Located in Quebec, Canada’s French-speaking province, Trois-Rivières is a city that has a passion for European cuisine. Along with a thriving entertainment scene, the city is the second-oldest French-speaking city in North America, and it has a rich culture and history. After exploring the city’s heritage, stop in one of the many bistros, cafes, or outdoor terraces for a languorous lunch or an elegant dinner. Here are 10 of the best.
Poivre Noir
Poivre Noir, which translates to ‘Black Pepper,’ is the perfect spot to enjoy a gourmet meal with a view. The creative menu features carefully composed meals made from fresh local ingredients. The menus change every week and include fish, foie gras, beef, poultry, and game – as well as some vegetarian options. Try the ash-coated grilled Wagyu beef served with sea urchin mousse and broccolini or the black cod served with Brussels sprouts, peanuts, and marinated cucumber.
Le Sacristain
Restaurant, Canadian, French
Le Sacristain serves specialty toasted sandwiches and baguettes from its location in an old Wesleyan church. The menu changes often to accommodate the freshest seasonal ingredients. Open early for breakfast, the restaurant serves soft-boiled eggs, home-style granola, and more. At lunchtime, the menu expands to offer quiche, wraps, salads, and cakes. The interior is spacious and bright, featuring stained-glass installments, and outdoor seating is also available.
Auberge du Lac Saint-Pierre
Bistro, Restaurant, Canadian
Dine at this award-winning restaurant and find inventive dishes here made from locally grown products. The establishment has a magnificent view of the Lac Saint-Pierre, making every dining experience a charming one. Eat a light bistro-style lunch on the terrace in the summertime, or sit down for a fine meal on white tablecloths in the restaurant’s dining room. Chef Alain Pénot has been working in Auberge du Lac Saint-Pierre since 1993, so he knows the ins and outs of the trade and has no trouble experimenting with his gastronomic delights.
Le Temps d’une Pinte
Brewery
Located downtown, Le Temps d’une Pinte (which means ‘Time for a Pint’ in English) is a workers co-op for brewers, coffee roasters, and bistro chefs looking to try something new. Chef Laurent prepares every dish in the bistro on-site from fine, fresh ingredients. The menu includes reinvented classic dishes like oysters from Prince Edward Island prepared with mignonette sauce and cucumber gin tonic or champvallon, a casserole of braised game in sauce served with sliced roasted potatoes. Aside from great food, you will find plenty of innovative, flavorful beers made by the on-site brewers.
Le Castel des Prés
This sprawling, charming restaurant has been one of the finest places to find French–Canadian cuisine since 1954. The setting is beautiful, complete with two dining areas and two outdoor garden patios. The menus change weekly, and the chefs at Le Castel des Prés are always trying something new. Try a tasty lunch dish like spaetzle in squid ink made with scallops, chorizo, and tomato coulis. For dinner, order the classic 35-day-aged Angus sirloin served with Castel fries and seasonal vegetables. Take a virtual tour through the restaurant here.
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Le Lupin is known for their crêpes bretonnes – Brittany pancakes, and their delicious French-Canadian favorites like sweetmeats, a rack of lamb, Dover sole, and more. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, serving lunch and dinner to a classy crowd. Located in a historic building in downtown Trois-Rivières, Le Lupin is BYOB, so bring along your favorite bottle of wine. The restaurant serves a lunch menu, tables d’hôte, à la carte menu, and a list of various preparations for mussel dishes.
This eco-café, which has a name that translates to ‘Hungry Like a Wolf,’ brings together unexpected but delicious flavors in a cozy bistro setting. The cafe uses fresh, natural ingredients from the local area to create their fine dishes. The restaurant is filled with warm and homey decor, with views of the St. Maurice River. Try the chili served in a tasty bread bowl or the stuffed trout with wild rice. Each dish comes with seasonal vegetables and is made fresh to order.
This eclectic establishment offers a menu of dishes that are all priced below $5. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Le Bureau de Poste, or The Post Office, is the best spot for a low-cost lunch or a relaxing venue for a light mid-day snack and a few beers. The restaurant has a youthful vibe and serves classic pub food along with a full-service bar. Try some of the excellent burgers, like The Manufacturer with Alberta beef and topped with maple bacon, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions. The menu also includes pasta, sandwiches, tacos, and more. For dessert, order a helping of donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with toffee caramel.
Le Rouge Vin
Enjoy the luxurious restaurant Le Rouge Vin, located downtown in the Hôtel Gouverneur. Le Rouge Vin has a classy seafood buffet every Friday and Saturday, and has a reputation for serving some of the freshest seafood in the area. Lounge on the terrace in view of the outdoor pool, or sit in the modern black-and-white interior. Visit the restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner to taste classic dishes and to see the professional staff in action.
Located in the center of Trois-Rivières’ downtown scene, this restaurant primarily serves Italian cuisine, but the menu hints at flavors from around the world. Every dish is prepared with care and presented beautifully on the plate. Try an Italian or Asian dish from the extensive menu. The spacious restaurant has 220 seats in the dining room, with an additional 60 outdoor seats on the terrace. For special occasions, a private lounge can be hired out to provide a more exclusive setting.
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