Buffet de l'Antiquaire, Quebec

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Buffet Antiquaire is not a buffet restaurant, first of all. Second of all, it looks like a somewhat run down diner but don't let that put you off. Thirdly, The street contains many antique shops which is where the restaurant gets its name..

There is a lot of traditional food on the menu in addition to a good all day breakfast as well. A lot of locals patronize the place and it's a little out of the way of the throngs of tourists but it's well worth trying.

Favorite Dish: Le cipaille, traditionally "six levels" or layers of different meats and potato and sauce. There was another dish of pork "balls" with gravy and creamy whipped potato that I actually liked better. Cipaille is a traditional dish served usually at Christmas/New Year's and is often considered "comfort" food here, according to our French friend.

The service is good, though it's mainly French that's spoken but you should manage ok. The prices are reasonable and portions good.

If "Les Anciens Canadiens" serves food the way my grand-mother used to make it, then "Le Buffet de l'Antiquaire" serves food like my mother still makes it! In fact, this place is probably the closest thing Quebec City has to a diner - good, honest food at a great price in a casual atmosphere. There definitely is a small town feel to it, and the funny thing is that even though it is surrounded by French bistros and high-end restaurants, it's probably the most popular restaurant in the area! It's not very big so it can get quite crowded, especially because of how popular it is with tourists curious to sample typical Quebec dishes and locals (including a good number of regulars) coming in search of comfort food on a cold winter day.

Favorite Dish: I'd recommed the pea soup and cipaille for the ultimate French Canadian experience!

"Antiquaire" it means antique dealer

Little restaurant on the very nice St-Paul street. If you want a taste the canadian meal, it's a good place.

Description in french:
http://www.quebecplus.ca/portalf/profile.do?profileID=149649

Direction:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=95,+rue+Saint-Paul,quebec&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Favorite Dish: ragoût de boulettes

it's made with meal (beef), potatoes and brown gravy

This place was recommended by various guidebooks as "cheap local quisine." Well, it looks like an old American Diner, and technically, it is - French American. The food is good, the prices are good. Apparently, the French took the various meats available in the newfound wilds of canada, and mixed them with whatever they could find.

Favorite Dish: Meat pies. A lot of meat on a plate. Large portions.