16 Best Restaurants in Saint-Roch

Le Clocher Penché is more than a local bistro—it’s a culinary institution in the heart of the city, on Rue Saint-Joseph. With all the love and hard work of everyone who’s doffed an apron here over the years, the soul of the place is palpable the moment you walk in the door. The seasonal menu features local ingredients sourced from Québec’s finest producers, while the colourful, flavourful plates tell a story of confident craftsmanship. From house-made boudin and faisselle cheese to savoury meats, artisanal charcuterie and inspired vegetarian meals, each dish is prepared to the highest of standards, while remaining delightfully unpretentious.

Every evening, a lineup forms in front of this little izakaya-style Japanese pub—a sure sign that you’ve come to the right place. The rich and aromatic broths will whisk you away to a land where delicious meals are born, somewhere between Tokyo and Seoul. Don’t miss the house-made spicy kimchi ramen, which pair perfectly with a Shôchû tonic. For an equally satisfying meal on a tighter timeline, swing by for lunch.

Neighbourhood legend L’Affaire est Ketchup breaks all the rules—and does it in style. The food here isn’t an intellectual affair. It’s prepared in a tiny open kitchen on simple four-burner stovetops and served in a space with a supremely laid-back vibe. But don’t let that fool you: behind these unpretentious trappings lies a generous, inventive kitchen that deploys local ingredients with virtuosic flair. Eating here is like being invited over to a food-obsessed friend’s house for a meal: It’s cozy, decadent, and often takes you by surprise. All in all, it’s a cult classic where the creativity is always at a rolling boil.

Step inside Nina Pizza and feel the warm buzz rising around Québec City’s beloved Neapolitan pizzeria. Baked in a wood-fired oven, their authentic pizzas are topped with the finest local ingredients, artisanal charcuterie and Italian cheeses, with vegan and gluten-free options to boot. And who could resist the fresh, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth burrata as a starter? For pizza lovers, this lively, welcoming eatery is truly a must.

Bati Bassac is a journey into the heart of Cambodian cuisine, right in the heart of Saint-Roch. The meals here are colourful and refined, with the authentic flavours and generous portions of a true family-run affair. Be sure to try the kompong cham, a mouthwatering surf-and-turf dish made with Québec lamb, or the amok, a haddock filet in a delicate coconut curry, served in a banana leaf. Between the warm welcome, enticing dishes and exotic aromas, it all makes for a very special meal.

Ouroboros is a restaurant unlike any other, driven by a resolutely plant-based vision that’s deeply connected to the living world. Vegetables from Jardins du Nique are fermented, smoked, reduced and otherwise transformed to reveal their full complexity and brilliance. The menu is ever-evolving and intuitive, with small sharing plates designed to awaken the senses and heighten the pleasure of eating together. Every meal is the product of a passion for serving food that is thoughtful, sustainable and stimulating.

Battuto’s Italian-inspired cuisine is refined, precise, and made entirely in-house. The pasta is simple, essential and sublime, but neither should one neglect the small seasonal dishes, notable for their impeccable execution. Those who are lucky enough to be seated at the bar (a privilege for which one can no longer book in advance) will be treated to a culinary ballet, perhaps even exchanging a few words with the artistic duo behind the grill. It’s an experience as intimate as it is delicious. Reservations open one month in advance.

Named after that most universal of phenomena—the hangover—La Gueule de Bois is an unapologetic purveyor of decadent comfort food. Here, the remedy for a rough morning (or afternoon) is to be found in a carpaccio, a ceviche or a cassoulet. This is the kind of place where people come to get back on their feet or simply dive into the pleasure of an unadulterated feast. A trusted haven for those who need reviving.

Maelstrøm is Québec City’s go-to brunch spot, and not just because brunch is served here every day. The menu is seasonal and features creative, Lebanese-inflected dishes as visually stunning as they are delicious. The many vegan options are particularly popular on weekends. With the laid-back atmosphere and generous portions, every meal at Maelstrøm is an invitation to take it easy. It’s a great way to start the day or simply sit back and enjoy the moment.

Tucked away in Saint-Roch, Bottega is a little slice of Italy beloved for both its imported gourmet products and its comforting Italian fare. Its crispy, generous, New York–style pizza slices are served into the wee hours, making them a favourite with the neighborhood’s night owls. Whether to stock up on quality ingredients or grab a quick, tasty bite, Bottega brings a touch of the dolce vita to everyday life.

Chez Gaston is an ode to Québec comfort food in all its glory: no frills, just honest, soul-satisfying flavors. The retro diner serves my favourite downtown poutine, featuring perfectly golden fries smothered in rich brown gravy. Every bite is full of unfettered love and tradition, with food that’s simple, tasty, and hits the spot. A must for lovers of classic fare done right.

Hidden behind jjacques’ discreet facade lies a small, free-spirited resto-bar where the style is suave and where improvisation reigns. The chalkboard menu changes with the seasons and the chef’s inspiration: zesty carpaccio, grilled market vegetables, ultra-fresh seafood, and a touch of caviar or truffle for good measure. The natural wines are expertly curated, the cocktails are among the city’s best, and the night is never quite what it seems. Dim lighting, unpretentious service, and a vibrant energy as soon as evening sets in.

Honō Izakaya brings the warmth and festive feel of a Japanese tavern to central Saint-Roch. The food is textured, colourful, and plentiful. Every dish is a vision of Japan skillfully adapted to Québec’s terroir. Be sure to try the oh-so-tasty yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal. The cocktails are also impeccably crafted, but it’s the fine selection of imported sakes that steal the show.

Located right next door to sister restaurant Honō Izakaya, Honō Ramen pays tribute to Japan’s iconic noodle dish with artisanal precision and creative flair. Everything is made in-house with a preponderance of local farm ingredients, from the oils and sauces to the noodles and broths. The attention to detail shines through in every heaping, comforting bowl. Special mention goes to the canned cocktails by resident mixologist Julien Vézina, which provide a playful, refined extension of the ramen experience.

Kebec Club Privé is peak finesse—a carefully staged experience in an unexpected setting, with plates of the utmost visual elegance and textures firmly rooted in the local terroir. Every ingredient comes from a network of nearby producers, and each dish is elevated by thoughtful pairings with natural wines from Québec and Canada, along with artisanal spirits. At the helm, Cassandre Osterroth and Pierre-Olivier Pelletier orchestrate the experience from start to finish, greeting, cooking and serving a single table for 12. Eight courses, one emotion: amazement.

Poulet Frit Wong is what happens when crispy fried chicken and bold Asian flavours combine. This colourful, straight-shooting food counter reinvents a down-home classic in signature Wong style, with lip-smacking marinades, extra-crunchy coatings, house-made condiments, and seriously generous portions. Everything here is high on personality and designed to satisfy comfort-food cravings, all without the gluten. The food is funky, flavourful, and totally addictive thanks to a team that never takes itself too seriously—except when it comes to the perfect crunch.