Find the best food in Quebec City

One would think that a region like Quebec with a rich French legacy would have a list with something other than a traditional Spanish appetizer. Still, European influences are obvious here, as tapas are indeed quite popular in Quebec City. Tapas are centuries-old side dishes for drinks in bars and restaurants that have evolved from pieces of bread placed over a glass or a pint to elaborate dishes of different kinds involving meat, beans, all kinds of greens, and even seafood.

Tapas & Liège is a rather self-explanatory option in this scenario.

Now, it's no secret that 'French Canada is the best Canada", as the South Park episode wants us to believe. Therefore, it's only natural - albeit a little stereotypical - that Quebec restaurants have a great variety and quality of croissants to offer. Everyone knows the advantages and downfalls of the classic buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry that is a croissant. Few people actually know that they are of Austrian origin, and who would care today when croissants are on every classy restaurant's table.

La Boîte à Pain will have great croissants to offer if you decide to drop by.

Yet another European influence on the mentality and gastronomical habits of the people of Quebec. The classic food of Swiss shepherds has become an exquisite dish in restaurants with class and ingenuity in preparation. The classic fondue is a melted cheese dish served in a communal pot over a portable stove, but today, many modifications exist with chocolate and other substances that can be melted and used for coating pieces of solid food. All in all, quite pretty and light.

Chocolats Favoris will provide for your fondue needs.

The next item on the list is even more surprising than tapas. Causa, or "causa limeña", is a mini casserole with the top and bottom consisting of yellow potato and the filling typically of any white meat. It actually dates back to the time of pre-Columbian civilizations in the South American region. At a certain point in history, the modern recipe was introduced, creating the modern form of the dish, in both the ingredients and the presentation. The exotic Peruvian starter is just right for Quebec.

Café La Maison would be perfect for this.

Cold Winters and a rather classic, European understanding of comfort decided the attitude of the people of Quebec regarding hot chocolate. The beverage is actually a lot older than Europe, as chocolate itself was introduced to the Old World after the discovery of the New World. Hot chocolate is thick and served warmed up as a starter or a dessert, and it's mainly used for drinking. The sweet, rich, and delicate taste is only attainable if you can make hot chocolate properly.

Therefore, finding a good chef is important, like the one at Érico.

European food is ever-present in the Quebec roster, and this time it's Italian. Parmesan is hard, granular cheese produced from cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. This kind of cheese is used in a variety of dishes and served separately as a starter or a side bite. Among specific uses, parmesan is grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups and risottos. If you really want to have a cheesy evening, find a restaurant that serves Italian, and there you can find great parmesan.

For example, try Matto.

If we're moving from something cheesy to something sweet, pancakes would be a great middle-ground. Especially extra-flat pancakes like crepes. These flat French pancakes are usually one of two varieties: sweet or savoury galettes. They are often served with a wide variety of fillings such as jam or liquid chocolate. Crepes can also be made into crepe cakes by adding the plain crepes on top of each other with a layer of filling in-between, which can be almost anything.

L'Épicurien has great crepe pancakes and cakes.

Another classy and classic offering that originates from European cuisine and feels right at home in Quebec City. The earliest known recipe of a dessert called "crème brûlée" appears in François Massialot's 1691 cookbook, which gives the dish quite the pedigree. The classic variation consists of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar. The proper way to serve it is slightly chilled as the heat from the caramelizing process tends to warm the top of the custard while leaving the centre cool.

Le Saint-Amour is a safe bet for this kind of food.

Finally, in the penultimate paragraph of our list, we can find something that is more recent in terms of food fashion and not European in origin. Ramen has been getting increasingly popular around the world over the last few decades. it is a Japanese noodle soup consisting of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso. An important part of preparation is adding the toppings such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, menma, and scallions. 

Miyagi Bistro Thai & Sushi is a very nice establishment if you are in the mood for Asian food.

Finally, something with class and simplicity that fits a place like Quebec City with its majestic nature and cultural legacy. The most appealing feature of consomme is how clear and pure it looks after the process of removing fat and sediment. Consomme is made by adding a mixture of ground meats, together with a combination of carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and egg whites into either bouillon or stock. The result is clarified, and the final dish is presented in all its austere beauty.

Café-Bistro au Bonnet d'Âne has enough class to provide proper consomme.

All in all, this list turned out to be as distinguished as Quebec City itself. You are sure to have a grand time there if you decide to visit and try your hand at exploring the local food scene.