Red cliffs drop into deep waters. Golden beaches stretch for miles. Also known as Îles de la Madeleine, the remote Magdalen Islands are part of Quebec Maritime and have a unique and delicious food culture.
It’s not easy to explain the Magdalen Islands, it’s where isolation created something magical.
I have been talking to media relations at Quebec Maritime for years about working together because I was dying to see it for myself!
But as they say patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. This post is in partnership with Le Québec maritime. It’s my favourite partnership style as there was no itinerary, only suggestions because they knew I didn’t want to miss out on the best food in the Magdalen islands.
These Quebec Islands Have the Most Interesting Stories
Also known as the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, this archipelago sits in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 280 kilometers from the nearest mainland. This remoteness shaped everything here, including the food.
The Mi’kmaw Nation knew these islands long before Europeans arrived. They called the islands Munagesunok, meaning “islands beat by the waves”. Archaeological evidence shows Indigenous peoples used these islands seasonally for 6,000 to 10,000 years, mainly for summer fishing.
Basque sailors came next in the 16th century, hunting walrus. Then Jacques Cartier visited in 1534. Samuel de Champlain followed in 1629. Each group left its mark on the local food culture.
Then came the Acadians, and their story shapes everything about these islands today.
In 1755, the British began the Grand Dérangement, forcibly removing Acadians from their Maritime homes.
Some escaped the deportation and found refuge here under harsh conditions, working for merchant Richard Gridley. They hunted walrus and ran fisheries to survive.
More Acadians arrived in 1789 after the French Revolution, this time from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. These families brought their recipes, their French dialect, and their deep connection to the sea. Today, most Madelinots trace their roots to these Acadian settlers.
Walking through the villages, I realized this isolation created a unique food identity. Local cooks had to work with what the sea and land provided.
The Madelinots, as locals call themselves, created something beautiful here. Let me show you what they’re cooking.
Magdalen Islands Food Guide
Although this archipelago is part of Quebec, it is located in the Maritimes and so things feel familiar and yet are quite different.
There is some overlap with Nova Scotia food and PEI food with seafood, while having completely different dishes because of its history.
Nothing is too far away on Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Route 199, the main road is only 85 kilometres (55 miles) long.
So you often pass from one island to the next without knowing, except the landscape changes from island to island – reminding me of the Galapagos.
I visited the last week in May just before many restaurants in the Magdalen Islands opened for the season. I love off season travel with no need for reservations, no traffic and people have more time to chat.
The downside is that not everything is open.
But at the end of each island recap I’ll include recommendations from my Quebecois friend Jennifer from the Quebec travel guide Chasing Poutine as she always knows the best places to eat.
Havre Aubert
The southernmost island is where history lives. This is where the first Acadian families landed and where you’ll find the islands’ historical museum.
The fishing village feel here is strong, with weathered docks and the kind of seafood shacks that have been serving the same families for generations.
Don’t skip the historic area, La Grave, there are fantastic shops selling local products. And not far from there you’ll find Verger Poméloi tasting room with local cider and gin.
Cafe de la Grave
Cafe de la Grave feels like stepping into someone’s cozy living room filled with old books and antiques. This wooden café in La Grave on Havre Aubert packs tables into every corner because locals and visitors both love coming here.
Live music fills the air most evenings with piano players and local singers creating an authentic island atmosphere.
The menu ranges from nachos to cod cakes, but you need to order the pot en pot. This traditional Acadian dish serves up a seafood chowder loaded with lobster, shrimp and scallops, all topped with flaky pastry crust.
The portions are huge and the seafood is incredibly fresh. Make reservations during high season because this place fills up fast.
Café de la Grave
969 Chem. de la Grave, Havre-Aubert, QC G4T 9G2
Chez Denis à François
Classic French dishes on the menu with beautiful artwork in the dining room overlooking gulf views in Havrew Aubert. Seafood is a main feature here with crab verrine, scallops and traditional ingredients like seal.
Chez Denis à François
404 Chem. d’en Haut, Havre-Aubert, QC G4T 9A8
Cap aux Meules
This is your arrival point if you take the ferry from Prince Edward Island, making it the busiest island.
Home to the main fishing center of L’Étang-du-Nord, which got its first residents around 1830. You’ll find the most restaurants and markets here, plus the islands’ only college campus.
There are great cafes here: I had a Canadiano at L’ilot Cafe-Buvette. A buvette is a Québécois term to describe a cozy place that serves alcohol, light meals and snacks.
Next door is Salomia SME Coeur d’Herboriste, a fantastic tea room with outdoor seating. Pop in for some tea and the looseleaf blends are the perfect souvenir. DUNE is a great blend with ingredients from the island.
Don’t miss À l’abri de la Tempête for local craft beer, they have options on tap you can’t find elsewhere. Staff is friendly and eager to help you choose something to your taste.
You’ll find it’s mostly locals on Friday nights.
Quai 360
One of my first and favourite meals, locals will tell you it’s the place to book for your special dinner on the islands.
But don’t let it intimidate you. The decor and dish plating are beautiful but Quai 360 is all about island hospitality serving the best of Magdalen Islands seafood. You’ll see locals in jeans and servers explaining dishes to newcomers alongside tables celebrating.
I really appreciated that they recognize not everyone is up for raw oysters. I love them but was so happy I opted for the flash-fried oysters in parmesan cream. Hands down the best cooked oysters you’ll have, they had a subtle crunch and delicious parmesan umami.
The island lamb ribs with spiced honey were so good even my mother who thinks she doesn’t like lamb was swayed to the delicious side.
And while we’ve had plenty of Digby scallops, the delicate balance of carbonara was so good it’s worth visiting the islands just to try this dish.
Quai 360
360 Chemin du Quai, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 3J4
Restaurant Eva
Restaurant Eva sits at Site de la Côte in L’Étang-du-Nord with gorgeous views of fishing boats coming and going from the harbor.
This bistro-style restaurant is perfect late afternoon with the golden light from sunset and seasonal dishes. The menu changes based on what’s available from island producers, which keeps things exciting.
The seal tataki stands out as a signature dish that showcases the traditional ingredients of the islands. And I must admit I was delighted to try asparagus in season. But what made the meal special was that I told my server Vanessa I was driving and so offered to make a mocktail, that was gorgeous.
I really love restaurants that embrace non-alcoholic options and they aren’t an afterthought.
Restaurant Eva
499 Chem. Boisville O, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3J8
Boulangerie Madelon
Boulangerie Madelon packs with locals by 11:30 am as it’s one of the best spots for homemade, traditional island food.
Their tchaude aux palourdes (clam chowder) comes thick and loaded with fresh clams, potato, carrot and onion with just the right amount of flavor. You might even spot a little lobster sneaking into the bowl.
The date and nut sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into that rich chowder and tastes incredible on its own.
Get there early because the good stuff sells out fast.
Boulangerie Madelon
355 Chem. Petitpas, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 1E3
Mon P’tit Bonheur aux Îles
This tiny bakery proves that the best discoveries happen when you follow your nose. translates to “My Little Happiness on the Islands” and that name captures exactly what you’ll find inside.
This artisan bakery and pastry shop specializes in small delicacies that showcase local island flavors alongside classic French pastry techniques. The choux pastry here deserves special mention with its cloud-light texture and rich cream filling that practically melts on your tongue.
But this spot goes beyond just baked goods. You’ll discover local artisan products lining the shelves including island-made wine, mead and honey that make perfect souvenirs or picnic additions.
Mon P’tit Bonheur aux Îles
685 Chem. du Gros Cap, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3M5
Le Resto de l’île
This true local spot draws island residents for one of the most traditional foods you’ll find here. Beignets are an island staple that pairs perfectly with black coffee to balance the sweetness.
We missed out and ordered a typical breakfast and later realized locals gathering around tables were eating these classic fried pastries that have been part of Magdalen Islands culture for generations.
Le Resto de l’île
1011 Chem. de la Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3C8
Au P’tit Capitaine
This greasy spoon joint specializes in quick meals that stick to Quebec culinary tradition while serving classic seafood alongside local favorites.
The locals love this place so much you’ll find yourself waiting in line but it moves fast.
The atmosphere feels like a neighborhood canteen where everyone knows each other and conversations flows while waiting for take out. Everyone was ordering hamburgers so it was an easy choice but during tourist season lobsters rolls are very popular.
Au P’tit Capitaine
1244 DE LA, Chem. de la Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3E6
Best Spots I Missed
- Pâtisserie Rabiole has amazing viennoiseries and pastries that sell out each day
- La Poissonnière has pot-en-pot, seafood and sushi
- Restaurant Decker Boy is known for seafood pizza
- Gourmande de Nature, operating as a cafe bistro with a local food boutique
- Pêcheries LéoMar has a tempura lobster tail and lobster poutine
- Café des Lupins, known for great sandwiches
Havre aux Maisons
Known as the gourmet island thanks to its exceptional food scene. Famous for its red sandstone cliffs and rolling hills dotted with colorful houses.
This is where many of the islands’ best chefs set up shop, drawn by the peaceful setting and access to the freshest ingredients.
There are so many small amazing small producers here that are must visits:
- Alcyon Sea Salt
- Cultures du Large
- Fumoir d’antan Smokehouse
- Fromagerie du Pied-de-vent
- Le Barbocheux traditional fruit wine
Les Fruits de Mer Madeleine
This working fish shop doubles as one of the best places to taste the islands’ famous seafood.
They process everything from snow crab and lobster to scallops and ground fish right on site, which means you’re getting the freshest possible ingredients.
Beyond their own products, the shop stocks other local artisan goods that make perfect souvenirs or picnic additions.
The lobster roll here earned serious praise from my mother who called it one of the best she’s ever tasted.
Les Fruits de Mer Madeleine
29 Chem. de la Pointe, Havre-aux-Maisons, QC G4T 5A2
Le Hook Café
This unique spot combines the best of both worlds – quality coffee and outdoor adventure.
Cindy Hook goes beyond just cafe service by offering adventure sports equipment rentals that let you experience the islands from a completely different perspective.
Their direct access to a shallow lagoon makes it the ideal place to learn water sports in complete safety.
Whether you need paddleboards, kayaks or other gear, they have everything set up to help you connect with the islands’ stunning coastal landscapes.
Le Hook Café
10 Chem. de la Pointe, Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC G4T, Canada
Best Spots I Missed
- Gampy’s fruits de mer
- Chez Armand pirate burgers
- Domaine Du Vieux Couvent, a bistro in a former convent from 1914
Grosse-Île
Home to the islands’ English-speaking community, where residents are primarily fishermen and fish plant workers.
This island also hosts the massive Seleine salt mine, which produces over a million tonnes of road salt annually. The English heritage here means slightly different cooking traditions from the rest of the archipelago.
La Boulangerie de Grandma’s Bakery
You’ll find this sweet spot tucked inside the historic Little Red School House on Grosse-Île. Grandma’s Bakery creates amazing treats made from heritage recipes that have been passed down through generations of the English speaking community.
Their cinnamon rolls are legendary with locals, featuring a perfectly crispy exterior and soft, fluffy center. You can also try unique island specialties like Queen Elizabeth squares and molasses crinkles that you won’t find anywhere else.
La Boulangerie de Grandma’s Bakery
787 Chem. Principal, Grosse-Île, QC G4T 6B5
Best Spots I Missed
Cap Dauphin’s Fish Shack has very popular lobster rolls
Grande Entrée
Quebec’s lobster capital, with over 100 fishing boats working these waters.
While Grosse Île is English-speaking, Grande Entrée is French-speaking, though both islands are connected and share the same fishing-focused economy.
If you want to see lobster fishing at its most intense, this is your island.
Buvette de la Sirène
This marina restaurant draws equal numbers of islanders and travelers, especially at night when locals take over the dining room.
The menu is so difficult because you want to order one of everything but I’d read glowing reviews of the fish and chips, for a good reason.
The fish and chips smells incredible before it even reaches your table with perfectly fresh cod that was caught right outside the door. You can taste the ocean in every bite and the fish is so flavorful you barely need the tartar sauce.
Beyond the excellent seafood, they serve freshly made desserts including a standout coconut pineapple cake that makes the drive to Grande-Entrée worthwhile on its own.
The location puts you right on the water where you can watch fishing boats heading out before dawn or returning with their daily catch.
Buvette de la Sirène
898 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7B1
Madelinot Restaurant – La Salicorne
This community-based restaurant feels like coming to someone’s home. They offer nightly special dinners to choose from two options, on a theme of local ingredients and traditional food.
I loved the lobster poke which delivered an absolutely insane amount of fresh lobster. But I was most excited by the seal dinner with three different preparations.
This is a special spot and it’s worth staying a few nights to experience local hospitality.
377 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7A5
Magdalen Island Accommodations
Motel L’Archipel
Motel L’Archipel offers comfortable rooms right in the heart of Cap aux Meules at L’Étang-du-Nord.
You’ll find this family-run motel perfectly positioned to explore the islands without breaking the bank. Clean rooms, friendly service and easy access to the island’s best restaurants make this a smart base.
547 Chem. du Gros Cap, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3M1
Château Madelinot
Château Madelinot sits right on the water in Fatima with stunning views of the harbor and fishing boats. This waterfront hotel puts you steps away from some of the islands’ best seafood restaurants and local shops.
The rooms offer comfortable accommodations with many featuring direct water views. The central location makes it easy to explore Cap aux Meules while the waterfront setting gives you that authentic maritime experience.
323 QC-199, Fatima, QC G4T 2H6
La Salicorne
You won’t find many places like La Salicorne anywhere else in Canada. This community-owned inn sits on Grande Entrée, the easternmost island that most tourists skip.
What makes this place special goes far beyond the rooms.
La Salicorne employs 160 people from the local community. That’s huge for an island with only 600 residents total. They built this as community-based tourism where you get accommodation, daily activities and restaurant meals all in one package.
377 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7A5