6 Best Restaurants in Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale

Allison Van Rassel

Published on May 30, 2022

A couple drink a coffee next to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, on the terrace of Maison Smith in Place Royale.

Jeff Frenette Photography

No visit to the city is complete without a walk through Petit‑Champlain, a charming little gem tucked into the side of Old Québec with restaurants as unique as the neighbourhood itself. The chefs here specialize in mouthwatering dishes featuring local ingredients and European flavours.

@bistroorygine

@bistroorygine
1
L’Orygine
Set inside a heritage building dating back to 1757, L’Orygine offers a modern approach to food where locally sourced ingredients shine bright. Young chef Sabrina Lemay knows her way around incredibly tasty vegan dishes as much as fish and meat. You’ll tap your feet with pleasure not only to soft rock melodies, but also to the rhythm and harmony of the flavours.
Groupe La Tanière-Simon Ferland
2
Tanière³
Tanière³ has been a pillar of Québec’s food scene since 1977. The restaurant celebrates our vast province, stamping modern Quebec cuisine with its distinctive signature. Located in a heritage building just steps from the magnificent St. Lawrence River and Place Royale, Tanière³ delivers a multisensory experience inspired by the seasons and history of Québec City. A true symbiosis of culinary art and treasured edibles.
- Café Maison Smith
3
Café La Maison Smith
Have a break at La Maison Smith at Place Royale in the heart of the bustling Petit-Champlain. Enjoy a seat on their Parisian-inspired outdoor furniture, sipping on coffee or tea. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to charge your batteries including sandwiches, cake, free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.
@annemafraser
4
Bistrot Le Pape Georges
Le Pape Georges is an institution in the neighbourhood. Set in a historical building, with a fireplace and a long list of wines served by the glass, Le Pape Georges is renowned for its festive musical atmosphere including live shows. Enjoy cheese platters and hearty nachos while mingling with locals looking to have a good time.
@lapinsaute
5
Le Lapin Sauté
It’s not easy for any restaurant to feel local in such a touristy part of town, but the Lapin Sauté has loads of charm. It is cozy, romantic, wicker-laden, and a tiny bit elegant. And the food is delightfully French, with unique rabbit dishes to charm even the most hard-to-please. Go for their famous cassoulets, I recommend the braised rabbit leg, duck sausage and bacon one.
- Terroir Vins et Compagnie
6
Terroir vins et compagnie
The place to be for drinks in the sun. Pull up a seat on the gorgeous patio and sample food and drinks sourced from Québec’s many terroirs. The restaurant’s short menu features local housemade charcuterie, artisanal cheese, foie gras and brioche. Pair that with their fine selection of Québec beer, cider, and spirits and you’re in for a taste sensation.