In a historic first, the Québec Michelin Guide has officially unveiled its selections, cementing the region’s status as a world-class culinary destination. With nine Michelin stars awarded across Montreal, Québec City, and Rimouski, the guide’s inaugural Québec edition is a resounding recognition of the province’s exceptional chefs and deep-rooted terroir.
Michelin Guide Quebec Two Stars Restaurant Tanière³ in Old Québec City
Among the accolades, one name stands above the rest: Restaurant Tanière³ in Old Québec City, which has been awarded two Michelin stars, making it the second restaurant in Canada to receive this prestigious distinction. (Sushi Masaki Saito in Toronto is the other one) Described by Michelin as a “den” beneath ancestral vaults, Tanière³ is the visionary domain of Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol, whose avant-garde approach explores the full spectrum of Québec’s boreal zone ingredients with intellectual curiosity and artistic flair.
As someone who recently experienced a collaboration dinner with Chef Nicol in Vancouver—an event that united his talents with Chef Jasper Cruickshank of L’Abattoir (a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Vancouver)—I can attest firsthand to his culinary genius. Held as part of the Bonjour Québec media visit, the one-night-only event was a masterclass in creativity and regional pride, transforming Canada’s terroir into a symphony of textures, techniques, and storytelling. The meal was elegant and an unforgettable encounter between East and West. Read more about the collaboration.
At Tanière³, that philosophy is on full display. Dishes like Québec Wagyu tataki with wild rose and morels, matured tuna with sunflower cream, and a woodland-inspired mushroom millefeuille dessert speak to a cuisine that is as technically accomplished as it is emotionally resonant. Michelin praised Nicol’s “rigorous balance of flavours” and “sophisticated cooking methods” as key reasons for the restaurant’s elevation to two-star status.
Two MICHELIN Stars – Tanière³, Quebec City, Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol. Photo: Simon Ferland
Two MICHELIN Stars – Tanière³, Quebec City, Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol. Photo: Simon Ferland
Two MICHELIN Stars – Tanière³, Quebec City, Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol. Photo: Simon Ferland.
Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol – Restaurant Tanière3, Québec City with Chef Jasper Cruickshank – L’Abattoir, Vancouver during a Vancouver visit. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A Landmark Moment for Québec Cuisine
The Michelin Guide’s entrance into Québec was made possible through a $2.1 million investment by a coalition of government and tourism associations—funds used to bring Michelin inspectors to the province for anonymous evaluations. Their efforts have now resulted in an inaugural guide that showcases 102 restaurants, spanning a wide range of culinary approaches from sustainable fine dining to neighbourhood bistros.
Other Quebec Michelin Guide Restaurants
In addition to Tanière³, eight other restaurants received one Michelin star:
- ARVI (Québec City) – A modern, lively space where chefs interact with guests tableside, showcasing Québec’sQuebec’s seasonal bounty.
- Jérôme Ferrer – Europea (Montreal) – A theatrical fusion of French haute cuisine and Québec ingredients.
- Kebec Club Privé (Québec City) – An intimate, 10-seat experience with hyper-local ingredients and soulful storytelling.
- Laurie Raphaël (Québec City) – A refined, family-run establishment pushing boundaries with Québécois flavours.
- Légende (Québec City) – Committed to local ingredients, even eschewing traditional spices favouring indigenous flora.
- Mastard (Montreal) – A contemporary gem offering precise, creative dishes in a casual setting.
- Narval (Rimouski) – A hidden culinary retreat on the St. Lawrence, serving globally inspired tasting menus.
- Sabayon (Montreal) – Led by pastry chef turned chef Patrice Demers, known for his inventive, plant-forward plates.
MICHELIN – ARVI, Quebec City, Chef Julien Masia.
MICHELIN – Jérôme Ferrer – Europea, Montreal
MICHELIN – Jérôme Ferrer – Europea, Montreal.
MICHELIN – Kebec Club Privé, Québec City
MICHELIN – Mastard, Montréal, Chef-owner Simon Mathys
MICHELIN – Légende, Quebec City, Chef Elliot Beaudoin, a former associate of the restaurant Tanière³. Photo_ Phillipe Martin
Michelin Green Stars Highlight Sustainability and Value
Sustainability also took center stage with the awarding of three Michelin Green Stars to:
- Alentours (Québec City) – A zero-waste, 100% renewable energy restaurant.
- Auberge Saint-Mathieu (Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc) – A hyper-local, forager-driven dining experience.
- Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge East) – Focused on food independence, agroecology, and regional farming networks.
17 Quebec Michelin Bib Gourmands
Meanwhile, 17 restaurants received the Bib Gourmand distinction for offering excellent food at a moderate price. Montreal’s Cadet, Annette bar à vin, Casavant, and the beloved L’Express were among the honorees, alongside Québec City favourites like Battuto, Buvette Scott, and Losange.
Quebec Culinary Identity Elevated
Québec’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide signals more than just stars—it signifies a deepening of the province’s culinary identity and an invitation to the world to experience its diversity, authenticity, and innovation.
For diners and chefs alike, the guide’s arrival affirms that Québec’sQuebec’s kitchens are no longer hidden gems—they are essential stops for anyone seeking meaningful, memorable food.
And for those lucky enough to have experienced Chef Nicol’s brilliance—whether at Tanière³ or in a singular Vancouver evening with L’Abattoir’s Chef Cruickshank—this moment feels both hard-earned and deeply deserved.
Read more: Michelin-worthy Baan Lao escalates its culinary magic in Richmond, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025: Top BC and Vancouver Dining Spots Revealed, Vancouver shines at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards and Legendary Michelin Chef Gordon Ramsay opens Canada’s first Gordon Ramsay Steak in Vancouver
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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