From morning coffee to gourmet dinner, Old Quebec offers a culinary scene of astonishing richness for a historic district. Here is our selection of the best tables, by neighborhood and time of day.

PETIT CHAMPLAIN: THE HEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Petit Champlain Street concentrates some of Quebec's best addresses for a meal in a historic setting. The cobblestone terraces, stone facades, proximity to the river: all contribute to a unique dining experience. For breakfast or brunch, the options are numerous and of high quality. Carrera Cafe stands out with its specialty espresso and Quebec cheese boards served continuously from opening until evening.

PLACE ROYALE: HISTORY AND GASTRONOMY

Around Place Royale, several restaurants skillfully play the heritage and contemporary Quebec cuisine card. The dishes often include local products: game, regional cheeses, wild herbs. The historic setting enhances the gastronomic experience in a way you won't find anywhere else in Quebec.

For a quick but quality lunch, the counters and sandwich shops at Place Royale offer interesting options based on market products. For a more elaborate meal, book in the evening at one of the restaurants on Cul-de-Sac Street or Saint-Pierre Street.

HAUTE-VILLE: FINE DINING AND VIEWS

Grande Allée and Saint-Jean Street concentrate Quebec's fine dining spots, the ones where celebrations and impressions happen. The gastronomic scene here is more international, more contemporary, sometimes bolder in its flavor combinations. This is the part of the city where chefs aim to make a name for themselves.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR GOOD EATING

Most restaurants in Old Quebec are fully booked by 6 p.m. on weekends, especially in high season. Always book in advance for dinner, even on weekdays. For lunch, tables free up more easily but the best spots still fill up quickly.

Favor the lunch menus when they are offered: it is often the cheapest way to discover a great restaurant. The lunch menu at a gourmet restaurant will give you access to the same cuisine as in the evening, at a third of the price. And if you are looking for a place to start or end your evening, the Carrera Cafe terrace remains open until late in the day.