A fine-dining address in Old Quebec opened in July 2017, the fruit of four partners' creativity — Blaise Fortier, Simon Jobin, Nikolas Couture and Jean Deschênes. Housed inside the Hôtel Port-Royal right in the heart of the Old Port, it offers, at affordable prices, flavourful and generous cooking, relaxed service and one of the best selections of private-import wines, cocktails and beers in Quebec City. The decor — leather, wood, gold everywhere and accents of black — is the work of the firm LemayMichaud and won the prize for the most beautiful restaurant in Quebec at the Grands Prix du Design. In summer, a large sunny terrace rounds out the experience.
A nice coincidence hides behind the name. The restaurant is named for Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, born in 1848 — the very year the building that houses it was built. And the address? 48, rue Saint-Paul. Forty-eight, three times over.
The house splits into two distinct moods: on the Taverne side, you sit down to a full meal; on the wine bar side, you enjoy small plates, oysters, charcuterie, house-made pasta and risottos in a more convivial setting. The dining room seats 80, a dozen of those at the bar, and the terrace adds 60 more.
As for the famous chef's table, it can be reserved for groups of 10 people or fewer, right inside the Taverne's kitchen. It's named for chef Nikolas Couture, who has passed through several of Quebec City's great houses, including Le Saint-Amour and Toast.
We tried the La tablée des chefs experience, where you're seated in the kitchen with the chef. We were a little disappointed by the value for money. Although chef Étienne was very friendly, he also had the other diners to cook for. Being so close to the ovens meant we got very hot, even though it was November.
On the menu:
-Foie gras
-Cured meat
-Vegetable soup
-Beef rib eye with vegetables
-Tiramisu
Two bottles, one red and one white.
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