3 of the Best Restaurants in Old Quebec City

If you know me, you’ll know that one of my favourite things to do on any trip is visiting historical sites. I just love being surrounded by history, and the first time I visited Old Quebec, I fell in love. It’s full of gorgeous views, beautiful morals, cobblestone streets, monuments (that are a bit too colonial for my liking but never mind…), and some of the best restaurants that I’ve ever visited! While I’m sure all the restaurants in Old Quebec City are great, I wanted to highlight my (and my friends’!) 5 favourite Old Quebec restaurants so that you can visit them when you’re in town. These are a bit on the posh side as far as restaurants go, but I think if you can afford to drop in for a glass of wine and an appetizer at the very least, it’s worth trying one of them. I was a poor student when I visited, and I don’t know how but I managed to try a couple of these places!

Aspara

When was the last time you visited a Cambodian restaurant? I’d never seen a Cambodian eatery til Apsara opened, and I’m glad it did. It’s a lovely family-run establishment that specializes in Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, and I loved everything I tried. The place gets busy on weekends, so try to get in early for dinner. The prices are extremely reasonable, and they also offer sharing plates to allow you to try as many things as you can.

Restaurant Legende

Remember how I said Old Quebec was extremely colonial? It makes sense, given the history of the place, but sometimes it can get a bit heavy after staring at your fifth monument celebrating the oppression of Indigenous people. A lighter side of Quebec’s history is definitely it’s culinary journey from the first settlers’ recipes to today’s gastronomic creations, and Restaurant Legende celebrates that. Local produce is used in almost all of the dishes on the menu, and tasting menus are available for dinner. You can get a tasting menu for $79, or opt for a glass of wine and a $15 meal for something significantly more affordable.

Les Trois Garcons

I’m a fan of Les Trois Garcons because of the décor, and because of the delicious menu options they’ve got going on from early in the morning til late at night. The décor is especially interesting, considering it’s very raw and industrial, which is a nice change from all the classic and angular buildings within Old Quebec. These folks make some of the best gourmet burgers I’ve ever had in Quebec, and while my GTA burgers will always come first, these are a close second. There’s something on the menu to suit everyone, though, despite the bistro chic atmosphere of the restaurant, so even if you don’t like burgers you’re sure to enjoy something on the menu.