Restaurants in Quebec City

Laurie Raphaël is the current darling of the foodie scene and for good reason. Creations, such as crystallized foie gras with truffle snow, are wowing critics and diners alike, while the humorous touches in this airy, contemporary restaurant even extend to the tableware (which is sold in the attached boutique). This fresh approach to the Québécois market cuisine has notable seafood dishes or guests can place their trust in Chef Daniel Vézina's judgement with the popular no choice Chef! Chef! Menu.

In one of the city's most romantic restaurants, an understated exterior gives way to a glass-covered courtyard framed by stone walls and mirrors with antique furnishings. Le Saint-Amour is a spot for a memorable occasion with outstanding service matching the fine cuisine. Foie gras is a house speciality (beginners should try the Foie Gras Experience), but the menu also features finely prepared rack of lamb, caribou and seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list, which has received Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence multiple times.

The Auberge St-Antoine has one of the most delightful interiors in the city: a former 19th-century maritime warehouse with broad plank floors, stone walls and chunky wooden beams. The French Canadian cuisine draws on the province's abundant wealth of fresh produce from their local organic farm Île d'Orléans and small local producers. Organic beef, veal and duck are often paired with garlic flowers, blueberry reduction sauce or roasted beets, and the wine list is equally impressive with over 700 labels from 14 countries.

Québec's Lower Town has a fair share of gourmet restaurants, but L'Échaudé stands out for its decent dining at a reasonable price. Chefs knock up exceptional classic and bistro dishes, especially the salmon tartare and duck confit, while the crème brûlée really is the cream of the crop. Seasonal specials are also served in a bright interior or, in the warmer months, on the cute terrace. The international wine list has a variety of excellent vintages by the glass too, but for bargain bites head here after 2100 when late night discounts set in.

It may be loud and brash but most diners excuse the clank of cutlery and the clamour of customers at Le Café du Monde for the chance to chow down beside incredible views over the Saint Lawrence River. The food here is first rate with chefs focusing on fresh seafood, but the fresh soups, salads, crepes and cheese fondues are all worth your time too. The popular rotisserie chicken is incredibly tender. Bag a seat on the terrace if you can.

Even though it's located on a busy tourist street, Le Lapin Sauté has kept its authenticity as a charming neighbourhood restaurant thanks to its superb service. If your French is good enough, you'll clock that rabbit is the main focus here and it comes crystallized, bulging out of sandwiches, stuffed in pies and casseroles, or cooked tenderly and covered in a delicious sauce. If Bugs Bunny isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options to try, even if it's a glass of wine on the outside terrace with a side people watching.

On a steep side street tucked away in Upper Town, this pretty café is a great place for a leisurely breakfast where patrons lounge on the sunny back patio enjoying excellent café au lait, croissants and omelettes. For lunch stick to the basics: a sandwich made with fresh baguettes, homemade soups or fresh salads. The raclette (melted cheese), quiche and tourtière (French Canadian meat pie) are great here too, but make sure you finish off with a piece of the tarte au sucre (sugar pie), a classic Quebec dessert.

In Quebec, the expression "l'affaire est ketchup" means 'everything is cool', and so it is at this ultra-laidback restaurant. Completely unpretentious, this tiny place resembles someone's living room with a kitchen to match. One of the best dining experiences in Quebec, the chef defies the setting to create remarkable dishes for a menu that changes daily. Past delights have included wild mushroom appetizers, duck magret or scallops with celeriac purée and fish with tangy root vegetables. The background music is good too, listen out for the chef singing along.