Where to Enjoy a Christmas Dinner in Quebec City

If you’re in Quebec, Canada, for Christmas, you simply can’t miss out on having some fun in the old town! As you might’ve guessed, Old Quebec is an old neighbourhood with buildings dating back to the 1700s and 1800s! Deep in its nooks and crannies, you’ll find great restaurants for dinner and cocktails and cafes for quick bites. So, put on your travelling shoes, and let’s see where you can have an excellent Christmas dinner in Quebec City! 

Why You Need to Plan Everything

While spending Christmas in Quebec City is a fantastic idea, it’s one that many people have. The city is full of rich history, cobbled streets, and an allure that’s magnified when the old town is covered in snow.

Another thing you need to keep an eye out for is reservation and peak hours! If you like one or more of the restaurants we mention below, don’t hesitate to contact them, and ask about their reservation policy or check their websites. Most offer online bookings, but during Christmas season, with Quebec City’s German Christmas market, you definitely have to book ahead!

As a result, you need to plan your stay to ensure the best holiday! To start, we must discuss your budget. 

Even if you’re more of a spontaneous traveller, knowing what to expect from restaurants can help you avoid budget surprises. Generally, you’ll need around CA$80 to CA$150 per person for a nice dinner with an appetizer or dessert and a glass of wine.

You’d be surprised how hard it is to get a table, even within the hidden gems of Quebec City!

Christmas Dinner in Old Town Quebec and Holiday Vacation Best Places to Eat

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in old Quebec, then you need to check out the ones below:

Chez Boulay: Bistro Boréal

If you’re looking for a taste of the wild and vintage, Chez Boulay: Bistro Boréal is the one for you. What makes this little restaurant the first one on our list is its choice to make the food with ingredients found in Canada’s Boréal forest.

Gotta love local!

This resulted in many dishes with wild, unique flavours from the surrounding farms, fields and producers capturing people’s attention.

La Bûche

For those of you looking for a more traditional Quebecois experience or a Christmas dinner in Quebec City, La Bûche is a fantastic choice. 

This restaurant isn’t just the place to go for dinner; you can also enjoy a quick lunch or brunch before continuing your day. 

This restaurant is made with brick, wood, and stone, which goes perfectly well with their live music nights — it creates a cozy atmosphere!

After all, Christmas season is a great time to try our family favourites, like shepherd’s pie, ham, peat pie and other types of Grandma’s specialties. Basically, a traditional French Canadian Christmas dinner or elements from our family get-together meals.

Le Sam Bistro Évolutif

Sometimes, the nights get longer, and we simply don’t want to go home after dinner — especially if it’s delicious! 

At Le Sam Bistro Évolutif, you can enjoy that fantastic dinner inside the historic Chateau Frontenac, where spending the night in the new rooms can be quite a memorable experience, in my opinion. Imagine doing it on Christmas Eve and making it a kind of staycation?

After your meal, you could check out their extensive cocktail list to choose from. What’s more, if you don’t like anything from the list, they’ll make a special one based on your preferences!

While you’re there, make sure you book a guided tour to unravel the secrets of this château!

Looking for Activity Ideas Before or After Your Christmas Time Meals?

Here are some of my favourite things to do:

• Old Quebec Toboggan Ride with Hot Chocolate
• 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec
• Quebec: Christmas River Cruise with Dinner and Live DJ
• Quebec: German Christmas Market Tasting Tour
• Guided Snowmobile Tour from Quebec City
• Jacques-Cartier National Park Snowshoeing Tour
• Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour

Quick Recap

So, where to have a Christmas dinner in Quebec City? Well, you have 3 main options! Our top choice is Chez Boulay: Bistro Boréal with its forest-sourced ingredients and its classy charm.

Following closely behind is La Bûche for a historically charged no-frills traditional feast and then Le Sam Bistro Évolutif. Both restaurants offer great meal choices, with Le Sam Bistro Évolutif taking it a step further with an extensive cocktail menu!

Oh, and check out Christmas mass in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec if you’re there at that time during the holidays!

Other Restaurants You’ll Love During the Holidays

For more ideas on where to eat in Quebec City during the Holidays, check some of my favourites out too, but make sure to check their individual schedules, as they vary a lot during this time:

• Hono Izakaya with its Japanese tapa-style plates in the Saint-Roch district
• Buffet de l’Antiquaire for a traditional brunch near the port
• Battuto for refined Italian cuisine
• Chez Muffy for a deliciously fancy Sunday brunch
• Chez Rioux & Pettigrew for brunch as well
• Laurie Raphaël, a well-established timeless classic
• Légende par La Tanière, where local flavours meet creativity to surprise you at every course; try the cocktails too
• These amazing sushi restaurants
• And soooo many more!

For other tips and tricks and great spots to visit, check out these articles about Quebec City:

• The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
• Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
• Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City: Which to Visit?
• 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
• 5 Best Quebec City Escape Rooms and Games
• How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City
• Is Quebec City Safe?

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images to your boards to favourite them for your next trip to Quebec when you’ll need a little inspiration!