The jury also highlighted the exceptional quality of the twelve nominated establishments by naming two finalists that distinguished themselves throughout the selection process: Restaurant 1668 in the Chaudière-Appalaches region and Baumier in the Laurentides region.
Founded by chef Isabelle Dupuis and her partner Francis Boisvert, Microbrasserie Le Presbytère offers an immersive and welcoming experience, proudly rooted in local richness. Blending heritage and innovation, it brilliantly brings new life to an 1873 building in the heart of the village of Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain. The establishment combines gastronomy and brewing culture in a friendly atmosphere that invites discovery. In addition to its microbrewery menu, the chef offers L’Acte de foi, a seven-course blind tasting meal inspired by the seasons, highlighting exceptional Quebec products.
In collaboration with many producers from the Mauricie region, Isabelle creates bold menus showcasing sometimes lesser-known ingredients: mushrooms and other forest edibles, Quebec marine species certified by Fourchette Bleue, and boreal spices. She even goes so far as to feature certain weeds in her dishes! Deeply involved in her community, she shares her knowledge at events while maintaining a constant curiosity for local foods. Meanwhile, Francis brews craft beers that pair harmoniously with the chef’s culinary creations.
Restaurant Baumier, located in Piedmont, stands out for its commitment to local, seasonal cuisine. Nicolas Quinto (owner and sommelier) and Samuel Boyer (chef) offer a gourmet culinary experience focused on boreal flavors and forest products. The establishment highlights Quebec’s culinary identity through carefully selected regional arrivals and collaborations with local farmers and artisans.
Restaurant 1668
Founded by chef Ariel Cardinal-Petit in Saint-Georges, Restaurant 1668 celebrates Quebec flavors by placing local and seasonal products at the heart of its cuisine. Its name, referencing the province’s surface area in square kilometers—1,668,000 km²—reflects its commitment to fully showcasing the territory. Each dish illustrates the freshness and authenticity of local products, offering guests a gastronomy where quality and terroir meet.
“Chefs are, without a doubt, the cornerstone of efforts in local sourcing. I see a real evolution: more and more restaurants offer, throughout the year, menus created with Quebec foods. Whether through fermentation, preserves, the development of new products, or even their own gardens, chefs demonstrate remarkable creativity and determination. Congratulations to them! This award requires a great deal of work and rigor, which is what makes it a prestigious and highly sought-after distinction, perfectly aligned with today’s context.”