Capitale-Nationale

This upscale brasserie, originally from Montreal, made a successful entrance in Quebec City. The space is cosy and elegant, with a welcoming atmosphere that suits friends, couples and celebrations, and a varied menu running from seafood and tartares to comforting dishes and well-executed cocktails. A classic reinvented, in a vibrant and refined setting.

The Bistro St-Malo is a restaurant in the Vieux-Port of Quebec City serving traditional French cooking with Mediterranean influences. Welcoming, warm and convivial, with an eclectic decor. The chef, Philippe, is a character worth getting to know. If you get the chance to ask him how he became the owner of the St-Malo, you'll understand the resilience of this extraordinary man. This is a restaurant you visit and then revisit.

On avenue Cartier, Pub Galway welcomes you into the friendly atmosphere typical of Irish pubs. Beer kegs hung on the walls, comfortable banquettes, stained-glass light fixtures, a central bar and fine woodwork: every element of the decor gives the place its Celtic charm. On the menu: more than 22 kinds of draft beer and cider, along with some fifty varieties of whiskey, and the best fish and chips in town. Sláinte! 

Looking for an original activity that pairs good food, a city walk and meetings with passionate shop owners? The Parcours épicuriens, run by CELEB'Événements, have been an institution in Quebec City for several years now. Led by an epicurean guide, a group of 16 participants makes its way through the city's central neighbourhoods and discovers the craft and the character of passionate local entrepreneurs. Lasting 3 to 4 hours, these tours give you the chance to taste a wide range of bites and alcoholic drinks in a friendly atmosphere, and offer privileged access to the heart and soul of the merchants of this beautiful city. Each tour guarantees a minimum of 6 quality epicurean stops from the list of partners on offer. 

The restaurant offers an immersive fine-dining experience built on the products of Quebec's land and the boreal forest, showcasing local ingredients such as mushrooms, Quebec caviar and wild herbs. La Tanière is set in vaulted cellars dating from 1686, between the St. Lawrence River and Place Royale, a unique setting steeped in history. It is the only restaurant in the province of Quebec to have received two Michelin stars, a rare distinction that underlines the excellence of its culinary experience.

A legendary address on the Grande Allée, l'Atelier is known for its excellent cocktails, expertly assembled by its team of mixologists, and its tasty selection of tapas, tartares and burgers. The decor sets the tone: raw materials, a chic industrial look, a ceiling of Edison bulbs, suspended staircases, all spread over five levels. An experience as much for the eye as for the palate, with a spectacular terrace in summer.

L'Arsenal wins you over with its very fine industrial-looking decor and its European chic. A fine list of cocktails, wines and beers, generous sharing platters and a vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal stop with a group or as a couple. Perfect for marking a special occasion!

The place has a history. At 1195 rue Taillon, in the Saint-Sauveur district, the red brick façade of the former Arsenal Saint-Malo munitions plant has remained practically intact. Inside, on the other hand, the transformation is spectacular: a 220-seat room under a 12-metre ceiling, set off by two giant chandeliers hanging above the central bar. The project, led by Groupe TopResto and estimated at 7 million dollars, opened its doors in the fall of 2023.

In the kitchen, the house banks on Neapolitan pizzas baked in the Italian tradition, meats out of its own smokehouse, grilling over a wood BBQ and several original dishes. The cocktail list is built around the spirits distilled on site — because L'Arsenal is first and foremost a distillery, founded by four travellers. You can in fact take a guided tour, join a cocktail workshop or stop by the Économusée shop.

The atmosphere is festive and the place stays up late: shows, live music and themed nights from Thursday to Saturday, with brunches on weekends. A large terrace rounds it all out in summer.

Two reservations that come up often in the comments and are worth knowing about: the music can be loud in the evening, and the service slows down when the room is full. Worth keeping in mind if you are after a quiet dinner — but for a lively apéro, it is just the thing.

On charming avenue Cartier, this wine bistro carries us straight to the Mediterranean. Behind Petits Creux et Grands Crus are a couple, Kim Colonna and Marie-Pierre Tomasi, and their wish to bring their passion across the Atlantic: his for the grands crus, hers for Corsican-inspired small bites. Charcuterie, cheeses, dishes inspired by Corsica, all of it accompanied by a superb selection of privately imported wines. An intimate and refined address for anyone in love with the Mediterranean table.