By Pierre Perreault
Québec has a long-established tradition of gastronomy and great tables. Several establishments are found not only in historic Vieux-Québec and the central neighbourhoods but also in outlying districts such as Beauport, Sillery, Sainte-Foy and Charlesbourg.
La Fenouillière is one example: this year, 2026, it marks 40 years inside Hôtel Aristocrate near the bridges, on chemin Saint-Louis in Sainte-Foy. At a lunchtime meeting in late March 2026, food and beverage director Caroline Baldit and hotel marketing director Annie Rivard outlined the renowned restaurant’s history and plans for its 40th anniversary. 
For those who enjoy a good story, here is the condensed version. In 1986, two chef friends from Bas-du-Fleuve, Yvon Godbout and Martin Gosselin, recognized an opportunity. Both had restaurant experience and taught cooking part-time in Québec; they had met in 1972 at Montréal’s Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ). They met David, André and Normand Nadeau, brothers who owned Motel l’Aristocrate and entrusted them with the future of its hotel restaurant, Aux Entrecôtes, which had no patronage, was losing money and had a demoralized staff.
Six years later, in 1992, Godbout and Gosselin took over the restaurant under lease. From that point, La Fenouillière set new standards and won numerous awards, becoming the most renowned restaurant in the Capitale-Nationale region. Its owners were among the pioneers in cooking with Québec terroir products. As producers diversified their offerings, restaurateurs were able to renew their menus.
La Fenouillière changed hands in 2017, and the new owner continued its tradition. Unfortunately, after the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption caused by a major, still-ongoing MTQ project at the nearby Pont de Québec approach, he had to give up the business in August 2025. Nadeau Groupe Hôtelier then decided to acquire the restaurant located inside the hotel it already owned.
Daniel and Chantal Nadeau, of the Groupe hôtelier Nadeau
Meeting rooms and a private dining room are also available for business groups, families and other gatherings. Breakfast, served daily, is popular. On weekday lunchtimes and every evening, La Fenouillière presents the original menus and fine-dining experiences on which its reputation rests.
In 2026, the restaurant plans to refresh both the dining room and the menu while respecting La Fenouillière’s DNA, preserving what made it renowned while bringing new energy to the experience.
In May, a major event will bring together several regional socioeconomic players, business partners of La Fenouillière and representatives of the Nadeau family to celebrate the four-diamond restaurant’s 40th anniversary. Other special activities will take place throughout the year to thank loyal patrons and attract new guests. The owners say the celebrations also form part of the revitalization of the Tête des ponts district, a beautiful neighbourhood that will shine and become a sought-after area of Québec in the coming years.
The anniversary also confirms Nadeau Groupe Hôtelier’s ‘commitment to supporting and showcasing local institutions that contribute to the region’s appeal, while continuing its mission of offering memorable experiences to guests,’ says Chantal Nadeau, vice-president and general manager.
The third-generation family business operates three respected properties in the Québec region, all near Tête des ponts: Best Western Premier Hôtel Aristocrate, Hôtel Sépia and Holiday Inn Express Québec.
Restaurant La Fenouillière
fenouilliere.com
3100 ch. Saint-Louis
Québec, QC G1W 1R8
418 653-3886