There are a thousand ways to discover a destination. In Rimouski, one of the most delicious is to follow a trail of local products, markets, and restaurants that showcase the expertise of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
From passionate producers and food artisans to creative chefs, every stop tells a bit of the region’s story. This day is an invitation to experience Rimouski’s flavors in a new way—one bite at a time.
Start the day at the Rimouski Public Market
You can’t talk about local gastronomy without starting at the Rimouski Public Market.
On Saturday mornings, the stalls at Parc de la Gare fill up early. Fresh produce, seasonal vegetables, artisanal breads, cheeses, meats, jams, and gourmet finds await you. The atmosphere is welcoming, and chatting with the producers is an integral part of the experience. Beyond shopping, come and enjoy the special events open to everyone—details are available on their website.
Meet the people who feed the region
At the market, every product has a story.
You discover not only local flavors but also the men and women who create them. This is often where inspiration for the rest of the day strikes.
Stop by Maître Saucissier
After stocking up on market finds, head to one of the region’s culinary institutions.
Maître Saucissier offers a range of fine charcuterie and a selection of nearly 50 types of sausages. The business also features hand-stuffed olives. You can even pick up their famous Hungarian sandwich, customized with the ingredients of your choice. A passion for the craft shines through in every product; visitors discover an impressive variety of sausages, cured meats, and carefully prepared specialties.
Expertise deeply rooted in the region
The products showcase artisanal techniques that appeal to both visitors and regulars alike.
It is the perfect place to pick up some flavors of the Bas-Saint-Laurent to savor later or take home.
Treat yourself to a meal at Bistro de la Forge
After a morning dedicated to local products, it’s time to taste them.
Bistro de la Forge — formerly one of the private dining rooms at Rimouski’s Maison du Spaghetti—is now renowned for its atmosphere and the quality of its cuisine.
You’ll be won over by the relaxed vibe and friendly service. The menu stands out for its variety of burgers, tartares, and house-butchered meats.
Cuisine that tells the story of the region
What makes the experience so enjoyable is the ability to transform local ingredients into memorable moments.
Beyond the meal itself, you discover a unique way to experience the flavors of the Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Discover the creative approach at L’Ardoise
In the afternoon or early evening, L’Ardoise makes for another wonderful stop on this culinary journey.
The establishment is known for its refined approach to cooking and its ability to showcase local products in a welcoming setting. A new menu is created each week based on seasonal availability and the chef’s inspiration. Whether for a quick lunch, dinner at home, or entertaining guests, they offer everything from appetizers and drinks to dessert.
The art of showcasing local products
Each season brings its own new offerings and inspirations.
This close relationship with regional producers allows the cuisine to reflect the region in all its diversity.
Head to Restaurant du Mange-Grenouille
Some places are truly worth a visit. Le Restaurant du Mange-Grenouille is one of those establishments that form an integral part of the region’s culinary identity. It stands out for its unique atmosphere, where heritage, culture, and gastronomy coexist naturally.
Over the past 30 years, La Table du Mange-Grenouille has built a strong reputation thanks to talented chefs who shaped the venue’s identity, establishing it as a benchmark for French cuisine in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
Dining in a place with a soul
The experience goes far beyond what is on the plate.
The setting, the hospitality, and the venue’s character contribute just as much to the memory as the flavors themselves.
Ending the day at La Brigade 225
To wrap up this culinary day, head to La Brigade 225.
The atmosphere invites you to extend the day’s conversations over a good meal and reflect on all the discoveries made since morning. This brand-new restaurant is located in downtown Rimouski, within the same complex as the Hôtel Rimouski. The goal is clear: to become the go-to destination for barbecue lovers in Eastern Quebec. You will be amazed by the quality of the menu, crafted from the freshest regional ingredients and featuring meats grilled over charcoal.
One last flavor-filled stop
After meeting producers, discovering artisans, and tasting local products, it is the perfect time to celebrate the full culinary richness of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
A destination to discover through taste
Local gastronomy is about more than just a few great spots.
In Rimouski, it is deeply rooted in the land and the producers, artisans, and restaurateurs who work every day to showcase the region’s flavors.
From the Public Market to Maître Saucissier, from Bistro de la Forge to Restaurant du Mange-Grenouille, and from L’Ardoise to La Brigade 225, each stop reveals a different side of the Bas-Saint-Laurent.
And when you leave the table, you often take away much more than just a good meal: you leave with a better understanding of the region and the people who bring it to life.