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We recently had the opportunity to spend a few days
in Quebec City. If you've never been, this destination should be on your list of places
to see - whether for the sites or culture, or just to take in the dining scene. The local cuisine
is both highly influenced by French cooking (always delicious) and at the same
time uniquely Canadian. Unusual game meats are commonly featured, as well as rustic,
hearty meat pies. Maple syrup is another typical ingredient, but gets used in some very interesting
ways.
Here are our recommendations for top dining spots:
Chez Rabelais - 3 out of 5
Location: Charming! Nestled right in
the Quartier Petit Champlain at the top of the Casse-Cou stairs, in a historic stone
building.
Ambiance: Somewhat small inside but cozy with an eccentric interior.
Food: Fixed price menus are offered with limited but interesting French-
and Italian-inspired choices. Dishes are straightfoward and not overly complciated
but offer an easy elegance, prepared and seasoned well.
Service: Friendly and well-timed.
Prices: Moderate ($15 for two-course lunch, including "Irish" coffee)
Crêperie Le Petit Château - 2 out of 5
Location: Very convenient - right next to the Chateau
Frontenac.
Ambiance: Open, bright, casual.
Food: Given the name, we stopped here for a quick crêpe lunch. The menu had lots of
variations on standard crêpes, all tasty and simple. There is also an extensive breakfast served in
the morning as well as fondues at dinner.
Service: Fine, quick.
Price: Inexpensive (under $10)
Aux Anciens Canadiens - 3.5 out of 5
Location: Easily accessible within the Old
City.
Ambiance: Very traditional setting and decor, as well as waitstaff dress. Borders
on kitsch.
Food: If you want to try traditional Quebecois cuisine, this is where you need to go. Some
dishes are a bit plain while others are more noteworthy,
particularly the trio of tenderloins (wapiti, buffalo, venison).
Service: Servers seem a bit rushed but they are attentive.
Price: Expensive ($20-30 per entree, fixed price menus are available)
Le Champlain - 4.5 out of
5
Location: Located inside the Chateau
Frontenac.
Ambiance: Incredibly romantic - if you can get a seat in the glassed-in room overlooking the
St. Lawrence River, you will love it!
Food: Every dish and every course is impressive. The food is highly refined and
excellently executed but still draws from traditional, rustic influences. Highlights included the
rabbit tournedos and veal filet as well as the mignardises at the end of the meal.
Service: Warm and welcoming. Guests are excellently cared for but the
ambience never comes across as stuffy.
Price: Expensive ($25-35 per entree, fixed price menus are available)
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