Guide to Limoilou
Welcome to Limoilou
Locations Vieux Limoilou is more than just a place to rest your head; it's an opportunity to experience the true essence of Quebec City. You will love our apartments and the neighborhood. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking an adventure, we've prepared this guide to make your stay exceptional. From parks to restaurants, cafes to bakeries, breweries to pubs, everything is within a walkable distance.
Click on the links in the recommendations if you want to check them out for yourself. Enjoy your stay and happy exploring!
Important Information
Before we get to the good part, let's first walk you through some of the more important stuff. The neighbourhood is accessible by public and private modes of transport, has multiple pharmacies and a hospital nearby.
Public Transportation
- Bus stops are located at 1st Avenue & 4th Street. Buses run every 10-15 minutes along the first avenue.
- Bus no. 801 and 3 will take you to old Quebec in 10 minutes. Use Google Maps or visit the RTC website to plan your trip.
- Cost is $3.75\person (exact change). Day passes & tickets are available at convenience store (depanneur) 900 on 9th Street & 3rd Avenue.
Private/Alternative Transportation
- Taxi Coop: +1 418-525-5191 Reservation can be made in advance online.
- Uber is easily available (and even cheaper than elsewhere in Canada!)
- A Velo/city bicycle is available (except in winter). Nearest station is at 3rd Ave and 7th Street. Explore bike paths by visiting the website.
Pharmacy and Hospital
- Nearest Hospital St François D’Assise, 10 rue de l’Espinay. 418 525 4444
- Drugstores/ Pharmacies: Jean Coutu 320 chemin de la Canardière, Brunet 1000 3rd ave, and Pharmaprix 745 3rd avenue.
Breakfast in Limoilou
- La Signature is one of the best places for gourmet breakfast. They also serve dinner, and you can bring your own wine! It's best to reserve for the weekend. 418-524-7272 reservations on call only, closed on Monday. Located on 1073 3rd Avenue.
- A freshly baked croissant and a steaming Espresso await you in a warm and friendly atmosphere lulled by the smell of warm bread. They have over 55 varieties of pastries and over 75 varieties of bread. Located at 1296, on 3rd Avenue & 13th Street,
- Great place for breakfast and lunch! You will find a lot of locals stopping by for bread and pizzas. You'll find multiple locations in Quebec, with the nearest one at 396, on 3rd Avenue & 4th Street.
Franky & Johnny / Cantook Café / Borderon & Fils
These three eateries are housed together at 1101, 3e Avenue:
Franky & Johnny - Sandwicherie
- Offers large, freshly made sandwiches with high-quality ingredients like house-made focaccia, sauces, and marinated veggies. The menu changes based on seasonal inspirations. Known for generous portions at reasonable prices. Mediterranean-inspired decor with indoor and outdoor seating.
- This micro-roastery is known for expertly crafted coffee from high-quality beans. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere with a focus on artisanal brewing.
- Always faithful to traditional French know-how, explore the delicacies and delights of this family-owned bakery. From sourdough bread to pure butter croissants and classic French pastries, each of their baked treats has its own unique character.
Restaurants to Try
- Free cuisine is expressed there, strong in character. The dishes are prepared before your eyes, in a spirit of proximity and conviviality that is as delightful as it is unusual. The place is open Tuesday- Saturday from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. and only takes reservations. Call on 581 742-4202 or click on the link for online reservations. ($$$ but worth the experience!)
- Good pizza and fair prices, there is nothing to regret! Famous for its Neopolitan pizza, you can dine-in, takeout, or order delivery! Once you've checked into your apartment, you will find a 900/Morso gift card. Show this when you place an order to get a free ‘Aperol Spritz’ on the house! The nearest location at 1166, on 3rd Avenue.
- Cozy, rustic-chic restaurant offering fusion versions of Thai & Japanese standards, including sushi. Business hours depend on the day of the week, located at 442 3e Ave.
- Options are available for dine-in or take-out, and the food is not too expensive. You can also buy home-made (frozen) meals that serve 4. A good option for families! Located at 601, on 3rd Avenue. Closed on Sundays. Reservation at 418 977-9239
- Great Salvadorian & Mexican food for a good price. Friendly staff, a good spot for families. A corona and guacamole on the terrace are a must-have! Located at 1063, on 3rd Avenue.
- Reinvented Japanese pleasure; the perfect place to enjoy a generous fusion of Asian cuisine and Quebec gastronomy. Delivery, Takeout, and All-You-Can-Eat. Specialties include Sushi, Tartare, General Tao and Poké bowl. Enjoy La Rivière à Sushi, the first and only boat counter in Quebec (4pm onwards). Located on 3rd Avenue & 311 Chem. de la Canardière. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Fred Samson (owner) is always ready to crack a joke and welcome guests with open arms. Tuesdays & Wednesdays Menu $79 (2 appetizers, 2 starters, 1 main course, 1 dessert of the chef's choice, to share. Located at 1027, on 3rd Avenue. Closed on Sunday & Monday. 418 914-8780
- Inspired by the fairy tale, Le Cindrillon is open for a menu of local produce until midnight. Psst.. it’s the sister restaurant of La Planque. Blind Menu includes 11 small mystery dishes for 2 people, all for the modest sum of $79! Located at 1039, on 3rd Avenue. Closed on Mondays.
Limoncello (Italian Bistro)
- An Italian bistro in the heart of Limoilou, with a warm Italian decor and tasty dishes for an extraordinary experience. About twenty dishes on the bistro menu include: pasta, pizzas, veal or chicken escalope, filet mignon, and around ten starters, including parmesan fondues, homemade meatballs, and an antipasti platter. 523, 3e Avenue.
- Famous for its poutine; perfect for a quick snack while you’re exploring! Multiple locations, the nearest one at 1201, on 3rd Avenue. Takeout and Delivery. They have different poutines and hamburgers (kid’s menu is also available).
- This unique restaurant has a huge menu of soups from around the world; Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and so on... You can leave your leftovers for homeless or needy people in the fridge next door! Located at 522, on 3rd Avenue, closed on Sunday and Monday.
- 30+ varieties of sausage. Take out is available. All products are gluten-free, best enjoyed without moderation. Located at 624, on 3rd Avenue.
- Famous for gourmet breakfast, but they also serve dinner. You can bring your own wine (or beer)! Located at 1073, on 3rd Avenue. Call 418-524-7272 for reservations, closed on Monday.
- Pizzas in several formats to satisfy all tastes and appetites. We recommend 3 to 4 pieces per person, but I know some people who easily eat 6. Show your 900/Morso card to get a free ‘Aperol Spritz’ on the house! Located at 1099, on 3rd Avenue.
Bloom Sushi (Vegan)
- Plant-based sushi: passion reinvented. You can make a reservation for a beautiful dine-in experience, or order take-out or Uber eats! Located at 1099-A, on 3rd Avenue. Call +1 (418) 614-4848 for reservations
- With a bright and colorful decor, this small restaurant offers a warm atmosphere where you feel like you are reliving the neighborhood spirit. Staff is surrounded by regulars with whom they chat as one would with a neighbor. This recent addition to Limoilou is located at 1200, on the 3rd Avenue.
Cafes
- These coffee connoisseurs bring specialty coffee to the public; You! Enjoy a cup of coffee there, and grab a bag of roasted beans to take back home! They have multiple locations, the nearest one is at 1001, on 3rd Avenue & 10 Street.
- This micro-roastery prioritizes preserving the distinct characteristics of each coffee bean, expertly roasted by their Master Roaster, resulting in a diverse range of unique and locally sourced coffee aromas. Nearest location is at 501, on 3rd Avenue & 5th Street.
- Family-owned cafe, the perfect spot to buy coffee in bulk. Good price for ratio. You can buy (and even repair) coffee machines! Closed on Sundays, and closes at 5pm on other days. Located at 566, on 3rd Avenue.
- This cafe is always bustling with students, professionals and travellers. If you are working while travelling, you can book a meeting room for as low as $30! 7 locations, with the nearest at 201, on 3rd Avenue.
- Great place for breakfast and lunch! You will find a lot of locals stopping by for artisinal bread and pizzas. Multiple locations with the nearest one at 396, on 3rd Avenue & 4th Street.
- Small, colorful, 100% vegan cafe in Limoilou. Art and wine shop. Offers a menu full of healthy, homemade options, including fresh smoothies, and sandwiches. 986 3e Ave, 7:30am-6pm (Mon-Fri) 8am-5pm (Sat-Sun)
Tips for Your Purchases
- The Grand Marché is THE place to eat well before a hockey match or a show. Right next to the Videotron Centre, it is less than 2 kilometers from your location. Great place to buy local and farm-fresh products.
3rd Avenue
- The most important commercial artery in Limoilou, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and bakeries; affordable and have excellent reputations. Click on the link to check out activities happening near you.
- You will find fine and rare products here. You can order charcuterie boards or create your own; perfect for a stay-in evening. They prepare delicious homemade takeout meals. Located at 994, on 3rd & 10th street.
- Over 450 cheeses carefully chosen from around the world make up the rare and unusual selection offered. Located at 901, on 3rd Avenue.
- Bulk grocery store, zero waste. Take your own bag and containers, buy what you will need for your stay. Located on 885 3rd Avenue.
- Neighborhood butcher and fishmonger. Located at 594, on 3rd Avenue. Closes at 7pm.
- New on the block, The Pasta Shop, offers you a variety of sauces and “funky” products to concoct a simple and 100% local meal…a bit like being in Italy, but in Limoilou! 422, 3rd Avenue.
Les Bars, Brasseries et Pubs
- Cool and hip spot to meet local Quebecois. Don’t be shy to say hi! Happy hour 5-7 pm. Located at 1049, on 3rd Avenue.
- Wooden walls & floors, a copper-surfaced bar and an antique character give this Irish tavern a very warm atmosphere. Good bar food and great selection of beers. Located at 699, on 3rd Avenue.
- Stop for craft brewery and beer tasting. They have a great terrace if you’re visiting in the summer. Closed on Tuesdays. Located at 310, on rue St. Roch.
- This microbrewery is known for its craft beers and beer tasting. Daily bar food specials are always in harmony with the beer. Located at 801, on Chemin de la Canardière.
- In the lower part of old Québec, enjoy a beer on a great outside terrace while you rest your feet in the a shallow pool. Located at 84, on Rue Dalhousie. Open from June-September and is open from Thursday to Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m.
- Gin tasting, distillery tour and escape game. 235, 2nd Avenue.
- A small batch brewery specializing in bold and innovative craft beers with Mexican-inspired flavors. Located at 1201 3rd Avenue, it offers a rotating selection of fresh, quality beers brewed on-site in the Limoilou neighborhood.