Quebec City has never been a sleepy dining town, but the last year has seen an especially thrilling wave of openings that are reshaping the city's culinary map. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning francophile foodie, these five newer restaurants deserve a spot on your spring itinerary. Best of all, with the Easter long weekend falling on April 3 to 6 this year, there has never been a better excuse to plan a long-weekend food crawl through the capital.
1. Courtbouillon — Cajun Soul Meets Quebec Terroir
Imagine the warmth of a New Orleans kitchen crossed with the pristine ingredients of the St. Lawrence Valley. That is exactly what Courtbouillon delivers. This cozy spot focuses on "bouillon" — hearty, soul-warming dishes built on rich broths and simmered flavours — using hyperlocal Quebec produce. Think smoked fish gumbo made with freshwater catches, or braised root vegetables brightened with Cajun spice blends. It is an original concept that feels simultaneously familiar and brand new, and the kind of place that turns a chilly spring evening into something special.
2. Mora — Italian Glamour on Grande Allée
Grande Allée has long been the city's most bustling boulevard, and Mora is its dazzling new anchor. Stepping inside feels like arriving at an intimate supper club in Milan: think marble counters, low lighting, and the gentle hum of sparkling wine being poured. The kitchen turns out impeccable fresh pasta — from silky tagliatelle with slow-braised short rib to a delicate burrata and heirloom tomato starter — alongside a curated selection of Italian and Quebec wines. Book ahead, especially on weekends, because word has spread quickly.
3. Jekyll & Hyde — Late-Night Tapas in Saint-Roch
Quebec City's trendiest neighbourhood, Saint-Roch, now has a chic new after-dark destination. Jekyll & Hyde, on Rue Saint-Joseph Est, serves inventive tapas-style plates alongside expertly crafted cocktails until 2 a.m. — a rarity in a city where most kitchens close early. DJs spin on weekends, the lighting is moody, and the small plates rotate regularly. Expect dishes like duck confit croquettes, grilled halloumi with harissa honey, and a show-stopping beef tartare. It fills a real gap for English-speaking visitors looking for a vibrant night out beyond the pub scene.
4. Gisèle Buvette — Natural Wine and Vinyl in Saint-Sauveur
If your idea of the perfect evening involves sharing plates, interesting wines, and a curated vinyl soundtrack, Gisèle Buvette was designed for you. Nestled in the up-and-coming Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood, this relaxed wine bar pairs a rotating list of natural and low-intervention wines with seasonal small plates that punch above their weight. The vibe is effortlessly cool without being pretentious — a refreshing change of pace and a great way to explore a part of the city most tourists never see.
5. Limoncello — Neighbourhood Italian in Limoilou
Limoilou, the colourful neighbourhood just across the Saint-Charles River, has quietly become one of the best areas in the city for casual dining, and Limoncello is its newest star. This friendly restaurant serves wood-fired pizza with blistered crusts, handmade pasta, and Italian classics done with care and generosity. It has quickly become a neighbourhood staple — the kind of place where families gather on a weeknight and friends linger over bottles of Montepulciano. For visitors, it is an easy walk or quick bus ride from Old Quebec and well worth the trip.
Spring Is Dining Season in Quebec City
With the snow retreating and terraces beginning to open, spring is a magical time to explore Quebec City's food scene. The city's culinary sector saw an impressive 27 percent growth last year, and that momentum is palpable on nearly every block. Beyond these five newcomers, you can still count on beloved institutions like Chez Boulay, Le Clocher Penché, and Aux Anciens Canadiens for world-class meals rooted in Quebec tradition.
And if you want to pair your foodie weekend with something truly memorable, keep an eye on AML Cruises, which will soon launch their spring season of sightseeing and brunch cruises along the St. Lawrence. There is no better way to work up an appetite than watching the Château Frontenac shrink into the skyline from the deck of a boat. You can plan your cruise at voyagesaml.com or croisieresaml.com.
Ready to plan your visit? Check out our full Quebec City restaurant guide for even more recommendations, and start building your ultimate spring food crawl.