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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