Sapristi Champlain — Restaurant in Quebec

Sapristi Champlain impressed us so very much! We visited on the evening of August 10th and had an absolutely wonderful experience. After spending a few days in beautiful and charming Québec, we had many opportunities to try several restaurants; some were very good, but Sapristi (the Petit Champlain location) won us over the most!

We showed up around 8:30 pm on a busy evening, but a friendly hostess helped us get a table for two on the terrace in a remarkably quick way despite how busy it was. We noticed they did the same for other couples, too. They seemed like they actually wanted to help people get a table, unlike some other nearby restaurants that seemed cold-hearted about turning people away when it was busy.

It was a romantic setting. A European vibe bistro, with covered patio seating and nice string lights all around. (See photo.) The aroma was tantalizing, with the scent of Italian food and pizzas doing much to make our mouths water. The customers around us seemed happy and content, and we soon found out why.

The service was very courteous. It was easy to communicate. One of us speaks half-decent French and our server met us more than halfway with her own knowledge of English, and we heard plenty of both languages there.

The wine and food came quickly and were just right! A 750 ml bottle of chilled white wine (picked from a decent selection of affordable wines). Margherita flatbread for an appetizer. Sapristi linguine and spaghetti pollo for dinner. All were perfect! Very reasonable portions, too. Quality ingredients. Delicious flavours. We couldn't have hoped for anything better. It was the definition of a good night out at a restaurant.

There was a pleasant surprise at the end. When the bill came, it was just over $100 (with taxes included). It was the most affordable dinner we had enjoyed in Québec thus far, and on par with the quality of other places that had charged us more for similar things.

So, all in all: European ambiance. Romantic setting. Good service. Nice wine. Delicious food. Decent portions. Reasonable prices.

Sapristi Champlain won us over. We will be...

If I could I would give this place 4 and a half stars. But such is Google, the company that can only give you full stars for a review but has self driving cars. Besides that, at first I was a little apprehensive about the menu at Sparisti, but it was this or Spag&Tini, who's name alone gives me the creeps. So off we went to Lower Quebec and lo and behold, it was actually pretty good! Vincent, our waiter was absolutely amazing in his service to us compared to the other bland waiters we had on this trip. The Parmesan Fondue was incredible and though I'm not a fan, the French Onion Soup was also very good. But that fondue!! My entree of choice was the Sapristi pasta and it was also incredible. For something out of Quebec, this dish was stellar. Although a little bit cream heavy due to it also being prepared in a French area, that's to be expected. However the pine nuts and tomatoes coupled with the creamy Pesto sauce were a great combination. Definitely would recommend if you're in Quebec, and the fact that it's situated right under the looming shadow of Chateau Frontenac and nestled in the heart of Lower Quebec, the walk to the restaurant is amazing. This restaurant coupled with the atmosphere of Lower quebec was truly a great end...

Only gets 2 stars for the atmosphere and beautiful building in which this establishment is located within. Otherwise, the food was mediocre. Do not get the French onion soup. Not only is it double the price of the soup of the day, the French onion was served to me lukewarm or borderline cold. Also, any chef worth their salt would know not to serve a French onion soup with onions that were barely carmelized or sweetened. I've made way better French onion soup myself, and I've been to dive bars that serve way better French onion soup. I also happened to try the Mac and cheese after reading a review from someone who said it was the best Mac and cheese of their life- it really was mid.

Service could also improve as the server was not patient or helpful when our group was looking at different appetizers and entrees on the menu. Also the server never refilled any of our waters.

There is good things to say- The ambience is great. Friends at my table at least enjoyed some of the food that was served to them including the soup of the day which was cream of tomato soup, and duck pasta.

All in all, I can't be surprised to know that this is a...