Petite Dana — Restaurant in Quebec

I've never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant. I'm not sure why we were treated so poorly, but we couldn't help but think that it was because we were the only Asians (ironically, why would you treat Asians poorly if you're working at an Asian restaurant...). This poor rating is specifically for the white female waitress that made us feel inferior and unwelcome. I hope management reads this and takes action to improve service (... don't be racist...)

One waitress seated us. After we were seated, this other white female waitress came by and asked us if we had a reservation (note that the table we were seated at never had a "Reserved" sign while one other table did). After we told her that the other waitress seated us (... why would you assume our party of 5 sat down randomly without permission?), she went away without acknowledging us. This already gave us the wrong vibe, like she wanted us to leave.

We could see the same waitress treating tables around us extremely friendly and smiling, engaging in small talk. After that first encounter, she completely ignored our one table for the entire time we were at the restaurant.

We waited a long time for water. The same white female waitress walked right by our table three times with water for other tables, purposely ignoring us. We had to eventually ask another waiter to bring us water (which was never refilled after we finished it).

Our baby started crying, and they threatened us to leave if the baby didn't stop crying. We've eaten out as a family tons of times and have never faced this. This is not a fine dining establishment. There was no empathy.

Adding to my review because I cannot reply to the owner's response. As an Asian, I hope you empathize that it feels horrible to feel like someone is treating you as inferior. My mom, dad, and I all felt like that from that other waitress and discussed this the whole time. It is a sickening feeling. If you can imagine feeling the points 1-3 that I mentioned, maybe you might understand how we felt.

I suggest you watch how that waitress treats Asians and minorities. You can ignore what I'm saying, but it is what we truly felt. Sadly.

Re: baby crying - I am sorry. It is extremely difficult to be a parent, and we always feel bad when any kid is loud. I asked my mom to take the baby out. I'm just calling out that I have NEVER had a restaurant threaten us to leave (and we have eaten out with the kids at 100+ restaurants...). Instead, they understand and try...

We were craving spice in Quebec City and set out looking for Asian food. That search led us to Madame Phan. Both of us—coming from different parts of Asia—were hopeful.

The food? It was okay. It gave us the spice fix we needed, but it wasn’t authentic. I wish I could rate it higher, but I feel a responsibility to be critical when it comes to Asian cuisine. Too often, Asian food is watered down for Western taste buds. It’s a disservice to the cultures it represents. Quebec City already feels deeply European, and I would love to see more pride in showcasing Asian food as it really is.

Here’s the truth: authentic food usually outperforms the “tailored-to-locals” version. People rise to the occasion when they’re given the real thing. Sadly, what I often see—here included—is the opposite. Local diners leave thinking they’ve “experienced Asian food” when, in fact, they haven’t.

The first red flag was in the description itself: “Asian.” Asia is vast and diverse. Expecting one restaurant, or one chef, to represent it all is impossible. It’s like walking into a place that claims to serve all European food under one roof. Unrealistic by definition.

So, no, Madame Phan isn’t authentic. But it did serve its purpose: it gave us something spicy when we needed it. I just wish more restaurants here leaned into authenticity rather than compromise. Because authentic Asian food deserves...

Found via Google maps. Menu looked interesting so we went. A little odd at the entrance but opened up to a clean bar and dining area. Server was engaging and polite. Answered some minor menu questions with ease. Food was wonderful. We had chicken spring rolls and a imperial spring rolls as an appetizer. They came with a light, well balanced sweet sauce that enhanced them nicely. My wife had the Pad Thai and I chose a Chicken Curry dish. We were very pleased with the portions and the taste of the dishes. We would recommend this place to anyone in search of an Asian style...