Chez Temporel serves as a hub for artisanal sandwich preparation and stone-baked pizza within a classic European-style environment. The establishment focuses on the assembly of pressed sandwiches utilizing crusty, freshly delivered breads and high-quality deli components. Pizzas feature thin, crisp bases topped with balanced tomato-based sauces, melted mozzarella, and selected seasonal vegetables or cured meats. The interior environment emphasizes functional wooden furniture and a focused layout designed for efficient service and straightforward consumption. Patrons interact with a menu defined by traditional cafe staples and consistent culinary execution. This space maintains a high standard of consistency, ensuring that each meal adheres to established recipes and professional food handling protocols. The atmosphere remains centered on the preparation of snacks and light fare intended for immediate consumption by local residents and visitors.
Chez Temporel is a highly regarded, charming bistro tucked away on a quiet street in Old Quebec City, offering an authentic and cozy atmosphere that feels like a local hidden gem. Guests consistently praise the exceptional quality of the French-inspired menu, with standout dishes like the mushroom risotto with duck confit, beef tartare, French onion soup, and fresh seafood selections. While the space is intimate and can become busy, the service is frequently described as warm, professional, and genuinely attentive, making visitors feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout their meal. Although experiences are overwhelmingly positive, with many diners considering it the highlight of their trip, prospective patrons are encouraged to make reservations to ensure a spot in this delightful, well-rated establishment.
Must visit! We went here for lunch on a weekday after a long hike up & down the Montmercy falls.
We were seated next to a window (what a wonderful table!) & were served by Flora May. She was an exceptionally sweet, polite & frank server - didn't oversell, kept it real & all with a smiling face.
We had their French onion soup & Snails along with their house wine. The portions were good & the taste was just wow! It kept lingering. Had a nice French experience. Definitely recommend if you're around.
Charming little place with staff who genuinely care about their clientele. Beef tartare was very good. Salmon was exquisite. Mushroom risotto with duck confit added was rich & delicious. Nice selection of wines by the glass. Gets very busy, so a reservation is recommended.
I really loved the soup of the day, Gazpacho. It was delicious. & my friend had the risotto while I had this croissant with shrimp & a delicious side salad. We ordered local Canadian red wine. & for dessert, we split a piece of maple syrup pie. It was so good. Try this restaurant. You'll love it.
Jun 23, 2026
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Lovely small, intimate dining experience with excellent food & service. Helpful advice on the wine selection. On a quiet street with indoor & outdoor seating. Nicely removed from the more central tourist bustle.
We enjoyed a pleasant lunch of chilli & beef bourgeon with wine. The atmosphere was refreshing. However, the experience became unsatisfactory after we paid our bill. The waitress requested a tip, suggesting we were tourists & explaining that it is customary to leave a 20% tip which is important for the waitress's earnings. We normally leave cash as a tip for good service. This outburst left us uncomfortable & she did not provide good service. Consequently, we did not leave a tip.
I have been to many good restaurants in my life, been to many different countries & have experienced many different cuisines. Rarely do I say that a restaurant is perfect, but WOW this experience was perfect. EVERYTHING was thoughtful & intentional: the flavor profiles were fresh & funky, the staff were kind & considerate, the music & interior were eclectic & the wine was spot on. If you can only visit one restaurant in Quebec city, I would definitely reccomend this one.
A Yuletide Elegy for Chez Temporel: Ode to the $89 Festive Fiasco
Oh, Chez Temporel, thou hidden'gem' of Vieux-Québec,?We ventured forth on Christmas Day, hearts full of cheer & check,?Dreaming of French finesse, of flavors divine & grand-?Instead, we paid a king's ransom for culinary contraband!
The soup arrived, a creamy squash affair,?'OK,' we whispered,'nothing special-fair.'?A lukewarm shrug in a bowl, like melted snow from the street,?The only course that didn't beg for immediate defeat.
Then came the pork rillette, oh what a thrill!?A grayish pâté blob, tasteless as a bill.?We poked it warily-could this be dog food in disguise??Faces around us twisted in collective, horrified surprise.?'Is it… edible?' one table pondered with a frown,?While we awarded it half a star-generously, not to let it down.
But lo! The main event: the duck breast, pink & proud,?Promised blueberry bliss, yet delivered a chew-fest loud.?So tough, so rubbery, our knives wept in despair,?Sawing futilely like lumberjacks in thin air.?This poor bird gave its life for such a grievous sin-?Overcooked by a chef who's clearly never been… within?A kitchen worth its salt. The duck, from beyond the grave,?Must be quacking curses:'Avenge me, for pity's sake!'
The dessert? A praline chocolate'success' cake, we suppose-?But success eluded us; it vanished in mediocrity's throes.?The rest? A solid one-star symphony of'meh' & regret,?For $89 a head-plus wine pairing, lest we forget!
If this is'high-end' holiday haute cuisine in Québec's embrace,?Then color us deeply disappointed-nay, utterly disgraced.?Worst Christmas feast ever; we'd have fared better with takeout from the mall.?Save your souls (& your wallets)-avoid Chez Temporel this y'all!
If your airport has flights to Quebec City it is worth the plane ticket to eat here. One of the better meals in a long time. Comparable to a Michelin star place. Octopus with beans was mind blowing & so good. Small but excellent wine selection. Like your French grandmother was cooking for you. Very casual & a little loud - left bank authentic.
Sat here for a few late night glasses of wine & it was just bliss. Excellent atmosphere, service, wine selection, & view towards a quiet but charming street. We will absolutely be back for the food (& more wine)🍷
