Place Dufferin

Place Dufferin: The Restaurant with Quebec's Best View

Place Dufferin restaurant at Château Frontenac takes its name from the famous Dufferin Terrace - the iconic wooden boardwalk that runs along the St. Lawrence River just in front of the castle. Like its namesake, the restaurant offers spectacular views making it one of the most visually impressive dining locations not only in Quebec but throughout Canada.

Place Dufferin is the Château's main restaurant for breakfast and brunch, though it also serves lunch and sometimes dinner depending on season and demand. It's a bright, welcoming, and elegant space where families, couples, and business travelers gather to start their day with an exceptional meal in an incomparable setting.

The Breakfast Buffet - An Abundance of Choices

The breakfast buffet at Place Dufferin is legendary among Château Frontenac guests - and for good reason. It's a spectacular presentation of culinary abundance that could easily rival the world's best breakfast buffets.

Pastries and Viennoiseries Station

The pastries station is a feast for eyes and palate. Each morning, Château pastry chefs create a fresh assortment of delights: golden buttery croissants, generous pain au chocolat, fluffy brioche, fruit danish, blueberry muffins, chocolate chip, bran and raisins, scones with cream and jam, banana bread and other quick breads, Montreal-style bagels, and a variety of artisan breads for toast.

Fruit and Yogurt Station

Health isn't forgotten with a station dedicated to lighter options. Abundant fresh fruit - melons, berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries depending on season), pineapple, kiwis, grapes, citrus - beautifully presented and cut for easy serving. Whole fruits are also available - apples, bananas, oranges, pears.

Egg and Omelet Station

This is often the buffet's most popular station. A chef stands ready to prepare eggs according to your exact specifications. Choose your style - fluffy omelet, creamy scrambled eggs, fried eggs with runny yolks - then select from an impressive range of toppings and ingredients.

Multiple cheeses: sharp cheddar, mild swiss, tangy feta, creamy goat cheese, melted gruyere. Fresh vegetables: red and green peppers, sweet onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, tender spinach, seasonal asparagus. Meats: diced ham, crispy bacon, Italian sausages, smoked salmon. Fresh herbs: chives, parsley, basil, dill.

Weekend Brunch - A Quebec Institution

Weekend brunch at Place Dufferin elevates the buffet experience to a superior level. Generally served Saturdays and Sundays (and sometimes on holidays), brunch combines all breakfast buffet elements with lunch options and some special touches making it a true gastronomic event.

Brunch Additions

In addition to everything available at breakfast buffet, brunch typically adds:

• Salad Station: Complete salad bar with varied lettuces, fresh vegetables, prepared salads, multiple dressings
• Hot Main Dishes: Lunch options like roasted chicken, grilled fish, pasta, rice, seasonal roasted vegetables
• Seafood Station: During special brunches, fresh oysters, cocktail shrimp, crab, mussels, lobster
• Carving Station: Chef present to slice roast beef, lamb, or whole salmon
• Extended Dessert Station: Mini pastries, fruit pies, cakes, mousses, crème brûlée
• Beverage Options: Mimosas, Bloody Caesars/Marys, or champagne glass

Table Service

Although Place Dufferin operates primarily as a buffet restaurant for breakfast and brunch, table service is exceptional. From arrival, you're warmly greeted by the host who escorts you to your table. A server is assigned to your section and remains attentive throughout your meal.

Servers ensure your beverages (coffee, tea, juice) are constantly refilled without asking. They clear used plates as you go, maintaining your table clean and organized. They can offer recommendations on buffet items, explain ingredients or dish preparation, and accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions.

Family Experience with Children

Place Dufferin is extremely welcoming to families with children. The buffet format is ideal for picky children - with so many options, even the most selective eaters will find something they like. Children also appreciate the independence of choosing their own food.

High chairs and booster seats are available. Child-size plates, glasses, and utensils can be provided. Staff are patient and helpful with young guests. Parents appreciate being able to take their time and enjoy their meal while children are satisfied.

Reservations and Availability

Reservations are strongly recommended for Place Dufferin, particularly for weekend brunch which can fill up quickly, especially during high tourist season (summer) and during special Quebec events.

Château Frontenac residents generally benefit from priority access and can include breakfast in their room package. However, even residents should ideally make a reservation to guarantee a table at desired time, particularly if wanting a window table.

Non-residents are warmly welcomed to Place Dufferin and can make reservations by phone or online. Weekend brunch is particularly popular with local Quebec residents who come to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy an excellent meal in spectacular setting.

Hours of Service

Exact Place Dufferin hours may vary by season and demand, but generally:

Breakfast: Served daily, typically 6:30 or 7:00 AM until 10:30 or 11:00 AM. Peak hours are generally 8:00-9:30 AM weekdays, slightly later on weekends.

Weekend Brunch: Served Saturdays and Sundays (and sometimes special holidays), generally 11:00 or 11:30 AM until 2:00 or 2:30 PM. Brunch is often the week's busiest service.

Pricing and Value

Place Dufferin buffet pricing reflects exceptional food quality, spectacular variety, and prestigious Château Frontenac setting. Typical rates are:

Breakfast Buffet: Approximately CAD 35-45 per adult (plus taxes and service). Children discounts and free for very young children. Breakfast is often included in room packages, offering excellent value.

Weekend Brunch: Approximately CAD 55-75 per adult (plus taxes and service), depending on regular brunch or special themed brunch with extras like seafood. Children discounts.

Accessibility

Brunch at Place Dufferin is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The restaurant is accessible via Château elevators, and dining space itself is level without steps. Accessible tables can be arranged, and staff will gladly assist obtaining items from buffet if access to certain stations is difficult.

Conclusion

Place Dufferin isn't simply a restaurant - it's a social, culinary, and cultural experience celebrating the pleasure of good eating in one of Canada's most beautiful settings. Whether celebrating a special occasion, maintaining a family tradition, or simply discovering this institution for the first time, Château brunch promises to create lasting memories.

The combination of exceptional food, spectacular variety, breathtaking views, impeccable service, and Château Frontenac's unique ambiance creates something truly special - a suspended moment where you can completely relax, enjoy loved ones' company, and delight in simple yet profound pleasures of the table.