10 Best Local Restaurants in Quebec City

Le Bureau de Poste pumps out top-quality pub grub in a cosy, ski lodge-style setting in Quebec City. Treetrunk tabletops and wood panel walls evoke a log cabin-like vibe, and its bargain-basement drink specials attract a lively crowd. You might spot young revellers slamming shots off skis at the bar – don’t come here for a quiet, romantic meal.

Although it’s a drinking hole at heart, Le Bureau de Poste is renowned for its first-rate nosh. The affordable, flat-rate menu features your usual Canadian pub staples – try the bacon poutine and a decadent parfait for dessert. Non-drinkers will appreciate the booze-free, home-style ice tea.

Carnivorous trendsetters flock to Les Trois Garçons for its brilliant gourmet burgers. Low-key lighting and exposed stone brick walls create a hip, industrial-chic scene. It’s like a New York-slash-Parisian-style bistro. Warm, friendly service and a broad range of artisanal beers (or house-roasted Javanese beans) make it a pleasant spot to linger.

The towering Canadian-style burgers are the menu item of choice, topped with anything from blue cheese to onion rings and maple syrup drizzled bacon. Starving? The Inter-travailleur burger is a monster. Less indulgent options include the salmon tartare or cheese curd poutine.

Poutineville is an acclaimed Canadian chain serving the finest, fine-cut potatoes in Quebec City. If you hadn’t figured it out, the establishment specialises in poutine, a hearty dish of potato chips smothered in cheese, meats, and sauce. While the franchise rose to fame in Montreal, this Quebec City branch has become a comfort food favourite for the locals.

Poutineville’s popularity stems from its innovative approach. Rather than picking a pre-defined meal, you build your own poutine creation from a list of about 40 ingredients. Premium meats, quality Quebec cheese curds, plus multiple potato and sauce options let your imagination run wild.

L’Antiquaire Buffet is a Lower Town institution popular for its hearty home-style dishes and rock-bottom prices. The no-frills restaurant resides in the lively antique district, making it a top spot to refuel on a vintage shopping spree. Grab a seat on the sidewalk terrace (summer only) to watch other shoppers haul their treasures home.

You’ll find most of your filling Quebecois favourites on the menu. One especially satiating option is the cipaille, a traditional deep-dish pie packed full of poultry or premium meat. If you can still squeeze in dessert, the homemade crepes or sugar pie will hit the spot.

Le Casse-Crêpe Breton is your one-stop-shop for authentic Quebecois-style crepes. The homely Old Town restaurant serves a smorgasbord of tasty pancake-like creations in a warm and friendly locale. Quick service and reasonable prices make this a tempting pitstop for travellers exploring the city’s historic heart.

From breakfast until supper, customers can choose the flavours to suit their mood. Sweet tooth creations include fresh blueberries, strawberries, chocolate and cream. Fancy something savoury? Try the Swiss cheese, mushroom, and asparagus crepe instead. There’s a solid selection of beer on tap, local wine, espresso coffee, and fresh juice to wash down your meal.

Phil Smoked Meat serves an eclectic ensemble of subs, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and poutine, all made from the proprietor’s signature smoked meats. The snug, home-style restaurant is a throwback to the diners of old, complete with a cosy tiled bar and cushy leather booths.

Phil’s tangy homemade sauces add extra oomph to his slow-smoked treats. And while beef is the central ingredient in most dishes, there’s a decent range of vegetarian options, too – most notably the sandwiches. Want to replicate the taste at home? Order some smoked meat to go by the pound.

Hit Bistro La Cohue to sample refined Quebecois cuisine in Quebec City at reasonable prices. Located in a strip mall, this casual bistro-style restaurant offers a warm yet unpretentious atmosphere and top-notch dishes.

Menu highlights include the slow-cooked bisque, the flame-grilled halibut, and their delectable black pudding. Save some room for dessert because La Cohue serves a great crème brûlée. The sugar-laden parfait is satisfying too. Amicable service and an excellent wine list add to Bistro La Cohue’s appeal.

Bistro Hortus does fabulous farm-to-table fare in a classy yet casual setting. The chic, contemporary restaurant adheres to a strict eco-friendly ethos, sourcing much of its produce from the upstairs veggie garden. The rest comes from local producers. The team even maintains a rooftop beehive to pollinate crops and replenish dwindling populations.

The culinary team creates a healthy, balanced menu from traditional French recipes with a modern twist. Their roasted chicken dishes are among the must-tries, and there’s a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. The vegetable stirfry goes down a treat, complete with curd cheese, pearled barley, and black garlic gravy.

Beclub Bistro Bar is a lovely venue in Quebec City’s Old Town with hearty dishes as its hallmark. Constructed in 1827, the stone brick building still retains its original old-world charm, making it an atmospheric place to eat for travellers exploring the historic quarter. Warm service and a cosy vibe enhance the homely atmosphere.

Every menu item has been handmade in-house using fresh seasonal produce sourced from local producers. The smoked meats here are superb, especially the wild boar – an exotic Quebecois delicacy. Let the trained sommelier pair the perfect drop from a wine list spanning some 200 varieties.

Cuisine du Marché means “market-fresh cuisine” in English, and this stellar meat-loving venue doesn’t disappoint. The owners source their uber-tender beef and produce straight from local farmers, ensuring each dish is truly fresh. If you can’t make it to the reasonably priced restaurant (it’s across the bridge in Levis), keep an eye out for the mobile food truck.

Pulled Wagyu beef is the house speciality – each delectable morsel comes cooked to perfection. Other must-try carnivorous cuts include the sirloin or flank steak. If red meat isn’t your thing, you can try the scallops or lobster.