The province of Quebec is often known for its bustling cities of Montreal and Quebec City, but up and coming regions like Laval and the Eastern Townships are producing delicious, health conscious vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan restaurants that cater to those with food allergies, intolerances and preferences.
My husband and I spent a long weekend in January for his birthday in the region, searching for culinary gems. Check out this roundup of where to eat on your next trip to the area:
L’Antre-Nous Crêperie Bretonne Bistro
When you pull into this shopping mall, do NOT whiz by this incredible French creperie that will astound you, if you give it a try. The menu showcases lots of options for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarians diners and offers an array of delectable buckwheat crepes—both sweet and savory. My fav? Try the Le Suédois filled with goat cheese, smoked salmon and topped with asparagus. If you aren’t full enough, try their sweet buckwheat crepes topped with chocolate, salted caramel and fresh berries for dessert.
Head to Laval for an incredible vegan/vegetarian dining experience at LOV. This eco-committed restaurant practices what they preach through their commitment to the environment and their customers’ health and wellbeing, which is evident in everything from the décor to the menu to the wine list. The must try dishes here are the avocado toast with poached egg; house-made gnocchi made of sweet potato; kimchi fries and the chili lupeh (made with soy-free tempeh). Wash it all down with any of their natural and organic wines. If you aren’t familiar, just flag down the extremely knowledge beverage manager who can talk you through it. For dessert, try their version of the key lime pie.
For health conscious eaters, stop by the quaint Gaia Restaurant located in a warm and cozy house in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. We began our lunch with organic green tea and sampled their gluten-free crepes that they are known for, filled with amazing vegetables and fruits. We were compelled to try their avocado toast with micro greens and indulged in their gluten-free mac & chili dish topped with corn chips and made with cashew cheese. For those looking for a quicker stop, grab something from their juice bar.
For an exceptional culinary splurge meal, reserve a table at Le Mitoyen that offers an elegant, superbly-executed multi-course tasting menu that can cater to a variety of food intolerances. On my recent visit, the entire menu was created gluten-free for me. We dined on dishes like scallops, smoked ham, tender venison, tuna with citrus segments and many more. Book a table, alert them of any restrictions and let the kitchen do its thing. Oh, and request a table by the fireplace in the colder months. You’ll thank me later.
Have a favorite spot not listed here? Email us and tell us all about it!