Our Favourite Restaurants in Sherbrooke

In collaboration with Destination Sherbrooke, discover our favourite restaurants in the beautiful city of Sherbrooke!

How could we describe Sherbrooke’s gastronomy in a single word? Generous? Flavourful? Heartwarming? It’s all of that, of course—but above all, it’s about passionate food lovers who welcome us with open arms to share their love of good things. No wonder the city’s unofficial hashtag is #sherbylove!

While most of Sherbrooke’s restaurants are concentrated downtown (the “Centro,” as locals call it), it’s worth venturing out to the surrounding neighbourhoods to uncover hidden gems like the charming Bernache café-buvette in the Jacques-Cartier district.

From Auguste to Vin Polisson, via Friterie Deauville and Café Masala, Sherbrooke has no shortage of options when it comes to eating well, whatever the occasion. To whet your appetite, here are a few of our favourite spots in town!

You can find more of our gourmet suggestions, along with plenty of ideas for activities and experiences in Sherbrooke, in the 2023 edition of Sherbrooke: Heart of the Townships tourism magazine—available online and in many shops across Sherbrooke, Montréal, and the South Shore. You’re also invited to check out our favourite cafés and brunch spots right here!

Happy discoveries!

Auguste Restaurant — 82 Rue Wellington N

Credit @Mikael Lebleu

A true Sherbrooke institution, Auguste was launched in 2008 by Anik Beaudoin and chef Danny St-Pierre. It became known, among other things, for its famous “reverse poutine” (a must-try!) and its decadent pouding chômeur. Today, chef Julie Sipling is at the helm of the kitchen, offering French- and Quebec-inspired cuisine that is both refined and comforting. An essential stop!

Antidote Foodlab — 35 Rue Belvédère N, Suite 10

 

Credit @Mikael Lebleu

It’s in a former downtown textile factory that chef-owner Luc Vaillancourt chose to set up his “gourmet laboratory.” With his brigade, he creates an inventive and flavorful menu, somewhere between terroir cooking and molecular gastronomy. They say you eat with your eyes too: guests are delighted not only by the meticulous presentation of the dishes but also by the beauty of the space. Rustic yet elegant, the décor recalls the building’s past life, with shelves lined with magnificent antique sewing machines.

Bernache Café-Buvette — 1120 Rue Prospect

Credit @Mikael Lebleu

Café by day, wine bar by night, this little sister of the Géogène cafés is a hidden gem tucked away on Prospect Street, about a 20-minute walk from downtown. The laid-back daytime atmosphere is inviting, but it’s the short yet flavorful evening menu, built around seasonal local products, that truly shines. The wine list—focused on natural selections and surprisingly extensive for such a small spot—is also worth the detour. A must-discover!

Boefish — 3131 Rue King O Local B

Crédit @Mikael Lebleu

Every city needs a great steakhouse! In Sherbrooke, that place is Boefish. This chic restaurant offers a high-end surf-and-turf menu: flavorful cuts of beef aged for at least 30 days, fresh fish, and seafood, all backed by a solid wine list and meticulous service. The spacious 150-seat dining room, with two private lounges, is ideal for groups. Adjacent to the OTL Gouverneur and PAŪS Spa, it’s the perfect spot for a complete experience during a getaway.

Buvette du Centro — 117 Rue Wellington N

Crédit @David Badiane

La Buvette du Centro is a vegetarian bistro-bar with a bold mission: to keep its ecological footprint as small as possible by adopting a zero-waste policy. Guests are sure to be charmed by the beautiful décor and the spacious back terrace with its tiki-bar vibe. With a wide selection of microbrewery beers on tap, it’s the perfect destination for happy hour or a lively evening out!

King Alexandre — 286 Rue King O

Credit @Mikael Lebleu

King Alexandre is a project long nurtured by Maxime Pothier, owner of the King Hall tavern. With the help of his nephew Jérôme Couture and chef Steven Losier (formerly of Antidote FoodLab and Baumann), he offers a refined gastronomic experience supported by a strong selection of wines, beers, and cocktails—all within a stunning décor reminiscent of a chic English pub. Splendid!

Kobo Ramen — 1 Rue Wellington N

Credit @David Badiane

Fresh noodles crafted on-site in the neighboring workshop, a well-balanced broth, and delicious, comforting bites—all served in a bright, beautiful space at the corner of King O. and Wellington Streets—that’s what Kobo Ramen is all about. From the signature ramen with crispy karaage chicken to the luxuriously creamy Japanese cheesecake, everything won us over. Stop by once… or twice.

L’empreinte — 292 Rue King O

Crédit @David Badiane

L’Empreinte offers a unique fine dining experience built around a generous seven-course menu inspired by the market and the season, presented tableside by voice. The tiny team (two in the kitchen, one in the dining room!) welcomes guests as if at home, with intimate, enveloping service. It’s pure joy to be guided by chef Daniel Charbonneau and his team!

Restaurant Louis  — 386 Rue King E

Crédit @Restaurant Louis

It all began with a mobile canteen in the 1940s, followed by a first restaurant at the foot of the Aylmer Bridge in 1949, now gone. Today, Louis Luncheonette counts three locations: on King West, downtown, and on King East. The “Gros Louis” is a house classic, as is the delicious poutine. The hearty breakfasts—greasy in just the way we like—are also highly recommended!

O Chevreuil — 62 Rue Wellington N

Crédit @David Badiane

O’Chevreuil is a restaurant where you’ll leave satisfied. The generous plates crafted by chef-owner Charles-Emmanuel Pariseau are sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Beyond being hearty, the dishes are well-executed and delicious. In a dimly lit space where wood takes center stage, you’ll discover an atmosphere made for celebration—and for both small and big indulgences.

Parizzo Osteria — 62 Rue Wellington N

Crédit @Mikael Lebleu

A cousin and neighbor of O Chevreuil, this charming little Italian counter-restaurant on Wellington Street embodies simplicity: delicious sandwiches and fine charcuterie platters are prepared on the spot with high-quality products imported from Italy. Whether for a quick lunch or to sit down and watch the game (chef-owner Charles Pariseau is also a sports enthusiast), the place is sure to please!

Le Tapageur — 83 Rue King O

Crédit @David Badiane

For more than twenty years, Le Tapageur has been a resto-tavern where you can eat very well. Tasty tapas pair perfectly with one—or several—beers. Open for both lunch and dinner, it’s a go-to spot for Sherbrooke locals who appreciate life’s small pleasures. Head to this iconic city establishment—you won’t be disappointed!

Vin Polisson — 197 Rue King O

Credit @Mikael Lebleu

When Vin Polisson opened in 2020, it brought a true breath of fresh air to Sherbrooke’s dining scene. This cozy 25-seat wine bar serves a menu of creative and flavorful small plates by the talented chef Isabelle Charest, along with a lovely selection of natural and organic wines, also available to take home. We love it all: the décor, the food, the wine, the relaxed yet professional service. A little gem!

Vintage 5080 — 1112 Rue King O

Credit @David Badiane

At Vintage 5080, it feels as though time has stood still. The décor features a disco ball, a jukebox, an explosion of pastel colors, and much more. The menu revisits diner classics through the playful lens of owner Marie Claude, with must-tries like the El’ Gros Matte Poutine (a nod to the iconic burger of a certain fast-food chain), the famous Grease Mac and Cheese Burger (with a fried macaroni-and-cheese patty), and, to top it all off, the “Legendary Milkshakes” decked out with Jos Louis cakes or cheesecakes—guaranteed to impress.

Westley – Artisans restaurateurs  — 3200 Rue King O suite A-140

Crédit @Mikael Lebleu

A little off the beaten path on King West, this small bistro-bar with stunning 1920s-inspired décor is the perfect spot for happy hour. Alongside a thirst-quenching cocktail menu (we recommend the Old Westley, a twist on the Old Fashioned), Westley also offers a well-curated wine list and several local beers and ciders. On the menu: shareable small plates made with local ingredients, divided into three sections—vegetables, meats, and fish.

Masala Café — 61 Rue Wellington N

Credit @David Badiane

With its colorful décor and fragrant cuisine, Masala Café brings a touch of warmth and exotic flair to downtown. Born from the meeting of a Quebecer and a Breton woman on a beach in Goa, India, the restaurant specializes in personalized thali—an assortment of small dishes served on a metal tray with rice and naan. Plenty of vegetarian options are, of course, available, and to top it all off, it’s BYOB!

Restaurant Baumann — 141 Rue Wellington S.


Crédit Marius Mongeau

Restaurant Baumann, on Wellington South Street in Sherbrooke, is a dining destination that blends terroir, conviviality, and culinary boldness. Under the leadership of chef and co-owner Suzy Rainville, the establishment stands out with refined yet accessible cuisine designed to create moments of sharing as much as moments of pleasure.

Photography by Mikael Lebleu, David Badiane



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