Food in Quebec: Eating My Way Around Montreal & Quebec City
Before visiting Quebec, I already knew food was going to be a big part of the experience. The province has a strong food culture shaped by French influence and classic comfort dishes. The most famous of all is poutine, fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, which shows up everywhere from restaurants to late night spots. It’s simple, filling, and very much part of daily life in Quebec (pictured above). This is my guide to food in Quebec and some spots you mustn’t miss on your next trip.
Food in Montreal
First impressions of Montreal’s food scene
I started my trip in Montreal, a city that feels creative, relaxed, and full of good places to eat. When it came to Poutine in Montreal, I went to La Banquise, one of the city’s most well known spots. They have an enormous menu with all kinds of variations, but if it’s your first time trying Poutine, I’d recommend sticking with the original.
Montreal bagels and Mile End favourites
A stop at St Viateur Bagel & Café in the Mile End needs to be on your list. This area is known for its artsy feel and local atmosphere, and it’s a great place to wander around. St Viateur is famous for its Montreal bagels, baked in a wood fired oven and slightly sweeter than the ones we have back home in England. They also do good coffee, so it’s an easy place to stop while exploring the neighbourhood. St Viateur is the first stop I’ll be making when I return to Montreal this summer.
Coffee stops around the city
Coffee is part of my daily routine, and there’s no shortage of good cafés around the city. Café Olimpico in Old Montreal was one of the first I visited. It’s busy and casual, with a very European feel, and always seemed full of people grabbing a quick coffee before heading off again.
Another place that stood out was Crew Collective & Café, set inside a former bank building. The space is really impressive and feels very different from a typical café. It’s a great place to sit with a coffee and take in the surroundings, even if you’re only stopping in for a short time.
And of course, a trip to Canada wouldn’t be complete without Tim Hortons. I ended up having a coffee from there pretty much every day. It’s convenient, affordable, and always nearby, which made it an easy choice while exploring the city.
Evening food and comfort classics
One evening, I ended up at Hurley’s Irish Pub, and it quickly became one of my favourite places to spend the night. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels like a home away from home, this is it. The menu is large and varied, with everything from proper comfort food to smaller bites that go perfectly with a Guinness.
I ordered the nachos, and I’ll definitely be going back for them. As someone who’s quite fussy when it comes to nachos, these rank high on my list. The atmosphere really makes the place though, lively, welcoming, and the kind of pub you could easily spend hours in without noticing the time.
Montreal was a great introduction to Quebec’s food scene, and this was just the beginning of my trip.
Food in Quebec City
A short stay with big flavours
Next, I headed to Quebec City. I was only there for one day, so I didn’t manage to fit in as much food as I would have liked. That said, there were a few things I absolutely had to try.
Naturally, this included more poutine, this time at La Bûche. It’s a very traditional spot, and the poutine felt more classic and hearty. I also tried the duck wings, which were really good and a nice change from the usual pub style options.
Sweet treats in Quebec City
If you have a sweet tooth, food in Quebec City will not disappoint. There’s something sugary on almost every street. One stop I couldn’t miss was Mary’s Popcorn, which is easy to spot and pretty famous. The smell alone fills the street. The popcorn is freshly made, with loads of flavours to choose from, and it’s the perfect thing to snack on while walking around the old town.
Walking along the street in front of the Breakneck Stairs, I came across a fudge shop called La Fudgerie, and it honestly sells some of the best fudge I’ve ever had, which did make it into my suitcase. Directly opposite was a shop selling maple taffy, which is a very Canadian. As someone with a sweet tooth, even I found it very sweet, but it’s one of those experiences you have to try when you’re in Canada.
Final thoughts on food in Quebec
Before visiting Canada, I’d always heard people say that it feels like home, and after spending time here, it’s easy to see why. From the friendly people you meet along the way to the variety of cuisines you come across in each city, everything feels welcoming and familiar. Quebec was only a short part of my journey, but it was enough to show me why Canada is such a special place, and one I can’t wait to call home in just five months.
