9 Best French Brasseries and Restaurants in Quebec
When you think of Quebec City, you probably picture historic streets, friendly locals, and chilly winters. But there’s something else that makes this city special: the incredible food. Quebec City is home to some of the best French restaurants that will leave you craving more.
Why so many French restaurants? It’s all about Quebec’s deep ties to France. When French settlers came here long ago, they brought their delicious cuisine with them. Over time, Quebec’s chefs have added their own local twist to these classic dishes.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Quebec City’s top French restaurants. From cozy bistros serving comfort food to elegant spots for special occasions, there’s something for every foodie.
9 Top French Restaurants You Need to Try
Le Lapin Sauté
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Le Lapin Sauté is a cozy bistro in the heart of Old Quebec, known for its rabbit-focused menu and warm, rustic atmosphere. The restaurant feels like dining in a French countryside kitchen, with stone walls and wooden beams adding to the charm. It’s perfect for a casual yet memorable meal.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of rabbit preparations that will make your mouth water. The rabbit confit is a standout, while the maple-glazed meats offer a delightful Canadian twist on French classics.
Location: 52 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H4
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Bistro St-Malo
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7/5)
Bistro St-Malo brings the relaxed vibe of a French bistro to Quebec City, offering a menu that balances classic French cuisine with fresh seafood. The intimate, charming atmosphere makes it ideal for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with friends. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Parisian bistro.
The kitchen excels at seafood dishes, with the bouillabaisse being a particular highlight. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the succulent duck confit, while the steak frites satisfy cravings for a classic bistro favourite.
Location: 75 Rue Saint-Paul, Québec, QC G1K 3V8
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Chez Jules (CLOSED)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
Chez Jules, once located in the heart of Old Quebec, was an authentic French brasserie that offered a warm and inviting dining experience. This beloved Chez Jules restaurant skillfully combined the atmosphere of a Parisian bistro with the charm of Quebec hospitality.
Though now closed, Chez Jules Quebec is fondly remembered for its menu, with the Chez Jules brasserie serving a variety of classic French dishes prepared with a local creative twist. Customers fondly recall the famous French onion soup from the restaurant Chez Jules Quebec, a comforting and delicious treat. The steak frites was another must-try, as were their daily specials, which changed regularly with the seasons. The homemade crêpes at Chez Jules crêperie were a perfect nod to the Breton heritage in Quebec’s cuisine.
The Chez Jules menu will remain etched in the memories of those who enjoyed dining at the brasserie française Chez Jules.
Former address: 24 Rue Sainte-Anne, Quebec, QC G1R 3X3
Le Continental
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Le Continental is a fine dining institution in Quebec City, renowned for its tableside service and classic French cuisine. The restaurant offers an upscale, formal atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for a truly luxurious dining experience. It’s old-world elegance at its finest.
The tableside preparations are the stars here. Watch in awe as the Chateaubriand is carved before your eyes, or enjoy the spectacle of Crêpes Suzette being flambéed at your table.
Location: 26 Rue Saint Louis, Québec, QC G1R 3Y9
Hours: Daily, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Le Clocher Penché
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.8/5)
Le Clocher Penché is a vibrant bistro offering contemporary French cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has an artistic and lively atmosphere, with a constantly evolving seasonal menu that blends modern techniques with French tradition. It’s a perfect spot for foodies who appreciate innovation while maintaining classic roots.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect creative dishes that push boundaries. Past favourites have included a melt-in-your-mouth braised beef cheek and delicately pan-seared scallops.
Location: 203 Rue Saint-Joseph Est, Québec, QC G1K 3B1
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
L’Échaudé
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
L’Échaudé is a well-loved French brasserie in Quebec City, known for its classic dishes and seasonal offerings. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a classic French bistro feel. It’s a long-standing favourite for its consistency, charm, and well-executed French fare.
The kitchen delivers French classics with finesse. The duck confit is a perennial favourite, while the steak tartare showcases the chef’s skill with raw preparations. Save room for the crème brûlée – it’s a perfect end to your meal.
Location: 73 Rue du Sault-au-Matelot, Québec, QC G1K 3Y9
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Le Saint-Amour
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
Le Saint-Amour is a fine dining restaurant that’s a pillar of Quebec’s gastronomic scene, blending tradition and innovation. The restaurant features an elegant and refined atmosphere with art nouveau-inspired decor. It’s the place to go for an unforgettable, luxurious dining experience where culinary artistry meets Quebec’s finest ingredients.
Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite journey. The foie gras here is legendary, prepared in various innovative ways. Seafood lovers should try the delicate lobster ravioli, while the perfectly cooked duck magret showcases the kitchen’s mastery of meat dishes.
Location: 48 Rue Sainte-Ursule, Québec, QC G1R 4E2
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bistro La Cohue
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7/5)
Bistro La Cohue is a French-inspired bistro offering a dynamic, ever-evolving menu with a modern twist on classic French dishes. The restaurant has a contemporary and bustling atmosphere, ideal for a lively dining experience. It’s known for its ability to surprise and delight diners with creative and evolving menu offerings.
The menu here is a playground of flavours. Don’t miss the chance to try their boudin noir – it might change your mind about blood sausage. The ris de veau is another standout, while the ever-changing tartare selections keep regulars coming back for more.
Location: 3440 Chem. des Quatre-Bourgeois, Québec, QC G1W 4T3
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Le Billig
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
Le Billig is a charming crêperie specializing in authentic Breton crêpes and galettes. The restaurant has a casual and welcoming atmosphere with a distinctly French bistro vibe. It’s perfect for a casual yet delightful meal of crêpes and cider, offering a slice of Breton culture in Quebec.
Crêpes take center stage here, with both sweet and savoury options to tantalize your palate. The Crêpes Suzette is a classic done right, while La Cancalaise offers a delightful seafood twist on the traditional galette.
Location: 481 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1P5
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Quebec’s Best French Eateries: Compare Your Options
Restaurant | Website | Food | Price Range |
Le Lapin Sauté | lapinsaute.com | Rabbit-focused dishes, traditional French countryside fare | $$ |
Bistro St-Malo | bistrostmalo.com | Bouillabaisse, duck confit, steak frites | $$-$$$ |
Chez Jules (CLOSED) | – | French onion soup, steak frites, homemade crêpes | $ |
Le Continental | lecontinental.com | High-end French cuisine, tableside service, flambéed dishes | $$$$ |
Le Clocher Penché | clocherpenche.ca | Contemporary French cuisine, seasonal menu | $$-$$$ |
L’Échaudé | echaude.com | Duck confit, steak tartare, classic French brasserie fare | $$-$$$ |
Le Saint-Amour | saint-amour.com | High-end French cuisine, foie gras, lobster ravioli | $$$$ |
Bistro La Cohue | bistrolacohue.com | French bistro fare, seasonal tartares, boudin noir | $$-$$$ |
Le Billig | lebilligqc.com | Authentic Breton crêpes and galettes | $-$$ |
We’ve just taken a tasty trip through some of Quebec City’s best French restaurants. There’s a place for everyone, from fancy spots like Le Saint-Amour to cozy ones like Le Lapin Sauté. Whether you want a classic French meal, something new and exciting, or just a really good crêpe, you’ll find it here.
Remember, eating out is more than just food – it’s about the whole experience. Each restaurant has its own special touch, from the way it looks to how it cooks or mixes French and Canadian flavours. Next time you visit Quebec City, why not try to eat at some of these great places?