7 Unforgettable Foodie Experiences


Take your taste buds on a mouthwatering culinary journey. Drawing from the flavours of its French and Indigenous roots, Québec City celebrates the richness of life through its cuisine with an avant-garde flair. From festive and vibrant to warm and earthy, Québécois artisans create quality terroir that accentuates the farm-to-table lifestyle found throughout the region.
From the comforts of poutine and tourtière to the richness of foie gras, weekend brunch and sweet maple treats, Québec City is a foodie’s heaven. Here are 7 gourmet experiences not to be missed in Québec City:
- Chez Boulay, André-Olivier Lyra
1Experience the Hearty Embrace of Traditional Cuisine
Begin your culinary journey through Québec City by experiencing the warmth of its people and the hearty richness of traditional Québécois cuisine. Rooted in over 400 years of history, these comforting dishes tell the story of the city itself. Savour a classic tourtière prepared from a century-old recipe. Warm up with a steaming bowl of French onion soup or discover Sagamité, a traditional First Nations dish made with hominy, rendered fat, and root vegetables. For brunch, indulge in wild salmon paired with fresh local berries.
Trace the roots of traditional cuisine with dishes highlighting the authentic taste of First Nations cuisine, followed by the rugged Nordic wilderness of boreal cuisine, the depth of French cuisine and the influence of cozy British dishes.
- Jeff Frenette Photography
2Taste the Flavours of Québec’s Local Products
In Québec City, the connection between farm and table is deeply rooted in its history and culture. Discover the richness of Québec’s terroir through blackcurrant liqueur, berry confitures, award-winning cheeses, and locally cured charcuterie. Meet passionate producers and wander the sunlit aisles of the Grand Marché, the city’s vibrant public market.
Just a short distance from Old Québec lies Île d’Orléans, the beating heart of local terroir and a haven for culinary artisans. Here, chefs and producers work hand in hand—planning, growing, and refining ingredients to craft dishes that embody the essence of Québec cuisine. Spend a day exploring the island, tasting your way through its flavours. Indulge in everything strawberry, apple, and wine, and don’t miss the sweet, crisp delight of ice cider.
- Simon Ferland- Groupe La Tanière
3Elevate Your Palate with Québec City’s Fine Dining
Savour the charm of Québec City’s fine dining, where local flavours meet creative flair. Beyond refined décor and flawless service, the true highlight lies in dishes crafted from exceptional local ingredients. Each plate is a work of art—thoughtfully composed and masterfully executed.
Acclaimed chefs, including those recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, lead these kitchens with creativity and precision, earning the city its place among North America’s premier culinary destinations.
- Arvi
4Indulge in Creative Foods at Neighbourhood Gourmet Restaurants
Step into the vibrant culinary scene of Québec City, where creativity meets bold flavours in neighbourhood gourmet restaurants. Young, visionary chefs are reshaping the city’s food culture—breathing new life into once-overlooked districts with award-winning micro-restaurants. These intimate spots are culinary gems where innovation thrives and reservations are strongly recommended.
- Visites gourmandes de Québec
5Sample the Best of Québec City’s Dining Culture with Food Tours
One of the richest ways to discover Québec City’s vibrant culture is through its cuisine. Book a food tour with a knowledgeable local guide and savour the city’s diverse dining scene—from elegant fine dining to comforting Québécois classics like poutine. These tours showcase the unique local terroir while weaving in fascinating stories from Québec’s history.
Starting with a food tour in Old Québec is ideal, but exploring culinary delights in Saint-Roch or on Île d’Orléans comes highly recommended as well. Whatever the season, a food tour will awaken your senses, delight your palate, and warm your heart.
- Ludovic Gauthier
6Quench Your Thirst With Well-Bodied Craft Beers
Unwind at Québec City’s craft breweries, where passionate brewers obsess over high-quality hops and skillfully incorporate local terroir into their creations. The city’s craft beer scene is flourishing, offering rich, well-bodied microbrews alongside warm, cozy spaces perfect for sharing good times. Spend an evening savoring unique brews, connecting with welcoming locals, and pairing craft beers with gourmet cuisine—a fantastic way to experience Québec City’s nightlife while discovering new flavours.
- Francis Gagnon
7Bewitch your Sweet Tooth with Maple-Coated Delights
A quintessential Québécois experience, maple is used in almost every aspect of Québec’s gastronomy. From maple water to hand-crafted chocolates, sugar, taffy rolled on snow and syrup, maple (particularly maple syrup) is one of the most popular local products in Québec’s traditional cuisine.
In spring, enjoy the tradition and tap your feet to traditional Québécois folk music and warm up with traditional cuisine at a sugar shack. While the tourtière, pea soup and oreilles de crisse will warm the belly, they are significantly better when drizzled with maple syrup made by local artisans.
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Find out why Oneika Raymond, travel journalist, has fallen in love with her gourmet discoveries when visiting Québec City.