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Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal Cover Image
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal RestoQuebec.ca
Restaurant Top Pick

Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal

Restaurant serving upmarket, seasonal Nordic bistro fare in a stylish, modern interior.
Old-Quebec
4.8$$$ & $$$$
OPEN11:30 am - 2 pm, 5 pm - 9:45 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1:30pm
RegionalBoréaleSeafood/FishHealthyBistroComfort FoodTartareWild GameGluten-free OptionsFrenchBrunchCateringGreat selection of winesPrepared Meals

About

With their rigorous climate marked by a distinct seasonal cycle, northern territories are gifted with unique fauna and flora adapted to their extreme reality: game, fresh water fish, wild fruit, forest mushrooms, lichen… inspired by these unique elements, a rising number of chefs are exploring this once neglected exceptional culinary legacy.

In Quebec, Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand, supported by a passionate team, have been standing up to the challenge of inventing quebec inspired northern cuisine since 2012. Connecting the abundant proximity of boreal forests and the exceptional quality of local products, they salvage amidst french techniques to favour a true encounter of flavours. Local, healthy and inventive, the Northern cuisine from Quebec expresses within each bite the very best of our emerging culinary tradition.

Details

Our Specialties

Willd Game - Fish - Regional - Boreal cuisine

Amenities, services & more

Capacity: 120 We accept:  Master Card, Visa, AMEX, Interac
Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1:30pm
24
5★
79%
4★
16%
3★
3%
2★
1%
1★
0%

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Reviews for Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (4500+)
*as of 2026-07-03
5★
79%
4★
16%
3★
3%
2★
1%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal offers a memorable dining experience characterized by its creative, high-quality boreal cuisine that highlights fresh and local ingredients. Guests frequently praise the exceptional service, noting that the staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, often providing helpful recommendations that elevate the meal. While the atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and welcoming, it can occasionally become busy and lively. Many visitors consider it a must-visit destination in Quebec City, highlighting signature dishes like the onion soup and beef cheek as true standouts. Overall, the restaurant consistently delivers a refined culinary experience that earns strong recommendations for anyone seeking an authentic yet modern taste of local northern cuisine.
Page 2 of 26 - 253 Reviews

I had the venison pate en croute & duck breast: both were very good. My wife loved the onion soup & beef cheek. Atmosphere was great, & we were seated right away with a reservation.

May 11, 2026
on Google
2.0

Clearly overrated.

We were seated at the chef's table, which, in my opinion, is one of the best seats in the restaurant. It set a high expectation for the meal, but unfortunately, what followed did not live up to it. We ordered the pan-seared foie gras, deer plate, & onion soup as appetizers, followed by the duck breast, beef, halibut, & carbonara as mains, with scallops on the side.

To be fair, some of it may come down to personal preference. We did not particularly enjoy the sourdough bread or the deer plate, but I can see how others might feel differently.

The onion soup was the clear highlight of the meal &, honestly, the only dish we genuinely enjoyed.

The pan-seared foie gras was disappointing. It did not feel properly seared & came across as overly oily, leaving a greasy aftertaste.

The carbonara was the biggest letdown. The pasta itself seemed freshly made, which should have been a positive, but a clump of stuck-together dough made its way into the dish & ended up in my mouth. That was very unpleasant.

The duck breast was quite chewy, & the fried cornflower (?) on the side did not leave much of an impression. The beef was acceptable, but nothing memorable. The scallops were also underwhelming & lacked flavour. Halibut was standard.

Surprisingly, the fried potato wedges were probably one of the better items: nicely fried, hot, & well served.

Overall, aside from the onion soup & potato wedges, the meal was disappointing & did not live up to the restaurant's reputation.

May 7, 2026
on Google

The restaurant Chez Boulay was a wonderful experience.
During my stay in Quebec, I wasn't specifically looking for restaurants like this, so discovering it was a great surprise. This is not your typical diner - it's a true restaurant where the product is treated with care, & where the knowledge & technique in the kitchen are evident.
I had the onion soup & the beef cheeks. The onion soup is very original, presented like a coffee, with the bread & cheese on the side resembling toast. Beyond the presentation, the flavor is excellent. The beef cheeks, on the other hand, are rich, well-balanced, & full of depth.
What truly completes the experience is the service. I'd especially like to highlight Florian, the waiter who served me, for his attentive, friendly, & highly professional approach. When the food is already outstanding, this level of service elevates everything even further.
A highly recommended restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy a genuine fine dining experience.

May 1, 2026
on Google

Excellent & raffiné 👌🏻 Probablement la meilleure soupe à l'oignon que j'ai mangé

Apr 18, 2026
on Google

We had a fabulous dinner at Chez Boulay in the depths of winter in early January. Very creative & inspiring dishes, all perfectly executed. There were many standouts: their French onion soup is one of their signature dishes (absolutely three thumbs up), seabuckthorn meringue pie (very'lemony-y' satisfying). I was enjoying dinner so much I forgot to take any photos of our main courses, one of which was beef neck (?...which was very tender & flavourful). The service was attentive with just the right amount of friendliness. All in all a memorable evening & we'd definitely return at the first opportunity!

Mar 19, 2026
on Google

Délicieux! le cocktail, la soupe à l'oignon, la joue de boeuf, le carbonara, le parfait au miel, la mousse au fromage de chèvre.

Mar 19, 2026
on Google
5.0

Food was fabulous & service was excellent!
French onion soup is a must, the best we've ever had!

Mar 11, 2026
on Google

Très beau restaurant. Nous allons y retourner pour sur. Cocktail un peu cher, mais ça va avec le cadre.
La soupe à l'oignon & la joue de boeuf : duo imbattable !!! Je recommande vivement.
J'ai pris l'entrée au poisson blanc, Coregone. Frais, joliment présenté & vivifiant.
Plat principal, le bar. Excellent plat avec une sauce incroyable. Les poireaux sont grillés & fondants. Seul bémol, les moules marinières étaient trop cuites. Elles étaient rendues en lambeaux & caoutchteuses.

Mar 3, 2026
on Google

Tout simplement un délice!! & laissez vous tenter par la soupe à l'oignon. La meilleure !!!! Excellent service! Je recommande à 100%

Mar 2, 2026
on Google
5.0

Souper excellent & service impeccable.

Feb 1, 2026
on Google