Best Restaurants in Old Québec City

Step into this little restaurant on Rue Saint-Louis to discover a delightful play on conventions. Instead of pairing wines with dishes, trained sommelier and chef Claudine Déry creates menus inspired by wines. For the full Bleu Marine experience, we recommend the three- or five-course tasting menu (and the pairings, of course). You’ll also find speakeasy Neptune, which opened last summer, at the same address. Sample their fine selection of scotches and whiskies and enjoy the cocktail creations of in-house mixologist Mathieu Poirier.

Chez Boulay is a pioneer of the boreal restaurant scene. Since 2010, executive chef Arnaud Marchand and his team have been serving up the treasures of Québec’s northern terroir in their French-inspired cuisine. The ingredients speak for themselves: sweetgale, sweet clover, fenugreek milkcap (a mushroom with a flavour reminiscent of maple syrup), currants, lamb from the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, trout from fish farm La Ferme Piscicole des Bobines, lobster, and Gaspésie red tuna all make an appearance. This is local dining at its finest!

Beneath its pious exterior, this fine establishment hides a joyfully irreverent side. Here, the “communion wine” flows freely! Following in the footsteps of sister restaurants Chez Boulay and Les Botanistes, head chef Pierre Gagnon has devised a menu of small, terroir-tapas plates to share and a sublime list of wine pairings. No need to go to confession after an evening at Le Bedeau—this sinfully delicious indulgence is easily forgiven!

At Karibu, a welcoming new spot on Rue Saint-Jean, sommelier and restaurateur Win Le Phan presents an impressive array of Québec wines and spirits paired with delicious Asian-inspired appetizers. The combination bar and boutique also regularly hosts tastings and private events.

Located just shy of busy Rue Saint-Jean, this hidden gem on Rue Couillard is an Old Québec institution established nearly half a century ago. The French bistro vibes make Chez Temporel the perfect charming, unpretentious spot to settle in and stay a while, especially after a long day of pounding the pavement in the Upper Town. Served day and night, their classic à la carte menu has something for everyone. We love this place!

Established in a former Desjardins branch, Alphonse is named after the founder of Québec’s flagship credit union. The charming bistro mainly caters to locals, but visitors are more than welcome to enjoy Alphonse’s terroir-inspired cuisine and extensive drinks menu. Come and try your new favourite spot for lunch or an afternoon sip.

It may be just a stone’s throw from Le Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, but Le Chic Shack is no tourist trap. Their burgers are made with top-quality Canadian beef (or bison, for the adventurous) and served on pillowy brioche buns from Borderon & Fils. The Shack is also vegan-friendly, with a number of plant-based options. And what goes better with a burger or poutine than a sweet, creamy milkshake or house-made soda pop?

Chez Wong is a piece of Québec City history. Opened by Fred Wong in 1960, it was one of the first Chinese restaurants in the city. Two generations later, chef Steven Wong is breathing new life into the institution, adding his own personal touch with creations that blend Cantonese cuisine with local inspirations, from Asian-style Canadian burrata to lobster and chanterelle dumplings. It’s a must for first-timers and repeat visitors alike!

About this list
The restaurants featured here were recommended by the Tastet team. They offer excellent value for their respective price points and are beloved by locals and visitors alike.