When the warm weather arrives in Rimouski, there’s a simple way to explore the city: take your time. Linger at a patio, continue your stroll to the next, chat over coffee, share a meal with friends, and end the day overlooking the river.
Here’s a delicious day to enjoy at the pace of some of Rimouski’s best patios. An invitation to discover the city in a new light, with local flavors, warm encounters, and inspiring views.
Brunch Time at Crêpe Chignon
In Rimouski, many visitors quickly discover that Crêpe Chignon is a true institution. For years, this friendly café-crêperie in the heart of Rimouski has welcomed locals and travelers alike with its convivial cuisine, where crêpes take center stage. Its sunny patio is especially popular during the summer months, offering a view of the St. Lawrence River.
Whether you’re tempted by a breakfast crepe, a more substantial savory version, or a sweet classic, each visit becomes an excellent excuse to take your time. A must-try: pair your crepe with a chai latte.
A classic that brings people together
Families, groups of friends, couples on a getaway, or passing cyclists naturally find themselves here. The relaxed atmosphere perfectly reflects the welcoming spirit that characterizes Rimouski.
Continue with a sweet treat at Chocolaterie Pâtisserie Aux Bienfaits
A few streets up, Aux Bienfaits offers a delicious way to savor Rimouski.
Those with a sweet tooth will find their bliss in the vast array of chocolate-dipped frozen desserts for which it is renowned, as well as a wide selection of chocolates. Pralines, truffles, pavés, bars of all kinds, and even beautiful all-chocolate creations are made on-site. The Bienfaits Dairy Bar stands out for its wide variety of pure chocolate coatings – 14 flavors available – to add to your favorite soft-serve ice cream, homemade ice cream, or sorbet. A must-try: vanilla soft-serve dipped in dark chocolate with orange.
The opportunity to relax on the terrace of the Maison Gauvreau, a historic building dating back to 1907, is enticing. This house is named after its first owner, Dr. Joseph Gauvreau. At the time, in addition to serving as a residence and office, it also housed a hydrotherapy clinic and a pharmacy. In the “Queen Anne Revival” style, characterized by a corner tower and a large gallery on three sides, the ornamentation is remarkable!
At Bienfaits, indulgence meets history. It’s the perfect place to take a break before continuing your exploration of the shops, galleries, and lively streets of downtown.
Stop for lunch at Central Café
Just steps from Les Bienfaits, as the morning gives way to lunchtime, Central Café is an easy and convenient stop in the heart of downtown.
Settle in on the terrace of this building, constructed in 1920 by retired priest Georges Gagnon. It’s distinguished by the gable that crowns the façade and the magnificent galleries that cover three sides of this Victorian house. Guests can enjoy the gentle sunshine while being shaded by beautiful mature trees. In addition to its friendly staff, Central Café stands out for its unique décor: a magnificent antique staircase and over a thousand birdhouses adorn the restaurant.
The menu is enticing, featuring a good variety of burgers, pasta, pizzas, schnitzels, and the delicious homemade fries that have made it famous. Here, dinner becomes a pause in the day, a moment to recharge before heading off on the next adventure. A must-try: Parmesan fries.
A simple stop
Central Café fits perfectly into a gourmet day in Rimouski. People come here to eat, have a coffee, observe the city, and enjoy the vacation atmosphere that settles in as soon as you choose to slow down.
Discover New Flavors at Parfum de Corée
Traveling is also about being surprised.
At Parfum de Corée, the only Korean restaurant in the Lower St. Lawrence region, traditional Korean flavors meet Rimouski hospitality. Bibimbap, bulgogi, and homemade dishes offer a chance to discover authentic cuisine prepared with care by Madame Kim. She has mastered the art of fermentation. The restaurant features a summer terrace. A must-try: the bibimbap.
Seating outside, you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere that encourages conversation and lets you feel the pulse of downtown.
A Refreshing Stop in the Heart of Downtown
Between walks, this gourmet stop offers the feeling of traveling far beyond the Lower St. Lawrence while remaining just steps from the river.
An Afternoon at Le Lotus
Le Lotus is one of those places where you love to linger. Whether you’re sharing a few bites, enjoying a drink, or simply soaking up the beautiful weather, the atmosphere invites you to savor the moment.
Constantly evolving, the kitchen at Le Lotus restaurant and its entire team delight in enhancing the flavor and quality of their dishes. The exceptional service and ambiance complement the experience, ensuring a truly memorable moment. A must-try: Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry
After several delicious stops, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break before heading to dinner.
A convivial dinner at La Maison du Spaghetti and Bistro de la Forge
As the afternoon slips into evening, appetites return.
La Maison du Spaghetti remains a reliable choice for groups of friends, families, and anyone seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Settled on its terrace, you can take the time to recount the day’s discoveries while enjoying a generous meal. A must-try: Mushroom Arancini
Under the same roof, you’ll also find Bistro de la Forge, offering happy hour and dinner options in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service that’s sure to please. Its cuisine is distinguished by its variety of burgers, tartares, house-made meats, as well as a selection of aged Scotch and Whisky and privately imported wines. Until August 9th, the Bistro features a patio as part of the Rimouski Hyundai Urban Terraces. A must-try: fish and chips.
The atmosphere is convivial, and the long summer evenings always seem to last a little longer.
End the day at Losange and L’Arlequin
If there’s one place to end a day of patio hopping, it’s here.
Right in the heart of downtown, Losange and L’Arlequin restaurants offer two gourmet experiences under one roof. The venue is particularly distinguished by its river views, sunsets, house cocktails, local products, and covered terrace. L’Arlequin, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in 2025, offers a five-course tasting menu whose main mission is to showcase the richness of our local produce. A must-try: the wine pairing created by Martin directly from his bar. Meanwhile, Losange, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent value, invites you to discover revisited Quebec cuisine in a warm and convivial atmosphere. A must-try: the halibut ceviche in a leche de tigre made with fish caught in Rimouski by Manu.
As the sun dips towards the horizon, the colors of the St. Lawrence River transform the scenery. Conversations slow, glasses are refilled one last time, and the day comes to a natural close.
The Spectacle of the River
In Rimouski, the most beautiful moments aren’t always the ones you plan. Sometimes, they simply take the form of a sunset watched from a patio, surrounded by people you enjoy.
A Day That Makes You Want to Come Back
Discovering the best patios in Rimouski is much more than choosing where to eat. It’s about taking the time to experience the city, meeting passionate entrepreneurs, savoring local and international flavors, and letting the river accompany every step of the day.
From your first coffee of the morning to the last ray of sunshine on the St. Lawrence, Rimouski offers a gourmet experience that is simple, welcoming, and memorable.
All you have to do is choose one patio, then the next. The rest of the day will unfold naturally!