The best restaurants Quebec

Timetable

There's no schedule more variable than the restaurant business. Not only do they vary according to the season, but they also change several times during the same season. Restaurants in the big cities tend to have relatively fixed hours all year round, while in the regions, some establishments even close their doors out of season. And, as everywhere else, weekends and public holidays are synonymous with big crowds, especially for the famous brunch served until 2 or 3 pm. It's also worth noting that Quebecers eat earlier than Europeans. As a result, kitchen opening hours are not very late, except for pub-style restaurants.

Budget & Tips

You can easily eat on the go for less than CAN$20. Expect to pay at least CAN$20-25 for lunch and at least CAN$30-40 for dinner (main course before tax and tip). The menu du jour at lunchtime and the table d'hôte in the evening offer some savings, and include starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAN, or even more, and a wine pairing is offered as an extra.

All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

In Quebec, you can also take home the rest of your meal, or bring your own bottle of wine - or beer - to the restaurant. The "bring your own wine" concept is quite widespread, especially as there is no corkage fee to pay.

What costs extra

As a general rule, menu prices are always exclusive of tax. Not only do you have to add the taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge. To find out what you're paying, you have to add almost 30%!

The local way

Eating poutine at 3 a.m., just outside a bar or after a night out with friends at home. In big cities, there's almost always a late-night snack bar to satisfy your craving.

Reserve a large table at a sugar shack in the spring, and feast until you're blue in the face.

Get used to the often gigantic North American-styleportions, especially in pubs and sports breweries.

To be avoided

Just because we're in America doesn't mean we have to do what Americans do! So please, avoid the big fast-food chains and opt for local restaurants to savour Quebec.

Kids

Your little ones are welcome in most restaurants, with the exception of sections where a bar license applies. Booster chairs are often available, and many restaurants offer a menu specially concocted for little ones.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and on their terraces. Smoking must also take place within 9 meters of the restaurant door, although some do not respect this distance.

Tourist traps

In neighborhoods popular with visitors, take the time to compare restaurants and menus, as many tend to boost their prices to take advantage of the tourist windfall.