Le Clocher Penché

For my birthday, we went to Clocher Penché, a restaurant I've had my eye on for a while, especially since it was listed in the Michelin Guide. However, my experience was unfortunately average and disappointing. First, I found the staff lacking in warmth toward customers. We didn't feel welcomed at all, and we waited a good 15 minutes at the entrance before being served, even after approaching the host ourselves. We had a reservation for the second course. Furthermore, as someone with a gluten intolerance, restaurants often try to offer alternatives so we don't feel restricted, which wasn't the case here. Finally, we felt overlooked by our server throughout the evening. As for the food, it was nothing more than average. We tried the duck tataki, cream cheese, and aguachile as a starter, then the beef as a main course. Overall, nothing stood out in each meal, whether in taste, texture, or creativity. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. Finally, the cherry on top. Since the kitchen was open, we could see the kitchen staff at work, which I loved, until I noticed that the cooks were seriously lacking in sanitation. Indeed, when they were preparing my dessert, I saw them pick up strawberries with their hands, bring them to their mouths, then pick up mint leaves and garnish my plate with their hands. All this without washing their hands in between. This is just a summary of why my visit to Le Clocher Penché was a disappointment.

The food is delicious and the kitchen and all restaurant staff is very accommodating to dietary needs. My wife has celiac disease and is a vegetarian, the kitchen made her a unique entree and modified an appetizer and dessert to suite her needs. I highly recommend adding this place to your must visit restaurant list.

We loved everything that we drank and ate! I have celiac and they accommodated me by altering a meal to make it gluten free. It was wonderful. Service was a little slow but acceptable. A wonderful spot in Quebec City.