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
Au Pied de Cochon
Joe Beef
Le Champlain
L'Express
Liverpool House
Maison Boulud
Le Clocher Penche Bistrot
L'Initiée
Contemporary Quebec
Toqué!
Laurie Raphael
Le Mousso
Verses Restaurant
Seafood
Garde Manger
Le Filet
Le Bremner
Bakery
Fairmount Bagel
St-Viateur Bagel
Japanese
Mikado Sushi
Ryu
Jewish Deli
Schwartz's Deli
Wilensky's Light Lunch
Quebec
La Banquise
Lapin Sauté
Burgers
Le Chic Shack
Cafe
Cafe Sardine
Caribbean
Agrikol
Cheese Shop
La Fromagerie du Marche Atwater
Chinese
Cuisine Szechuan
Craft Beer Bar
Dieu du Ciel!
Nordic
Chez Boulay Bistro Boreal
Poutine
Poutineville
Quebec Diner
Buffet de l'Antiquaire
Specialty Coffee
Cafe Saint-Henri
Thai
Thaï Express
Traditional Quebec
Aux Anciens Canadiens
Vietnamese
Pho Bac
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. |