Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal

Graf

5.0

We went one night for dinner on a lark & it was so good that we came back the next day first thing for brunch.

It's an understatement to say the food here is extremely good. The onion soup in particular was amazing but everything was great.

Despite the extremely good food, it's not quite fine dining. There are paper napkins, the waiters have stories about the food but it's more relaxed. The portions are filling (especially the meat dishes).

It's hard to really explain why it was good without sounding like I'm being paid. Maybe the truest thing I can say was that mid-way though the 30 dollar price fix lunch I started to feel a pang of real guilt, like it was so cheaper we were stealing from them. Honestly in NYC this place would be 4 times the price & you still wouldn't be able to get a reservation.

Although it doesn't matter to me much in terms of rating I will say that the staff were nice, attentive & funny.

Frankie

5.0

William, what a legend of a server. As a fellow food server, he is the definition of doing everything right. Immaculate care, deep knowledge of the food & subject matter, clear passion for what he does, & warm positive fun & friendly energy abound. The food here was 10/10, one of the best brunches I've ever had.

Update: William also recommended a'secret' speak easy for later in the evening. Turned out to be another total highlight of our trip, we were the only English speakers there & it made our night. The cocktails were phenomenal, & because of this he managed to make our day not just at brunch, but after dinner too 🤘Thanks William!

Jean-Pierre

2.0

Je suis allé plusieurs fois diner au Boulay. La cuisine a toujours été A1. Suite à cette belle expérience, j'ai invité mes 2 nièces au brunch du dimanche 19 juillet. Jai pris l'assiette végé avec sauce chèvre. Mes nièces ont commandé deux autres assiettes. À l'arrivée des assiettes, les yeux m'ont tourné à l'envers devant la richesse des leurs & la pauvreté de la mienne. Je me suis retrouvé devant une assiette à moitié vide avec quelques morceaux insignifiants de légumes dans une crème où il fallait avoir beaucoup d'imagination pour retrouver le goût de chèvre. Seules les bâtonnets étaient gouteux. Cette expérience a été franchement malheureuse pour moi qui ai payé une facture totale de 110 $.

Florence

5.0

Brunch délicieux, généreux & abordable! Déjà hâte d'y retourner!

Jason

5.0

We only had a few days in town, but making a brunch reservation at Chef Boulay was easily one of the best decisions of our trip. It completely lives up to its Michelin Select designation.
Since we had a massive meal the night before, I wasn't incredibly hungry & opted for a lighter choice: the Foie Gras Terrine with Maple Brandy, Brioche Bread, & Garnish. The rich, smooth terrine paired beautifully with the sweetness of the maple brandy & the perfectly toasted brioche.
My wife had a much better appetite & ordered'The Farm'-a dish featuring a Borderon bagel topped with braised pork from the Paysans du Fjord, salted herbs, a poached egg, carrots with woolly hogweed, & a black garlic emulsion. The braised pork was unbelievably tender & packed with incredible depth of flavor. Honestly, I was secretly hoping she wouldn't finish it as she was nice enough to let me try her dish!
Our only regret is that we didn't have more days in the city to come back & explore the rest of the menu. If you are in the area, this is an absolute must-visit!

Shawn

5.0

Had a wonderful brunch with great food, drinks & service.

Paul

5.0

Met up with my sisters first born who is on an epic cycling trip from Muskoka to PEI on their Quebec City stop. Madti had a classic mimosa & I had a pint of Boreal IPA. Madti was looking for a robust breakfast/brunch packed with flavour & Boulay delivered on both counts in the form of a delicious foie gras tureen & their Bucheron breakfast which is Seared flat iron steak, sunny side-up egg, poutine & fir hollandaise sauce.
Service was attentive & we received a warm welcome before being seated by the window. Seating is snug & the vibe was upbeat. We finished the meal with an americano & a double espresso.
Will be going back for dinner on my next visit to Quebec & would not hesitate in recommending Chez Boulay to my family & friends.
Thanks for a wonder meal & for giving Madti a boost on his +2000km bike trek.... peace

Louis-Philip

5.0

Accueil très chaleureux & amicale. Personnel très à l'écoute & attentionné. Nous avons été impressionné par les saveurs & la recherche des ingrédients de notre brunch. Tout simplement divin & goûteux. Merci à tout le personnel de cuisine, baristas & les serveurs pour ce fabuleux repas.

Drey

5.0

Expérience du brunch du samedi midi, avec des plats régionaux, bien dimensionnés & sublimés par le mix avec le côté frenchy du chef. Le service (commande de plats, demande d'addition) peut être un peu long même quand la salle est loin d'être pleine mais pour le reste agreabilité de tout le personnel & surtout mets excellents, en plus d'une large carte des boissons, vins au verre inclus

Linda

5.0

What a fabulous brunch! I would give them 10 stars if I could! The food was exquisite, the service was attentive without being overbearing, the atmosphere is delightful. I highly recommend Chaz Boulay to anyone visiting Quebec!