Paillard — Restaurant in Quebec

We came here many times during both visits in Quebec City. I loved it so much the first time I ordered everything I wanted. This time visiting Quebec City we arrived late and when we got there it was almost closed. But we still wanted to try. The lady said it was closing so if you want to eat in only stay for 5 minutes. We understood so we packed things to go. We ordered eclair, an apricot danish( not in the picture) , Paris Brest, opera. Maybe because it was the time of day everything was not as fresh and best quality. The eclair inside was soggy from the cream being inside all day I guess. The apricot danish was also sad and soft but still tasted good. The opera top cream was pretty hard . Paris brest was okay. I guess it was not the best time to visit a bakery things aren’t as fresh. The second time we tried to get in in the morning and decided to order sandwiches we thought the line up was only for the pastry side. And turned out it was not just us who thought the same. There were at least two families went to the other side without waiting in the line. One guy was told the same thing but the server said it was okay he could just order there without going back to the line. But then told me to go back to the line. I had no problem doing so but I felt it was a bit disorganized and not as efficient. This is a busy location and so many tourists. If you want to use the washroom there is a door to go upstairs. It was very dirty and wet I couldn’t even use it. For the third fry we ordered what were in the second picture the eclair was better than the first night but still just okay. So what the other triangle pastry with the pastry cream in. Pretty decent. I only wanted to try real French pastry. There are lots other things like donuts muffins cookies cupcakes that I thought were typical American desserts. I guess they are trying to accommodate the tourists....

I visited here a couple times while vacationing in Quebec City. I’m a bit conflicted on how to review this, but I think a 3.5 stars is appropriate. The food, on its own, was lovely. I adored the broccoli cheddar soup, and the brie and ham sandwich was AMAZING. I also tried both their hot and cold coffee - the hot was decent, but the cold was a bit lacklustre. The only sugar they had was hard, so it wouldn’t stir into cold coffee. Still, not a huge deal.

My issues arise with the place itself. First, it’s important to note this place is very popular. It’s definitely for good reason, as the food IS good. But it was a bit overwhelming. There were arrows placed on the floors to direct you, but they didn’t match up to the barricades they placed for the line. Essentially, the arrows made no sense (at least not when I was there). It also wasn’t super clear how to order food vs baked goods, but I learned you order them at different locations. I wish there were more signs saying that.

I also found their Covid-19 precautions lacking. There was hardly any social distancing in the lines, and no markers indicating how far people should stand from one another. There was a sheet for contact tracing… but hardly anybody wrote on it, and it wasn’t really obvious at all. Thankfully, the tables are pretty long so it’s not too hard to sit away from people. But with so many customers in one location, I felt a bit uncomfortable.

Essentially, they have great food! But the lack of pandemic safety, misleading arrows and packed crowds made me not want to go back. If you’re prone to social anxiety, this isn’t the place for you (I say this as someone who has anxiety). However, their bread was great and the food...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Paillard is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone in Quebec City! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere and the aroma of freshly baked goods. Their pastries are nothing short of exceptional—crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor. Whether it's their buttery croissants or their decadent éclairs, everything tastes fresh and crafted with care.

Paillard’s menu offers something for everyone, from delicious sandwiches to gourmet coffees, making it a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat. The quality of the ingredients shines through in every bite, and the attention to detail in both preparation and presentation is top-notch.

The service is friendly and efficient, even during busy times. The staff is always eager to help with recommendations, and the overall experience is both welcoming and relaxed. Paillard combines quality, authenticity, and charm, making it a standout spot in the heart of the city.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, Paillard is a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended for an unforgettable bakery and...