Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by Pamela
What are the best restaurants in Old Quebec City in 2022? While some restaurants have shuttered their doors due to the pandemic, many have managed to stay open, and there have been a few additions to the Historic District of Old Quebec as well. So, if you’re exploring Old Quebec and have hunger pains, where should you eat?!
There is not a shortage of restaurants in Old Quebec, but not every restaurant is one that I would personally recommend. That being said, there is generally something for everyone, including a couple of kitschy tourist trap-type restaurants – and if that’s your jam, go with God and enjoy, my friend.
what is the historic district of old quebec?
The Historic District of Old Quebec is comprised of three neighbourhoods: Haute-Ville (Upper Town) which is located on the top of the cliff (Cap Diamant), Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale (Basse-Ville / Lower Town) which is located below the cliff and steps from the Saint-Lawrence River. Declared a Quebec heritage site in 1963, this area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Each of the restaurants listed below can be found in one of these three neighbourhoods.
here are the restaurants in old quebec city that i personally recommend in 2022
** All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to change.
le clan
This new fine dining restaurant opened its doors in Sep 2021 and is run by famed chef, Stéphane Modat (formerly the chef at Château Frontenac’s Champlain restaurant). The restaurant is small and intimate. Choose from a 4-course or 6-course tasting menu that features Québec cuisine made with ingredients that are indigenous to the province. Dining at Le Clan is truly an experience, and I highly recommend going for the 6-course tasting menu with wine pairing.
price: Tasting menus $69 – $99
address: 44, rue des jardins • restaurantleclan.com • 418-692-0333 • reservations required
le saint-amour
Known as one of the most romantic restaurants in Old Quebec City, Le Saint-Amour is located on the quiet street of rue Sainte-Ursule. A local favourite for the past 40 years, the menu at Le Saint-Amour is French and utilizes locally grown ingredients whenever possible. Lunch is a perfect time to dine, as the garden terrace fills with light. An ideal spot for a truly unforgettable meal. Vegetarian options are available.
prices: Mains are $18 – $50
address: 48, rue sainte-ursule • saint-amour.com • 418-694-0667 • reservations recommended
bo cuisine d’asie
Just outside the Saint-Jean Gate on rue Saint-Jean, BŌ cuisine d’Asie is a beautiful new restaurant that opened in 2021. Tied to the Le Diamant performing arts theatre, this restaurant is a serene escape. The menu is inspired by Asian cuisines in the monsoon regions and blended with Québec flavours. This marriage, of sorts, creates some rather yummy dishes. I’m a big fan of the Kou Rou (pork belly with puréed carrot and ginger), and Kaoya (Lac Brome lacquered duck). Order à la carte or choose the chef’s tasting menu.
price range: mains are $30 – $45
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • address: 954, rue saint-jean • bocuisinedasie.com • 418-694-1199 • reservations recommended
le chic shack
Famous for its gourmet poutines and burgers, Le Chic Shack is perched across the street from Fairmont Château Frontenac. In the height of summer, a line generally forms out the door, but if you show up just after they open or after 1 pm, you should be good. Burgers are plump and juicy, and the poutine servings are quite large, so make sure you’re hungry if you plan to order both! If you’re not a fan of poutine (Gasp, is that even possible?!), try their sweet potato or truffle fries. Both are delicious!
A vegetarian burger is available, however, it does contain pumpkin seeds. Gluten-free buns are available on request.
price: Burgers and poutines are $12 – $14.
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • address: 15, rue du fort • lechicshack.ca/en • 418-692-1485
alphonse cuisine & cocktails
A new addition to Old Québec, Alphonse cuisine & cocktails has opened up where the Desjardins bank once stood on rue des Jardins and rue Sainte-Anne. It’s a bright and open space, with contemporary décor, and a lovely outdoor patio in the summertime. A popular spot in the high season. Go for lunch, dinner, or a couple of cocktails. The menu offers dishes like burrata with roasted peppers and onion, brussel sprout caesar salad, steak frites, and carbonara pasta. There is generally a vegan dish offered as well. Portions are a decent size.
price range: Mains $18 – $32
address: 19, rue des jardins • alphonse.ca • 418-694-0707
la bûche
Located on rue Saint-Louis, close to Château Frontenac, La Bûche is a Québécois restaurant with an urban sugar shack vibe. The décor is wood, everywhere, with gingham accents, furs, old wooden sleighs, and more. One of the few restaurants in Old Quebec City which can accommodate large groups, La Bûche is far from being a tourist trap. If you are a lover of French onion soup, their non-traditional onion soup is probably the best in Old Quebec City (and well worth the $16 price tag). The menu also features dishes such as poutine, tourtière, salmon tartare, foie gras, and gourmet mac n’ cheese (among other things)
price: Mains are $16 – $34, Brunch dishes are $16 – $26
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • address: 49, rue saint-louis • restolabuche.com • 418-694-7272
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quebec city hotel recommendations
The hotels listed below are my current favourites. I have stayed in each of these properties and often recommend them to out-of-town friends and family. This list will change over time as I make my rounds through the various accommodations in Quebec City.
