12 Best Restaurants in Old Québec City

Facade of the restaurant Chez Boulay - Bistro Boréal

André-Olivier Lyra

The area inside the walls of Old Québec is Québec City’s most famous neighbourhood and a constant favourite among locals and visitors. From traditional Québec fare to European‑style bistros to boreal cuisine, there’s a restaurant with just the experience you’re looking for. So pull up a chair and savour the warmth and charm of this unique historic district.

- La Bûche
1
La Bûche

Dive into sugar shack traditions where you can literally drench your food in maple syrup, the Québécois’ subtle way of honouring the cook. Hearty Sheppard’s pie, gourmet tourtière with a side of fruit ketchup, plus soups and desserts that you’ll want the recipes for. La Bûche is THE place to enjoy maple taffy on a snow bar, even in summertime!
- Bleu marine
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Bleu Marine

Bleu Marine recently relocated to Rue Saint-Louis. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming façade: this restaurant is a wine-pairing powerhouse. Choose what you want to drink first, then let your hosts guide you for the meal. It’s a bold concept that pays off with every sip.
- @poletiene
3
Le Continental

Located in a house built in 1845 for the Honourable Jean-Thomas Taschereau, a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, Le Continental is the oldest fine dining establishment in Québec City. It’s also one of the last restaurants in North America where you can experience gueridon service, a holdover from the halcyon days of French fine dining. Try a Cognac-flavoured shrimp cocktail, garlic escargot served in the shell, duck à l’orange, or the famous filet mignon.
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
4
Le Sam, bistro évolutif

Located in the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Le Sam is an experience unto itself, not least because of the amazing view of the St. Lawrence River. Its menu features local products, in a bistro style that will delight everyone.
- Le Champlain - Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
5
Le Champlain

For modern cuisine with a rich heritage, you can’t beat Le Champlain. Set in Château Frontenac—the world’s most photographed historic hotel—Le Champlain delivers an impeccable dining experience orchestrated by Chef Hugo Coudurier. His menu reveals an insatiable curiosity for local farm fare, combined with techniques and expertise acquired at major Michelin star establishments in Paris, Las Vegas, Asia, and the Middle East.
- @lechicshack
6
Le Chic Shack

Known for its brioche bread burgers, creamy milkshakes and decadent poutines, it’s the homemade sodas and ice cream sandwiches that seal the deal. Don’t be alarmed by the cafeteria feel, but reassured by the first bite that will make it feel so authentic. Even though Le Chic Shack is located in the most tourist-friendly part of town, it is far from being a tourist trap!
- @brasseriechezjules
7
Brasserie Française Chez Jules

A traditional French brasserie set in a charming contemporary yet history-filled décor. The low ceiling and exposed stonewall improve the setting. Indulge in pan-seared foie gras, frog legs and Burgundy escargots as if you were in Paris. Do leave room for dessert, especially the tarte Tatin topped with a delectable homemade caramel ice cream.
- Chez Wong
8
Restaurant Wong

When it comes to Chinese food, Wong is a local institution. Owner and chef Steven Wong is a descendant of the first Chinese family to immigrate to Québec City. Chef Wong is revamping his restaurant one dish at a time, with recipes inspired by authentic Chinese flavours. I love the succulent tomato beef, pork flank soup, duck breast smoked with tea and jasmine rice, and Asian burrata served with yuzu pear compote.
- Bistro Hortus
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Bistro Hortus

Bistro Hortus is synonymous with fresh food. The farm-to-table menu by owner and chef Stéphane Roth features tons of local organic ingredients. The restaurant team even has a rooftop garden with vegetables, herbs, and a beehive. Now that’s sustainability!
- Bedeau
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Le Bedeau

Au bar à vin Bedeau, le plaisir est presque péché. Nouvellement ouvert sur la rue Saint-Jean, ce bistro bar à la formule tapas oriente son offre culinaire autour du plaisir que procure un accord soigné. En cuisine, le chef s’inspire de cépages en importation privée afin de créer des moments de partage qui incite à la découverte. L’accord dessert du moment est à s’en confesser de plaisir : cake à l’huile d’olive, agrumes et glace à l’épinette servie avec un vin orange résiné de la Grèce. Portez une attention particulière au décor, car le clin d’œil au patrimoine religieux du Québec est raffiné et élégant, notamment dans les toilettes non genrées, meublées d’un confessionnal désacralisé.
- @chefarnaudm, Chez Boulay
11
Chez Boulay- Bistro Boréal

Like a walk in the boreal forest, you’ll taste the many perfumes of Québec’s wilderness. It’s their game meat that shines brightest, especially when highlighted with Labrador tea and oyster mushrooms. Those who love sauce, add an extra pan-seared foie gras and you will be charmed. They have finger licking desserts, where anything with bright orange sea buckthorn berries is a must.
- @bistro3garcons, Les 3 garçons
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Les Trois Garçons

Cheese oozing burgers made with local ingredients and hearty meat patties. The Charlevoix burger with Hercule and 1608 cheeses, fried and caramelized onions with artisanal bacon and bourbon barbecue sauce tops ‘em all.
- @entrecoteqc, Entrecôte Saint-Jean
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L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean

Mind the white tablecloths on the tables of this Québec City institution. Everything here is fixed in time, taking you back to a Paris bistro of the late 80s, serving an impeccably grilled rib eye steak alongside matchstick fries cooked to perfection in peanut oil. And treat yourself to an extra side of their homemade mustard sauce, will you? Oh and chocolate sauce profiteroles, because the meal wouldn’t end deliciously without it.