Lonely Planet - LP - ePocket Montréal & Québec City

COVID-19

We have re-checked every business in this book before publication to ensure that it is still open after the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 will continue to be felt long after the outbreak has been contained, and many businesses, services and events referenced in this guide may experience ongoing restrictions. Some may be temporarily closed, have changed their opening hours and services, or require bookings; some unfortunately could have closed permanently. We suggest you check with venues before visiting for the latest information.

MEUNIERD/SHUTTERSTOCK

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

ANDRIY BLOKHIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

DENIS ROGER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

CL-MEDIEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ARCHITECT, MOSHE SAFDIE

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

IAN DAGNALL/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

R.M. NUNES/SHUTTERSTOCK BIOSPHRE ARCHITECT, BUCKMINSTER FULLER

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

MEUNIERD/SHUTTERSTOCK

Montral & Qubec City Top Experiences

HAKAT/SHUTTERSTOCK

Montral and Qubec City are foodie destinations. Youll find French cuisine, charming bistros and Qubcois fare. Montrals many restaurants have cuisine from over 80 nationalities. Todays haute cuisine is as likely to be made by talented young African, Japanese or Indian chefs, as it is by graduates from the Acadmie Culinaire du Qubec.

Poutine

One of the worlds most humble dishes, poutine (pictured) was invented in rural Qubec in the 1950s (poutine derives from an Acadian slang term for mushy mess or pudding.). The basic building block of the Qubcois dish is fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy. Varieties include all dress (sauted mushrooms and bell peppers), richie boy (ground beef), Italian (beef and spaghetti sauce), barbecue or even smoked meat.

Markets

For a slice of old-world Europe, dont miss Montrals sprawling food markets. Youll find a broad selection of fruits, vegetables, fresh bakery items, cheeses and more. The big markets have plenty of stands selling prepared foods (crepes, smoothies, coffees, pastries, sandwiches, pizza slices and more).

The biggest Montral market is has enticing offerings.

P.F.MAYER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Best Eating in Montral

Celebrated Old Montral haunt with a festive vibe.

Creative meats and seafood, excellent wines and knowledgeable staff.

Beautifully executed dishes, including foie gras poutine.

Stone walls, flickering candles, great cocktails and market-fresh fare.

Delicious baked goods and outstanding lunch fare.

Best Eating in Qubec City

Chef Jean-Luc Boulays flagship restaurant serves an ever-evolving menu inspired by seasonal Qubcois staples.

Tiny wine bistro in trendy St-Jean Baptiste serving enlightened French classics.

Lapin (rabbit) in all its guises plays a starring role at this cozy, rustic restaurant.

One of Qubec Citys top fine-dining spots, with prepared grills and seafood and luxurious surrounds.

Best Global & Ethnic Cuisine in Montral

The citys best tapas, from Catalan star Carles Abelln.

Long-running Jewish deli serving the best smoked meat (pictured) on earth.

Beloved outpost for fantastic Italian cooking.

Asian street food and fusion in a colorful setting.

Ramen noodles and Japanese comfort food.

Captivating Parisian-style bistro.

Best Qubcois Fare in Qubec City

Seasonal cuisine and fine-wine pairings are the name of the game at this very classy eatery.

Unpretentious eatery in St-Roch serving mostly (but not only) poutine, Qubecs national dish.

Bar Open

In Montral its acceptable, even expected, to begin cocktail hour after work and continue into the night. The nightlife is legendary: encompassing underground dance clubs, French hip-hop, dub reggae and Anglo indie-rock. Qubec City has plenty to offer, including craft breweries, downstairs music clubs and atmospheric wine bars.