When it comes to eating on a budget, fast food restaurants are often the first options that come to mind. But in Quebec, being frugal doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing quality or taste.
There are countless options if you want to eat well but still keep your costs under control. For example, most of the excellent bakeries in the city also offer quick menus like sandwiches and pies for under $10. Microbreweries are also surprisingly good options. Most have created a bar food menu based on traditional cuisine. Dishes like patties, burgers, and nachos are often made with local or organic ingredients and, fortunately, are priced so you can save and grab an extra beer. Another option is to visit any gourmet grocery store and pack a picnic that fits your budget.
But when it comes to just a restaurant for a bite to eat, here are five cheap places where you can get a delicious, filling meal for $15 or less.
Soup & Cie
On trendy 3rd Avenue, Limoilou Soupe & Cie is a hearty, high-quality, and quick meal. The restaurant’s hot soups are inspired by international classics like Italian wedding soup, New England-style clam chowder, and French bouillon. These soups combine cheese-rich broths with high-quality ingredients and flavors. Half the menu, about 14 options, are under $14 for a full-size, huge bowl, and there are also tartare and creative dessert soups to choose from.
Hosaka-Ya Ramen
The only authentic restaurant in Quebec, run by two Japanese brothers who also own an excellent sushi restaurant in Limoleul. Walking through the door, diners are transported straight to Tokyo with the staff shouting “Irakshaymazi!” The service is brisk but not fussy. The menu is generous and full of flavor, offering a wide range of small dishes for under $10. Be sure to try the fried chicken, which is rightfully popular with locals and expats alike.
La Korrigane
A brewery that produces its beer in very small quantities and serves it exclusively in its lively pub. In addition to traditional blends, the brewery uses ingredients like fresh blueberries and maple sap to produce intriguingly complex beers. The food is creative and uses locally grown ingredients.
The Marche Cuisine
This cafeteria-style dining spot in the old port's Marché du Vieux-Port public market offers $10 meals made with local ingredients provided by the market's vendors. The seasonal menu was created by Arnaud Marchand, chef at the popular Upper Town bistro Chez Boulay. Don't miss the chance to try two Quebec classics: the hearty pea soup, a delicious stew, and a moist pudding with a rich sauce of brown sugar and maple syrup.
The counter
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste area is filled with interesting, inexpensive shops, bars and restaurants, and Le Comptoir is one of the best deals. Just steps from the Old Town, the restaurant serves impeccably executed classics such as smoked meat sandwiches and fish and chips. Friendly service, along with cheap beer and wine, makes Le Comptoir particularly popular with locals.
