There are many reasons to visit Rivière-du-Loup, but one of top reasons is the food. The area is packed with delicious restaurants, each with their own character. You have everything from fine dining to casual diners and everything in between. Choosing some of the best restaurants in Rivière-du-Loup is one of the hardest assignments I’ve ever accepted!
Come to this town hungry because you’ll need a healthy appetite to take advantage of all there is to eat here, whether it’s land or sea food. Start with this list, but I can promise you there will be another in the future as there are too many restaurants to list in one article.
1. Le Saint-Patrice Resto – Best Overall Rivière-du-Loup Restaurant
Le Saint-Patrice Resto stands out as one of the most exceptional dining experiences in the region. From their delectable cuisine to their impeccable service and inviting ambiance, this restaurant sets the standard for fine dining in the area.
The menu features a mouth-watering selection of traditional Québécois dishes with a modern twist. Their most popular option is fondue, which is hard to find nowadays. Choose from an appetizer or entree size that also includes a fondue dessert. Their grill options, such as steak frites and lemon veal, are equally renowned.
Le Saint-Patrice is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a luxurious night out. The exquisite food, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service make it a must-visit for anyone in Rivière-du-Loup who’s hungry.
2. Le Symposium Resto, One of the Most Popular Restaurants in Rivière-du-Loup
A great stop during a weekend in Rivière-du-Loup, Le Symposium Resto is in the heart of the action of my favourite street in the city. Here, you can not only enjoy the decor, but the dishes are varied on the menu.
Opt for the fish and chips, a local recommendation, you won’t be disappointed. It is light, you can really taste the fish instead of just the breading, and the decor is pleasant. We are treated to a front-row view in front of the magnificent Princesse cinema with its looks of another era.
3. Seafood and Gourmet Delights at Au Boucaneux restaurant
From the outside, this restaurant at the port doesn’t look like much. You don’t come for its looks, you come for its flavours, like those of the lobster or crab club, seafood flatbreads, fisherman’s plates and the various seafood specialties interspersed with more classic dishes…
Au Boucaneux is one of the best places to eat in Rivière-du-Loup that I explored during my trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent. Take a few moments to explore the shore after your meal. If you go for dinner, you will be treated to a magnificent sunset I highly recommend.
4. Pub L’Estaminet: a Gourmet Dinner in Downtown Rivière-du-Loup
Are you wondering where to eat in Rivière-du-Loup whether you’re passing through or visiting the city? You’ll probably see the terrace of the L’Estaminet restaurant as soon as you arrive on Lafontaine Street. It holds it place well!
As for the menu, the choice is vast… I opt for the Estam, my friend for the pizza and we are both satisfied. The atmosphere and especially the impeccable customer service of our energetic server complete the meal. Highly recommended!
5. Brunch at Café l’Innocent
A true religion for me on a road trip or while travelling is having brunch! So I had to head to one of the Louperivois’ (people of Rivière-du-Loup) best brunch place and breakfast hub, Café l’Innocent on, you guessed it… Lafontaine Street!
A cooperative with a slightly vintage feel, its walls are filled with works of art and the terrace is second to none for a brunch in the sun. As for the plates, local products, veggie, vegan, gluten-free options, but also a large choice for carnivores like me. We love it.
6. La Porte Arrière – Best for Sampling Local Ingredients
La Porte Arrière is a strong contender for the best restaurants in Rivière-du-Loup. Known for its high-end French cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant has become the talk of the town for locals and tourists.
From the moment you step inside the cozy dining room, you are transported to a traditional French bistro. The menu changes constantly based on available ingredients, but you always get a selection of fresh seafood and premium proteins, like the mouth-watering beef cheek with polenta.
One of the most popular dishes at La Porte Arrière is the beef and waffle. Cooked to perfection and served with a freshly made waffle, crispy kale, and black garlic, this dish never fails to impress. The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian options, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
7. La Griffe – Best Brunch in Rivière-du-Loup
Known for its delectable brunch offerings, this quaint eatery alone is worth the voyage to Rivière-du-Loup. Located in Hotel Lévesque, It’s best enjoyed on a chilly autumn Sunday with family and friends while enjoying the diverse menu or plentiful buffet.
The lunch menu offers a variety of options, from savoury egg dishes to creative poutines and everything in between. Their eggs benedict, served on fresh English muffins, is a customer favourite and one of the best in town. The fluffy pancakes, topped with your choice of meat, hash browns, homemade baked beans, fruit, and maple syrup, are also not to be missed.
In addition to the delicious food and inviting ambiance, the prices at La Griffe are also reasonable. It’s worth noting that the buffet is only available on Sunday mornings and gets busy, so be sure to call ahead and make a reservation in this restaurants in Rivière-du-Loup.
8. L’Espadon – Best Restaurant to Celebrate a Special Occasion
L’Espadon Restaurant, located in the Auberge de la Pointe, is an esteemed dining establishment perfect for celebrating any occasion. With its unique menu items, elegant dining room, and exceptional service, L’Espadon has become a place to see and be seen.
It’s a toss-up for the best dish on L’Espadon’s menu between the braised pork belly served with confit scallops, vanilla chickpeas puree, ginger chips, and miso sauce or the panko-crusted rack of lamb from Kamouraska.
If you’re looking for something less meaty, L’Espadon offers a variety of seafood dishes, such as AAA red tuna with Williams’s pear jelly, soy caramel sauce, and roasted sesame seeds, or the Bouillabaisse with trout, scallops, whelks, golf shrimps, smoked tomato puree, herbs pesto oil from Gaspésie.
9. Snack Bar D’Amours – Best Poutine in Rivière-du-Loup
You can count on Snack Bar D’Amours for its delicious poutine and other mouth-watering diner-style dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and affordable meal or need to cure your hangover, this snack bar has you covered.
The menu at Snack Bar D’Amours accurately depicts traditional homestyle Québécois cuisine. The star of the show, of course, is the poutine. This Quebec staple is prepared with crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and savoury gravy, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. With tons of other unique toppings, you may want to stop here more than once during your stay.
Other popular dishes include classic burgers with all the fixings, crispy fish and chips, and hearty smoked meat sandwiches. Don’t forget about their one-of-a-kind salad bread rolls that you can order with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or lobster (when in season).
Need More Reasons to Visit and Discover Restaurants in Rivière-du-Loup?
Yes, Rivière-du-Loup is a hotbed for fine food, but there are plenty of other ways to spend your time in this small Quebec town. Use these guides to plan your trip accordingly, knowing that after each activity, you will have a delicious meal waiting for you.
- 5 Best Things to Do in Riviere-du-Loup
- 5 Awesome Places to Go Camping near Rivière-du-Loup
- 4 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Rivière-du-Loup
Get Ready for Bas-Saint-Laurent with these Tips and Tricks
If you’re wondering what the must-sees are in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, here are some of my all time favourites and other amazing ideas you can book today to start getting ready:
- Experience a sunset sea-kayaking excursion on the St. Lawrence River
- Snore among magnificent landscapes at Domaine Floravie
- Try your hand at rock climbing near Rimouski
- Discover ice climbing in Rivière-du-Loup
- Enjoy a gourmet meal at Le Mange Grenouille or Chez Saint-Pierre
- Spend the night on the impressive Pot à l’Eau-de-vie islands
- Travel along the jaw-dropping Route des Navigateurs
- Drink alcohol made from maple at Domaine Acer in lesser-known Témiscouata
- Sleep under the stars at the Parc Côtier Kiskotuk near Rivière-du-Loup
- Visit the awe inspiring Distillerie du Saint-Laurent to taste my favourite Quebec gin
- See some of the best sunsets in the world from Vieux Loup de Mer
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com, but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and you’llneed to contact them directly to book.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Bas-Saint-Laurent through Montreal or Quebec City? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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