First settled by the Recollects in the early 17th century, Saint-Roch started as a small community with a small church dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs and falsely accused people (among others).
By the first half of the 20th century, Saint-Roch, Quebec City was first, a shipbuilding hub, then the home to manufacturing, retail, and theatre – becoming a popular commercial street in Québec City.
During the last half of the 20th century, many of the middle-class residents were lured to the sparkly new shopping malls and houses in the suburbs, essentially abandoning the neighbourhood of Saint-Roch.
Within a short period of time, the neighbourhood deteriorated and became one of the worst in the city — until the government decided to set a plan in motion to revitalize the neighbourhood, using culture and education as the anchors of their plan.
Today, Saint-Roch (also known as Nouvo Saint-Roch or New Saint-Roch) is a thriving community filled with students, hipsters, and young professionals. Warehouses and old retail spaces have become cafés, breweries, boutiques, and restaurants.
things to see + do in saint-roch
ateliers & saveurs
cooking & wine classes • 830, rue saint-joseph est • 418-380-8167
If you’re a food lover and looking for something different to do, try taking a cooking or cocktail class at Ateliers & Saveurs in Saint-Roch, Quebec City. The classes range in price from $24 to $200 CAD. All classes are taught in French – a true adventure! Wine tastings are $60 CAD if you would like to do a wine and food tasting the cost is $70 CAD.
broue-tours
beer & food tours • 438, rue du parvis • 418-554-1233
Relatively new in Québec City, Broue-Tours offers a craft beer tour in Saint-Roch (as well as a food tour in Old Québec). Their craft beer tour makes stops at three micro-breweries in Saint-Roch, starting with Noctem Artisans Brasseurs (the tour meeting point, address listed above). Discover some of Québec City’s best craft beers. book a tour.
broue-tours embodies the ‘je bois local’ movement in saint-roch
In the cool neighbourhood of Saint-Roch, it’s beer which reigns supreme, and Broue-Tours is spreading the beer love as much as they can.
saint-roch food tour
food tours • 75, boulevard charest est • 418-431-0195
The neighbourhood of Saint-Roch is bursting with delicious food: bistros and micro-restaurants, fromageries, and chocolatiers. Start your Saint-Roch foodie experience with a 3-hour walking tour which includes at least six stops — not all of them are food, there are some opportunities for sipping tea or a cold craft beer along the way. Cost: $50 per adult. book a tour.
église saint-roch
church • 160, rue saint-joseph est
Known as the largest cathedral (church) in Québec City, Église Saint-Roch (it has been built, and rebuilt three times since 1811) is the heart of Nouvo Saint-Roch. Designed by the same architects as the Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (located in Côte-de-Beaupré), the outside of the basilica is Gothic-Revival in style, while the inside is Romanesque-Revival.
ephemeral urban pop-ups
public spaces • rue saint-joseph est
Every summer, ephemeral urban pop-ups appear in several local neighbourhoods in Quebec City. A large space opens up each year in front of Bibliothéque Gabrielle-Roy, a perfect spot to relax and read a book or enjoy lunch outside in the sun. The other pop-up locations, however, change from year to year.
jardin jean-paul-l’allier
park • rue du parvis
A beautiful urban park located on rue du Parvis, near Boulevard Charest, Jardin Saint-Roch features a small waterfall, busts of three Québec painters: René Richard, Alfred Pellan and Horatio Walker; as well as 36 bronze sculptures created André du Bois and architectural firm Côte Leahy Cardas. A lovely spot to relax and enjoy a little fresh air.
food + drink
The neighbourhood of Saint-Roch, Quebec City has a strong food scene: cafés, bistros, micro-restaurants, fromageries, and boucheries. A local neighbourhood (not many tourists venture outside the old city walls), Saint-Roch has everything one could possibly need.
If you’re staying in an apartment rental and plan to cook your own meals, Saint-Roch has épiceries (small food shops), grocery stores, ethnic food shops, fromageries (cheese shops), boulangeries (bakeries), pâtisseries (pastry shops), boucherie (butcher) and more. My favourites of which are listed below.
Saint-Roch is also home to some lovely locally-owned cafés, bistros, and micro-restaurants.
la boîte à pain
bakery • 289, rue saint-joseph est • 418-647-3666
A boulangerie, café, and gourmet sandwich shop, La Boîte à Pain uses organic flours, but no additives or chemicals. On top of delicious artisanal bread and gourmet sandwiches, La Boîte à Pain also makes delightful pastries.
boucherie eumatimi
butcher • 241, rue saint-joseph est • 418-524-4907
Specializing in Black Angus beef, Boucherie Eumatimi sells local products that are hormone and antibiotic-free. Meats include pig, lamb, milk-fed veal, poultry, and waterfowl.
le croquembouche
pâtisserie • 225, rue saint-joseph est • 418-523-9009
A boulangerie and pâtisserie, Le Croquembouche is a go-to spot for delicious pastries and macarons. Freshly baked bread, croissants, and chocolates are also available, and fairly good.
épicerie économique
épicerie • 293, rue saint-joseph est • 418-529-2226
A typical épicerie carrying snacks, canned goods, beer, and more. Most épiceries are corner stores and a little pricier than going to a grocery store. Some will sell burgers or sandwiches as well.
la place depuis 1982
craft beer, wine & quebec terroir • 699, rue saint-joseph est • 418-529-7524
From the outside, this épicerie/tabagie looks rather plain, however, once through the door a world of Quebec craft beer, wine, and gourmet Quebec terroir awaits. The heart and soul of the ‘Je Bois Local’ (I drink local) movement, as well as the community. Customers are also encouraged to bring their own reuseable mugs for coffee or bottles for water.
A true gem in Saint-Roch, Quebec City.
Check out their Instagram feed for some local tips.
cafés + tea rooms
café maelstrom
café • 181, rue saint-vallier est • 418-523-0700
During the day, the café is relaxed and quiet, a perfect spot for getting some work done while enjoying artisanal coffee (hot or cold) or a cup of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). A perfect temporary workspace. In the evening Mælstrøm’s vibe changes as locals arrive to enjoy draft beer or cocktails — some made with cold brew coffee.
café pékoe
café • 433, rue saint-joseph est • 418-522-4888
A café specializing in tea, Café Pékoe also serves coffee, pastries, and Bahn mì style sandwiches — the only thing Vietnamese about them are the pickled carrots and fresh baguette bread. Enjoy a pot of tea while sitting in front of the windows overlooking rue Saint-Joseph Est, or do a little work at a communal table.
la revanche
café-pub • 585, boulevard charest est • 418-263-5389
A funky café-bar with seating on the main level, as well as a loft above, it is easy to walk past La Revanche without noticing it. During the day, the café is quiet and a good place to relax and do a little work. In the evening, La Revanche becomes rowdy as space is filled with those watching sports or playing board games (which are also sold at the café).
les brûleries st-roch
café • 375, rue saint-joseph est
A local café chain, Les Bruleries has several locations within the city, with the Saint-Roch location being the first. Located across from Gabrielle-Roy library, Les Brûleries Saint-Roch has three floors, a wide arrange of coffees from around the world, as well as house blends. The café menu is small but good. A nice place to relax or do a little work.
nektar caféoloque
café • 235, rue saint-joseph est • 418-977-9236
Open since 2009, Nektar is a popular café with digital nomads and students filing almost every table, sipping coffee or tea as they peck away on their laptops. Nektar carries coffee blends from Québec, as well as select blends from around Canada, and serves up yummy teas and pastries as well.
saint-henri micro-torréfacteur
café • 849, rue saint-joseph est • 581-300-7211
A new addition to Québec City, Saint-Henri micro-torréfacteur hails from Montréal and has quickly become a favourite hang-out and workspace among locals in Québec City. The specialty here is coffee (they sell their own roasts), as well as light lunches, and delicious gourmet doughnuts.
restaurants
l’affaire est ketchup
québécois • $$ • 46, rue saint-joseph est • 418-529-9020
One of a handful of micro-restaurants in Quebec City, l’Affaire est Ketchup is a popular spot among locals. The menu changes frequently and each dish is carefully crafted and affordably priced. This is not a place to go if you are rushing through your meal, this is where you come to truly savor your food and the ambiance of the surrounding space.
basti bassac
cambodian • $$ • 125, rue saint-joseph est • 418-522-4567
Known as one of the best restaurants for Cambodian and Thai cuisine in Quebec City. A part of the neighbourhood for 19 years, this family-run restaurant serves incredible traditional Cambodian dishes. Try their Cambodian “KFC” chicken, Amok Cambodian Curry, and papaya salad. Honestly, it’s hard to find a “bad” dish at Bastic.
birra & basta
italian • $$ • 802, rue saint-joseph est • 418-524-1462
Perched on the corner of rue Saint-Joseph Est and rue Monseigneur-Gauvreau. The ambiance is lively and the menu features traditional Italian dishes. Start with some Burrata cheese, and maybe some fig confit and coppa. Antipasti is perfect if you want to sample a few small plates, then perhaps some pizza, pasta, or al forno dishes.
boles et poké
poké bowls • 555, rue saint-joseph est • 581-742-7653
An exciting addition to the Saint-Roch, Quebec City neighbourhood, Bols et Poké is a local favourite. The restaurant is small and bright, and the menu features healthy poké bowls packed with a variety of flavours and textures. Vegan and Vegetarian options are available.
le bureau de poste
resto-bar • $ • 296, rue saint-joseph est • 418-914-6161
A go-to spot in Saint-Roch for those on a tight budget, Le Bureau de Poste is committed to serving $4.95 small plates and affordable cocktails and beers. In summer and autumn, sit on the patio to enjoy a little sunshine and people-watching!
casse-croûte chez gaston
snack bar • $ • 332, rue dorchester • 418-523-0677
Tucked in a quiet corner of Saint-Roch, Chez Gaston is a local favourite for cheap eats. Their poutine is often the food of choice, however, they also serve snacks such as hamburgers and hot dogs. A delicious spot that is open until 4am. Yum!!
le clocher penché
french • $$-$$$ • 203, rue saint-joseph est • 418-640-0597
Owned by brothers Thomas and François Pélissier and chef Mathieu Brisson, Le Clocher Penché is one of the most popular bistros in Saint-Roch. The menu features dishes made with fresh locally sourced ingredients and changes often. Lunch is a prix fixe, while dinner is a little more sophisticated.
la cuisine
italian • $$ • 205, rue saint-vallier est • 418-523-3387
It’s a bistro and a bar, and when the sun goes down and the DJ takes over the entire space has a vibrant kitchen party vibe. The design is retro and the food is homemade, simple and delicious. La Cuisine is like giving yourself a big comforting hug.
deux22
clothing & taco bar • $ • 222, rue saint-joseph est • 581-742-5222
A clothing boutique, a bar, and a Mexican restaurant, Deux22 is a unique business concept in Québec City. Shopping for clothing and eating tacos is the new cool thing to do. Who’s up for some utterly delicious tacos?
fanamanga
japanese • $ • 650, rue saint-joseph est • 418-614-5052
Fanamanga is a Japanese resto-boutique that serves up Onigiri and Bubble Tea. The boutique, which surrounds the eating bar, sells everything from Manga to Korean cosmetics to Japanese knick-knacks. Oh, and they also have a Tokyo style karaoke booth.
jjacques
oysters • $$–$$$ • 341, rue saint-joseph est • 438-732-4445
A new addition to the neighbourhood, JJacques is a chic oyster bar. Sit in a booth along the wall, or at the bar, either choice is good. Seatings are for 2.5 hours, so there is plenty of time to slurp back platters of oysters and drink copious amounts of wine or cocktails, or both!
nina pizza napolitaine
pizza • $-$$ • 410, rue saint-anselme • 581-742-2012
Opened in 2014, Nina Pizza Napolitaine was a hit the moment their first customer took a bit of their pizza. The oven was imported from Sicily, space is bright with lots of seating, and the pizza is the best in the city.
ogari san
japanese chirashi bowls • $–$$$ • 837, rue saint-joseph est • 418-914-189
One of two locations in Quebec City, Ogari San is a small restaurant selling yummy chirashi bowls – not to be confused with poké bowls. A small bowl with 2 toppings is $8.75 CAD, while a bowl with 5 toppings is $19.95 CAD. All bowls come with a base of avocado, cucumber, carrot, daikon, edamame, and green onion.
phil smoked meat
smoked meat • $ • 461, rue saint-joseph est • 418-523-4545
Phil Smoke Meat serves up insanely delicious smoked meat sandwiches, as well as a handful of fairly good pizza and pasta dishes. One should not spend time in Quebec without trying a smoked meat sandwich!
poutineville
poutine • $-$$ • 735, rue saint-joseph est • 581-981-8188
There is no shortage of restaurants serving up poutine in Saint-Roch. Poutineville is a Quebec poutine chain. Choose from a wide variety of gourmet poutines, and make sure you’re hungry as the portions are quite big!
les sales gosses
french • $$ • 620, rue saint-joseph est • 418-522-5501
A trendy-looking French restaurant in the heart of Saint-Roch, Les Sales Gosses is a tasty spot for lunch or dinner. Try the escargot, foie gras with torchon, or the duck. A dessert of Crème Brûlée is always a good idea.
tora-ya ramen
ramen • $ • 75, rue saint-joseph est • tora-yaramen.com • 418-780-1903
A casual little Japanese restaurant serving up delicious gyoza, ramen, and other small plates Tora-Ya Ramen is all about Asian comfort food — and the best part? Everything is homemade.
torii izakaya
japanese • $$ • 771, rue saint-joseph est • 581-981-8674
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Quebec City, as far as we are concerned! The best way to experience Torii Izakaya is to come hungry and order several dishes. Choose dumplings and buns, try the Kata (tempura mussels) or Japan César (whisky salmon gravlax). Their cocktails are also highly recommended.
le voisin
french • $$ • 299, rue saint-joseph est • 581-741-9007
Le Voisin is an incredible bistro. The ambiance is bright and fresh, the staff is friendly, and the menu is extensive. The ratatouille feels like home, and the veal sweetbreads are seasoned with Berber spices.
shopping
Saint-Roch, Quebec City is one of our go-to neighbourhoods for shopping. Why go to a shopping mall when there are so many fabulous locally owned boutiques along rue Saint-Joseph?! Shop for vintage records or furniture, clothing, books, music, toys and more.
benjo
toys • 500, boulevard charest est • 418-640-0001
One of the largest toy stores in Quebec City, Benjo carries thousands of toys. It’s easy to spend a few hours inside, shopping, dreaming, and playing. Even if you’re not in the mood to buy toys, this is always a fun stop while exploring Saint-Roch, Quebec City.
champagne chocolatier
chocolatier • 525, rue saint-joseph est • 418-522-0708
Small boutique chocolatier and pâtisserie, Champagne Chocolatier has been making chocolates for over 15 years. Let’s face it, everyone needs a little chocolate treat when they are out exploring.
déja vu
vintage furniture • 834, rue saint-joseph est • 418-914-2483
A delightful recycled furniture store, Déja Vu is one of the best places for brightly coloured retro furniture pieces (circa 1930-1980) and knick-knacks in Quebec City. New pieces arrive on a regular basis, so it is best to buy a piece you love the moment you see it as it could be gone the following morning.
deux22
clothing & taco bar • 222, rue saint-joseph est • 581-742-5222
A clothing boutique, a bar, and a Mexican restaurant, Deux22 is a unique business concept in Quebec City. Time to do a little shopping and eat a few tacos along the way. Clothing and accessories are hip and trendy. A HOT destination in Saint-Roch, Quebec City in summer.
exo shop
skate shop • 260, rue saint-joseph est • 418-529-9620
A shop specializing in skate gear and clothing for men, women, and youth, EXO also carries CDs and Vinyl. One of the only skate shops to be found in downtown Quebec City!
le knock-out
vintage records & tapes • 832, rue saint-joseph est • 581-742-7625
A funky little record shop close to Café Saint-Henri torrèfacteur, Le Knock-Out is where music lovers go to buy hard to find records, EPs, and cassettes. The shop is small, but there is enough room at the back for a small stage for musical performances by local artists.
nightlife
Saint-Roch, Quebec City is one of the go-to neighbourhoods for craft beer lovers, as well as those who enjoy concerts, indie bands, and Québécois music.
district saint-joseph
nightclub • 240, rue saint-joseph est • 418-717-0240
A popular venue during Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) each summer, District Saint-Joseph now features similar performances every Thursday night. As well as being a live music venue, District offers a menu featuring bourbon and various cuts of smoked and cooked meats.
korrigane brasserie artisanale
microbrewery • $-$$ • 380, rue dorchester • 418-614-0932
A local hotspot in Saint-Roch, Quebec City, La Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale brews half a dozen different beers using ingredients grown in Quebec. This homey brew-pub has two different rooms where you can enjoy beer, dine on delicious comfort food, listen to live music and play games.
la barberie
microbrewery • $-$$ • 310, rue saint-roch • 418-522-4373
Located on the outskirts of Saint-Roch, La Barberie is out of the way for those who do not have a vehicle, or who are unsure of where they are going. That being said, La Barberie is a Quebec institution and worth a visit. Go for a beer while you’re exploring the neighbourhood or spending an evening tasting all of the beers brewed at La Barberie.
london jack
english pub • $-$$ • 505, rue saint-joseph est • 418-694-0688
A new addition to Saint-Roch, London Jack is a lively English pub that is well known for its absolutely delicious fish n’chips – likely the BEST in Quebec City! The pub is cozy with a large bar, union jack flags painted on part of the ceiling and a menu featuring English and French foods. If fish n’chips are not your thing, try the bangers n’mash or Sunday roast.
macfly bar arcade
bar • $ • 422, rue caron • 418-528-7000
This funky bar is home to several old school arcade games and pinball machines. It’s an ideal spot for a fun night of beers, snacks, and maybe challenging your friends to an arcade competition. You’re sure to get better the more you drink. 😉
noctem artisans brasseurs
microbrewery • $-$$ • 438, rue du parvis • 581-742-7979
Noctem serves several beers that are brewed in-house, as well as a small selection of beers crafted at other micro-breweries in Quebec. Similar to La Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale, the menu at Noctem offers delicious comfort foods in petite faim and grosse faim sizes (hungry and bigger hunger).
pub du parvis
sports pub • $ • 481, rue saint-joseph est • 418-524-0812
A pub along rue Saint-Joseph Est which serves your typical pub fare: burgers, fish n’ chips, pizza, pasta, etc. The food is good, but Pub du Parvis is more known as one of the best sports bars in Saint-Roch. They also serve up killer chicken wings.
théâtre la bordée
théâtre • 315, rue saint-joseph est • 418-694-9721
A charming théâtre, La Bordée is home to musical performances, contemporary dramas, and the Quebec City Film Festival. There is always something happening at La Bordée, and while all performances are in French, it is still worth going.
hostels & hotels
While Saint-Roch, Quebec City is not a tourist hot-spot in Quebec City, there are a few wonderful hotels to choose from – especially if you’re looking to escape the crowds!
hôtel du jardin
8.5/10 on booking.com
3-star hotel
363, boulevard charest
418-523-1790
Unassuming from the outside, this hotel is a delightful surprise on the inside. The décor is simple and clean. Rooms are comfortable and include wifi, air conditioning, and breakfast. Public parking is nearby as well. Boulevard Charest may not look like much, but rue Saint-Joseph Est is just a block away (home to bars, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques).
book a room: booking.com
hôtel pur
8.8 on booking.com
4-star hotel
395, rue de la couronne
418-647-2611
Looking for a hotel located in the heart of Saint-Roch, Quebec City? Hotel PUR, Quebec, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is modern-contemporary in style with good-sized rooms, an indoor pool, gym, and restaurant. Parking is available, at a cost. Read my review here.
book a room: booking.com
hôtel le vincent
8.8/10 on booking.com
4-star hotel
295, saint-vallier est
418-523-5000
A beautiful boutique hotel on the edge of Saint-Roch, Le Vincent is an excellent choice for a quiet stay in Quebec City. Many rooms feature exposed brick walls and come equipped with wifi and air conditioning, among other things. On good choice when deciding where to sleep in Quebec City. As an added bonus there is a large public parking lot across the street.
book a room: booking.com
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.