Since its opening in September 2015, a lot has been written about the Videotron Centre in Quebec City. It remains one of the busiest amphitheaters in the country with the presentation of hockey games, music or comedy shows and other major events. Of course, for each event, spectators want to live an experience that is out of the ordinary and it all starts with a dinner at the restaurant.

That is why we have compiled a list of the best restaurants to eat and located near the Videotron Centre, because we think we can help you plan an extraordinary evening with your better half, your family or your friends.

At each event, more than 18,000 people can travel to the Videotron Centre. Obviously, all the restaurants in the area will be happy to welcome you.

Construction of the Videotron Centre, the second largest arena in the province, began in 2012 to replace the famous Colisée de Québec, located right next door and which had become obsolete over the years.

Governments believed that if an arena of this size were built, the National Hockey League would be more inclined to accept the return of the Nordiques. To date, this has not worked.

For the moment, hockey is still played there regularly, as the Videotron Centre is the home of the Remparts, a team in the Maritime Quebec Junior Hockey League. Also, every February, the International Pee-Wee Tournament is held, a competition bringing together the best 12-13 year-old hockey players in the world.

Of course, the calendar also includes shows featuring artists from around the world. It is common for an international artist to perform at the Bell Centre in Montreal one night and then go to the Videotron Centre the next day. Or vice versa.

But no matter the event, your evening could not start better than with a meal at a restaurant before continuing with your main activity! Here are our suggestions for restaurants where you can eat before going out to the Videotron Centre.

Blaxton at the Videotron Centre

Let's start our suggestions with a restaurant that is located within the walls of the Videotron Centre. This makes it easier to plan your travel and parking.

The Blaxton restaurant at the Videotron Centre can accommodate up to 300 people and is open at all times, even if there are no events scheduled at the Videotron Centre.

You can first take the opportunity to have a drink, either one of the most popular or one from a microbrewery. You will have the chance to quietly discover the relaxed atmosphere of Blaxton.

On the menu, you can choose between burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, poutines, fish n’ chips, grills, seafood and fish.

Restaurant Casa Calzone

If you are a fan of calzones, these puffed pizzas with a golden and crispy crust, you will be delighted at the Casa Calzone restaurant. It seems that the best calzones in the world are here!

The first calzones of the Casa were prepared in 1999 and, since then, have received compliments from customers from all four corners of the planet.

Some of the most popular calzones include the Pavarotti (with Bolognese sauce, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, bacon and mozzarella), the Stadacona (with tomato sauce, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, bacon and mozzarella cheese), the Calzone Tacos (with Mexican-style seasoned beef, plank-grilled peppers and onions, Tex Mex cheese, sour cream, salsa and Casa sauce) and the Hipster (with tomato sauce, bacon, Casa sausage, mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar and caramelized onions).

There is a terrace to accommodate more people during the summer months. When the weather is a little cooler, there is also heating on the terrace.

The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Friday lunchtime and from Wednesday to Sunday evening and is located a few minutes walk from the Videotron Centre.

Le Trèfle Limoilou

Here is a suggestion for Irish tavern lovers. Le Trèfle, including the Limoilou branch, offers a festive atmosphere, no less than 100 choices of beers, several of the renowned scotches and a bistro-style menu.

The decor is also beautiful, with woodwork, a copper bar counter and an antique feel.

After choosing from the beers, scotches or other cocktails available, you will then have to select your meal.

The choices vary between steak and fries, tartares (duck or tuna), burgers (wagyu, crispy chicken or vegan) and poutines (vegan, Guinness sauce, maple braised ham).

There are also the essential Irish dishes, including fish n’ chips, beer-battered mussels and boiled beef with potatoes, carrots and grilled cabbage.

A brunch is also offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Soupe & Cie

If you like the spirit of a small café, you will be served at Soupe & Cie. Here, you will find a simple and tasteful decor, in addition to a choice of light but delicious meals.

You can have a cocktail, there are more than 15 choices, or a good cold beer by the glass or pitcher with your friends.

As for your meal, you can choose between authentic soups from Vietnam, Mexico, Italy, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Korea, France, Peru, Switzerland, Spain or Lebanon.

Or, tartares, tacos and poke bowls.

All this can be served with pork and shrimp dumplings, imperial rolls, Korean-style lacquered pork belly or a plate of labneh and pita.

Finish it all off with coffees, infusions or other refreshments available, such as Kombucha, homemade ginger ale or bubble tea.

Nicky Sushi

Finally, we suggest a restaurant that bridges the gap between Asian cuisine and Quebec products. At Nicky Sushi, you will find the best of both worlds, in an interesting concept.

Nicky Sushi is also the first restaurant in Quebec to offer a unique culinary experience with its sushi river. The concept is simple: plates of different colors parade on boats, where each color represents a price. On each plate, there are tapas and sushi created by the cooks on the other side of the river. They are open to suggestions. You can choose the plates you want and make them your starters or your full meal. In the end, your bill will correspond to your pile of empty plates.

On the à la carte menu, there are sushi pizzas, tatakis, sashimi, nigris or tartares and spring rolls.

The restaurant's dining room is open every evening of the week, except Tuesday. It is also possible to pick up an order from 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.