Before I get here, I already know I have to try the ice cream in Quebec.
Our small tour bus pulls up to a good-sized shop that looks a bit like a house with add-on extensions and a garage, turned into a business. It has white siding, and a brick patio with metal tables and chairs.
The giveaway that it’s a business is the bold black letters on the high shop wall which shouts, “CAFÉ RESTO, CRÈME GLACEE.” There’s also a chocolate-coloured sign attached to the wrought iron patio fence that points one way to the first floor Chocolaterie and the other to the second floor Café-Resto Crème glacee.
The Best Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream in Quebec
While Belgian chocolate is the main draw, our food tour guide, Jean-Christophe has really set us up for the ice cream in Quebec. He tells us:
“Get ready for quite possibly the best chocolate-dipped cone you will ever eat – [a nameless major chain with soft ice cream] will feel like you’re slumming.
“The dark chocolate is a party in your mouth. Really. Although they do have milk chocolate and maple as well.”
I have to try the ice cream.
I know the dark chocolate-dipped cone is calling out my name.
It does not disappoint.
The chocolate enrobing the cone is real chocolate, and it’s a thick layer that holds in the homemade ice cream. The cone itself is resting in a light plastic holder which has a small shelf to catch drips.
First, I bite off the top of the cone like I’m eating chocolate Easter Bunny ears, since the chocolate is so thick.
They’ve given me a spoon, and, surprisingly, I use it. I alternate bites of the chocolate on the sides of the cone and spoonfuls of the pool of ice cream inside. It’s so good.
I’ve never had a better chocolate-dipped cone.
They began making ice cream in Quebec at their shop in 1990. They use 35% cream and puree natural fruit for their fruit flavours. In the summer, they offer 24 flavours of ice cream. I’m happy with the plain vanilla with that punch of real chocolate.
The Café restaurant above the chocolate shop also serves light lunches. Individual pizzas, sandwiches, quiche, soup and salad are on the menu.
Inside the Chocolate Shop
“And of course, there is the Chocolaterie, which is really the reason why you stopped in the first place.”
Jean-Christophe
The choices at this Quebec chocolate shop are both beautiful and appetizing.
The Chocolate Factory Store
One of the young women behind the counter carefully places dark chocolates into set out scalloped paper cups. She then lines the dark chocolates up with their paired lighter chocolates already placed in transparent boxes.
There are individual traditional chocolate squares on display, as well as souvenir or gift-giving novelties like chocolate cigars and lollipops.
The chocolate shop, established in 1988, imports the raw ingredients from Belgium, supplied by the Barry Callebault Group. They have years of experience and use quality ingredients.
The impression overall is of freshness, with all the crisp packaging. There’s something for everyone here.
Enjoyed May 2018
Chocolaterie d’l’Ille d’Orleans
8330, Chemin Royal, Sainte-Pétronille de l’Île d’Orléans, QC G0A 4C0
+1 (418) 828-2252
+1 (800) 363-2252
About the Island of Orleans Tour
Read about the rest of our food tour of the Island of Orleans, just outside Quebec City.
Our Farm & Market tour was included as part of our Women In Travel Summit conference by Wanderful, sponsored by Quebec City Tourism.
This Farm & Market tour was a great way to get to the Island of Orleans and have a taste of these products which we might never know about otherwise.
You can find out more, and book your own tour here.
