Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
In Quebec City women-owned restaurants, cafés, épiceries and boutiques – many of which support women artisans and producers – can be found in almost every neighbourhood.
As a woman, I love to seek out and support women artisans, producers, and business owners within my communities – where I live, on social media, and in my work as a travel and food writer. This post is dedicated to the women in the city/region where I live, Quebec City.
What does “women-owned” mean? In the context of this post, it’s when a restaurant or boutique has a female owner, whether she is the sole proprietor or a co-owner. I’m also including women artisans and producers in the Quebec City region because they’re amazing and deserving of attention as well.
It’s my hope that this list of women-owned businesses will continue to grow over time, and of course, if you have suggestions for what should be included, please comment below or email pam@urbanguidequebec.com.
what do the icons in this post mean?
j’adore / i love
bar/pub/microbrasserie
restaurant
café
dessert
épicerie/food shop
boutique – art, clothing, etc.
sustainable/eco-friendly
here are some of the women-owned cafés, restaurants, bars, épiceries, and boutiques in the quebec city region. more to come!
cafés + restaurants
au petit coin breton
neighbourhood: old quebec • 1029, rue saint-jean • open: daily 8:30am-8:30pm • price: $-$$
This place is kitschy and a tad touristy and, damn, I love it. Au Petit Coin Breton opened its doors in 1963, and is an integral part of the neighbourhood. Tables are snuggly placed throughout the restaurant, and waitresses wear traditional Breton costumes – complete with bonnets.
Crêpes and graintée are the specialities here. Come for a hearty breakfast or come for lunch or dinner and savour Breton. The French onion soup is quite good!
bistro l’orygine
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: place-royale • 36, rue saint-pierre • open: wed-sat 5pm-10pm • price: $$-$$$
Bistro L’Orygine is known for its delicious organic cuisine, cocktails, and outdoor terrace. The menu is considered modern cuisine, and the use of locally sourced produce, as well as meat and fish from sustainable producers, are top priorities here. Try the 5-course tasting menu ($85 per person) or order from the à la carte menu, which is divided into four categories: cold, warm, sharing, and sweet. Each of these categories has a vegan option available.
bleu marine
neighbourhood: old quebec • 50, rue saint-louis • open: thurs-sun 6pm-10pm, sat-sun 10am-2pm • price: $$
Bleu Marine is owned by Yann and Claudine. Yann has cut his teeth in the kitchens of Panache (now Chez Muffy), Saint-Amour, and the Ritz Carlton in Montreal. Claudine is a trained sommelier (level 3 WSET). They met while working at Saint-Amour, and opened Bleu Marine during the pandemic.
The menu here is, well, a surprise. You have a choice between a 3-course ($69 per person) tasting menu or a 5-course ($89 per person). Dishes are made with local seasonally available ingredients and tend to be French in style. Wine pairings are extra. Reservations are recommended.
café félin ma langue aux chats
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: old-port • 307, rue saint-paul • open: daily 10am-8pm
Not far from the train station (Gare du Palais) is this delightful little cat café. Snuggle up on a sofa near the window with a book or work from a low table. Whatever you choose to do, there will be cats wandering around to provide plenty of distractions. Some are playful, others are a little shy and prefer to be admired from a distance. The café has a small food menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
café les cousins
neighbourhood: montcalm • 1029, avenue cartier • open: daily 8am-6pm
Christina Lepagna opened Café Les Cousins in 2008 (originally named Café Picardie). The caé has a small seating area inside and works by local artists hanging on the walls. In summer, the large patio is almost always filled with locals and tourists alike.
While coffee, pastries, and freshly baked baguettes are always a good idea, the true draw here is the quiche, sandwiches, tarts, and cakes. They have a wide selection of Quebec terroir as well. Eat here or grab things for a picnic (or dinner at your accommodations).
chez temporel
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: old-quebec • 25, rue couillard • open: mon-fri 11am-10pm, (until 11pm thurs-fri), sat 10am-11pm, sun 10am-10pm • price: $$
Chez Temporel has been a neighbourhood staple since its opening in 1974. There have been a few owners over the years, however, in 2021, the café known for being a relaxing place to read and enjoy a coffee was purchased by Mélissa Spénard and Louis-Charles Tremblay.
Today, Chez Temporel is more bistro than café, with a French-inspired menu. In summer, there are a couple of tables outside for those looking for fresh air while they eat.
ciccio café
neighbourhood: saint-jean-baptiste • 875, rue de claire-fontaine • open: tues-suna 5pm-10pm, (until 9pm tues & sun) • price: $$-$$$
Rosetta and Chef Bruce opened Ciccio in 1988, feeding locals, tourists, and celebrities (Céline Dion and Lars Ulrich among them). The tables have crisp white tablecloths, and the walls are exposed brick. The service is excellent. An ideal choice for an intimate dinner or a friendly celebration.
The food is classic Italian and so damn good. Try the eggplant parmesan, puff pastry with snails and Pernod, or tortellini with gorgonzola. Classic linguine with garlic and oil is a comforting option as well. Table d’hôte is also available. Arrive hungry. Reservations recommended.
la cuisine
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-roch • 205, rue saint-vallier est• open: mon-fri 11am-1am, (until 3am thurs-fri), sat 2pm-3am, sun 2pm-1am • price: $-$$
La Cuisine is possibly one of the most eclectic restaurants in Quebec City, certainly in the neighbourhood of Saint-Roch. The restaurant feels like a friend’s apartment, and the menu is filled with hearty comfort foods – including French onion soup, pâté chinois (a Quebec shepherd’s pie), and lasagna.
The restaurant is known for its evening events, which include live music performances. A popular spot with neighbourhood locals.
dav café cycliste
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-jean-baptiste • 635, rue saint-jean • open: tues-fri 10am-5pm, sat-sun 5am-8pm
Dav Café is dedicated to cyclists, but you don’t have to be a cyclist to stop by for a coffee. Cyclists, however, will find this café to be a haven. You’ll find all kinds of cycling gear for sale, as well as energy snacks and beverages.
What sets this café apart from other cyclist cafés in the city is its training center. The center has six stations with Tracx Flow Smart training base. You can train alone or with a group. The café offers subscriptions for group training sessions.
le fin gourmet
neighbourhood: saint-sô • 774, rue raoul-jobin • open: tue 11:30am – 3pm, wed-thurs 11:30am – 10pm, fri 11:30am – 11pm, sat 4pm-11pm • price: $$-$$$
A small restaurant tucked into the corner of a building on rue Raoul-Jobin, Le Fin Gourmet is owned by a mother-daughter team. Marina Bhérer opened the restaurant in 1996 and was joined by her daughter, Elsa, in 2018. The menu is centred around Quebec flavours and changes regularly. Making each visit an exciting culinary adventure. Personally, I will never forget their grilled morels in tarragon cream sauce. Miam!
In summer, there is a small outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.
l’immédia resto-pub
neighbourhood: cap-rouge • 1221 rue charles albanel • open: tues-sat 11am-9pm • price: $-$$
L’ImMédia is worth the drive out to the Cap-Rouge neighbourhood. It opened in 1992 under co-owners Louise De Angelis and Yvon Mongrain, and today is run by Louise and her family. The restaurant is spacious with table and bar seating available.
This place is famous for its homemade curly fries, smoked meat sandwiches, and fish and chips. Grilled cheese sandwiches have fun names like the blogger, and just viral. The menu also offers poutines, burgers, and hot dogs.
nina pizza napolitaine
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-roch • 410, rue saint-anselme • open: mon, thurs-sun 11am – 10pm (until 11pm on fri) • price: $$
Nina Pizza Napolitaine has been a local favourite since the day it opened its doors in 2014. The restaurant is white with light wood furniture, and the wood-fired pizza oven is simply stunning. Owners, Penelope and Lucie, interned with a pizzaiolo in NYC. This is truly one of the best pizza restaurants in Quebec City. Naturally, pizza is a must, as is the burrata cheese when it’s available.
There is a second location in Saint-Jean-Baptiste at 764, rue Saint-Jean (open wed-sat 11am-111pm).
le packwood café et boutique
neighbourhood: old port • 152, rue saint-paul • open: daily 9am-5pm
Le Packwood is a charming café and boutique in Old Port. The lunch counter (comptoir) has sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts – some of which are vegetarian or vegan. It’s perfect for grabbing food to enjoy on a picnic. The boutique is filled with handicrafts by Quebec artisans, including candles made by the owner, Stéphanie Packwood. Stop for lunch or to buy Quebec-made souvenirs or both.
le pied bleu
neighbourhood: saint-sô • 181, rue saint-vallier ouest • open: tues-sat 10am-9pm, sun 10am-2pm • price: $$-$$$
Thania Goyette and Louis Bouchard Trudeau opened Le Pied Bleu in 2011. In the beginning, it was a take-out-only charcuterie bar, today, it is one of the best French restaurants in Quebec City. You won’t find crisp white tablecloths here, instead, the vibe is homey and laid back.
Brunch is always a good idea. The lunch and dinner menus are filled with meat, which is fine with me! Try the boudin or keep things light with a fish dish – no pun intended. Finishing off with a cheese board is always a good idea, in my opinion.
restaurant la salsa
minority-owned • neighbourhood: limoilou • 1063, avenue 3e • open: wed 5pm-9:30pm, thurs-sat 11:30am-5:30pm • price: $-$$
If you have a craving for Mexican or Salvadorian food, this is a place to check out. La Salsa opened its doors in 1997 (owner, Zoïla Menjivar, immigrated to Canada in 1987), long before avenue 3e became trendy. The restaurant started in a small space across the street, however, today it has seating for 56 people spread over two floors.
The menu has dishes like yuca frita, papusa, and tacos. There’s also fajitas, and chirimole (omg!). Vegetarian options are available. In summer there is a large patio.
saint-suave librairie + café
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-sô • 440, boulevard charest ouest • open: mon-sat 8am-5pm
Established in 2019, Saint-Suave is a café and bookshop located on a quiet stretch of boulevard Charest ouest. On the walls, you’ll see works by local artists, which can be purchased along with books, and of course, a coffee. The menu has a handful of savoury snacks and sandwiches, as well as a couple of vegan options. The cafe focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Honestly, it’s a lovely spot for relaxing or as a workspace when you need a change of scenery.
soupe et cie
neighbourhood: limoilou • 522, ave 3e • open: tues-sat 11am-9pm • price: $$
A restaurant dedicated to soup? Yes, please! In Limoilou, Soupe et Cie is my go-to for large bowls of earthy soups. The restaurant has exposed brick walls with soup ladles as coat hooks, gold and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and hot pink banquets with a ton of cushions. The menu features 14 soups from around the world. Personally, I love the Mexicaine, and Thaïlandaise. While the soup is the highlight, tacos, tartare, and chocolatey desserts are also quite good.
tintico l’art du café colombien
minority-owned • neighbourhood: saint-sô • 198, rue hermine • open: wed-fri 8:30am – 9pm (until 6pm on wed), sat 9:30am-4:30pm, sun 9:30am-3pm • price: $
A new addition to the Saint-Sô neighbourhood, Tintico is owned by Valentina and Laura Marin, and their cousin Luisa Fernanda. All three women arrived in Quebec as refugees from Colombia, and Saint-Sô is where they first lived. The concept of the café is to offer a taste of Colombian culture in Quebec.
The menu here features traditional Colombian foods like pan de queso and empanadas. The coffee comes from Colombia, mainly from women coffee producers. This café is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood, as well as Quebec City as a whole. I think everyone should go, seriously!
torii izakaya
neighbourhood: saint-roch • 771, rue saint-joseph est • open: tues-fri 11:30am – 10pm, sat 12pm-10pm • price: $$
Located in Saint-Roch, Torii Izakaya is a narrow long restaurant with black walls, cement floors, and neon art. It’s cozy, and practically vibrating when busy. The concept is inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya culture, and the menu of small plates includes kimchi, tsukemono, and karaage. Intermixed with the traditional are versions with a distinctly Quebec twist, such as the canard dumplings made with duck confit, and boudin noir dumplings with apple and prune chutney. When offered, I highly recommend coming here for brunch.
verre pickl’
neighbourhood: sillery • 1314, ave maguire • open: wed-sat 11:30am – 12am • price: $$-$$$
Verre Pickl’ opened its doors on trendy avenue Maguire in Sillery in 2020. The restaurant itself is small but beautiful, with seating for fourteen around communal tables. This is a place for enjoying gourmet food in a shared setting. The menus change regularly. At lunchtime, the menu consists of gourmet sandwiches ($15- $24). The evening menu, however, is a delicious five-course tasting menu ($93 per person). If you have allergies or intolerances, mention them when you make a reservation!
le voisin
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-roch • 299, saint-joseph est • open: wed-sat 5:30pm – 10:30pm • price: $$-$$$
Le Voisin is bright and refreshing, with its exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking rue Saint-Joseph Est. Reserve a table for a quiet meal or choose bar seating and chit-chat with the staff (my favourite thing to do). The staff is friendly, and children are generally welcome.
The food is upscale and unforgettable. Servings are small-medium and the restaurant recommends ordering 3-5 dishes. The menu changes monthly, and usually has vegetarian options.
pâtisseries + sweet spots
catherine méra pâtisserie
neighbourhood: old quebec • 40, côte de la fabrique • open: mon-thurs 12pm – 5pm, fri-sat 11am-9pm, sun 11am-5pm
Catherine Méra pâtisserie is an exciting new sweet spot in Old Quebec – she has a location in Baie Saint-Paul as well. The gelato here is very good, and it’s hard to walk by without stopping to grab some. The cakes, tarts, and macarons are all divine.
There is an impressive collection of artisanal chocolate bars to choose from, including a couple of vegan ones. The on-site épicerie has preserves, compotes, and caramel sauces.
champagne chocolatier
neighbourhood: saint-roch • 525, rue saint-joseph est • open: mon-fri 8am-6pm, sat-sun 11am-6pm
Champagne Chocolatier has been a part of the Saint-Roch community for over 20 years. Owner, Natalie Déchène, and her team create superb chocolates, pastries, and marzipan, often using local ingredients along with world-famous brands such as Valrhona and Cacao Barry.
While it’s possible to shop online, visiting the chocolaterie on rue Saint-Joseph Est is highly recommended. Treat yourself to a box of chocolates, you deserve it!
la folle tablée
neighbourhood: charlesbourg • 8085, boulevard henri-bourassa • open: wed-sun 10am – 9pm
La Folle Tablée has both a brick-and-mortar shop and a shiny pink food truck. In summer, the truck can be found at festivals and various locations throughout the Quebec City region. The shop on boul Henri-Bourassa, however, is open year-round. Yay!
In summer, I am a huge fan of ice cream – even grabbing a unicorn one from time to time. Visit the shop for artisanal donuts and other sweet treats. They also have a small space where they sell Quebec terroir.
gaël vidricaire pâtisseries
neighbourhood: montcalm • 200, rue crémazie ouest • open: thurs 12pm-5pm, fri-sun 10:30am-5pm (until 5:30pm on fri)
Gaël Vidricaire is one of the BEST pâtissière (pastry) chefs in Quebec. Her pâtisserie shop is tucked away on a quiet residential street in Montcalm. It’s one of my favourite places to go for individual cakes and tarts. Everything Gaël creates is delicious, and it is difficult to leave this place without a box filled with sweet treats to share or devour on my own.
Opening hours can be tricky, so check her page on Facebook – she was closed summer of 2022 due to being a judge for season two of Meilleur Pâtissier du Québec.
pâtisserie anna pierrôt cartier
neighbourhood: montcalm • les halles cartier • 1191, avenue cartier • open: daily 9am – 6pm (until 7pm wed-fri)
This pâtisserie is located in Les Halles Cartier near the food court. It opened here in 2000 (the location in Les Halles Ste-Foy opened in 1982). It’s small, with black display cases in an L-shape and a fridge filled with macarons and chocolates.
I’m a big fan of the tarte à la lime and individual pavlova. Buy individual treats or something to share. The chocolates are so so good. You’ll also find croissants and chocolatines.
royaume de la tarte
neighbourhood: saint-sô • 553, boulevard charest ouest • open: mon-fri 7am – 5pm (until 6pm thurs-fri), sat 9am-5pm, sun 10am-4pm
Royaume de la Tarte first opened its doors in 1960 and was purchased in 2018 by Marie-Pierre Simard. This place is an institution in Saint-Sô, and grabbing a few of their pies is always a yummy decision. They have sweet pies like raspberry, strawberry, and lemon, as well as savoury pies like salmon, chicken, and potato (a legendary choice).
Pies aside, you will also find delicious sweet desserts (hello, pouding chômeur and éclairs au chocolat) prêt à manger such as lasagna, macaroni, and meatloaf.
pubs + microbrasseries
brasserie la faucheuse
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-jean-baptiste • 269, rue saint-jean • open: daily, 7pm-3am
Brasserie La Faucheuse is a go-to for craft beer lovers, and those addicted to yummy fried foods. I mean, can you really have one without the other and be happy (probably, but I cannot)? Aside from the beer, you’ll also find classic Nintendo console games, a pool table, foosball, and darts.
Pintsbare $4 each before 10pm, and the kitchen stays open until 3am. Food is classic pub fare, turkey drumsticks, wings, nachos, brisket, etc. They also offer a drive home service.
fou bar
neighbourhood: saint-jean-baptiste • 525, rue saint-jean • open: daily, 2pm – 3am (until 2am sun-mon)
Fou Bar is long and narrow with an exposed stone wall on one side and exposed brick on the other. The worn wooden chairs curved backs and an eclectic mix of art and memorabilia decorate the bar. The bar has been open since 1983, and it looks like it, which is all part of its charm.
This is a popular local hang-out with live music performances and constantly flowing beer. The menu is small and features things like hot dogs and sandwiches.
jules et jim
neighbourhood: montcalm • 1060, avenue cartier • open: daily, 3pm-3am
Jules et Jim has been an institution on avenue Cartier since 1978. The bar/lounge is small and gives off a European vibe. It’s a popular spot with locals, and in summer the terrace is always busy. Special events include karaoke and game nights.
They have cocktails, and a decent scotch collection here, around 22 varieties. The food menu is small, offering sandwiches, a cheese plate, and a European hot dog – which is the most popular item.
korrigane – brasserie artisanale
neighbourhood: saint-roch • 380, rue dorchester • open: mon-sat 11:30am – 12am (until 1am fri-sat)
La Korrigane has been a staple in Quebec City’s craft beer scene since its opening in 2010. They brew seven different beers here – including a black IPA, white wheat beer, oatmeal stout, and a blueberry pale ale (so good!). The beer is brewed in small batches, often with local artisanal ingredients and methods. Sustainability is a big focus here.
There is quite a bit of seating here, and locals often come to hang out and play board games. The menu is delicious, with gourmet burgers, poutine, chicken wings, et al – all made in-house. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
pub des borgia
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: petit-champlain • 12, rue du petit-champlain • open: daily, 11am – 1am
This lively women-owned pub is a sister pub to l’Oncle Antoine in Place-Royale. Snuggled beside the Breakneck Steps, the pub is surprisingly large on the inside. The patio offers up pretty views of the stairs and Petit-Champlain’s popular shopping street. In fact, this is one of the few places that offers patio seating in winter!
The crowd here tends to be on the younger side, and the menu is the same as Pub L’Oncle Antoine.
pub l’oncle antoine
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: place-royale • 29, rue saint-pierre • open: daily, 11am – 1am
The most popular bar in Old Quebec’s lower town, Pub l’Oncle Antoine looks like a cave with its stone walls and curved ceiling. In the mid-18th-century, it was a storeroom for the first women-owned business in Quebec City (New France at the time), and today it’s a women-owned pub.
Order some Quebec craft beer, along with a shot of Sortilège maple whisky. When available, the French onion soup is delicious. The crab cakes, melted brie, and nachos are quite good, too.
chez roger bon temps
neighbourhood: vanier • 552, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel • open: sun-tues 10am-2pm, wed 8am-4pm, thurs-sat 8am-1am (until midnight on thurs)
Chez Roger bon temps is a quirky place inside Fleurs de Lys shopping mall in Vanier, with black walls decorated with plywood, and a corrugated metal bar with a beech wood top. Yes, there are blue steel drum tables on wheels, and banquets made from pick-up truck beds as well.
The food here is prêt à manger style, pre-packaged and sold from display cases at the front. While there are yummy options, the draw here is the bar and live musical performances – which occur every Thursday to Saturday.
épiceries + boutiques
3 poules
neighbourhood: old quebec • 10, côte de la fabrique • open: daily, 10am-5pm
I fell in love with 3 Poules when I visited their shop on Île d’Orléans, so I was thrilled when they opened a shop in Old Quebec’s upper town. The shop is charming and filled with home décor items, old and new. It’s one of the few places where I have to pay attention, otherwise, I will drain my bank account.
You’ll find a mixture of goods here; ceramics, dishes, linens, decorative baubles, wooden window frames, holiday decorations, etc.
article 721
neighbourhood: limoilou • 721, avenue 3e • open: tues-sun 10am-5pm (until 6pm thurs-fri)
Article 721 is a gift shop and fripperie. This eclectic mix of goods is one of the reasons why I love it. Most of the goods here are made by Quebec artists (another reason to love this shop).
Shelves and tables are filled with cards, art prints, books, and accessories. Towards the back, you’ll find earrings and necklaces, along with soaps and lotions. There is a small section with children’s clothing, as well as adult clothing. I cannot resist the vintage glassware when available.
baizenville
neighbourhood: saint-roch • 561, rue saint-joseph est • open: mon-wed 10am-5:30pm, thurs-fri 10am-7pm, sat 10am-5pm, sun 12pm-5pm
In Saint-Roch, Baizenville is known for its collection of trendy clothing and wearable pop culture from LA, Paris, NYC, and Montreal. I mean, where else in Quebec City can you buy a Cheech & Chong trucker hat, a red Batman dress, or Rock Flair socks? Shop for men’s or women’s clothing, as well as funky socks, leather bags, and fun accessories.
Mona Gaumond opened Baizenville in 2010, and hopefully, this delightful shop will be around for at least 12 more years. You can also shop online if you forget to buy something in the store. Ha!
boutique lucia f
neighbourhood: saint-sô • 34, rue saint-joseph ouest • open: wed-sun 12pm-5pm
If you love vintage clothing, then this is one of the best boutiques in Quebec City. Owner, Cheryl Campbell, opened Lucia F in 2009 with an ecological, ethical, and sustainable approach.
Visit the store in person to gush over the clothing inside, or visit the website for some online shopping. There are some truly spectacular pieces available.
coeur de loup
neighbourhood: saint-roch • 41, rue saint-vallier est • open: wed-fri 11am-5pm
Nathalie Jourdain is a talented young fashion designer with an atelier located in a quiet corner of Saint-Roch. At her atelier, you’ll find clothing in sizes XS to XL, all made here in Quebec.
What sets Nathalie apart from other clothing shops in Quebec City is her made-to-measure clothing – body diversity is sexy, my friends. You can visit in person, or send your measurements. The designs are classic and timeless. She also designs swimsuits!
fanamanga
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: saint-roch • 650, rue saint-joseph est • open: mon 11am – 5pm, tues-wed 11am-6:30pm, thurs-fri 11am-7pm, sat 10am-6pm, sun 11am-5:30pm
Located in Saint-Roch, Fanamanga is a shop dedicated to Japanese pop culture. It opened its doors in 2010 on rue du Pont and moved to its current location in 2016. In the beginning, the shop was owned by Jany Rosello and Sonia Génat, however, Jany decided to move on in 2020. While the owners are not Japanese, they did around 3 years of research prior to opening.
You’ll find a small café here with Japanese snacks like taiyaki, as well as bubble tea. The shelves are filled with notebooks, manga, anime, kpop albums, and Japanese candies, drinks, and snacks.
le marché d’emma
neighbourhood: old quebec • 17, rue saint-ursule • open: daily, 8am-11pm
This épicerie looks quite small from the outside, but every nook and cranny inside is packed with non-perishables, frozen foods, and produce. The food shop started small but expanded quickly to meet the demands of the neighbourhood, including the youth hostel across the street. There is an impressive variety of craft beers here, and fresh baguettes from Paillard are available most days. You’ll also find wines, snacks, frozen foods from M&M Meats, etc.
maude épicerie
neighbourhood: maizerets • 1501, chemin de la canardière • open: tues-fri 8am-7:30pm, sat 9am-5pm, sun 9am-3pm
Maude Desrochers épicerie is a scrumptious foodie destination in the neighbourhood of Maizerets. The shelves here are filled with locally sourced products, from fresh foods to wines and produce. While the épicerie is fantastic, the cantine is the true star here.
The menu is filled with delicious gourmet sandwiches, salad, soup, tartine, grilled cheese and more. Reserve a space to dine in or place an order for takeaway. The menu has vegetarian options.
morena épicerie et traiteur
neighbourhood: montcalm • 1040, avenue cartier • open: mon-fri 10am-6pm, sat 9am-5pm, sun 10am-5pm
Morena is an absolute treasure on Avenue Cartier. It’s an Italian épicerie and restaurant, filled with hard-to-find ingredients and foodstuffs, as well as prêt à manger items. The variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar alone is enough reason to come here!
The restaurant portion of this space is closed temporarily, but when it’s open the tous les jours menu has antipasti, crostini, pasta, and 9″ pizzas – all of which are under $16.
quebec images
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: place-royale • 30, rue saint-pierre • open: most days from 11am-5pm, hours vary rest of the year
Located across from Pub L’Oncle Antoine, Quebec Images is a small shop selling art by Quebec artists. Here you’ll find works large and small, as well as postcards, and Quebec-themed puzzles. Nikki, the owner, has an infectious laugh and twinkling eyes, and her staff are absolutely delightful as well. You can also find her at Le Grand Marché.
Hours can vary here after the summer season, so it is best to call ahead (418-692-3072). If you’re worried about not having room in your luggage, don’t be, she will ship your purchases.
la récolte
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • neighbourhood: limoilou • 885, avenue 3e • open: daily, 10am-6:30pm (until 5pm sat-sun)
La Récolte is a bulk grocery shop with a focus on helping the community become more eco-responsible. The process is easy, bring your own clean containers from home or buy reusable jars and bags at the store. You weigh the empty containers, record the weight, then shop and checkout. You can shop online, too.
The shelves are filled with beans, grains, dried mushrooms, spices, snacks, etc. You’ll find Quebec products, organic and vegan foods, as well as personal hygiene, craft beer, and more!
zozo et arty
neighbourhood: saint-sô • 110, saint-vallier ouest • open: tues-sun 10am-6:30pm (until 5pm sat-sun)
C’est tros mimi… Zozo et Arty is a charming little children’s boutique (0-6 years old) in Saint-Sô. There is a focus on ecological products, and they have a selection of good quality secondhand items.
They sell clothing and cloth diapers, baby/children’s toiletries, minimalist toys (wooden and plush), fun prints, and more. The online shop is as full as the brick-and-mortar store.
