Le Cendrillon: A Festive Oyster & Wine Bar in Quebec City’s Limoilou

Tucked into the heart of Limoilou, Le Cendrillon bills itself as an oyster bar, artisanal charcuterie counter, and natural wine bar — the kind of place you pop into for a glass and end up staying all night. It’s an unpretentious spot for an aperitif and a plate to share, and one locals return to again and again for its warm, festive energy and the feeling of always being welcomed like family.

Opened in December 2015, Le Cendrillon is the joint project of Carl Dumas, Frédéric Samson, and Joffrey Beaulieu. The name is a playful nod to Charles Perrault’s fairy tale “Cendrillon” (Cinderella) — you might picture princesses twirling under chandeliers, but it’s exactly the contrast with the owners’ down-to-earth style that makes the name land. And just like in the story, the magic does wind down around midnight. The name also pays tribute to Limoilou’s culinary history: a restaurant by the same name operated in the neighborhood back in the 1960s and ’70s.

Located on 3rd Avenue, right next door to La Planque, which Frédéric also co-owns, the three partners designed Le Cendrillon as a natural extension of that restaurant — a spot for a drink before or after dinner, carrying the same easygoing vibe that made its neighbor a hit.

It’s the bar that draws people in first. The wine list, curated by sommelier and co-owner Joffrey Beaulieu, pairs with house cocktails crafted by bar lead Julie Lacasse — a combo that makes you want to show up early for happy hour and find every excuse to stay late.

The Magic Is on the Plate

In the kitchen, chef Marianne Boulé runs an ever-changing menu that matches the room’s mood perfectly. The lineup centers on charcoal-grilled oysters with various toppings and charcuterie boards built for sharing over a few drinks among friends. The open kitchen sets the tone — eating here feels like gathering at a friend’s place rather than dining out.

Under Le Cendrillon’s Lights

Walk through the door and your eye lands immediately on a neon sign spelling out “BBQ” inside a pink pig hanging above the bar. The space has a slightly mystical energy, warmed by golden lighting throughout. The interior design comes from Alain Dumont, the same designer behind La Planque, with input from the whole team along the way, as co-owner Carl notes. The result is intimate, festive, and just a little mysterious. In warmer months, the terrace lets you soak in the neighborhood on a mild evening.

Some places you love for the food, others for how they make you feel. At Le Cendrillon, the magic isn’t just in the story behind the name — it’s in every bite, every shared table, and that feeling of having landed exactly where you were meant to be.

Written by Samuel Gauvreau Des Aulniers
Photography by Le Cendrillon

Updated on June 27, 2026

Make a suggestion