Quebec is Canada's largest province by area and the only one with French as its sole official language, offering a unique blend of European charm and North American dynamism. From the historic walled city of Quebec City to the cosmopolitan streets of Montreal, and from the dramatic Saguenay Fjord to the peaks of the Laurentian Mountains, Quebec delivers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and cultures. It is a place where centuries of Indigenous and French heritage meet modern innovation, world-class cuisine, and vibrant arts.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Au Pied de Cochon
Chef Martin Picard's legendary temple of excess and Quebec terroir is one of Canada's most celebrated restaurants. The menu is a glorious celebration of foie gras, pork, and maple syrup in unrestrained Quebec style — including the legendary poutine au foie gras. Reservations are essential and often booked weeks ahead.
536 Avenue Duluth Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1A9
Joe Beef
Co-owned by chefs David McMillan and Frederic Morin, Joe Beef is one of Montreal's most influential restaurants — a boisterous, convivial room where exceptional French-Canadian food meets a world-class wine list. Anthony Bourdain famously called it one of his favorite restaurants in the world. The lobster spaghetti and daily chalkboard menu are legendary.
2491 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6
Toqué!
Chef Normand Laprise's Toqué! is the godfather of the Quebec cuisine nouvelle movement that has made Montreal a world culinary capital. This landmark restaurant showcases the finest Quebec producers through a constantly evolving tasting menu. It has held its place among Canada's top restaurants for over 25 years.
900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montreal, QC H2Z 2B2
Laurie Raphael
Chef Daniel Vezina's Laurie Raphael is consistently ranked among Quebec City's finest restaurants, showcasing exceptional Quebec ingredients — including wild game, local fish, and foraged products — through an artistic, technically precise tasting menu. The restaurant moved to the Hotel Pur location and now also offers a Montreal outpost.
117 Rue Dalhousie, Quebec City, QC G1K 9A7
Le Champlain
The flagship restaurant of the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Le Champlain offers elevated French-Quebec cuisine in one of Canada's most stunning dining rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the St. Lawrence River while chefs celebrate Quebec's finest seasonal produce.
1 Rue des Carrieres, Quebec City, QC G1R 4P5
L'Express
An institution since 1980, L'Express is Montreal's most beloved French bistro — a lively, no-reservations brasserie with zinc bar, checkered floors, and a classic French menu that never goes out of style. The steak frites, bone marrow, and fresh oysters have kept regulars coming for decades.
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4
Schwartz's Deli
Open since 1928, Schwartz's is the definitive Montreal smoked meat institution. The hand-spiced, wood-smoked brisket served on rye bread with mustard is a Montreal icon. Expect a line out the door — but it moves fast, and the sandwich is worth every minute of the wait.
3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2W 1X9
Fairmount Bagel
Founded in 1919, Fairmount Bagel is one of the oldest bagel bakeries in Montreal and a pillar of the Mile End neighborhood. Montreal bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood-fired oven — resulting in a sweeter, denser, and smaller product than New York bagels. They are baked fresh around the clock.
74 Rue Fairmount Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2M2
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
French
Liverpool House
The more accessible sibling of the legendary Joe Beef restaurant next door, Liverpool House shares the same inspired cooking philosophy, excellent wine program, and convivial atmosphere. The menu leans toward seafood and lighter preparations while maintaining the bold, seasonal character of its famous neighbor.
2501 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6
Maison Boulud
Daniel Boulud's Montreal outpost inside the legendary Ritz-Carlton Hotel brings his signature French-American elegance to Quebec. The beautiful terrace garden and duck pond make this one of the city's most romantic dining settings, while the menu showcases seasonal Quebec ingredients prepared with French precision.
1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1H6
Le Clocher Penche Bistrot
A beloved neighbourhood bistro in the revitalized Saint-Roch area of Quebec City, Le Clocher Penche serves excellent French bistro fare in a warm, unpretentious setting. The Sunday brunch is particularly popular with locals, and the wine list is thoughtful and fairly priced.
203 Rue Saint-Joseph Est, Quebec City, QC G1K 3A8
L'Initiée
A sophisticated fine dining destination inside Old Quebec City walls, L'Initiée combines Quebec ingredients with French technique to produce polished, creative tasting menus. The intimate dining room with stone walls and candlelight is perfect for romantic occasions.
54 Rue du Palais, Quebec City, QC G1R 4H8
Seafood
Garde Manger
TV chef Chuck Hughes's beloved Old Montreal restaurant is known for its outstanding seafood, lively atmosphere, and outstanding lobster mac and cheese that became famous after Hughes defeated Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. The exposed stone walls, dim lighting, and communal feel make it a Montreal favourite.
408 Rue Saint-Francois-Xavier, Montreal, QC H2Y 2S9
Le Filet
A sophisticated seafood-focused restaurant on Avenue Mont-Royal, Le Filet specializes in precise, Japanese-influenced preparations of the finest Atlantic seafood. The intimate room and counter seating allow diners to watch the kitchen work, and the carefully curated wine and sake selection complements the delicate menu.
219 Avenue Mont-Royal Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2T2
Le Bremner
Chef Chuck Hughes's casual underground snack bar in Old Montreal specializes in small, shareable plates of fresh seafood and creative bites until the early hours. The relaxed, buzzy atmosphere and excellent craft cocktail program make it one of Old Montreal's best late-night spots.
361 Rue Saint-Paul Est, Montreal, QC H2Y 1H6
Contemporary Quebec
Le Mousso
Chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard's avant-garde tasting menu restaurant has quickly become one of Montreal's most exciting dining destinations. Creative, technically brilliant, and deeply rooted in Quebec terroir, Le Mousso's multi-course menu pushes boundaries while celebrating local ingredients.
1023 Ontario Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1P5
Verses Restaurant
Housed inside the beautiful Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal, Verses serves creative contemporary Quebec cuisine in an elegant stone-walled dining room. The seasonal menu champions Quebec producers, and the wine list is exceptional. The outdoor terrace is one of Old Montreal's most romantic spots in summer.
100 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z3
Japanese
Mikado Sushi
One of Quebec's most reliable Japanese restaurant chains, Mikado has been serving high-quality sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes for decades across Montreal and Quebec City. Consistent quality, fair prices, and extensive menus make it a go-to for Japanese food in the province.
368 Avenue Victoria, Westmount, QC H3Z 2N4
Ryu
Montreal's most dedicated ramen shop, Ryu serves painstakingly crafted broths that simmer for over 24 hours. The tonkotsu and shoyu ramen are particularly celebrated, drawing long lineups from Montreal's ramen-obsessed food community.
1406 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1R3
Quebec
La Banquise
The most famous poutinerie in Montreal, La Banquise offers over 30 varieties of poutine around the clock. From the classic (fries, curds, gravy) to wild variations with smoked sausage, bacon, guacamole, or pulled pork, this legendary diner is a Montreal pilgrimage site for food lovers and late-night revelers alike.
994 Rue Rachel Est, Montreal, QC H2J 2J2
Lapin Sauté
Located on the charming Rue du Petit-Champlain in Old Quebec's Lower Town, Lapin Sauté specializes in Quebec rabbit dishes prepared in a dozen different ways, from classic fricassee to contemporary preparations with local mushrooms and herbs. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfectly captures Quebec culinary tradition.
52 Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City, QC G1K 4H3
Bakery
St-Viateur Bagel
The great rival of Fairmount Bagel in the never-ending Montreal bagel debate, St-Viateur has been producing its beloved hand-rolled, wood-oven-baked bagels since 1957. Many Montrealers passionately prefer one over the other — the best approach is to try both and decide for yourself.
263 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Montreal, QC H2V 1Y2
Burgers
Le Chic Shack
The best quick-service spot in Old Quebec City, Le Chic Shack serves elevated burgers, poutine, and soft-serve using local Quebec ingredients. A favourite with both tourists and locals for a tasty, affordable meal in an area where genuine value is rare.
15 Rue du Fort, Quebec City, QC G1R 3Z9
Cafe
Cafe Sardine
One of Montreal's most beloved neighbourhood cafes, Cafe Sardine draws long lines on weekend mornings for its creative, ingredient-driven brunch menu. The rotating seasonal menu, excellent single-origin coffee, and Rosemont neighbourhood charm make it worth the wait.
4270 Rue Boyer, Montreal, QC H2J 3C4
Caribbean
Agrikol
Co-owned by Arcade Fire's Regine Chassagne, Agrikol celebrates Haitian food and rum culture in a vibrant, colorful space. The menu features traditional Haitian dishes like griot (fried pork), pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables), and plantains, paired with an exceptional selection of Haitian rums.
1844 Rue Amherst, Montreal, QC H2L 3L6
Cheese Shop
La Fromagerie du Marche Atwater
Located inside Montreal's beloved Atwater Market, this outstanding cheese shop stocks over 400 varieties of Quebec and imported cheeses. The knowledgeable staff guide visitors through Quebec's rich artisan cheese tradition, with some of North America's finest cheeses produced by small Quebec dairies.
138 Avenue Atwater, Montreal, QC H4C 2G6
Chinese
Cuisine Szechuan
Montreal's Chinatown has an outstanding selection of Chinese restaurants, and Cuisine Szechuan stands out for its authentic fiery Szechuan preparations. Mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and dry-fried green beans pack genuine numbing heat from fresh Szechuan peppercorns.
1013 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2Z 1J5
Craft Beer Bar
Dieu du Ciel!
Quebec's most celebrated craft brewery in taproom form, Dieu du Ciel! produces innovative, award-winning beers and serves hearty pub food in a lively Plateau neighborhood setting. The Peche Mortel imperial stout and Aphrodisiaque cocoa and vanilla stout are legends of the craft beer world.
29 Avenue Laurier Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2N2
Jewish Deli
Wilensky's Light Lunch
Open since 1932, Wilensky's is one of Montreal's most cherished and unchanged institutions. The tiny lunch counter serves one thing: the Wilensky Special, a grilled salami and bologna sandwich pressed on a round roll. The counterperson will not cut it in half. Cash only, and no modifications accepted. A true Montreal legend.
34 Rue Fairmount Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2M2
Nordic
Chez Boulay Bistro Boreal
Co-owned by one of Quebec's most celebrated chefs, Jean-Luc Boulay, this Quebec City landmark champions boreal cuisine — a cooking style celebrating the forests, tundra, and sea of northern Quebec. Expect dishes featuring ingredients like labrador tea, cloudberries, seaweed, and wild mushrooms alongside exceptional Quebec proteins.
1110 Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City, QC G1R 1S4
Poutine
Poutineville
Poutineville lets you design your own customized poutine from a long list of toppings and bases, making it the ideal place to experiment with Quebec's national dish. With multiple Montreal locations, it's accessible and consistently good for a casual Quebec food experience.
1365 Avenue Ontario Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1S1
Quebec Diner
Buffet de l'Antiquaire
A Quebec City institution since 1982, this unpretentious Old Quebec diner serves hearty, traditional Quebec breakfasts and lunches at unbeatable prices. The menu features classics like cretons (spiced pork spread), tourtiere, pea soup, and maple-glazed ham — the authentic Quebec comfort food experience.
95 Rue Saint-Paul, Quebec City, QC G1K 3V8
Specialty Coffee
Cafe Saint-Henri
Montreal's most respected specialty coffee roaster and cafe, Cafe Saint-Henri has multiple locations around the city offering meticulously crafted espresso drinks, pourover coffee, and light cafe food in beautifully designed spaces. Essential for coffee enthusiasts visiting Montreal.
3632 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H4C 1P7
Thai
Thaï Express
A Quebec-born Thai fast-casual chain that has expanded across Canada, Thaï Express serves consistent, affordable Thai classics including pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice across dozens of Montreal locations. Excellent value for a quick, satisfying meal.
1248 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1P6
Traditional Quebec
Aux Anciens Canadiens
Housed in one of Quebec City's oldest houses (Maison Jacquet, built 1675), Aux Anciens Canadiens is the place to experience traditional Quebec cuisine in an authentic heritage setting. The menu features classics like tourtiere, pea soup, sugar pie, and caribou (the traditional drink of wine and spirits), prepared from age-old Quebec recipes.
34 Rue Saint-Louis, Quebec City, QC G1R 3Z1
Vietnamese
Pho Bac
A Montreal institution for Vietnamese pho and banh mi in Montreal's Chinatown district, Pho Bac has been serving steaming bowls of rich broth with rice noodles and fresh herbs for decades. It remains one of the best and most affordable dining options in the downtown core.
1016 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2Z 1J5
Food tours & tastings in Quebec
Eat your way through Quebec with a guide.
Browse food experiences in QuebecWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |