Québecium: the authentic Quebec-inspired bistro-bar in Paris

Do you love Quebec, its generous dishes and warm accent? Would you like to discover more about the culture of our dear neighbors while you lick your lips? Then head for Québecium, the brand-new bistro, beer bar and grocery store dedicated to Quebec in Paris.

For a tasty trip to Quebec, head to Québecium. Nestled in the capital's 17th arrondissement since December 2019, this 250m² concept store is the perfect place to sample tasty Quebec-inspired dishes, sip a craft beer brewed by the owner and take a little Quebec home with you, thanks to the delicatessen corner. Yes, Québecium is all this and more, and it's totally new in Paris!

Inside this warm new establishment dedicated to Canada's beloved province, the curious and lovers of Quebecois culture are delighted to find, just inside the entrance, a grocery corner with a selection ofQuebecois spirits (beers, red, white and rosé wines, spirits and ice ciders), as well as sweet and savoury Quebec products (wild blueberry jam, maple water, maple cookies, maple salt, fir-tree mustard, teas, herbal teas, etc.)...).

You're bound to fall in love with the bright, 6-metre-high ceilings and the mezzanine, where the famous and much-appreciated reconstructed wood cabin is hidden. Privatizable, everything is there to make you feel like you're in the middle of a Quebecois forest, from the ice skates hanging on the wall to the plaid on the comfortable sofa, not forgetting the view of the snow! The owner, Benjamin Berthiaume, originally from Montreal but based in Paris since 2006, has truly imported a piece of his home to the heart of the 17th arrondissement... The decor is a success, even in the bistro-bar's toilets, with photos of Céline Dion and René Angelil, as well as the ever-popular Roch Voisine, Garou and former Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve. For sports fans, note that the venue occasionally broadcasts field hockey matches on its giant screen, or soccer matches when PSG is playing. It's worth pointing out that the Chef is a fan of the Parisian team.

Once you've settled in, it's time for culinary discovery, with homemade dishes based on grandma's recipes, while not forgetting to support local artisans in the Batignolles district. For example, the bread comes from the Basso bakery, while the coffee comes from the Lanni coffee roaster. Of course, maple is featured in many of the recipes on the menu, which changes regularly to reflect the seasons.

For starters, Québecium offered classic nachos that evening, as well as a corn velouté with diced maple bacon.

Main courses included a generous chicken burger with truffle gouda, delicious guacamole, salad and ketchup. The Duroc ribs with maple barbecue marinade and fries were also a big hit that evening.

And how could you come to Québecium without tasting the traditional poutine, the real thing, with its cheese curd, the famous'skouik-skouik' cheese! There's no doubt about it, it's"here" where it's at its best! Choose from classic poutine with cheese from Saint-Guillaume (Québec), fries and homemade gravy, or western poutine with shredded chicken or duck confit. Two formats are available: a single poutine at 9€ or a double poutine at 16€.

To end on a sweet note, we went for the pain doré, a delicious French toast with apple compote, powdered sugar and whipped cream... maple!

Finally, to accompany these dishes, Québecium offers a fine selection of beers, including two brewed by Benjamin himself: De Champlain, an Indian wheat Lager, and René Lévesque, a Nordic IPA. Also on the menu? A 9.5% coffee stout from Dieu du Ciel (Montreal) or Batignolles, a local Pale Ale from partner brewer Hespebay. Good to know, Québecium offers a happy hour from 7pm to 9pm.

With a staff as smiling as they are welcoming, and an inimitable accent, Québecium really won us over! In short, head over to Québecium now to push open the doors of this new address, which is both friendly and authentic, with a very... Québécois decor, of course! Get yourself a log and come and discover Québecium in Paris.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.