Carrera Cafe’s bar: Italian cocktails at Petit-Champlain
When the sun sets over the river and the cobblestones of Petit-Champlain light up with golden light, Carrera Cafe’s bar takes on another dimension. Cocktail hour has arrived.
The philosophy
High-end Italian bar
Here, a cocktail is not just a simple drink. It’s a stage of the circuit. Every preparation is thought out with the rigor of a pit stop mechanic.
There are two types of places to have a drink in Quebec: those that serve alcohol, and those that serve an experience. Carrera Cafe definitely belongs to the second category. The bar is designed like a Grand Prix paddock: a space where precision meets pleasure, where every detail counts.
The inspiration is clearly Italian. Italians have a special relationship with the aperitif: it’s a ritual, a transition moment between work and evening, between effort and reward. The Aperitivo is an institution. At Carrera, we have adopted and adapted it to the Quebec context, with local products and a Nordic sensibility.
The ideal pit stop
Aperitif time at Carrera naturally falls between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. It’s the moment when the Petit-Champlain terrace is at its best: the light is warm, the streets begin to calm down, and a well-measured Negroni takes on full meaning.
The cocktails
The signature menu
Revisited Italian classics, original creations inspired by the circuit. Each cocktail carries a name that pays tribute to racing.
The Tifosi - Signature Negroni
Carrera's Negroni. Selected gin, Campari, red vermouth. The holy trinity of the Italian aperitif. Served on ice, with a flamed orange zest.
The Negroni is the most Italian cocktail there is. Bitter, complex, beautiful like a red Ferrari. At Carrera, it bears the name of the tifosi, those passionate fans who make the legend of Italian Formula 1. Because a good Negroni also creates unconditional fans.
The Paddock - Spritz Elevated
The reinvented Spritz. Prosecco, Aperol, a splash of sparkling water, and the chef’s secret: a mist of house-made Quebec citrus bitter.
The Spritz is the quintessential summer cocktail. Light, sparkling, joyful. Carrera’s Paddock version elevates it with a house bitter that gives it a distinct personality. On the terrace, under the July sun, there’s nothing better.
Pole Position - Hugo Signature
Elderflower, fresh mint, prosecco, sparkling water. The cocktail that takes the lead.
The Hugo is the favorite cocktail of northern Italians. Fresh, floral, almost summery even in May. At Carrera, we serve it with fresh mint picked every morning and elderflower syrup made in season. The pole position of the bar menu.
The Grand Prix - Aged Sidecar
Cognac VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice. The great classic, executed with precision.
The Sidecar is a classic from the 1920s that hasn’t aged a bit. In its Grand Prix version at Carrera, it’s made with a selected VSOP cognac and quality Cointreau. It’s the late-night cocktail, the one you order when you’ve decided to finish the race well.
Bartender’s advice
Can't decide between two cocktails? Tell us your mood. Bitter or floral, lively or languid, light or strong. We have the cocktail that matches every state of mind. That’s also the service at Carrera.
Prestige
Ultra-premium packages
For evenings that deserve the podium. Packages designed to celebrate, impress, and be unforgettable.
Prestige Package
The Podium - Cocktail and Board
The essential duo. A signature cocktail of your choice, the complete Paddock board. The ideal size for two people who want to take their time.
The Paddock Board with organic Charlevoix charcuterie, Quebec cheeses, and bread from Boulangerie Borderon et Fils. Accompanied by the cocktail of your choice from the signature selection. A perfect pairing, designed by our team so each flavor complements the other.
Ultra-Prestige Formula
The Circuit - Complete Tasting
For special occasions. A complete journey: amuse-bouche, boards, cocktail races, seasonal digestif. The Carrera experience in all its dimension.
Designed for groups of 4 to 6 people who want to experience the full Carrera experience. From the amuse-bouche to the digestif, each step is chosen to create a progression, a taste story. Our team guides you throughout the journey. Reservation mandatory, available Thursday to Saturday evenings.
The pairings
Cocktail and board, the perfect pairing
Each cocktail has its ideal board pairing. Here are our suggestions to maximize flavor enjoyment.
Tifosi (Negroni) + Charcuterie from Charlevoix
The classic pairing. The bitterness of the Negroni cuts through the fat and salt of the artisanal charcuterie.
The organic charcuterie from Charlevoix has a strong, assertive character, with a richness that demands a cocktail capable of standing up to it. The Negroni is made for that. Its bitterness cleanses the palate, its complexity accompanies the long flavors of the charcuterie. A classic that never disappoints.
Pole Position (Hugo) + Quebec cheeses
Fineness against fineness. The floral notes of the Hugo awaken the subtle aromas of the aged cheeses.
Quebec cheeses have remarkable diversity. From the mildest to the most veined, they respond well to the floral lightness of the Hugo. Fresh mint and elderflower create a fresh contrast that highlights especially the soft cheeses. The surprise pairing of the menu.
Grand Prix (Sidecar) + Complete board
The all-season pairing. The Sidecar, with its richness and acidity, adapts to every element of the board.
If you don't know what to choose, pick the Sidecar with the complete board. It is the most versatile pairing on the menu. The cognac pairs well with the charcuterie, the Cointreau with the cheeses, and the lemon balances everything. The sure bet of the paddock.
Summer version
In summer, favor the Paddock (Spritz) or the Pole Position (Hugo) with a light board: fresh cheeses, grilled focaccia, and a few slices of bresaola. Light, fresh, perfect for the terrace in full sun.
Winter version
In winter, the Tifosi or the Grand Prix pair perfectly with the complete board featuring a selection of aged cheeses and stronger charcuterie. The warmth of cognac or gin heats up the cold evenings in Petit-Champlain under the snow.
Good Times
When to Come to the Buvette
The Carrera buvette has many faces depending on the time and season. Here’s how to fully experience it.
The Golden Hour on the Terrace
Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. in summer, the Petit-Champlain terrace is the best place in Quebec.
The low sun on the stone facades, the cobblestones holding the day’s warmth, and a Spritz sparkling in the golden light. It’s the perfect summer version of the aperitif at Carrera. Arrive before 6 p.m. to get a terrace table, especially on weekends.
The Winter Aperitif at the Bar Corner
When snow falls on Petit-Champlain, the interior of Carrera becomes a warm refuge.
Winter in Quebec is long and beautiful. The Carrera buvette takes on another dimension when it’s -15 outside: warm lights, the discreet sound of ice in glasses, a Negroni warming your hands. It’s the perfect setting for a slow-paced evening.
Evenings with Friends or as a Couple
The Carrera buvette is designed for sharing. The boards, the cocktails, the atmosphere. Everything invites conversation.
Large groups are welcome, but Carrera also excels for evenings for two. The proximity to the bar, attentive service, sharing boards. It’s the ideal setting for a first date or an intimate celebration. Reservations are recommended on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
For Tourists
If you are visiting Quebec and looking for a place to end your day beautifully, the Carrera buvette is your best option in Petit-Champlain. After a day discovering the Upper Town, Chateau Frontenac, and Terrasse Dufferin, head down to the Lower Town and let us welcome you for the aperitif.
Your Evening Starts Here
Reserve at the Buvette
A table on the terrace or at the bar, a signature cocktail, a sharing board. The perfect evening in Petit-Champlain awaits you.
Reserve My Table View the Map
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this item. Be the first to leave a message!