Rural Routes: Exploring the Creative Food Scene at Eastern Townships Restaurants

I’ve always wanted to experience the mountains and natural beauty of the Eastern Townships (known locally as the  Cantons-de-l’Est), located about an hour from Montreal. We live in Ontario, which is relatively flat so seeing and driving through mountains excited us. Unlike most folks we weren’t there to ski or mountain bike. Instead, we planned a romantic trip away and also focused on exploring Eastern Townships restaurants. My travel plans are almost always driven by my stomach, so I made it a point to see if the food scene here was the real deal.
A table setting at La Selva, one of our favorite restaurants in the Cantons-de-l'Est

Dinner setting at La Selva in the Cantons-de-l’Est

If you’re planning a multi-day trip, check out my full guide to a Romantic Eastern Townships Getaway to see how to pair these meals with the perfect itinerary.

My first tip for you is to go to the Eastern Townships during shoulder season which meant that the crowds were at a minimal at many of their attractions. At the restaurants we ate at I wanted to visit independently owned ones that use locally sourced ingredients. I also wanted to find places that served up items that were a bit different. After a week in the region I found five dining stops that made an impression on me. If you’re planning your first trip to the Townships, these are the five places you should have on your radar. I spent my time mainly in the cities of Bromont and Magog, which serve as perfect hubs for exploring the Eastern Townships restaurants listed below.

Our Cantons-de-l’Est Dining Route

Each of the restaurants that we ate at in Cantons-de-l’Est are shown below so you can follow our route, or use them to create your own. Click on the “square” icon in the upper right corner to save this to your Google Maps app and make sure to save it for your next trip to the region.

Getting There

We started from Toronto but it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from, getting to the Eastern Townships, or Cantons-de-l’Est, is very easy. From Toronto: This is the route that’ll get you from Toronto to Montreal and then on to the Eastern Townships. From Toronto to Montreal you’ll be on Highway 401 East and this should take around 5.5 hours, and then an additional 1.5 hours to get to the Eastern Townships. The total driving time will be around 6.5 to 7.5 hours, but times all depend on traffic. If you’re not planning on spending time in Montreal then hop on to Highway 30 East as you cross the border into Quebec. This’ll take you around the island of Montreal, and their notorious traffic, and will bring you right onto Highway 10 East toward Bromont. If you have the time, break up the drive by making a stop in Kingston or Prince Edward County to stretch your legs and grab something to eat. From Montreal: The Eastern Townships is about an hour east of the city. Jump onto Highway 10 East and it’s basically a straight drive east. I loved this route as the views of rolling hills and mountains in the distance were spectacular. From the U.S. Border (Vermont): The most direct route from New England is via Interstate 91 North. Once you’re in Quebec it turns into Highway 55 and Magog is only about 30 minutes away Important Note: From December 1st to March 15th winter tires are mandatory in Quebec, rightfully so, and they are very useful when driving through the hilly terrain of the Townships.

1. La Selva, Italian Food In Bromont

La Selva is located in Bromont, not far from the Bromont, montagne d’expériences Ski Resort Area. Stepping inside is like visiting a friend’s house. A friend who serves up delicious Italian food. La Selva is known for their pizzas and pastas. As you head to your table, you can’t help but notice the big pizza oven at the back where their pizza chef is working his magic. On each table you’ll find a small vase with fresh flowers and candles.
La Selva, Bromont
Lovely table setting at La Selva
The Vibe: Friendly, yet intimate. Talking to a few of the customers you’ll quickly realize that La Selva is a neighborhood favorite. Even though we were obvious visitors we were welcomed and treated like regulars. The Standout Dish: The Tortiglioni al Limone. If a menu mentions lemon I’m usually sold before I even finish reading the description but sometimes those dishes are very tart from too much lemon, or the cream sauce is too heavy and thick. Those times I need a two-hour nap afterwards, but not after this one. My tortiglioni was spot on. I loved how the brightness of the lemon cut through the cream sauce. It was flavorful but not overpowering. There was also a solid portion of big, juicy shrimp hiding under the noodles. Across the table, my wife’s Spaghetti alla Carbonara was a winner, mostly because it didn’t skimp on the bacon, which added a perfect level of smokiness to the dish.
Tortiglioni al limone
Pro-Tip: Make sure you book a table ahead of time. La Selva is a local favorite and they fill up fast. While there’s a patio out front, you definitely won’t want to be sitting out there in the middle of a Quebec winter. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

2. La Shop, Gourmet Grilled Cheese & Coffee in Magog

Downtown Magog is situated along Lake Memphremagog and it’s quite charming. The main street is picturesque and filled with shops and restaurants. La Shop sits slightly outside the main core, in a brick building that used to be the head offices for Dominion Textile which at one point, was the biggest denim producer on the planet. The space has been remodeled into a modern cafe that serves legit espressos and artisan grilled cheese sandwiches with French touches.
The front entrance of La Shop

Front door at La Shop

The Vibe: On a sunny day you’ll find the dining room filled with sunlight from the many windows around the room. There was also quite a few pieces of art from local artists decorating the walls. It’s a casual space yet filled with energy. The Must-Order: If you like duck then I suggest Le Petit Canard. I don’t know why but it felt like something that everyone from the Eastern Townships would have for lunch. It’s a grilled cheese filled with confit duck, duck rillettes caramelized onions, and then topped with microgreens from a local farm. If you’re not a fan of duck then Le Club might be something you’d enjoy. It’s basically a BLT grilled cheese sandwich.
Flat White at La Shop
Le petit canard
Expert Note: Their flat whites are legitimate. If you’re a coffee nerd, this is your spot in Magog.

3. N’ Latté & Sam Witch, Artisan Sandwiches In Bromont

Don’t let the “coffee shop” exterior fool you. While N’ Latté handles the caffeine, the back-of-house operation, Sam Witch, is turning out artisan sandwiches that are absolute heavyweights. The Vibe: A mix of local mountain bikers and food lovers in the know. It’s relaxed, but the food is seriously high-quality.
  What to Order: The Ciao Bella. Chef Julian Verville insists on only local ingredients for his loaded sandwiches. All of his products, including the buffalo burrata, vegetables, and meats are from the surrounding region. He puts all of these together in his focaccia sandwiches that is as “messy-on-purpose” as it is delicious. A close-up of a loaded artisan focaccia sandwich from Sam Witch, a must-visit for local food in Bromont and the Eastern Townships. The Reality Check: Don’t sit down without grabbing a handful of napkins as these sandwiches are “two-handers”. And yes, you have to sit down because these sandwiches aren’t walking-friendly and that’s not a complaint at all!

4. La Memphré, Storied Microbrewery In Magog

La Memphré, an award-winning microbrewery, has been a staple in the city of Magog since 1999. They’re known, not only for their beers, but also for their multi-level patio. It’s the place to be on a summer evening to enjoy some good food, people watch, and take in the views of Lake Memphrémagog as the sun sets. The multi-level outdoor patio at La Memphré microbrewery overlooking Lake Memphremagog in Magog, Quebec. The Vibe: Rustic, friendly, and quintessential Quebec. The Food: The Duck Confit Drumsticks glazed in beer-BBQ sauce were the highlight for me. They also do a very reliable Steak Frites if you want a classic pub dinner.
Duck confit drumsticks glazed in beer BBQ sauce
Fish and chips
Steak frites
Insider Tip: To help you choose the right beer for your food, they’ve added a suggested beer pairing from their on-site brewery to each dish. If you’re still unsure you can ask for a tasting and they’ll happily oblige. Just a short drive from these restaurants in Magog is Bleu Lavande. Regardless of the season, their lavender farm is a must visit.

5. 4 Canards, Dining With Mountain Views In Bromont

Located inside the Hôtel Château-Bromont, this was easily the most refined among the Eastern Townships restaurants on our itinerary. The dining room is surrounded by windows and offers panoramic mountain views. The menu really leans into the “Chefs créateurs” (creative chefs) movement of the region.
Cheers to a wonderful dinner at 4 Canards in the Eastern Townships

Cheers to a wonderful dinner

The Vibe: Elegant and upscale, but not stuffy. It was the perfect location for our final dinner in the Eastern Townships. The Menu: They focus heavily on regional game and seasonal produce. The lamb was perfectly cooked, and the Mango Panna Cotta was a surprisingly light, yet vibrant way to end our multi-course meal.
Fois gras torchon at 4 Canards
Tuna Tataki at 4 Canards
Perfectly cooked lamb chops at 4 Canards
Mango panna cotta
Insider Tip: The room is large and very echoey. There were a couple of large groups that came in while we were there and it got very loud. Large groups also tend to slow down service so if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic meal, aim for an earlier reservation before the peak rush.

Dining in the Townships: What You Need to Know (FAQ)

What’s the deal with the “Chefs Créateurs” label I keep seeing on menus?

This is a way for restaurants to let their customers know that they are committed to supporting as many local producers as possible. In Ontario, the program is called ‘Feast On’ and while it does have its own requirements the intent is the same as Chefs Créateurs. It’s a badge of local honor and also guarantees your meal is actually tied to the season and the terroir. If you want a real taste of the region, these are the spots to prioritize.

Do I really need to book a table weeks ahead of time?

We definitely recommend booking one for more popular bistros and “must-visit” fine-dining spots. The Eastern Townships is a big draw for day-trippers from Montreal, as well as people from the U.S. so weekends are very busy, even during the ‘quieter’ shoulder seasons. Even a spot that feels casual, like La Memphré, can end up with a massive wait list if the weather is nice. If you have your heart set on on a special restaurant or planning to celebrate a special occasion in the Eastern Townships don’t leave it to chance, a quick phone call will ensure your special moment isn’t ruined.

Which restaurant has the best atmosphere for a final “big” night out?

For a “wow” factor, the dining room at 4 Canards is impressive because of those windows that surround the dining room and look out over the mountains. It feels refined without being stuffy. Keep in mind that we only dined at a few places in the region so we cannot give you an answer that represents the whole of the Eastern Townships. If you’re more into a lively, lakeside sunset vibe, the patio at La Memphré in Magog was fun. Both give you a great sense of place, but they definitely cater to different moods.

Is it worth stopping at the local farms or shops I see along the road?

If you have any room left in your trunk, then absolutely. The Cantons-de-l’Est is famous for its “Chemin des Cantons” (Townships Trail), where you’ll find everything from world-class cider houses to artisanal cheese. You’ll definitely have a few “foodie moments” at these roadside stops while picking up local jams or a bottle of regional ice cider to bring home. It’s a great way to support the local agricultural scene and bring a piece of the trip back home with you. If you’re crossing back into the U.S. make sure you’re aware of the rules regarding what you can bring across the border.

Conclusion: A Successful First Taste

For our first time, the Eastern Townships, or the Cantons-de-l’Est, delivered exactly what we were looking for: food that’s tied to the land yet very creative. Whether it’s a duck grilled cheese by the lake or a candlelit pasta in Bromont, the dining scene here is worth the drive from Montreal (or Toronto!) all on its own. Looking for more information than Eastern Townships restaurants? We also put together a guide on a Romantic Eastern Townships Getaway where we share a unique spa experience and a visit to one of Canada’s largest lavender farms as well as where to stay while you’re eating your way through Bromont and Magog. Getting around this beautiful region of Quebec requires the right ride and I break down the fuel savings and performance of this trip in my 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid review. I’d love to hear from you: If you’ve never been to the Eastern Townships which of these spots would you hit first? Or, if you’re a local, what did I miss? Drop a comment below and let me know so I can add it to my itinerary the next time we visit. If you think the the food scene in Quebec is intense, check out my guide on what to eat in the French Quarter for a completely different vibe.                    

Huge thanks to Tourism Eastern Townships for hosting me on this trip. I was NOT compensated for this article and all opinions expressed are completely my own.