Anyone heading to Eastern Quebec knows that they must do so via Route 132, along the St. Lawrence River for the beautiful landscapes and pretty villages, including Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. This village in Chaudière-Appalaches is known for all the sculptures installed along the road and that is probably why you will stop there. In addition to discovering these works of art, you will take the time to recharge your batteries with a good meal at the restaurant.

We have found for you the best restaurants in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli where it is good to have a meal and enjoy the moment with family, lovers or friends, with, perhaps out of the corner of your eye, a view of a legendary sculpture.

The village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli does indeed have a beautiful artistic tradition based on wood carving. It is a must-see in Quebec, the notoriety of the thing is without doubt!

In addition, the Biennale de la sculpture de Saint-Jean-Port-Joli welcomes, every two years, artists, connoisseurs and art lovers with the aim of generating abundant creative, intercultural and human encounters.

Each edition of the event presents a particular theme where pairs of invited artists work together to create a unique work, letting visitors immerse themselves in their creative process. At the same time, a craft market attracts its share of curious people.

In the village, there are a little more than 700 sculptures accessible to the public, whether at the Musée de sculpture sur bois des Anciens Canadiens, at the Musée de la mémoire vivante, at the Domaine Médard-Bourgault or at the Parc des Trois-Bérets.

Most of them are wooden pieces dating back to the 1920s. Other works in metal, stone, marble or composite materials are also listed.

After these visits, do not hesitate to stay in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli for a meal. Here is the list of the best restaurants in the village!

Restaurant Le Bocage

Our first suggestion on the list is called Restaurant Le Bocage and it is located on Avenue de Gaspé, just a few minutes from the center of the village.

The cuisine is family-style, unpretentious, except that of wanting to make you have a good time.

You will have to try one of the burgers offered (there are more than a dozen choices) or the poutines (nearly 20 different choices!).

You can also choose from chicken options, including strips, hot chicken or wraps and pizzas.

Of course, there is a children's menu.

During the summer, two terraces are open for the greatest pleasure of people wishing to sunbathe at the same time. There are also picnic tables scattered here and there on the grounds.

Porto Bellissimo

Now, follow the road to stop at the Italian restaurant Porto Bellissimo, the worst kept secret in Chaudière-Appalaches.

All the inhabitants of the region in search of generous pizzas meet there, whether they are lovers of traditional pizza or thin pizzas.

The possibilities are numerous: pizza with asparagus, smoked beef, ground beef, seafood, pulled pork or vegetarian. And if you are one of those who love pineapple, yes, a Hawaiian pizza is on the menu!

You will also find fresh pasta and sandwiches.

Children are also welcome, with a special menu prepared for them.

Here too, you can eat on the outdoor terrace during the summer season.

Ras l’bock

Craft beer lovers will love going to Ras l’bock, a microbrewery offering 13 different beers and a pub menu. Don’t worry, a tasting palette is offered.

If you love landscapes and sunsets, you will be doubly won over, the pub terrace directly overlooks the river.

For food, you will love the special platter designed with ingredients from local producers (goat cheese, apple and cranberry syrup rillette, salted seaweed & herb crackers, sausage, green olives and nuts).

There are also some snacks like chips, tortillas and dip, salted cheese and sausages.

BISTRO OK

Here is another place where you can enjoy the sun's rays, but especially the view from the BISTRO OK terraces. All this makes the atmosphere totally warm.

Local microbrewery beers are available and the on-site mixologists are able to prepare excellent house cocktails, some of which are based on Quebec gin. There is also wine, white, red or sparkling.

Among the starters, you can choose between French onions, popcorn shrimp with spicy mayo or chicken wings.

For the main course, watch for tartares, fish, pasta, ribs, burgers and poutines.

A children's menu is also available, as is a breakfast option, offered on Sunday mornings.

La Libellule resto convivial

Here we are now at our last suggestion. This time, the restaurant La Libellule has been feeding the mouths of the village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli for over 40 years.

On the menu, there is a nice place that is made pita, the specialty of the house. It is possible to choose from about fifteen different choices, always served in a thin rolled pita, served hot with melted cheddar, iceberg lettuce and homemade mayo.

But there are also salads, pizzas and paninis.

It is also possible to transform your dish into a vegan experience by replacing the cheese with nutritional yeast and organic sunflower oil or with a succulent fauxmage and the mayonnaise with a homemade veganaise with garlic flowers.

Here too, there is a special menu for children and a beautiful terrace open in the summer.