Le Patriarche
Set in a decor inspired by its old stone walls. Imbued with a unique architectural cachet, this 1827 heritage home-turned-restaurant has been serving discerning gourmets since 1965.
All restaurants in the Old City will post menus out front in French and in English. Look for the table d'hote specials for a full course fixed price meal. On the cheaper but very satisfying side, have a traditional tourtière québecoise meat pie, or a poutine fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
The café culture is very much a part of Quebec City as in most of Europe. It should be very easy to find a quaint cafe around Marche Champlain, and around the Chateau. Food is fairly expensive in Quebec, and even a simpler café or bar may be costly.
Most Quebec City delicatessens and markets offer a large variety of Quebec cheese from farms in the surrounding countryside. Specialty of the region include brie or camembert style cheeses made with raw milk lait cru, which endows the cheese with superior flavors and textures not usually found in North American cheeses of the same type.
Cochon Dingue
Touristy, but in a good way — the "Crazy Pig" is cavernous but usually packed, with hefty portions from a frequently-changing menu. Lunch specials are good value at $10-15, including starter and coffee.
Haute-ville
Le Petit Coin Latin
Wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff. Serves delicious breakfast for $6.25 starting at 8AM.
Casse-Crepe Breton
Inexpensive crepes, starting at about $5. Usually a long line to enter, due to the fact that the restaurant is rather small. Come early.
Le Saint-Amour
Expensive. The environment is a mish-mash of styles that do not seem to work together. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The French food is well-prepared but probably the most expensive restaurant in Quebec City and you should be aware of this fact. On the other hand, this restaurant is a must for stars visiting Quebec City, Paul McCartney had dinner at the St-Amour in 2008 the night before his concert.
Aux Anciens Canadiens
Specializes in Quebecois cooking, including dishes that feature caribou, buffalo, or wapiti. The table d'hote the local term for prix-fixe, served until 17h45, is quite a good deal at $19.95. Reservations recommended.
Moine Ãchanson
Outside the purlieu of the mechanized tourist cafeterias of the Old Town, this warm restaurant produces high-quality food and drink in small, manageable doses. They have a short but provocative nightly menu, and the food is produced by hand with the loving attention of chefs who care about their craft. Great cellar of organic wines that will surprise you with their depth.
Les Frères de la Côte
Filled with more locals than tourists, this small eatery serves up a good selection of European dishes including their trademark moules mussels.
Le Continental
Warm, cozy environment. Fantastic food--shrimp scampi that melts in your mouth, filet mignon cooked at table side, and other delectable dishes. Expensive but well worth it.
Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard
Good selection of Viennese pastries and gelato. Locals line up to buy inexpensive soups, sandwiches, and pizza.
Samurai Restaurant Japonais
Good Japanese food in a small comfortable setting. Midi-Express lunch starting at $9.95 is a good deal and includes soup or salad, main course, and coffee or dessert. NOW CLOSED :(
L'Elysee Mandarin
Very good to excellent Chinese food served in an elegant setting, echoing a mandarin's Chinese garden. Don't judge the restaurant by its traditional 19th century exterior; it is elegant Chinese inside. Outstanding crispy chicken with ginger.
Pizzeria La Primavera
Pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Expensive and small portions. Surcharge of $3.25 per pizza to cut them into two. 10% service charge added to the bill.