Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Have you ever stumbled upon one of the best meals you’ve ever had? Located in the remote yet beautiful area of Charlevoix, Canada, it happened to me. Here’s a look into an unexpected evening dining at one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to—Le Sainti.

An Unexpected Dinner in Charlevoix

We didn’t plan to find one of the best meals of our lives that night. We were glamping at Repère Boréal in Charlevoix, Quebec, and the original plan was to cook out by the fire.

But with wind gusts howling and snow piling up fast, there was no way we could start one. So, despite the weather, we hopped in the car and drove up the road in search of food.

Read more about my glamping experience here! I Glamped in a Shipping Container at Repère Boréal & Loved It!

Honestly, we didn’t expect much to be open. What we found instead was a dining experience so unforgettable, we went back the very next night.

It was called Le Sainti, and it instantly landed in my top five meals of all time—and yes, that includes restaurants in Paris and New York City.

Le Sainti

Right in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul, Le Sainti is a cozy yet high-end restaurant located right next to the water.

The menu highlights seasonal, local ingredients from the Charlevoix region, and every dish feels like a love letter to Quebec.

The vibe is warm but elevated—think candlelight, snow falling outside, and food that tastes like it was created by someone who really, really cares, Chef Luc Pouliot.

Without us even knowing, the Chef greeted us at the door and delivered each plate.

This could have been because we were the only ones dining that night due to the terrible storm, but he sure went out of his way.

I could tell by his representation and explanation of dishes how much he truly cares. And honestly, I see a Michelin Star in his future.

The Tasting Menu

We decided to go all in and try the tasting menu, which was a culinary journey from start to finish. Each plate was more beautiful than the last, and every bite left us speechless.

The tasting menu changes weekly, so it was a surprise from start to finish.

While I cannot remember every detail, here are a few images of the dishes I had. This was not the entire tasting menu, as I did not take pictures of every dish.

Our meal started with a light and airy appetizer that featured fresh smoked fish. The plating was beautiful, but the flavors truly took it to a whole new level.

I don’t remember all the exact ingredients in or on the ravioli, but I can tell you this—this dish is what secured the entire meal a spot in my top 5. The ravioli was handmade and some of the best I’ve ever had, and the sauce was absolutely out of this world.

Our main dish was lamb, and it was incredibly tender and juicy! By this point, we were already quite full because the portions were generous. I was really impressed, the lamb practically fell off the bone.

A Dessert That Tasted Like Heaven

The dessert was to die for! It was some form of a chocolate mousse, and it melted in my mouth. I still think about it from time to time!

The Wine

Le Sainti had an amazing wine cellar and an educational wine connoisseur to match. I browsed the wine list and wanted something weird and unusual, at least for me.

After traveling all over Champagne in France, I was delighted to try something from Austria, a place I want to visit one day.

If you want to read more about my visit to Champagne, you can! My Trip To Champagne in France!

We Came Back the Next Night

We joked about coming back the next night—but after a day snowed in at our glamping cabin, we realized we weren’t kidding.

I’ve only returned to the same restaurant twice during a trip a handful of times, and never when I’m traveling.

But this place was special—one of the best meals I’ve ever had and only five minutes away. So, of course, we were going.

When we arrived, they kindly fit us in despite being fully booked. The restaurant had a different energy that night—busier, livelier—but still absolutely fabulous.

This time, we skipped the tasting menu and ordered off their classic menu instead.

Every dish was just as delicious, the presentation still flawless, and somehow, I left even more impressed than the night before.

Wagyu Beef Gyzoa

We started with the gyoza, which featured Wagyu beef, shiitake garum, chili crunch, and sesame. I love a good chili-sesame combo, and the Wagyu took it to the next level.

Seasonal Duck

This dish was on their winter menu—coffee duck, or maybe it was espresso. Either way, it was beyond delicious! Just look at those beautiful cuts of duck.

A Local Paella

I also had the honor of trying their Paella dish, which had bourgots from the North Coast, PEI mussels, Island scallops, guinea fowl from Volières Baie-St-Paul, and saffron!

It was so nice to try local flavors in one of my favorite dishes of the night.

A Lemon Dessert

The lemon dessert made me feel like I was traveling to Italy. It was so tasty and smooth.

Make sure to book a reservation if you are visiting. We got lucky, but they are busy for good reason!

Where Is Le Sainti

Le Sainti is located in the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, Canada.

Explore More of Quebec

Le Sainti was one of the best meals I’ve ever had—and I don’t say that lightly. I’m a self-proclaimed food snob, and proud of it.

This place is destined for a Michelin Star, at the very least. And if you’re reading this as someone on the Michelin Guide team, stop now and get over there—you’re seriously missing out.

If you want to glamp like I did in Quebec, stay at Repère Boréal!

Visiting Quebec City? Here are my favorite Quebec City Foodie Destinations.

Make sure to visit these Quebec City Speakeasies: Hidden Bars & How to Find Them!

Read all of my Canada Travel Guides!

My Other Favorite Foodie Destination

Le Sainti easily ranks in my top five, right up there with Aniar in Ireland and La Truffière in Paris (both of which I’ve written about! Check them out below).

Aniar: The Best Michelin Star Restaurant in Ireland

La Truffière: A Night of Truffles at a Michelin-Starred Paris Restaurant!

Also in my top five foodie spots is this Olive Oil Gelato at L’Industrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn!