Aux Anciens Canadiens specializes in traditional French-Canadian cuisine featuring regional staples such as tourtière, bison, and elk. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients prepared using classic grilling and slow-cooking techniques that reflect historical culinary practices. Patrons encounter a setting defined by authentic architecture, thick stone walls, and woodwork that creates a dense, rustic atmosphere. This establishment prioritizes rich, savory flavors through hearty meat preparations and classic vegetable pairings characteristic of the surrounding territory. Every dish aims to present the fundamental essence of regional gastronomy with precise attention to traditional seasoning and cooking methods. The consistent focus remains on authentic, robust flavors served within a structural environment that mirrors the heritage of the region through its preserved interior design and consistent, reliable preparation styles.
Aux Anciens Canadiens is widely celebrated for its charming, historic atmosphere and its dedication to traditional Québécois cuisine, with many visitors praising the authentic setting housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city. Guests frequently highlight the attentive and friendly service, particularly when enjoying the popular lunch specials, and many consider the maple syrup pie and various meat dishes to be standout offerings. While the vast majority of diners describe their experience as memorable and delicious, some reviewers note that the food quality can be inconsistent, with a few guests finding certain dishes to be overpriced or underwhelming compared to the historic reputation of the institution.
First up - Warm duck confit on mixed salad & maple vinaigrette.
The duck was super tender & juicy, even though the portion wasn't huge. The salad was dressed with lots of olive oil & balsamic vinegar, & when mixed with the duck, it was flavourful, balanced, & honestly, really delicious. Highly recommend this one!
Then came the Lac St-Jean meat pie made with wild meats (bison, deer, elk, beef, pork).
It came with a side of veggies, but sadly they were overcooked - too soft & lacking crunch. The meat filling was heavily mixed, so I couldn't really tell what I was eating. The texture kind of blurred together. That said, the crust was actually amazing - crispy & well-baked. The best part of the dish, hands down.
Four of us had the lunch special, three courses plus a local beer or wine for 39.99 CAD. Appetizer, main, dessert. Many options available, some with an upcharge, all very good. My vegetarian wife had enough good vegetarian options. Recommended by a guide earlier in the day, even though it wasn't one of our stops.
My wife Fran & I were visiting Old Quebec City with friends & found this little gem slightly off the main strip. The staff were very friendly & the service was excellent! We enjoyed our meal & wine. The blueberry pie dessert was delicious. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Jun 7, 2025
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Beautiful exterior, oldest building & very attractive from the outside but tourist trap inside. Service was good & prices are very deceiving. We were there for dinner, quite empty. Cushions & colours needed updating although it's meant to look from the last era.. 1860s? Prices for dinner set start at C$69.95 but almost everything you choose has a surcharge. My beef wellington had a $8-9 surcharge, my husband's seafood platter had a $26 surcharge, even the crème brûlée had a $4 surcharge. So the dinner ended up to be about C$120 each. Had to ask for bread which was not automatically served, but came warm & nice. Drafty seat by the window. Service was good but wouldn't recommend it if I was honest.
Great place! Food is great with large portion sizes. The staff is great, & it's also a great atmosphere, as it's in the oldest building in Quebec. Highly recommended!
Thank you, Sandine & Sergio for another lovely dining experience at Aux Anciens Canadiens. We always visit on our trips to Quebec City & the delicious food, fabulous service & warm atmosphere never disappoint. Highly recommend a visit!
Notre première visite à votre restaurant le 31 décembre pour dîner en famille , nous avons été conquis par la nourriture & l'excellent service & recommandations de Jade
