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.
Mon mari & moi sommes allés souper à ce restaurant hier. Nous y avons été très mal accueillis. L'hôtesse était froide, déplaisante. Nous souhaitions être assis à une des tables pour 2 personnes qui étaient disponibles, mais elle insistait pour que l'on prenne plutôt place au comptoir de style bistro qui longeait la terrasse. Nous lui avons demandé d'être assis à une table pour deux personnes & elle nous a dit qu'il n'y en avait pas, que les places assises étaient réservées aux groupes de 3 ou 4 personnes. Elle nous prenait pour des tatas? On est là avec elle, face à une terrasse sur laquelle il y a au moins 3 tables pour 2 personnes qui sont disponibles (toutes dispersées, que l'on ne peut pas coller pour en faire des tables de 3 ou 4 personnes) & elle nous dit qu'elle n'en a plus tout en nous faisant à nouveau signe pour qu'on la suive alors qu'elle nous dirigeait vers le bar longeant la terrasse. Mon mari a dû lui pointer du doigt les tables disponibles pour qu'elle accepte enfin de nous y installer, à contre-coeur. Très mauvais départ.
Sinon, pour le repas, nous avions pris une entrée de charcuteries & fromage à partager pour 2, mais on aurait facilement pu partager à 4. Ceci dit, le repas était délicieux (repas principaux (tartare de boeuf classique & cheeseburger Classico).
La serveuse était très polie, souriante & efficace. Devant l'hôtel derrière nous, un saxophoniste de grand talent jouait des airs qui se mariaient très bien à l'ambiance chaleureuse de la place. Un coup la poussière retombée (suite à l'accueil), nous avons passé une excellente soirée à ce restaurant.
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.
Excellent souper... les serveurs tres attentionnés & de bonne humeur.... Cuisse de canard & joue de boeuf comme choix.. excellents tous les deux... portion parfaite .. ambiance festive avec le musicien... mais l'intimité est préservée... Nous y retournerons certainement !! Merci
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
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!
Great Location.. Fabulous Onion Soup & Escargot.. We had the Steak & Frites special.. Cooked exactly as we asked but wish we had choice of steak... only sirloin served.. ok.. but a bit chewy... would of loved a Ribeye..or New York Strip..... Cost an extra 15 on the daily special to have steak.. salmon & or duck was 15 cheaper....Service exemplary..
