10 Excellent Dining Destinations on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine – Updated 2022
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are an archipelago of 16 islands located in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. They boast the second-oldest and third-largest community of French Canadians in Canada after the regions of Québec and Basse-Normandie.
With the warm summer weather comes the desire to hit the open road for a week of exploring and getting lost in French culture. But which island destination is the best fit for you?
This is the question that our readers have been asking us for years, and we have finally decided to answer it for you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the finest places for a weekend getaway on the Îles de la Madeleine.
10 Excellent Dining Destinations on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine
1. Cap dauphin Fish Shack
Address: 49 Chem. Shore, Grosse-Île, QC G4T 6A4, Canada
Phone: (418) 985-2301
In order to get here, you’ll need a car and a long journey to Grosse-Île, yet the lobster roll at this unfussy fish shop ranks as one of its most popular dishes.
Lobster poutine, seafood soup, and fish & chips are also on the menu at the canteen. This event is open to the public, therefore no reservations are necessary.
2. Bistro Plongée Alpha
Address: 898 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7B1, Canada
Phone: (418) 985-2421
Website: Visit Website
Îles-de-la-Madeleine chef Mario Cyr’s restaurant on Grande-jetty Entrée’s is as well-known as his Arctic underwater photography, which has appeared in National Geographic and BBC.
Fresh lobster, oysters, and mussels, along with their customary accompaniments, are on the menu at this seafood restaurant. Keep a watch out for Cyr’s picture dinners, when he shows off his work as you dine.
3. Pizza D’La Pointe
Address: 86 QC-199, Havre-aux-Maisons, QC G4T 5A2, Canada
Phone: (418) 969-2625
Website: Visit Website
Established in 1992, this deservedly venerable institution in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine district serves thick-crust pies topped with creative fillings like “pêcheur,” a lobster and shrimp bechamel pie, and “canon,” a ham and red pepper pie topped with mozzarella and pesto.
There are also many vegetarian alternatives, as well as delicious sweets and reasonably priced beverages.
4. Resto Bistro Accents
Address: 323 QC-199, Fatima, QC G4T 2H6, Canada
Phone: (418) 986-2321
Website: Visit Website
It was 7 years ago that Hugo LeFrançois went to Montreal and began working as a chef at restaurants and hotels across Quebec’s peninsula.
Since his return, he’s been in charge of the cuisine at Bistro Accents, where the seasonal meals use 80 percent locally sourced products. Halibut in cream sauce and filet mignon or tataki of loup-marin seal are always popular.
5. Quai 360
Address: 360 Chem. du Quai, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 1J4, Canada
Phone: (418) 986-7680
Website: Visit Website
This renowned Cap-aux-Meules eatery is known for its aesthetically presented haute food, such as steak frites and lobster risotto, as well as cocktails, beer, and wine, so it’s often bustling late at night.
This is a popular event, so make your reservations as soon as possible.
6. Chez Renard
Address: 315 Chem. du Quai, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 1J4, Canada
Phone: (418) 868-7593
Website: Visit Website
Since its opening in June 2021, Chez Renard, a new restaurant near the ferry terminal, has likely been completely booked.
It’s a café by day, with handcrafted bagels flavored with honey from Miel en Mer and Pied-de-Vent cream cheese, and a gourmet restaurant at night, serving non-stuffy natural and organic wines. Only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
7. Gourmande De Nature
Address: 1912 Chem. de l’Étang du N, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3C7, Canada
Phone: (418) 986-6767
Website: Visit Website
Johanne Vigneau began her culinary career as a dishwasher at La Table de Roy, a landmark restaurant on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Since then, she has worked her way up to chef de cuisine, and her second restaurant, Gourmande de Nature, debuted in 2012.
Menu items including cod ricotta and scallop shell cheesecake are inspired by French, Portuguese and Californian cuisine and are served in a scallop shell.
The restaurant, which is open for lunch and evening, is also a supplier of gourmet goods on the Circuit des Saveurs food trail and offers cooking workshops.
8. Au p’tit Capitaine
Address: 1244 Chem. de la Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3E7, Canada
Website: Visit Website
A favorite of Madelinot, this casse-croûte serves up steaming hot dogs, lobster pitas, subs, smoked meat sandwiches, golden-brown fish and chips, and some extremely loaded poutines all year round. Diner music from the 1950s and 1960s adds to the calm atmosphere.
9. Restaurant Eva
Address: 499 Chem. Boisville O, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3J8, Canada
Phone: (418) 986-6412
Website: Visit Website
Even though she’s a newbie to the area, Eva offers stunning views of the L’Etang du Nord coastline, including its famous floating drydock ruin.
For those occasions when you just can’t get enough of fried chicken, you can always order a pork and lobster bisque at Eva. In the case of this restaurant, you will need to make a reservation in order to enjoy your meal.
10. Café de la Grave
Address: 969 Chem. de la Grave, Havre-Aubert, QC G4T 9C8, Canada
Phone: (418) 937-5765
Website: Visit Website
As the name suggests, Café de la Grave serves up island-inspired pub fare in a historic general shop that was constructed in 1865. During peak season, the café features nightly piano and folk music, as well as takeaway coffee and pastries.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy a luxurious meal or explore the islands and discover the best the archipelago has to offer.
These top 10 destinations for dining in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine will provide you with the ideal setting to enjoy delicious food, scenic beauty and stunning landscapes.
