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.
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!
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.
Nov 18, 2025
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We had three different servers which is not an issue the first one was cold. After seating he came back leaving the menus without a word. The service was not the highlight but the food was delicious. Tartare, French onion soup & the smoked meat sandwich was our highlights.
Had such a wonderful breakfast smoked salmon eggs Benedict that we returned for dinner. Steak Tartare 😋 excellent patio dining or dining room. Friendly staff
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.
Wonderful birthday dinner, party of 4, seated at the best table in the window looking up at the Chateau! All meals completely devoured & thoroughly enjoyed including escargot, duck, tuna tartare, steak & fish. Friendly & polite staff, however the drinks & extra bread took way too long. If not for that, rating would be 5 stars.
This is a cozy place but the orders got confused & noticed it when I got the bill. I said I wanted to have an entre & they charged me as the main dish which was $15 more. It was my first time so I didn't know I was getting the main dish. I ordered the tuna tartare not the tuna asian-style so make sure you order is clear.
