1640 Bistro focuses on a diverse menu that balances rustic pizza preparations with versatile bistro fare. The kitchen utilizes traditional ovens to achieve consistent crust textures and balanced flavor profiles across all savory dough-based offerings. Classic culinary techniques dictate the preparation of ingredient-driven plates that favor seasonal freshness and simple, robust seasoning. The physical environment features a functional layout designed to accommodate varied group sizes without compromising individual space or accessibility. Patrons encounter a selection of standardized hot and cold morning options that emphasize reliable staples such as eggs, fresh breads, and artisanal toppings. Every dish reflects an adherence to standard bistro conventions where efficiency meets quality in a focused, accessible setting. The establishment maintains a streamlined operational flow that prioritizes clear presentation and culinary precision throughout the service.
1640 Bistro is widely celebrated for its exceptional food, including standout dishes like the beef jowl, duck confit, various pastas, and high-quality burgers, often served in generous portions. Guests frequently praise the restaurant for its prime location in Old Quebec, offering a charming and atmospheric setting perfect for people watching from the outdoor patio. While the majority of diners report a welcoming and professional service experience that enhances their visit, some guests have encountered inconsistencies, noting occasional delays or challenges with staff friendliness and seating arrangements. Despite these mixed experiences, the overall consensus highlights a memorable culinary destination that remains a top recommendation for those visiting the area.
There are places in your life that are worth traveling great distances to experience again, & again, Bistro 1640 is such a place. This iconic restaurant is in the heart of Old Quebec City & impossible to miss with its bright red roof. The ambience, the thoughtful service, & then the delicious & savoury, awe inspiring food keep you coming back. I enjoyed a braised Joue du Bouef, with a herb purée, veggies & lovely mashed potatoes. Love Bistro 1640 & so will you!
We had a wonderful time at Bistro 1640. My fiancé & I drove up to Quebec for the weekend, & have been raving about this restaurant ever since. The wait staff was polite & quick with getting us to our table, the food was excellent, & at no point did I feel like we were being pushed out the door at the end of the night (like we would be in the U.S.A.).
We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Bistro 1640! I made reservations in advance, & we were placed at a corner table near the window where we could look out on Hotel Frontenac. The food was incredible! Artfully displayed & delicious. We shared the escargot & French onion soup. I had the walleye & shrimp with vegetables (& a savory cream sauce) & my husband chose the duck confit over noodles. We finished by sharing the maple creme brûlée, alongside coffee. There was 1980s music playing in the background, which gave the bistro a lively feel (it might be a little loud for some looking for a quiet dinner, but we enjoyed it & were able to carry on a conversation). One of my highlights? Hearing our waiter say, "are you ready for your next course, or would you like to wait a bit?" Why yes, we would like to wait & enjoy the space! There was no rush to hurry on with our meal, but ample time to savor our drinks, each course & one another. Food, drinks, atmosphere, friendly wait staff - in all, an incredible meal.
Apr 21, 2022
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Je suis allée manger 2 soirs consécutifs à ce bistro. Dès mon arrivée, le personnel te met à ton aise. Un accueil chaleureux, une ambiance exceptionnelle malgré la musique de fond. Un menu succulent & à un prix raisonnable. En un mot ce fût une expérience fantastique. Je le recommande à 200%. J'y retournerai lors d'un prochain séjour à Québec. Merci beaucoup à l'équipe, vous faites un travail formidable!
Nous avons adoré notre souper sur tout les points entrée/plat principal & desserts & les cocktails fait maison incroyable service impeccable nous allons revenir & nous conseillons le Bistro 1640 sans aucun doute. Merci
My husband & I were visiting Quebec City & had reservations at Bistro 1640 for our first night in the city. We arrived 30 min prior to our reservation time. We were greeted with a friendly smile & were seated right away. The ambiance of the restaurant is unlike & other! There was live music which was a pianist & saxophone player. The food was top notch & the servers were over the top friendly. 10/10 would recommend!
What can I say? We have never been to Quebec City before. I did a lot of research & I liked the sound of Bistro 1640 plus we watched a YouTube video. I booked a reservation for my husband's birthday about a month in advance. The restaurant was just a 2 minute walk from Chateau Frontenac & we were placed In a perfect window seat to watch the people stroll by. The waiter was very attentive & knew his menu. My husband chose the menu of the day for $44.00 which consisted of 3 courses, soup, fish & dessert. I had the duck leg with pasta & orange sauce. We each had a glass of wine. Everything was delicious, I only wish there was a little more orange sauce. When my husband's dessert came it was a crème brûlée with a sparkler to celebrate his birthday. Nice touch! with tip the bill came to $160.00. We recommend this restaurant but advise you do need a reservation!
Très bien situé tout près du Château Frontenac. Excellent service. Lors de votre réservation important de spécifier la salle à manger ou le bistro pour prendre votre repas.
