Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on December 20, 2023 by Pamela MacNaughtan
There was a time when finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Quebec City was quite a challenge, but thankfully, we’re getting better. While there are not many restaurants dedicated solely to vegetarianism or veganism, there are quite a few restaurants offering vegetarian and/or vegan dishes.
Quebec City is known for restaurants that are passionate about packing their menus with Quebec products, from locally raised meats, beer, and wines to artisanal cheeses and locally grown vegetables, berries, and herbs. Visiting farmer’s markets like Le Grand Marché, is one way to find locally grown veggies, and vegan ingredients, but food shops like Carotte Joyeuse, La Récolte, Épicerie le Haricot Magique, and Avril are great places to shop as well.
Many restaurants in the city have relationships with local farmers, artisans, and producers; changing their menus often to reflect what is seasonally available.
here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in quebec city
don vegan
If you’re looking for a 100% vegan restaurant in Quebec City, then Don Vegan is the place to go! It’s eclectic and delicious and run by the same group of guys behind La Bûche and Bello (among others). The menu is a cornucopia of cuisines and features dishes like bibimbap, impossible burger, mushroom risotto, etc.
In summer, there is a large outdoor patio. The restaurant is quite popular, and reservations are recommended.
where: 97, rue du sault-au-matelot • old port • 418-694-9994 • donresto.com • mains: $25 – $30 CAD
bistro l’orygine
Bistro L’Orygine is known for its seasonal menus filled with organic locally grown ingredients. Honestly, Chef Sabrina Lemay is brilliant. The 5-course tasting menu is always a good idea, and a vegan version is available on request. The à la carte menu offers a couple of vegan dishes each season as well. This place is one of the best restaurants in Old Quebec!
In summer, the outdoor terrace in the back fills quickly. Reservations are a good idea, especially in summer and autumn.
where: 36, rue saint-pierre • place-royale • 418-872-4386 • lorygine.com • mains: $24 – $34 CAD, tasting men: $85 CAD
la botanistes
Les Botanistes is out near Jean Lesage International Airport, but worth the trip. The restaurant itself is a jungle of plants and cozy seating. The restaurant is by the same family behind gems like Restaurant Saint-Amour and Chez Boulay in Old Quebec.
The menu here changes from time to time and features dishes that are plant-based, with some meat protein as well. Vegetarian dishes are available as well, just ask your server.
where: 2010, avenue jules-verne • champigny • 418-872-7971 • lesbotanistes.ca • mains: $35 – $38 CAD
le chic shack
This is one of the best restaurants in Old Quebec for gourmet burgers, salads, and poutine. The menu offers a burger with a vegan patty, as well as a vegan-friendly salad. Vegetarians will love the fries as well (the signature truffle fries with horseradish aioli are amazing). Milkshakes and chocolat chaud are excellent here, too, and both come with boozy options.
During high season, be prepared the wait in line for a table. There is a small patio in summer and autumn.
where: 15, rue du fort • old quebec • 418-692-1485 • lechicshack.ca • mains: $14 – $19 CAD
bistro 1640
Bistro 1640 has gone through some renovations since the start of the pandemic, and it’s back with a new exciting menu. Vegetarian options include salad, smashburgers, and gourmet pizza, just ask your server for more details. The French onion soup here is quite good as well (here are some others).
During high season, be prepared the wait in line for a table. In summer and autumn, the large patio is the preferred seating and offers a view of Château Frontenac.
where: 20, rue sainte-anne • old quebec • 418-694-9063 • bistro1640.com • mains: $25 – $46 CAD
alphonse cuisine & cocktails
Once home to the Desjardins bank, Alphonse is a fun bistro in Old Quebec, with delicious food and yummy cocktails. It’s close to shopping and artists’ alley, and has a lovely little patio in summer. The penny wall behind the bar is pretty cool. It’s warm and cozy, and great for eating out with friends or alone.
The menu has a couple of vegan and vegetarian dishes available, including avocado hummus, a gourmet vegan hot dog, brussels caesar salad, and more.
where: 19, rue des jardins • old quebec • 418-694-0707 • alphonse.ca • mains: $18 – $21 CAD
colibri
Located out in Cap-Rouge, not far from Les Botanistes, Colibri is a delicious little vegan and vegetarian-focused restaurant. Sustainability is a major part of the restaurant’s mission; walls are painted with organic paint, and lights are recycled.
The menu has a couple of salads and pitas made with chicken, but the majority of the menu is vegan or vegetarian. There are also gluten-free options available.
where: 955, rte jean-gauvin • cap-rouge • 418-871-8414 • restaurantcolibri.ca • mains: $10 – $19 CAD
restaurant apsara
Apsara is one of the best restaurants in Quebec City for Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai food. It’s a family-owned restaurant and an institution. The staff here are amazing as well.
There is a vegetarian menu available, and vegans will find some items that they can enjoy as well. Try the pad thai, curried vegetables, or flower of pailin. The tom yam soup is also a good idea.
where: 71, rue d’auteuil • old quebec • 418-694-0232 • restaurantapsara.com • mains: $16 – $21 CAD
tora-ya ramen
This is the best ramen shop in Quebec City. The owner is a delightful Japanese woman, which makes this place a true gem (many of the Japanese restaurants here are not minority-owned). Sitting at the bar is highly recommended.
The menu offers vegetarian and vegan ramen, there is also miso, and agedashi tofu. This is a popular place, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line.
where: 75, rue saint-joseph est • saint-roch • 418-780-1903 • torayaramen.com • mains: $9 – $16.75 CAD
