We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Restaurant Initiale

54 rue St-Pierre, Quebec City, Quebec G1K4A1, Canada
418-694-1818
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #11 of 692 restaurants in Quebec City
Price range: CAD26 - CAD103
Good for: Romantic, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Write a Review

132 reviews from our community

87% Recommend
    99
    16
    10
    5
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Canada
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013 via mobile

This is an outstanding restaurant featuring creatively prepared local products. We had the middle tasting menu with wine pairings, and it was a memorable experience. Excellent service, the sommelier was very knowledgeable and helpful, and the food really terrific. It was costly, on the higher end but delicious. It had a five diamond rating from AAA which is deserved.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by hrodlbert for Quebec City
Portland, Maine
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2013 via mobile

Rolande and her husband/chef deserve immense credit for a 20 year run elevating the town's gustatory standards. Perhaps L'Initiale's popularity is waning as it's cost soars, but the service is the best you'll find in any restaurant anywhere. The food is great--innovative, new world--but not outstanding. The menu's 3 sections largely re-arrange the same offerings. I found the wine pairings... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by Kidfxr for Quebec City
Holden, Massachusetts
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2013

First off, I am not a "foodie" and had never been to a restaurant where have felt a little intimidated. But with the confidence that I had the money to plunk down, I began to feel "worthy". I chose to come with Mom, who is 85 and I know she's never been to a place like this (from what I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jim C for Quebec City
Montreal, Canada
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 December 2012

Without any doubts, the kitchen staff knows its trade. Any service in that restaurant ends up as a tasting. There are so many distinct preparations on every plate that you don't relax, you have to work your tasting buds at their maximum level. At the end of the meal, after many such services, my wife and I started to think... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Toledo
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 October 2012

Friendly service, wonderful food very well presented and explained, relaxing atmosphere -- our favorite of our trip

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by stoker3000 for Quebec City
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 October 2012

This is one of those pretentous places with big prices, and sample food portions of what could be very good tasting food. It is lovely to look at, lovely to taste but you either need to eat before or be on a diet. A simple dinner, no dessert or coffee - $125 for enought food to fill a ceral bowl.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
prince edward island
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 October 2012

As the owner of a four star Inn and gourmet dining restaurant, my expectations were high when one of my guests said this was their favourite restaurant in Quebec City. All I can say is it did not disappoint and was one of the best meals I have had. We had the 4 course lunch menu and each course was... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 October 2012 via mobile

My wife and I have been on a French food tour to top Montreal and Quebec City restaurants, and overall have not been disappointed. The service here started from the time we entered and was non- stop until we left. Individual servers had specific roles from serving appetitizers, wine, entrees, cheeses, or dessert. The decor was elegant and the food... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Wiliam B for Quebec City
Toronto
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 October 2012

A softly elegant fine dining restaurant with outstanding food, wonderful wine pairings and perfect service. Very upscale with prices to match, if dining should be an experience and not just food, this restaurant fills the bill.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by SaloneeToronto for Quebec City
Wolfville NS
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 October 2012

From the time my husband and I walked through the door of Restautant Initiale, it was obvious this was a special spot. The wait staff are attentive but not hovering. You are surrounded by minimalist decor, which is very tasteful and the tables are spaced in a way that you can't hear the conversations at other tables. The menu is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Restaurant Initiale also viewed

 
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec
 

Been to Restaurant Initiale? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Restaurant Initiale, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing