Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Choosing Quebec City food to buy for a picnic or souvenir can be quite enjoyable if you visit the right épicerie or comptoir!
An épicerie is not the same as a corner convenience store (these are called dépanneur) and not quite a grocery store, it’s the glorious in-between. A good épicerie will have Quebec City food by local producers, craft beer, wine, cheese, bread, and some non-perishables. Basically, everything one would need for a picnic!
A comptoir is similar to a lunch counter and often features Quebec City food made with fresh local ingredients. A variety of yummy comfort and gourmet morsels.
here are the best épiceries in old quebec!
trouvailles de jules
Situated next to the artist alley on rue Sainte-Anne, Trouvailles de Quebec is one of the BEST épiceries in Old Quebec City for Quebec terroir. Inside you’ll find shelves lined with everything from artisanal maple syrup to preserves, spice mixtures, teas, wines, charcuterie and pottery. All of which are produced in the province of Quebec.
Perfect spot whether you’re looking for picnic supplies or want to take home from Quebec terroir as souvenirs.
neighbourhood: old quebec city (vieux-québec) • address: 22, rue sainte-anne
chez boulay – comptoir boréal
A small but deliciously awesome spot beside Hôtel Manoir Victoria, comptoir boréal is a café and comptoir. An extension of Chez Boulay restaurant, the Quebec City food found here leans towards boréal cuisine which is mostly wild game, fish, berries and herbs. Order lunch to enjoy here or pick up a prepared meal to go, along with a delicious dessert (if the sugar tart is available, go for it!). Everything is made fresh daily using as many local ingredients as possible.
[UPDATE] Indoor seating is no longer available
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: old quebec city (vieux-québec) • address: 42, côte du palais
épicerie richard
Épicerie Richard is located in upper town close to Fairmont Château Frontenac on rue des Jardins. A decent size, this is one of our favourite épiceries for picnic goodies in Old Quebec City as there is always a small selection of fresh produce, a decent array of non-perishables, charcuterie, cheese, and other snacks. Épicerie Richard is also an SAQ outlet, which means they carry a small number of spirits, along with wine and Quebec craft beer.
neighbourhood: old quebec city (vieux-québec) • address: 42, rue des jardins
épicerie de la rue couillard
Tucked down a quiet street, Épicerie de la Rue Couillard is quite tiny. That being said, they have a selection of good wines and Quebec craft beer, as well as cheese, charcuterie, fancy mustards and jellies. A small comptoir located just inside the door makes delicious sandwiches on fresh baguettes.
neighbourhood: old quebec city (vieux-québec) • address: 27, rue couillard
marché d’emma
Located on rue Sainte-Ursule, across the street from the HI Quebec City hostel, Marché d’Emma is a fabulous épicerie. Due to its close proximity to the hostel, the épicerie owner has done her best to stock everything from frozen meals and Quebec craft beer to fresh produce, and non-perishables such as pasta, sauces, cereals, and more. Fresh baguettes from Paillard are available daily, however, they can sell out quickly. This épicerie is women-owned.
neighbourhood: old quebec city (vieux-québec) • address: 17, rue sainte-ursule
