Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Old-School Quebec Restaurant

Le Continental, a 70-year-old French-leaning restaurant, captured the late chef's admiration for classic cuisine and tableside service.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:05pm

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Anthony Bourdain featured the 70-year-old Le Continental restaurant in Quebec City on his CNN series "Parts Unknown", praising its commitment to traditional French-inspired dishes and the skilled tableside preparation by the servers. Despite its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city, Le Continental has retained its friendly service and reasonable prices, even as the menu has evolved beyond strictly French fare to include "French, continental, [and] ocean liner classics."

Why it matters

Bourdain's endorsement of Le Continental highlights his appreciation for old-school restaurants that maintain high standards of classic cuisine and hospitality, even as dining trends shift. The restaurant's longevity and continued popularity in Quebec City also speaks to the enduring appeal of traditional fine dining experiences, especially in a region with a strong French cultural influence.

The details

During his visit, Bourdain and his companions ordered dishes like beef tartare, filet mignon with a cognac-cream sauce, and classic French preparations like sole meunière, all served with the skilled tableside service that Bourdain admired. While the menu is often described as French, it also includes dishes with international origins, such as Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail.

  • Bourdain featured Le Continental on the inaugural season of his CNN series "Parts Unknown" around 2014.
  • Le Continental has been in operation for over 70 years, having opened in the 1950s.

The players

Anthony Bourdain

The late celebrity chef and television personality who was a vocal fan of Le Continental and featured the restaurant on his show "Parts Unknown".

Le Continental

A 70-year-old French-leaning restaurant in Quebec City that is routinely named one of the best restaurants in the city, known for its classic cuisine and skilled tableside service.

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What they’re saying

“Classic, unironic cuisine, meaning dishes you haven't seen in forever.”

— Anthony Bourdain

“It's the kind of craft that could lead culinary school students to set things on fire or accidentally fling food at diners.”

— Anthony Bourdain

The takeaway

Bourdain's praise for Le Continental underscores his appreciation for restaurants that maintain high standards of classic cuisine and hospitality, even as dining trends evolve. The continued popularity of this 70-year-old establishment in Quebec City demonstrates the enduring appeal of traditional fine dining experiences, especially in regions with strong cultural ties to French culinary traditions.