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Secret getaways are often the best getaways—little-known retreats that exist outside the fanfare of famed vacation destinations; often off the beaten track; and almost always worth the trip. And Îles-de-la-Madeleine (or the Magdalen Islands), definitely fits the bill.
An archipelago consisting of eight islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this east coast Canadian gem is a well-kept secret—so much so, that many Canadians aren’t even aware of its existence. However, don’t let the Magdalen Islands’ diminutive size fool you—in addition to its almost 200 miles of pristine beaches (both red and white!) the islands are home to a gourmet cuisine scene that would knock the socks off any foodie. And while fresh seafood is undoubtedly the star of the show, there’s something special about the islands’ blend of hospitality and sea-to-table fare that rockets it to the top of the gastronomic charts. Here, the restaurants embrace their seaside heritage, opening their doors (and their hearts), to visitors looking for the ultimate island experience—come for the seafood, and stay for the camaraderie.
Gourmet Eats At Domaine Du VieuxCouvent Hotel & Restaurant
Translating to Domain of the Old Convent, Domaine Du VieuxCouvent is a gourmet bistro located in the lovely hotel of the same name—so feel free to spend the night! Stunning views and island hospitality rule here, but the star is a menu featuring dishes embedded with local faves—and not just seafood. Cheeses and fruit also feature heavily here, and rightfully so—after all, Magdalen is famed for its fab Fromage, too.
- Address: 292, Route 199, Havre-aux-Maisons G4T 5A4
- Hours: May 26 through October 1, 2022, 5 PM-10 PM daily
- Price: Unknown
- Reservations: Recommended
- What To Try: Though 2022 is currently unavailable, the restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes and elevated French bistro-style fare
Local Faves Rule At Café De La Grave
Since 1980, Café de la Grave is rich in history all its own that continues today with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and creative menu situated on the waterfront. Here, the food is second only to the hospitality—but don’t let that fool you. Filled with local faves like the Pot-En-Pot; a dish akin to a chicken pot pie but instead packed with fresh local seafood and a creamy sauce, this local fave is known for its Magdalen Islands staples cooked to perfection.
- Address: 969 Chemin de la Grave Havre Aubert G4T 9C8
- Hours: Thursday & Friday 4 PM-10PMl Saturday & Sunday 11 AM-10 PM
- Price: $$-$$$$
- Reservations: Yes
- What To Try: Homemade Millet Pie; Salt Cod Patties; Sauerkraut And Wild Boar Sausages; Traditional Island Pot-En-Pot with Lobster, Scallops, and Shrimp
Restaurant Eva: Great Views And Fab Food
Many of the restaurants on the Magdalen Islands feature bistro-style dining that’s often dictated by fresh, vibrant local flavors with a distinctive French influence—and Restaurant Eva is no exception. A lovely La Côte spot featuring an epic terrace and signature island hospitality, Eva’s creative menu is both casual and elevated—and, of course, delicious.
- Address: 499-1, road Boisville Ouest L’Étang-du-Nord, G4T 3J8
- Hours: May 12-June 12, 2022, Thursday through Sunday 5 PM-9 PM; June 13-October 1, 2022, Thursday through Monday 5 PM-9 PM
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Reservations: Recommended
- What To Try: Homemade Linguine (with mussel, clam, cream, and white wine sauce); Fried Chicken Burger; Pork Loin; Dark Chocolate Mousse Verrine
Les Pas Perdus Is The Place To Be
A restaurant, inn, bar, and live concert hall in the summer, Las Pas Perdus is a chill hangout spot on Cap aux Meules Island where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the laidback chill vibes akin to a beachside hangout. And with their elevated pub menu well-stocked with casual staples like burgers and fries to hearty, creative meals with local flavor, Las Pas Perdus hits all the right notes.
- Address: 169, road Principal Cap-aux-Meules, G4T 1C4
- Hours: Open year-round Wednesday & Thursday 4:30 PM-9 PM; Friday & Saturday 4:30 PM-10 PM
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Reservations: Recommended
- What To Try: The Marine Wolf Burger (with wolffish); The French Burger; The Boss’s Poutine; Beer Mussels And Fries
La Maisonnée Des Îles Is The Best Casual, Seaside Dining
Unlike many of the restaurants on this list, La Maisonnée Des Îles is not a self-described bistro—rather, it is a no-frills combo of shoreside seafood joint/family restaurant/ rustic galley of a late 19th-century ship that serves up only the best chowder house classics. Think fried fish dinners and seafood platters that are hearty and delicious seafood classics made even better by fresh, local faves.
- Address: 319 QC-199, Havre-aux-Maisons, QC G4T 5A4
- Hours: June 17-August 30, 2022, Sunday through Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 5 PM-8 PM, September 2-December 18, 2022, Sundays 4:30 PM-10 PM; Friday & Saturday 5 PM-10 PM
- Price: $-$$$$
- Reservations: N/A
- What To Try: Fish & Chips; Lobster Dinner; Delight of the Sea (For 2); The Fisherman’s Plate
Restaurant Le Millerand: A Gastronomic Gem
Located on the Millerand Wharf, the eponymous Restaurant le Millerand is a seaside gem in the heart of Bassin. With an emphasis on artisanal ingredients and seafood so fresh it may have even been caught that very morning, this sophisticated spot is less bistro and more farm-to-table due to its emphasis on sustainability and desire to feature local ingredients above all. Plus, the views are stellar, too, which sure doesn’t hurt.
- Address: 20 Chemin de l’Anse à la Cabane Bassin QC G4T 0J8
- Hours: Open seasonally April-September, Thursday through Monday 5 PM-9 PM
- Price: $$-$$$$
- Reservations: Yes
- What To Try: Past favorites include Offshore Oysters; Fish & Chips; Half Cornish Hen; and Lobster Pasta, but the menu is seasonal and always changing, check for the current menu on IG @lemillerand or Facebook @lemillerandrestaurant
Gourmande De Nature Is The Crème De La Crème
One of the most highly-rated restaurants on the islands, Gourmande de Nature has been serving up the goods since 2012—and with good reason. With a colorful, creative menu with French, Portuguese, and California coastal influences at Gourmande, visitors will find sumptuous mashups and delightful fare that is as distinctive as the islands themselves.
- Address: 1912 North Pond c.
- Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
- Price:
- Reservations:
- What To Try: Flétan (Halibut); Pétoncles (scallops); Tartlet with Mackerel Confit; Tofu Croustillant (Crispy Tofu)
Off the east coast of Canada lies the dazzling archipelago of the Magdalen Islands. Though home to a robust culture and stunning natural beauty, the islands also have another claim to fame as a haven for gourmet eats. Here, “catch of the day” almost always means that whatever is on the plate is the freshest of the fresh—whether it be classic seafood dishes or inventive, contemporary takes on the traditional, these top spots are serving up the goods daily; making the Magdalen Islands a must-visit for any foodie.