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Québec City food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Québec City.
Photo by Surinder Singh on Unsplash
What to eat in Québec City
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Poutine
$7–$15
A beloved Québécois classic featuring french fries and cheese curds topped with a rich brown gravy. It's a hearty, comforting dish that's a must-try for any visitor.
Where to try: The stalls around Rue Saint-Jean and the Grande Allée, particularly in the late-night hours.
Tourtière
$10–$20
A traditional meat pie, often made with pork, beef, or game, seasoned with spices like cinnamon and cloves. This savory pie is a staple during holidays but enjoyed year-round.
Where to try: Traditional diners and bakeries in the Old Town (Vieux-Québec) and the Saint-Roch neighbourhood.
Cretons
$3–$6
A pork spread seasoned with onions, spices, and sometimes apples or maple syrup. It's typically served as a breakfast item, spread on toast.
Where to try: Local bakeries and breakfast spots, especially in the Saint-Sauveur and Montcalm neighbourhoods.
Maple Taffy (Tire sur la neige)
$2–$5
Hot maple syrup poured onto snow to create a chewy, toffee-like candy. It's a quintessential taste of Quebec's sugar shacks and a delightful sweet treat.
Where to try: Sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) outside the city during spring, and at local markets like the Grand Marché de Québec.
Smoked Meat Sandwich
$12–$18
Thinly sliced, cured, and smoked beef brisket, typically served on rye bread with mustard. While Montreal is famous for it, Québec City offers excellent versions.
Where to try: Delicatessens and casual eateries in the Saint-Roch and Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhoods.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec)
Historic charm and upscale dining
Fine diningHistoric ambianceCafes
Saint-Roch
Trendy, bohemian, and vibrant
Casual eateriesCraft beer barsIndependent boutiques
Quartier Petit Champlain
Picturesque and romantic
Artisan shopsCharming cafesScenic views
Grande Allée
Lively and upscale nightlife
Terrace diningCocktail barsPeople-watching
Dietary notes
Traditional Québécois cuisine is quite meat-centric, with dishes like tourtière and cretons featuring prominently. However, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in Saint-Roch and around the Grand Marché de Québec, with many restaurants offering plant-based alternatives or dedicated vegan menus.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars; 15-20% is standard for good service.
- •While many places accept cards, carrying some cash can be useful for smaller vendors or markets.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak tourist season.
- •It's polite to greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with a 'Bonjour' upon entering and 'Merci, au revoir' upon leaving.
Plan the rest of your Québec City trip
Food guides elsewhere