7 Restaurants You Need to Try Inside Old Québec's Walls

André-Olivier Lyra

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. It’s THE place to enjoy maple taffy on a snow bar, even in summertime!
- @lechicshack
2 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
3 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.
- @entrecoteqc, Entrecôte Saint-Jean
4 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.
- @chefarnaudm, Chez Boulay
5 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
6 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.
7 Tournebroche

Bright green accents compliment superbly the historic stonewalls of this contemporary locavore bistro. Their rotating menu is inspired by seasons featuring locally sourced ingredients from independent organic producers. Begin your journey by dipping a finger in their honey made by their own rooftop bees! Then dive into the Fou du bio plate, an incursion into the region’s most captivating products.