly feel like you are on vacation on Quai 1635's magnificent terrace. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this restaurant located by the St. Lawrence River, at the foot of the promontory where the explorer Jacques Cartier settled in the winter of 1540. Combine your visit with a stroll along Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier


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.

You'll Also Like

  • Le Monastère des Augustines - Self-service at the Vivoir
    Vegetarian Restaurants in Québec City
    Read
  • L'Orygine - Outdoor bar
    Sustainable Restaurants in Québec City
    Read
  • Nordic cuisine at restaurant Chez Boulay bistro Boréal
    Nordic Cuisine in Québec City
    Read
  • A woman walks through the Isle de Bacchus vineyard on Île d'Orléans.

    Agritourism and Artisan Producers

    Read
  • Plat végétarien du Restaurant Don Végane
    Vegan Restaurants in Québec City
    Read
  • Ice rink
    10 Best Things to Do in Old Québec City
    Read