Need a break while touring the city or a spot to work remotely? See my list of the Top 5 coffee shops and cafes in Quebec City! These spots combine quality espresso, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient locations for visitors and tourists.
Quebec City has a handful of solid coffee shops that offer artisan espresso drinks, smooth cold brews, delicious pastries, and a warm atmosphere.
Unlike most of my "Top 5" posts where it can be difficult to narrow down the choices, it was surprisingly easy to pick the best. These five coffee shops easily stand above the rest and are worth a visit!
I've made sure to include options that are within the city center and walking distance from the main sights and areas in Quebec City. So if you're a visitor, you'll never be far from a quality coffee.
Take a seat at one or all five of the best cafes in Quebec City and judge for yourself!
This map shows the top Quebec City cafes and coffee shops included in this post. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
1. Cantook Micro Torréfaction - Old Quebec
The best cafe in Quebec City for a cozy/local vibe
Hands down the coziest atmosphere and the best coffee in Quebec City! I find myself wishing I could go back to this quaint city and head straight to Cantook for my daily oat milk latte and ham and cheese croissant.
Cantook’s coffee beans are roasted in-store daily and they offer over 60 kinds of beans for customers to purchase.
The interior of this Quebec City cafe is cozy and decorated in warm woods throughout.
Cantook has an ideal location being centrally located on bustling Rue Saint-Jean. Close to the city center, but just enough removed from the touristy spots to feel like you found a hidden gem.
Another huge plus is that Cantook sources its pastries from the best bakery Quebec City has to offer, La Boîte à Pain. Try to get there before 10:00 am if you want a treat as they sell out fairly quickly.
Maple syrup is the sweetener of choice in Canada. When asked if you want sugar or sweetener in your morning latte, chances are you'll get a dollop of syrup.
SEE ALSO:
BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN MONTREAL
QUEBEC CITY DAY TRIP – ILE D’ORLEANS & MONTMORENCY FALLS
QUEBEC CITY VS MONTREAL – WHICH SHOULD YOU VISIT?
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONTREAL CANADA | IDEAL MONTHS
2. Saint Henri - Saint-Roch
One of the Best Quebec City coffee shops for a solid cappuccino and artisan donuts
Saint Henri has cafes in Montreal and Quebec City. The Quebec City location in the Saint-Roch neighborhood is a true stunner with floor-to-ceiling windows, light wood tones, and garage door style windows that give this Quebec City coffee shop an indoor/outdoor feel.
There are plenty of tables and chairs catering to those looking for a place to work (as was evident by the large number of laptops each time I visited).
A small menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches is available. Don’t leave without trying one of the house-made artisan donuts!
Saint-Henri also made one of the best cappuccinos during my trip with solid latte art.
This is one of the best cafes in Quebec City if you plan to stay a while since they have ample space and a varied cafe menu.
3. Maelstrom Cafe - Saint-Roch
One of the Best cafes in Quebec City for a hipster vibe
Famous for its cold brew and cocktails, Maelstrom will satisfy cravings from morning to night. This Quebec City cafe has a neighborhood feel as it's tucked away from the action on a quiet street in the Saint Roch neighborhood.
One of the owners, Jean-Daniel Lajoie, came from Cantook and is known as one of the best baristas in Quebec City.
The vibe is very hipster with exposed brick walls, mismatched chairs, industrial lighting, and cement accents.
Be sure to stop by this Quebec City cafe during the weekend. Maelstrom Cafe has a popular brunch on Saturday and Sunday with menu items like bagel gravlax with smoked salmon and poached eggs, avocado toast, and muesli bircher with poached pears.
4. Nektar Cafeologue - Saint-Roch
One of the best cafes in Quebec City to study and work
Nektar has two locations, the St. Roch and Limoilou neighborhoods.
The St. Roch location is the better option in terms of atmosphere offering plenty of seating and space to hang a while.
The cold brew latte is especially good at this Quebec City cafe and the pastry selection from Première Moissan is solid.
Photos: Smith Cafe
Photo: Naomie Labbé-Pilote
5. Cafe La Maison Smith - Multiple Locations
One of the best Quebec city cafes for pastries, light and hearty bites, and convenient locations
Cafe la Maison Smith has locations throughout Quebec City with three being in the heart of Old Town. This makes for the perfect Quebec City cafe when you're looking for a quick stop while touring the city.
The Cafe La Maison Smith Des Jardins location is my favorite in summer with its cozy patio.
Not only does Smith Cafe make great coffee, they also have a wide selection of croissants, sandwiches, sweets, wraps, macarons, and more.
I appreciate that this Quebec City cafe changes its offerings to fit what's in season. Pumpkin pie, apple cinnamon, spiced gingerbread, and maple syrup coffee creations in fall/winter. Cold brew with vanilla cold cream, iced lavender lattes, and strawberry tarts make a debut in summer.
In Summary
I hope this post helped you find a coffee shop to visit while touring the city. These were my absolute favorite spots. Each of these Quebec City cafes not only serve excellent coffee paired with delicious bites but are in a convenient location walking distance from the top sights and areas.
**Quebec City Hotel Recommendations**
Luxury
- Le Capitole Hôtel
- Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts
- Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux
- Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac *because this is the most famous hotel in Quebec City, a lot of tourists visit during the day to take a look*
Midrange
- Hôtel des Coutellier
- Hôtel Le Germain Québec
- Hotel Du Vieux Quebec
- Quebec City Marriott Downtown - I prefer the other hotels listed, but if you're loyal to Marriott, this is a great option.
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Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Quebec City
*Maple syrup is the sweetener of choice in Canada. When asked if you want sugar or sweetener in your morning latte, chances are you will get a dollop of syrup.
If this is what you were told someone was pulling your leg. I’m a Canadian and this is not a fact.
That made me laugh! If so, I guess several people were pulling my leg because I was told this at multiple coffee shops in Quebec City. Though, I will say I was never given maple syrup for my sweetener in Montreal.