A Guide to 6 of the Best Patios in Québec City
Québec has always been known for its impeccable foodie scene, with options ranging from quick bites at local food trucks to multi-course meals at award winning restaurants. As summer approaches, Québec patios are welcoming back hungry and thirsty patrons with stunning views, scrumptious menus and unique atmospheres, all sure to deliver a wonderful experience. With its idyllic location right on the St. Lawrence River and festive areas like Place Royale and Grande Allée, the waterfront patios and exceptional terrasses that call Québec City home offer not only some of the best food in the city, but also the best views.
La Cour arrière du Festibière
There is no better place to cool off with an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day in Québec City than La Cour arrière du Festibière. This incredible patio, complete with a shallow pool where you can relax on a lounge chair while soaking your feet, is located at the Old Port of Québec overlooking the St. Lawrence River and has definitely earned its reputation as The Most Beautiful Terrace in Town. With one of the most extensive drink menus in the city (maybe even the province!), visitors can take their pick from more than 70 types of beer from local microbreweries, cocktails, wine, sangria, summer specialties like slushies, and non-alcoholic options. Cool off in one of the coolest spots in the city.
La Maison Smith
A quintessential Québec experience must include a visit to Place-Royale, which can make visitors feel like they’ve taken a trip across the Atlantic Ocean and found themselves in a quaint European village. La Maison Smith café, situated just steps away from the famous 17th century stone church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, is a wonderful place to relax on the patio, take in the atmosphere and enjoy a refreshment or snack. A full coffee menu, including hot and cold drinks, delectable pastries and lunch items that pay homage to the province’s French heritage, including a classic Croque-Monsieur sandwich and quiches, are all available, in addition to beer and wine from local microbreweries and wineries.
Café Du Monde
A stunningly gorgeous culinary experience, the Café du Monde offers a taste of France on the St. Lawrence River. Established in the late 1980s, this beloved Québec restaurant delivers a Parisian atmosphere with a fulsome menu featuring French classics, mouth-watering seafood options, refreshing drinks and delectable desserts. Treat yourself to a cocktail and a meal on the beautiful patio overlooking the river, inside at a window seat taking in the views, or enjoying the ambience of the dining room.
L’Atelier Bistro
The atmosphere on rue Grande Allée with its sidewalk patios, mature trees and gorgeous buildings is elegant, welcoming and eclectic – much like L’Atelier Bistro. Embracing the architecture, this 5‑story restaurant is known for its nightlife, unique cocktails, homemade alcohol and incredibly extensive meu. Although famous for its tartars, the tapas menu, vegan options and list of classic favourites (traditional Québec poutine, anybody?) ensure that all visitors will enjoy something mouth-watering to satisfy their every craving, while enjoying the festive ambience of the restaurant and Grande Allée.
Légende Restaurant Boréal
Paying homage to tradition and heritage, Légende Restaurant Boréal offers visitors a completely unique culinary experience in the perfect setting of Old Québec. The chef’s tasting menu is designed with seasonal ingredients in mind and is meant to be enjoyed with a group. Six courses, with the option to include wine and non-alcoholic drink pairings, are thoughtfully prepared and served in the welcoming environment of the restaurant or while enjoying the open air of the sidewalk patio, all with the intention of rediscovering the taste and beauty of Québec’s history and natural environment.
Ciel! Bistro-Bar
Though not technically a patio, the 360° views from 28 stories up will lead you to believe that you’re not only dining al fresco, but in the clouds. While taking in the most incredible sights from above the city, including those of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains and all of the most famous spots in Québec, enjoy a tasty dinner, weekend brunch, or round of drinks prepared by talented mixologists. Preparing and serving a modern take on classic Québec cuisine, this recently redesigned restaurant was awarded a 2020 Traveler’s Choice award, an accolade reserved for the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.
The cuisine, the atmosphere, the natural beauty, the history, the views, the patios – the list of things to enjoy in Québec City over the summer is simply endless. With so many options available, local businesses are eager to help people get the most out of their visit and discover the best that the city has to offer, so from June 24-October 11, 2021, guests can get a $75 gift card with a 2 night+ stay at a local hotel to use at participating local establishments.
Bon appetit et bon été a tous!
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