One of the pleasant surprises during my visit to Quebec City was a lunch at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew, a recommendation from my hotel concierge that turned out to be a wonderful discovery.
Located near the port in Old Quebec, the building dates back to 1860, when it operated as a wholesale grocery store. When the restaurant opened in 2013, great care was taken to preserve the history of the space. Antique artifacts, vintage photographs, original shelving, wooden crates, old bottles, and rice sacks from another era all remain on display, creating the feeling of stepping back in time. The Rioux family business operated here for generations, and the building has been part of Quebec City’s commercial and culinary history for more than 165 years.
The atmosphere is warm, rustic, and full of character. Exposed brick and stone walls, weathered wooden floors, and eclectic furnishings give the restaurant a charming, lived-in feel. I especially loved the bar, cleverly constructed from old wooden drawers. No two tables, chairs, or pieces of glassware seem to match, which only adds to the charm. The restaurant seats about 60 guests across two dining rooms, each with its own entrance from parallel streets.
The Michelin recommended kitchen is led by Chef Dominic Jacques, winner of the 2012 television competition Les Chefs. His menu celebrates Quebec’s terroir through seasonal ingredients and a strong farm-to-table philosophy. This is not fine dining, but rather thoughtful contemporary cooking rooted in Quebec traditions. Expect dishes featuring local cheeses, duck, pork, game, mushrooms, root vegetables, and other regional ingredients, prepared with modern techniques while remaining approachable and comforting.
I would describe the food as elevated Quebec comfort cuisine.
We visited for lunch, where guests can choose from an à la carte menu or an incredible three-course prix fixe lunch for just $29. Frankly, I have no idea how they make money at that price. We expected a simple meal, but were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions, quality ingredients, and attractive presentation.
Lunch was relatively quiet, although I am told the atmosphere becomes much livelier in the evenings. If you’re looking for a meal that showcases the flavours of Quebec without committing to an elaborate tasting menu, this is an excellent choice.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
06/19/2026
