Entrecôte Saint-Jean, Quebec City

Those familiar with the landmark Montreal location of this restaurant may find the original somewhat compromised. The Montreal edition offers only one menu option: soup, walnut salad, steak frites with a house sauce and profiteroles for desert. In Quebec City, roughly five choices are offered: the above table d'hôte, always a good choice, and a modest assortment of other bistro standards and à la carte items. Within this simple but perfectly executed formula guests find a superb and moderately-priced wine list, brisk and friendly service, and a pervasive sense of good cheer.