Winter rhymes with good food: 11 restaurants well worth a visit

Winter goes by faster when it’s filled with new experiences. Here’s a list of 11 excellent restaurants in the Outaouais where you can escape for an evening and enjoy good times as a couple or with family and friends. We’re betting you’ll go back more than once, especially if winter drags on! 

Le Baccara

Le Baccara: rated Five Diamonds

1 Du Casino Blvd., Gatineau 

For an elegant and memorable evening among lovers of fine cuisine, sample chef Denis Girard’s creative menu. Watch the team in the open kitchen perform their magic as they prepare delicious and inventive dishes using fresh local products. 

 

Rustiek gastropub

Rustiek gastropub: specializing in northern European cuisine

51 Saint-Jacques Street, Gatineau 

Have you tried chef Christopher Mulder’s culinary creations? You’ll love his original dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Along with a beer from the wide selection of Quebec craft brews, a creative cocktail or a glass of private-import wine, everything is in place for a great night out. 

 

Les Vilains Garçons

Les Vilains Garçons: the restaurant without a menu!

131 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau 

Here, the evening’s fare is determined by what’s in season and what the chef feels like cooking! Be sure to try the restaurant’s speciality: pintxos, the Basque (French/Spanish) equivalent of tapas, created by owner and chef Romain Riva. They’ll make you fall in love with the Vilains Garçons! 

 

L’Huile d’Olive

L’Huile d’Olive: a hidden treasure that’s worth the trip

353 Montée du Lac des 31 Milles, Bouchette 

A spectacular view, fresh local Gatineau Valley ingredients, wine chosen directly from the wine cellar … Delight your palate at this restaurant in the heart of the Village Majopial tourist resort. You may even decide to spend the night! 

 

L’Orée du Bois

L’Orée du Bois: a fixture of French cuisine in the Outaouais

15 Kingsmere Road, Chelsea 

Specializing in flavourful French and regional cuisine, this restaurant located in a former farmhouse has been a local fixture for 35 years. Just 15 minutes from Gatineau–Ottawa, on the edge of Gatineau Park, escape for a few hours to a rustic and romantic setting. 

 

Les Fougères

Les Fougères: for an outstanding wine list

783 Route 105, Chelsea 

Known for its gourmet seasonal cuisine with a regional twist, Les Fougères was rated one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants of 2018 by Canada’s 100 Best and has earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2015. Besides enjoying a meal in the restaurant, you can pick up a full meal to go and browse for gifts in the gourmet shop! 

 

Arôme Seafood and Grill

Arôme Seafood and Grill: for a beautiful lake view

3 Du Casino Blvd., Gatineau 

At the Hilton Lac-Leamy, sample surf & turf specialties and an impressive selection of wines by the glass. Chef’s suggestion: a tender and savoury cut of dry-aged beef. A hearty brunch awaits families and friends on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

 

Le Pied de Cochon

Le Pied de Cochon: an elegant “Parisian” bistro

248 Montcalm Blvd., Gatineau 

This authentic bistro-style restaurant will transport you to Paris for the evening! For over 40 years, Le Pied de Cochon has been serving classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Bon appétit! 

 

Aux Chantignoles

Aux Chantignoles: a meal fit for royalty

392 Notre-Dame Street, Montebello 

At the Fairmont Le Châteu Montebello’s restaurant, Aux Chantignoles, let yourself be tempted by the inspiring menu prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients. The peaceful ambiance of this log cabin-style restaurant with its massive stone walls will take you back to the days of the great châteaux. 

 

Muse Restaurant

Muse Restaurant: for stunning views of the falls

60 Mill Road, La Pêche 

At the Wakefield Mill, enjoy fine French and Quebec cuisine infused with international nuances. Discover new vintages thanks to the impressive selection of wines by the glass! 

 

La Table des 3 Vallées

La Table des 3 Vallées: great food at reasonable prices

584 Maclaren Street East, Gatineau 

Operated by the École hôtelière de l’Outaouais, La Table des 3 Vallées offers a warm welcome, outstanding service worthy of the most elegant establishment, and top-quality classic, traditional and contemporary dishes carefully prepared by students in the culinary program. 

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