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.
We had a fantastic experience dining at Bistro 1640 while exploring Old Quebec. The atmosphere was lovely, creating a welcoming & comfortable vibe from the moment we sat down.
The service was remarkably quick & attentive throughout our meal. For my main, I ordered the Pesto Chicken & Shrimps pasta (Pesto Volaille & Crevettes). The dish was incredible, featuring perfectly cooked tagliatelle tossed in a rich, creamy pesto sauce with generous portions of tender chicken, sweet nordic shrimp, fresh tomatoes, spinach, & toasted pine nuts. Every element tasted fresh & balanced.
If you are looking for top notch food & efficient service in a great setting, this place is well worth a visit!
We ended up at Bistro 1640 one night during our 20th anniversary trip, & loved it so much that we went back the next night with our entire family! The service was friendly & accommodating. The atmosphere is great because you can sit on the outdoor patio & people watch while listening to the talented street performers! I loved the chicken caesar salad, the burrata tomato salad, the pasta dishes, & the burgers! My son & I both agreed that they have the best burger we've ever had - & we've had a LOT of burgers. ha! Oh! & I had the tastiest lemonade I've ever had in my life. It was their housemate fruit lemonade & came with a gooseberry on top. I can't even describe how heavenly this tasted & smelled. My entire family was envious. I can't recommend this place enough!! It's a must!
What can I say? This place has absolutely incredible food! ❤?
The beef jowl is unlike anything I've ever had-definitely not your average beef stew! The pasta that came with it was just as flavorful. The pizza? Executed perfectly, with wonderfully stretchy cheese & fresh veggies. The escargot was rich, buttery, & delicious. To top it all off, the complimentary crème brûlée from their current promotion was the cherry on top, & the portion sizes are huge! The prices are very reasonable, & the service is incredibly warm & welcoming.
Had dinner at 1640 Bistro & loved it! The duck leg with pasta was fragrant & delicious, the steak tartare was great, & the pizza-highly recommended by the staff-was amazing. The crust was flavorful & chewy, really stood out. Definitely a must-try if you're in town!
Incredible cuisine. We got duck, beef & pasta. All dishes were incredible, Drinks were also just as good. Great service, atmosphere & music. Nothing to complain about, amazing dining experience.
I am writing this review in the middle of my dinner. This is hands down the best food ive had in a long long time. I am perpetually disappointed by food when I eat out & especially in tourist areas. This restaurant however is not a part of that trend. The beef tartare was incredible, I am a huge tartare fan & its the best ive ever had. The duck was my main & it is so succulent & falvourful, the pasta is seasoned beautifully. I will be getting a creme brulee too but unless there is a fly in it or something my review is not changing.
Edit: there was no fly & the creme brulee was amazing.
