The gourmet scene in Quebec is on the move and restaurants are popping up every month, despite the difficult economic situation. Four new locations caught my attention and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a place to party, grab a coffee while working, or want to eat on the go.
Arsenal & CO Distillery.
The decor is stunning and unlike anything else you’ll see in the city: huge chandeliers hanging over the central bar, huge ceilings of more than 11 meters, a tiered mezzanine and long curtains of gold and copper.
The high ceilings and chandeliers are impressive. Photo Marianne White
The owners of Arsenal & CO Distillery. has pulled out all the stops to bring the former artillery factory back to life in a spectacular way during the Second World War. This mega-project in the Saint-Malo industrial park will include a spirits factory, a shop offering tours and tastings, and a roof terrace. The inviting dining room with 250 seats has been open since the end of September. The ingenious design gives everyone a good view of the stage, where shows such as piano duels take place several evenings a week.
I really liked the ribs. Photo Ludovic Gauthier
The menu includes pizzas and smoked meat dishes. I really enjoyed the ribs, the gochujang-spiced grilled shrimp, and the original cocktail menu.
1195, rue Taillon
Tacos and tequila
As soon as I entered the place, I was captivated by the tropical atmosphere, the magnificent frescoes on the walls and the colorful benches.
One of the restaurant’s frescoes. Photo Marianne White
The friendly eatery, which has just opened near Plaza Laval after significant investment, is more than just a Mexican cuisine restaurant. A dance floor and a karaoke corner add a festive touch. Don’t be surprised if a customer gets up to pay the bill because the owner, Mélanie Talbot, wants above all for people to have fun and have a good time. The Wendat native, who has been immersed in the culture for 20 years and was married to a Mexican woman, serves quality food that’s worth the detour.
The juicy corn chips. Photo Marianne White
I devoured the beef tacos with fries, loved the corn chips served with guacamole, and I fell in love with the tacos dorados.
Tacos Dorados in the foreground and beef tacos in the background. Photo Marianne White
Not to mention the delicious homemade sauces. Discover!
2695, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Tommy Cafe
This Montreal-founded chain just opened in the heart of the student district at the end of Avenue Nérée-Tremblay. The popular cafe was also full of young people sitting at their computers during my visit. I took the opportunity to try out the new trend that’s been all the rage on social media: cereal lattes.
Granola latte from Tommy Café. Photo Marianne White
At Tommy, we recommend garnishing your coffee with Lucky Charms cereal. It’s fun, there’s just enough cereal that it doesn’t fall on your heartstrings and, most importantly, it makes for great photos.
The menu includes sandwiches and brunch platters. Photo Marianne White
You can also enjoy good brunch plates, avocado toast and pastries or even an aperitif since the place is open until 9 p.m.
2327, bullet. from the north slope
Pita pit
I’m one of those who misses the Extreme Pita chain, which made a brief foray into Quebec about ten years ago. That’s why I was very excited to get to know the Pita Pit banner, which has just opened its first branch in the region in Neufchâtel. The brand is a classic fast food restaurant: counter service and minimalist dining room.
The first branch opened its doors in Neufchtatel. Photo from Pita Pit’s Facebook page
The focus is on the star product, the flatbread, which sits on a board filled with the customer’s choice of fresh vegetables, spices and grilled meat. I really liked the option of choosing a bowl of rice or a salad that we could garnish as we wish.
A bowl of rice topped with vegetables and grilled chicken. Photo Marianne White
It’s fresh and delicious and also a good healthy alternative.
9145, Boulevard de l’Ormière