In order of recommendation...... (so depending on how long you are in town start at the top and work your way down)
Restaurant La Buche
If you only have a day in Quebec City, this restaurant is an ABSOLUTE MUST!
Wow! It's been weeks but we still can't stop thinking about what we ate here. In fact over our 4 mths in QC, we went 5 times, taking all our visiting friends.
Boosting an amazing selection of traditional Quebecois food, this place is a party for your taste buds.
We highly recommend the deer tartare or "tartate de cerf" (go the main, the entree was just not enough!), the tourtier meat pie (the traditional Quebec meat pie) and the bison sandwich (who knew a sandwich could be so good).
Bookings are a must if you don't want to queue, but they leave tables for walk ins.
Restaurant La Buche
@kidsandcarryon
Wow! It's been weeks but we still can't stop thinking about what we ate here. In fact over our 4 mths in QC, we went 5 times, taking all our visiting friends.
Boosting an amazing selection of traditional Quebecois food, this place is a party for your taste buds.
We highly recommend the deer tartare or "tartate de cerf" (go the main, the entree was just not enough!), the tourtier meat pie (the traditional Quebec meat pie) and the bison sandwich (who knew a sandwich could be so good).
Bookings are a must if you don't want to queue, but they leave tables for walk ins.
Kids menu available
Details
Restaurant Sagamite
Serving traditional Huron-Wendake food (the indigenous people of Quebec), this restaurant provides the opportunity to sample native Canadian animals such as deer, elk, bison and caribou.
Restaurant Sagamité
@kidsandcarryon
If you're keen to sample a few native Canadian animals, such as deer, elk, bison and caribou, then this restaurant is a must.
Serving native Huron-Wendake cuisine.
We had the Three Plume Gantry which they serve on kebabs and set alight at your table. The chef's special was bison today which earned the chef's kiss. We ate at their Wendake venue which requires a car, but the same menu is available in the city.
Includes a kids menu
Details
Restaurant Sagamité
@kidsandcarryon
If you're keen to sample a few native Canadian animals, such as deer, elk, bison and caribou, then this restaurant is a must.
Serving native Huron-Wendake cuisine.
We had the Three Plume Gantry which they serve on kebabs and set alight at your table. The chef's special was bison today which earned the chef's kiss. We ate at their Wendake venue which requires a car, but the same menu is available in the Old City.
Includes a kids menu
Details
Phil Smoked Meat
If you've heard the rumours about the Quebec smoked meat sandwiches and are keen to try one, then this is the place.
O.
M.
G.
AHHHHHmazing!
You can even choose the fattiness of your meat the type of mustard and cheese so these sandwiches are bound to be a winner for everyone.
Packed each work day with the Quebecoise you know it's a local favourite too.
We enjoyed the "classic" and they even had baby classics for the kids which was the perfect size.
Phil Smoked Meat
@kidsandcarryon
If you've heard the rumours about the Quebec smoked meat sandwiches and are keen to try one, then this is the place.
O.
M.
G.
AHHHHHmazing!
You can even choose the fattiness of your meat the type of mustard and cheese so these sandwiches are bound to be a winner for everyone.
Packed each work day with the Quebecoise you know it's a local favourite too.
We enjoyed the "classic" and they even had baby classics for the kids which was the perfect size.
Details
Chocolaterie de I'lle d'Orleans
Is this the best ice cream you'll ever eat?
This ice cream! Wow.
So first you choose your ice cream soft serve flavour. Now don't get snobby about the fact it's a soft serve, it's worth it. They have vanilla and chocolate from memory.
Then you need to choose your chocolate... They have milk and dark, salted caramel, butterscotch and maple.
They dunk the soft serve into the chocolate several times and the layer of chocolate that hardens is so think and incredible.
We recommend getting the small unless you're making a meal of this, as the small is already twice the size of a McDonalds soft serve. The large is ginormous! Check out our Instagram to see us conquering the small (@kidsandcarryon).
This place gets very busy from 2pm so aim to arrive before then to ensure a car park.
They also have a chocolate shop with everything you can think of in chocolate form. This is a great place for gifts.
Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orleans
@kidsandcarryon
This ice cream! Wow. I think I can honestly say it's the best of my life. I will never forget that chocolate crunch.
So first you choose your ice cream soft serve flavour. Now don't get snobby about the fact it's a soft serve, it's worth it. They have vanilla and chocolate from memory.
Then you need to choose your chocolate... They have milk and dark, salted caramel, butterscotch and maple.
They dunk the soft serve into the chocolate several times and the layer of chocolate that hardens is so think and incredible.
We recommend getting the small unless you're making a meal of this, as the small is already twice the size of a McDonalds soft serve. The large is ginormous! Check out our Instagram to see us conquering the small (@kidsandcarryon).
This place gets very busy from 2pm so aim to arrive before then to ensure a car park.
They also have a chocolate shop with everything you can think of in chocolate form. This is a great place for gifts.
Details
Chocolats Favoris
This is only *just* second to the Chocolaterie de I'lle d'Orleans. This is a chain of chocolate cafes which offer a variety of chocolate delicacies including the incredible chocolate soft serve ice cream. They also offer a wider variety of chocolate dipping options.
However, I personally found the chocolate at Chocolaterie de I'lle d'Orleans marginally better. But it all comes down to personal preference.
These cafes are much easier to get to than the I'lle d'Orleans.
Chocolats Favoris
@kidsandcarryon
So first you choose your ice cream soft serve flavour. Now don't get snobby about the fact it's a soft serve, it's worth it. They have vanilla and chocolate from memory.
Then you need to choose your chocolate... They have milk and dark, salted caramel, butterscotch and maple.
They dunk the soft serve into the chocolate several times and the layer of chocolate that hardens is so think and incredible.
Then, you can add all kinds of toppings such as nuts! You can even get chocolate inside the bottom of the cone for a grand finale!
We recommend getting the small unless you're making a meal of this, as the small is already twice the size of a McDonalds soft serve. The large is ginormous! Check out our Instagram to see us conquering the small (@kidsandcarryon).
For kids, even the mini is probably more sugar than you want them eating so next time I'd go the 'bebe' (even for our 6 yr old).
They also have a chocolate shop with everything you can think of in chocolate form. This is a great place for gifts.
Details
Chocolats Favoris
@kidsandcarryon
So first you choose your ice cream soft serve flavour. Now don't get snobby about the fact it's a soft serve, it's worth it. They have vanilla and chocolate from memory.
Then you need to choose your chocolate... They have milk and dark, salted caramel, butterscotch and maple.
They dunk the soft serve into the chocolate several times and the layer of chocolate that hardens is so think and incredible.
Then, you can add all kinds of toppings such as nuts! You can even get chocolate inside the bottom of the cone for a grand finale!
We recommend getting the small unless you're making a meal of this, as the small is already twice the size of a McDonalds soft serve. The large is ginormous! Check out our Instagram to see us conquering the small (@kidsandcarryon).
For kids, even the mini is probably more sugar than you want them eating so next time I'd go the 'bebe' (even for our 6 yr old).
They also have a chocolate shop with everything you can think of in chocolate form. This is a great place for gifts.
Details
Chocolats Favoris
@kidsandcarryon
So first you choose your ice cream soft serve flavour. Now don't get snobby about the fact it's a soft serve, it's worth it. They have vanilla and chocolate from memory.
Then you need to choose your chocolate... They have milk and dark, salted caramel, butterscotch and maple.
They dunk the soft serve into the chocolate several times and the layer of chocolate that hardens is so think and incredible.
Then, you can add all kinds of toppings such as nuts! You can even get chocolate inside the bottom of the cone for a grand finale!
We recommend getting the small unless you're making a meal of this, as the small is already twice the size of a McDonalds soft serve. The large is ginormous! Check out our Instagram to see us conquering the small (@kidsandcarryon).
For kids, even the mini is probably more sugar than you want them eating so next time I'd go the 'bebe' (even for our 6 yr old).
They also have a chocolate shop with everything you can think of in chocolate form. This is a great place for gifts.
Details
Cafe La Maison Smith Notre-Dame
The coffee here was delicious (and that's coming from a snobby Australian) and the pastries were fresh too but it's the venue that elevates this cafe to this rank of our foodie list. There are a number of Cafe La Maison Smith in Quebec City but this one is located in historical Place Royle in the Old City.
Allow an hour to sit and people watch in this traditional French quarter of QC and follow it up with a wander around the Old City. It's also great if travelling with kids you can play in the old market square while you can finally drink your coffee hot.
HOT TIP: if you are visiting for a few days, check to see when the cruise ships are docked and plan your Old City wander for that day. This will avoid the crowds for better vibes and photos.
Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame
@kidsandcarryon
The coffee here was delicious (and that's coming from a snobby Australian) and the pastries were fresh too but it's the venue that elevates this cafe to this rank of our foodie list. There are a number of Cafe La Maison Smith in Quebec City but this one is located in historical Place Royle in the Old City.
Allow an hour to sit and people watch in this traditional French quarter of QC and follow it up with a wander around the Old City. It's also great if travelling with kids you can play in the old market square while you can finally drink your coffee hot.
HOT TIP: if you are visiting for a few days, check to see when the cruise ships are docked and plan your Old City wander for that day. This will avoid the crowds for better vibes and photos.
Details
Cochon Dingue Champlain
Serving some traditional Quebecoise dishes, this is a good choice for those staying in the Old City who cannot agree on what they want for dinner.
The menu has a little something for everyone including seafood, steaks & ribs, burgers and some French favourites.
We enjoyed the French onion soup (chef's kiss) and charcuterie and then the Quebec Pork Ribs and their famous Pot-in-Pot.
Their menu marks the traditional dishes and those with local products.
Bookings are recommended to avoid the wait.
Cochon Dingue Champlain
@kidsandcarryon
Serving some traditional Quebecoise dishes, this is a good choice for those staying in the Old City who cannot agree on what they want for dinner. (Note they also have other venues)
The menu has a little something for everyone including seafood, steaks & ribs, burgers and some French favourites.
We enjoyed the French onion soup (chef's kiss) and charcuterie and then the Quebec Pork Ribs and their famous Pot-in-Pot.
Their menu marks the traditional dishes and those with local products.
Bookings are recommended to avoid the wait.
Kids menu available.
Details
Le pub des Borgia
Located at the bottom of "break neck stairs" and the top of Rue de Petit Champlain, this venue alone is a great place to break up a busy day of sightseeing and enjoy the vibes of Old Quebec City.
This pub is famed for its French onion soup but we were here on a surprisingly warm autumn day so opted for the smoked meat sandwich. I have few regrets in life, but agreeing to share this sandwich is one! It was amazing, served on a fresh baguette and with potato chips and a pickle.
Pub Borgia
@kidsandcarryon
Located at the bottom of "break neck stairs" and the top of Rue de Petit Champlain, this venue alone is a great place to break up a busy day of sightseeing and enjoy the vibes of Old Quebec City.
This pub is famed for its French onion soup but we were here on a surprisingly warm autumn day so opted for the smoked meat sandwich. I have few regrets in life, but agreeing to share this sandwich is one! It was amazing, served on a fresh baguette and with potato chips and a pickle.
Details
Q-DE-SAC Resto Pub
Located in "Umbrella Alley" this venue has great vibes.
But it also has delicious steak tartare and poutine with a French twist (check our reel @kidsandcarryon).
Great kids menu and colouring.
Q-DE-SAC RESTO PUB
@kidsandcarryon
Located in "Umbrella Alley" this venue has great vibes.
But it also has delicious steak tartare and poutine with a French twist (check our reel @kidsandcarryon).
Great kids menu and colouring.
Details
Family style restaurants
Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza will always have a special place in our hearts as it was the first place we ate at in QC, on the day we arrived.
Beer, pizza and sport on every TV: what a welcome!
In my opinion, this was the best pizza base I had in Quebec City. We have the Montreal Meats pizza and a delicious salad along with chips and plenty of Canadian beer.
Boston Pizza
@kidsandcarryon
Boston Pizza will always have a special place in our hearts as it was the first place we ate at in QC, on the day we arrived.
Beer, pizza and sport on every TV: what a welcome!
In my opinion, this was the best pizza base I had in Quebec City. We have the Montreal Meats pizza and a delicious salad along with chips and plenty of Canadian beer.
Details
Boston Pizza
@kidsandcarryon
Boston Pizza will always have a special place in our hearts as it was the first place we ate at in QC, on the day we arrived.
Beer, pizza and sport on every TV: what a welcome!
In my opinion, this was the best pizza base I had in Quebec City. We have the Montreal Meats pizza and a delicious salad along with chips and plenty of Canadian beer.
Details
Chez Ashton
This famous poutine fast food chain is worth sampling while you are in Canada. The poutine is delicious with fresh curds, and pairs perfectly with their burgers and hot dogs.
Chez Ashton
@kidsandcarryon
This famous poutine fast food chain is worth sampling while you are in Canada. The poutine is delicious with fresh curds, and pairs perfectly with their burgers and hot dogs.
We ordered the bacon cheeseburger, a hot dog with only tomato sauce, a cheeseburger meal from the kid's menu and the chipotle poutine (which may be a limited time special).
Great option for a cheaper meal out.
Details
Toujours Mikes
This is a family restaurant specialising in pastas and pizzas. We had a great family lunch here in the relaxed atmosphere. English menus available and the pizzas can be made half and half.
Toujours Mikes
@kidsandcarryon
This is a family restaurant specialising in pastas and pizzas. We had a great family lunch here in the relaxed atmosphere. English menus available and the pizzas can be made half and half.
We skipped the kid's menu and ordered lasagne, pizza and family serving of onion rings.
Details
Toujours Mikes
@kidsandcarryon
This is a family restaurant specialising in pastas and pizzas. We had a great family lunch here in the relaxed atmosphere. English menus available and the pizzas can be made half and half.
We skipped the kid's menu and ordered lasagne, pizza and family serving of onion rings.
Details
St Hubert
This became one of our go-to family restaurants. They specialise in roast chicken and to a lesser extent ribs, in a family restaurant setting which is fancier than Applebees but not as upmarket at Baton Rouge.
I rate these pork ribs higher than Baton Rouge!
Rôtisserie St-Hubert
@kidsandcarryon
Specialising in roast chicken and ribs, this is a family restaurant pitched between Applebees and Baton Rouge.
We enjoyed the full rack of ribs, and the half chicken/half ribs with vegetables. This was enough food to feed us and the children when were went hungry but not starving. It also left room for dessert and an expresso martini.
We would definitely recommend it for families.
Details
Restaurant et bar St-Hubert
@kidsandcarryon
Specialising in roast chicken and ribs, this is a family restaurant pitched between Applebees and Baton Rouge.
We enjoyed the full rack of ribs, and the half chicken/half ribs with vegetables. This was enough food to feed us and the children when were went hungry but not starving. It also left room for dessert and an expresso martini.
We would definitely recommend it for families.
Details
Restaurant Scores
The direct competition to St Hubert, but with a free salad bar (well technically you have to pay for it but it's included in certain meals and was for us). This is another great chicken and ribs venue, with a kids menu and an easy dining atmosphere.
The kid's meal deal which includes a drink, a main and a scoop of ice cream was good value and my husband's chicken breast was apparently the best he's ever had!
Restaurant Scores
@kidsandcarryon
The direct competition to St Hubert, but with a free salad bar (well technically you have to pay for it but it's included in certain meals and was for us). This is another great chicken and ribs venue, with a kid's menu and an easy dining atmosphere.
The kid's meal deal which includes a drink, a main and a scoop of ice cream was good value and my husband's chicken breast was apparently the best he's ever had!
We ordered the full rack of ribs, half chicken/half rack of ribs, and two spaghetti from the kid's menu. These combined with the salad bar was more than enough for us all to leave full.
Details
Restaurant Scores
@kidsandcarryon
The direct competition to St Hubert, but with a free salad bar (well technically you have to pay for it but it's included in certain meals and was for us). This is another great chicken and ribs venue, with a kid's menu and an easy dining atmosphere.
The kid's meal deal which includes a drink, a main and a scoop of ice cream was good value and my husband's chicken breast was apparently the best he's ever had!
We ordered the full rack of ribs, half chicken/half rack of ribs, and two spaghetti from the kid's menu. These combined with the salad bar was more than enough for us all to leave full.
Details
Restaurant Scores
@kidsandcarryon
The direct competition to St Hubert, but with a free salad bar (well technically you have to pay for it but it's included in certain meals and was for us). This is another great chicken and ribs venue, with a kid's menu and an easy dining atmosphere.
The kid's meal deal which includes a drink, a main and a scoop of ice cream was good value and my husband's chicken breast was apparently the best he's ever had!
We ordered the full rack of ribs, half chicken/half rack of ribs, and two spaghetti from the kid's menu. These combined with the salad bar was more than enough for us all to leave full.
Details
Baton Rouge
So this is at the bottom because I thought it was "fine" but everyone else though it was great. Not sure if I was just in a mood or I have higher standards.
The restaurant was fully booked on a Saturday evening so I'd recommend booking if you aren't eating early.
I had the full rack of pork ribs, and the kids both had the half rack from the kids menu. They smashed it! And then ate half of mine. I felt that I had had better ribs. They were perfectly cooked but the marinade was just not hitting the mark for me. In saying that, their ribs are so popular you can buy them from supermarkets to cook at home. My husband tried the ribs and thought they were good, but again I've had better.
I also ordered the steak tartare for an entree. This was again yummy but I've had better. I felt it needed more acidity from something like Worchester sauce. Again hubby tasted it and though it was fine and it was fine, but it wasn't amazing (and this is a list for foodies right?)
My husband had the steak and loved it as well as a giant preztel with cheese dipping sauce which he devoured (big preztel fan while I can tak them or leave them).
In summary, if you're after ribs then this is an option, but moderate your expectations.
Kid friendly with well priced kids menu, and they provided colouring for kids on arrival.
Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar
@kidsandcarryon
I thought it was "fine" but everyone else though it was "great". Not sure if I was just in a mood or I have higher standards.
The restaurant was fully booked on a Saturday evening so I'd recommend booking if you aren't eating early.
I had the full rack of pork ribs, and the kids both had the half rack from the kids menu. They smashed it! And then ate half of mine. I felt that I had had better ribs. They were perfectly cooked but the marinade was just not hitting the mark for me. In saying that, their ribs are so popular you can buy them from supermarkets to cook at home. My husband tried the ribs and thought they were good, but again I've had better.
I also ordered the steak tartare for an entree. This was again yummy but I've had better. I felt it needed more acidity from something like Worchester sauce. Again hubby tasted it and though it was fine and it was fine, but it wasn't amazing (and this is a list for foodies right?)
My husband had the steak and loved it as well as a giant preztel with cheese dipping sauce which he devoured (big preztel fan while I can tak them or leave them).
In summary, if you're after ribs then this is an option, but moderate your expectations.
Kid friendly with well priced kids menu, and they provided colouring for kids on arrival.
Details
Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar
@kidsandcarryon
I thought it was "fine" but everyone else though it was "great". Not sure if I was just in a mood or I have higher standards.
The restaurant was fully booked on a Saturday evening so I'd recommend booking if you aren't eating early.
I had the full rack of pork ribs, and the kids both had the half rack from the kids menu. They smashed it! And then ate half of mine. I felt that I had had better ribs. They were perfectly cooked but the marinade was just not hitting the mark for me. In saying that, their ribs are so popular you can buy them from supermarkets to cook at home. My husband tried the ribs and thought they were good, but again I've had better.
I also ordered the steak tartare for an entree. This was again yummy but I've had better. I felt it needed more acidity from something like Worchester sauce. Again hubby tasted it and though it was fine and it was fine, but it wasn't amazing (and this is a list for foodies right?)
My husband had the steak and loved it as well as a giant preztel with cheese dipping sauce which he devoured (big preztel fan while I can tak them or leave them).
In summary, if you're after ribs then this is an option, but moderate your expectations.
Kid friendly with well priced kids menu, and they provided colouring for kids on arrival.
Details
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