The great story of a small bistro... Like a treasure buried in the heart of Faubourg St-Jean, a really well-kept secret ... the story of The Hobbit. This small, unpretentious bistro, is a reflection of the character of Tolkien, it carries with it the greatness of a story whose echo is still heard today at the cafe. Over time, it became the place where culinary delights come together in an ambiance worthy of a warm and cozy home. But beware, behind that familiar face, between the stones of this old house lurk ghosts that give The Hobbit that "je ne sais quoi" and make it a place apart from all others.
Le Hobbit is widely regarded as a charming and atmospheric destination in Quebec City, celebrated for its creative and flavorful approach to traditional and local cuisine. Many visitors praise the restaurant for its innovative menus, standout brunch offerings, and beautifully presented dishes, with highlights often including the unique foie gras preparations, fresh seafood, and inventive dessert combinations. While the service is frequently described as friendly, enthusiastic, and professional, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in pacing or attention. Despite varying opinions on pricing and portion sizes, the majority of diners characterize their experience as memorable and highly recommend the establishment for its cozy ambiance and high quality, making it a must-visit location for many exploring the area.
The food did not hit the spot. The kitchen there seems to source fresh ingredients & may even know the technique, but the flavours are too bland, lacking in creativity & trying to be too fancy. If I could leave one recommendation - I'd say go back to basics & learn to deliver a culinary experience instead of raising prices & pretenting to be what you aren't. You can always make more when you have a crowd at your door.
We ordered a halibut plate that was minuscule for 38 dollars & wasn't fancy or extraordinary either. It was cooked correctly, but lacked in seasoning. The lobster bisque that was supposed to complement the fish ended up being some watery substance in which canned corn & mustard leaves were seated, serving as a final frontier between the swampy bottom of the plate & the crispy quarter of a halibut steak. Your mom would have cooked you a better halibut & wouldn't skimp on flavour. However, this is the whole story with this place - they are afraid of flavour.
The pork chop was a bit bigger than the fish but did not impress either. They may have used a sous-vide, or maybe just marinated it well, so you could taste some herbiness, but this is where the excitement ends. The so-called chimichurri was bland & mixed with tomato sauce. Needless to say that there was no heat to it, no garlic flavour, no flavour at all actually.
Finally, the service was very much laissez-faire. The waiter has forgot to ask us about allergies but did ask the table next to us (thankfully we don't have any). They also didn't bring us a dessert menu 10 minutes after we asked. Instead they decided to chit chat with the guests at the bar. I can clearly understand this when the restaurant is full, although of course bringing a menu should be simple enough. However, it wasn't even close to half full, so we were just left alone throughout the evening. We decided to leave at the end.
The server was helpful at explaining the menu initially & did ask us about the food once we started. In their defence, my girlfriend liked the food although she does agree on the service being below the standard.
Now if you can explain why bland food deserves the prices they set - let me know.
Le Hobbit - get your act together or Smaug & hungry visitors will get you closed for good.
Cuisine inventive, superbe présentation des plats. Concept de portions moyennes à partager, courte carte mais variée. Environ 60$/personne avec 2 verres de vin & dessert. Ambiance agréable & calme. Service accueillant & aimable, quelle rareté ces temps-ci!
Le Hobbit in Quebec City, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of this enchanting French-Canadian city. With the spirit of adventure coursing through my veins, I embarked on a culinary journey that transcended time & space, almost reminiscent of Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the unexpected & magical converge.
As I stepped into this quaint establishment, I couldn't help but marvel at its intimate ambiance. The rustic charm & warm, earthy tones transported me to a world of elegance, where each corner whispered tales of old Quebec. It was as if I had stumbled upon a hobbit's haven, with its cozy nooks & crannies, inviting patrons to escape the bustling city streets.
Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance – the food. Le Hobbit's menu is a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate like a finely orchestrated composition. The dishes, rooted in French-Canadian tradition with a touch of whimsy, pay homage to the region's culinary heritage. The wild mushroom poutine, adorned with a rich truffle gravy, was a revelation of earthy indulgence. & let's not forget the maple-glazed pork belly, a dish that exemplified the perfect balance between sweet & savory, a true homage to Quebec's iconic maple syrup.
The wine list at Le Hobbit is an oenophile's dream, featuring an array of local & international selections that complemented the menu beautifully. The attentive & knowledgeable staff guided me through pairings that elevated my dining experience to new heights.
But what truly sets Le Hobbit apart is its commitment to farm-to-table sourcing. The ingredients, fresh & locally sourced, tell a story of the Quebecois terroir, a narrative that resonates with the restaurant's dedication to sustainability.
As I savored the last morsel of my dessert, a delicate maple sugar tart, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for stumbling upon this culinary oasis in Quebec City. Le Hobbit captures the essence of both the city & its surroundings, offering a dining experience that is as magical as it is rooted in tradition.
Le Hobbit is a gastronomic treat that bridges the realms of fantasy & reality. It's a place where the spirit adventure & the soul of Quebec come together, inviting you to indulge in a culinary journey that will leave you spellbound & craving for more. This, my friends, is a culinary experience worth embarking upon, a testament to the magic that can be found in the most unexpected corners of the world.
Oct 5, 2023
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Ambiance & accueil chaleureux !
Saveur au rendez-vous dans les assiettes du plat au dessert !
(Juste petite critique constructive, le prix des plats valent ils la quantitée dans l'assiette ?)
Pas d'inquiétude nous serons tout de même de revu car nos papilles sont ravis !
Resto charmant en toute simplicité. Plats savoureux. Dessert tout en subtilité. Serveur de bon conseil & chaleureux. Excellent vin. Bon rapport qualité/prix.
Formule tapas bien réussie. Plusieurs belles découvertes. Huîtres cuisinées succulentes, chou-clémentine-chorizo-noisette...une combinaison inattendue mais excellente! Créativité jusqu'au desserts! Bravo!
We went because it had been recommended by a friend. Our meals did not disappoint! The smoked mackerel with frog legs was unusual & delicious, & the beef tartare equally good. The buckwheat cookie & lemon ice cream dessert was a nice light finish!
My husband & I celebrated our anniversary at Le Hobbit, ordering the duck & homemade sausage. Both dishes were presented artfully with with delicious, complex flavor combinations, reminding us of fine European restaurants. We loved the oyster appetizer & the soup of the day as well as the delicious homemade bread. The wait staff was knowledgeable about the wine & helped me pair it well with my entree. For dessert, we had a buckwheat cookie with fresh lemon cream & a flavorful strawberry mousse, topped off with a delicious cup of espresso!
The chef at Le Hobbit is innovative with each selection, a discovery to savor. We found our waitress, Christine, to be welcoming, with a wonderful "joie de vivre". She was also very patient with our rusty French. We found the other waitstaff to be very kind & knowledgeable as well. We really enjoyed the table overlooking Rue Saint-Jean- a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
While the food was very good, service was a bit slow. The restaurant had a few tables but it took over 25 minutes to get our drinks (a cocktail & a beer). The one course meal with 2 glasses of wine with no dessert took almost 2.5 hours.
The food is incredible
Would do the 7 hr drove from my house just to have dinner there again
My picky 15 yr old daughter ordered the duck which had artichoke & some kind of sour berry which i wasnt sure she would even eat . She wouldn't share lol
& the desserts were heavenly
The chocolate hazelnut tart was one of the best desserts i have ever had
First time to your beautiful city
Will definitely be back someday
