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8 Go-To Restaurants for Cheap Eats in Quebec City

Everything from poutine to Portuguese chicken

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Quebec’s capital city has its share of fine dining haunts, from old school favourites like Le Continental to celebrated newer arrivals like Kraken Cru (and that’s to say nothing of the oft-overpriced tourist traps in the Old City). But here are eight restaurants that do hearty meals from poutine to Portuguese chicken without breaking the bank.

Looking for all-round dining tips in Quebec City? There’s another guide for that over here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

La Fabrique Du Smoked Meat

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This tiny family-run business of Saint-Sauveur serves one mean smoked meat sandwich — and it feels like a vintage hall of fame museum with its walls decorated with signed photographs of famous hockey players. It’s also renowned for homemade onion rings and maple syrup pie.

Tora-Ya Ramen

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Authentic Japanese ramen filled with only the real good stuff. The restaurant is decorated in the style of a traditional izakaya, and does rich broths with bold flavours, alongside tsumami (Japanese snacks) and organic sake. There’s always a line, and it’s always worth the wait.

William J. Walter

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In Saint-Roch, the William J. Walter mini-chain serves an ideal German hungry man’s lunch: European-style hotdogs with house-made Royale Sauerkraut. Add to that a wide variety of sausages, including vegan and gluten-free options, stuffed olives and dried sausages. Local, biodynamic wine and craft beer are also available. There’s another William J. Walter further afield in Beauport, too.

MacFly Bar Arcade

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Sometimes, all you need is home-style comfort food. And retro gaming haven MacFly is good for it, with husky grilled cheese sandwiches, beer, cocktails and popcorn, accompanied by vintage arcade games and pinball machines. For a hit of nostalgia, indulge in a traditional Québécois snack, creton toast topped with yellow “baseball” mustard.

Chez Gaston

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How could poutine not make this list? Delicious, steaming hot fries smothered in hot gravy and “quick-quick” cheese curds. Although many locals ignore Chez Gaston, this greasy spoon effortlessly lures in knowledgeable eaters looking for the best poutine experience in Quebec City.

Poutine
Chez Gaston

Le Bureau de Poste

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With a five dollar all-day menu every day, including healthy vegetarian options, Le Bureau de Poste is a hub of coolness that draws a younger crowd looking for a good time, both on and off the plate. Tuck into pulled pork, burgers, soup, and mac and cheese with a perfect ‘90s punk soundtrack — but expect waiting lines in the evening.

Le Poulet Portugais

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A BYOB with tons of flavour: dive into charcoal cooked Portuguese chicken, slathered with extra homemade piri-piri sauce, and a side of fries or rice. Juicy, soft and tasty, it’s an ideal place for group celebrations or family outings.

Frida Comptoir Mexicain

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Frida is a small, brightly painted taco joint in Montcalm serving flavourful street-style soft-shell tacos and homemade tortas. Love abounds in every bite of the shared carnitas, the classic al pastor, vegetarian hibiscus flower or homemade tortas with a side of frijoles charros and guacamole.

La Fabrique Du Smoked Meat

This tiny family-run business of Saint-Sauveur serves one mean smoked meat sandwich — and it feels like a vintage hall of fame museum with its walls decorated with signed photographs of famous hockey players. It’s also renowned for homemade onion rings and maple syrup pie.

Tora-Ya Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen filled with only the real good stuff. The restaurant is decorated in the style of a traditional izakaya, and does rich broths with bold flavours, alongside tsumami (Japanese snacks) and organic sake. There’s always a line, and it’s always worth the wait.

William J. Walter

In Saint-Roch, the William J. Walter mini-chain serves an ideal German hungry man’s lunch: European-style hotdogs with house-made Royale Sauerkraut. Add to that a wide variety of sausages, including vegan and gluten-free options, stuffed olives and dried sausages. Local, biodynamic wine and craft beer are also available. There’s another William J. Walter further afield in Beauport, too.

MacFly Bar Arcade

Sometimes, all you need is home-style comfort food. And retro gaming haven MacFly is good for it, with husky grilled cheese sandwiches, beer, cocktails and popcorn, accompanied by vintage arcade games and pinball machines. For a hit of nostalgia, indulge in a traditional Québécois snack, creton toast topped with yellow “baseball” mustard.

Chez Gaston

How could poutine not make this list? Delicious, steaming hot fries smothered in hot gravy and “quick-quick” cheese curds. Although many locals ignore Chez Gaston, this greasy spoon effortlessly lures in knowledgeable eaters looking for the best poutine experience in Quebec City.

Poutine
Chez Gaston

Le Bureau de Poste

With a five dollar all-day menu every day, including healthy vegetarian options, Le Bureau de Poste is a hub of coolness that draws a younger crowd looking for a good time, both on and off the plate. Tuck into pulled pork, burgers, soup, and mac and cheese with a perfect ‘90s punk soundtrack — but expect waiting lines in the evening.

Le Poulet Portugais

A BYOB with tons of flavour: dive into charcoal cooked Portuguese chicken, slathered with extra homemade piri-piri sauce, and a side of fries or rice. Juicy, soft and tasty, it’s an ideal place for group celebrations or family outings.

Frida Comptoir Mexicain

Frida is a small, brightly painted taco joint in Montcalm serving flavourful street-style soft-shell tacos and homemade tortas. Love abounds in every bite of the shared carnitas, the classic al pastor, vegetarian hibiscus flower or homemade tortas with a side of frijoles charros and guacamole.