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 consistently receives praise for its creative, flavorful menu that highlights high-quality local ingredients through unique French-inspired dishes. Many guests highlight the breakfast and brunch offerings as standout experiences, frequently noting the excellent value and satisfying portions. The restaurant is widely recognized for its cozy, charming atmosphere and a service team described as exceptionally friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. While experiences can vary, the majority of visitors appreciate the thoughtful presentation and the warm, welcoming environment that makes it a memorable dining destination in Quebec City.
Le Hobbit was just a a few blocks away from where we were staying, & we are glad we went there first. The place is quite cozy, the people are great, & the food was pretty great too, although a bit too salty. We tried the Soup of the Day - which was a tomato soup with some croutons & a bit of cream cheese - & a Focaccia.
One of the staff members spoke Spanish, which helped a lot as my traveling partner only spoke Spanish too. They also let us stay for a few hours while we waited for our AirBnB to clean up so we could check-in. No questions asked.
Le Hobbit is a one-Michelin-star restaurant (2025) conveniently located, which is why I decided to try it for dinner. I ordered two appetizers & two main courses, & overall the flavors were well balanced & very enjoyable.
The foie gras terrine with brioche, sunflower seed butter, & blueberry-lavender jam was interesting & unique. I especially loved the lavender jam, but at $14.50 for two small slices of bread, it felt overpriced & not particularly worth it.
The second appetizer, fried oysters in a homemade buffalo-style sauce with dill pickles, blue cheese & yogurt espuma, & fresh cucumber, was visually appealing & offered an unusual yet refreshing combination of flavors, though the oysters themselves were on the smaller side.
For mains, the seared catch of the day with butternut squash was excellent. Every element on the plate worked beautifully together-the fish was fresh & not fishy at all, the squash sauce was rich & comforting, & the crispy fried onions added a very satisfying texture.
The highlight of the evening was the seared duck breast. The presentation was elegant & the flavors were great; the only minor downside was that the duck was slightly chewier than expected.
Overall, Le Hobbit is definitely worth trying when visiting Quebec City. I highly recommend both their dinner & breakfast menus.
I really want this to come off as constructive criticism.
This place has wonderful potential. It was very cold on the side with no fire place. I also want everyone to understand that I know this is a gourmet, not gourmand style restaurant.
So,
I took my wife to the Hobbit for the renowned blood pudding. Unfortunately they served her raviolis in astonishingly salty base. The ravioli was supposed to be stuffed with blood pudding. It was unfortunately not…many had next to nothing inside them.
I ordered the duck breast. It was not very tender & was accompanied by…. Wait for it …
5 cabbage leafs.
& our waitress… hello to the weirdo who took our order & terrible service the entire meal. The server that brought the plates was very good.
I hope our next visit will be a memorable one.
This time we'll have to erase it from our memories.
Amazing spot to grab breakfast! Very fun & different options for breakfast. The chicken & waffles stole the show. Amazing flavours, & very filing! Highly recommend to check it out if you're visiting Quebec City.
Le Hobbit was a fantastic find in Québec City! The cozy vibe, excellent service, & beautifully plated dishes using local ingredients made for a truly memorable meal. Brunch was a standout - it felt like the perfect blend of comforting classics & refined flavors. I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for a warm, delicious, & unforgettable dining experience.
Rien à redire sur l'atmosphère & le service. Les plats sont correctes, mais sans plus. Certains fades, certains confusants. Considérant l'offre culinaire à Quénec, nous ne retournerons pas.
