Finding a parking spot in downtown Drummondville might be simpler than securing a reservation at one of its culinary gems. This vibrant Quebecois city, nestled along the Saint-François River, boasts a surprising concentration of innovative bistros, family-run brasseries serving generations-old recipes, and contemporary kitchens redefining regional comfort food—all waiting to be discovered.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (819) 475-6222 | WEBSITE
Yes, Boston Pizza is a pleasant dining spot with TVs everywhere to watch games—but more importantly, it has our favorite pizza and reliable service. The staff who run the place provide excellent experiences, with some servers noted for their quick attention. Their menu reflects their food-focused approach. The oven threads through the offerings, kissing the Hawaiian Royale and smoked meat pizzas with perfect crispness.
Expect a straightforward approach in the form of satisfying dishes like chicken podos au miel et ail or the recommended smoked meat pizza. While the pasta extras could use more vegetables, the overall experience remains enjoyable, especially for families and sports fans, with easy parking and wheelchair access making visits convenient.
Tim Hortons
$ | (819) 479-7777 | WEBSITE
Even though fast food chains often promise consistency, it can be surprisingly difficult to find one that delivers on both quality and service. Tim Hortons manages to balance incredibly friendly staff with genuinely delicious food and excellent coffee. You’ll eat things like fresh sandwiches, warm baked goods, and coffee that actually tastes good. The whole place has a welcoming vibe, as staff members like Phoebe provide exceptional service.
Go for a quick meal and order literally anything from the menu—you’ll enjoy the food, though you might notice some cleanliness issues like dirty windows or non-functioning hand dryers.
L’Odika Traiteur | Épicier | Services entreprises
$ | (819) 850-8221 | WEBSITE
The appeal of convenience is a constant craving in modern life (see: ready-to-eat meals). It’s the foundation of this reliable spot in Drummondville, run by a team that brings quality grocery finds and prepared dishes to a cozy, welcoming dining area.
The offerings are thoughtfully curated for diverse preferences (when you browse the well-stocked shelves on the way to the table, you’ll understand why), featuring sought-after items tailored to dietary needs, like vegetarian stews or hearty vegan bowls. You can grab groceries to go, but we recommend dining in for a taste of everything, including fresh salads, comforting soups, and satisfying main courses.
Affordable prices, fitting for both quick lunches and casual dinners, make L’Odika a go-to for travelers and locals who want more than standard fast food.
Yuzu sushi
$$ | (819) 477-9898 | WEBSITE
When a sushi spot is still humming with takeout orders all day, you know it must be good. That’s the case with Yuzu Sushi, which has been serving up fresh rolls and nigiri for years and is currently run by a courteous team that manages expectations well. It’s located in a strip mall that includes a busy pharmacy (don’t let that deter you), and it’s usually buzzing with both regulars and newcomers who all have a takeout bag in one hand and a container of soy sauce in the other.
Be sure to order the specialty, the fresh salmon nigiri, a perfect bite of buttery fish over seasoned rice (get it with a splash of extra ginger). And definitely try one of the vegetarian options, like avocado rolls, cucumber maki, and inari pockets that are sweet, delicate, and served perfectly chilled.
Poulet Rouge
$ | (819) 475-1444 | WEBSITE
Fast-casual spots are one of Quebec’s most reliable dining options—restaurants where nearly everything delivers on flavor, and menus reflect local favorites. Many of these are located in standalone buildings, but Poulet Rouge is one of the few standout eateries within a shopping center. It comes quite close to perfection, with its selection of delicious fresh salads and the popular poutine that is out of this world. Go for lunch during the week for their reasonably priced $12 combo special.
Shawarma Express
$ | (819) 479-1447 | WEBSITE
The team at Shawarma Express has served up shawarma at a bunch of the city’s busiest spots (like the food court and late-night takeout joints), and has run this location in Drummondville for years. This place features Middle Eastern staples (get the juicy Shishtaouk to start), a casual atmosphere with simple tables and well-worn floors, and a quick-service counter. The Beef Shawarma plate is basically perfect, especially when it’s paired with one of the fresh sides from their varied menu.
Maxime
$ | (819) 475-0000 | WEBSITE
If there were an MVP of comfort food spots in Drummondville, it’d be Maxime. This 80s-inspired restaurant near the public market has everything you want in a casual eatery: a perfect poutine, a menu of classic sandwiches and pizzas, and a homey, unpretentious atmosphere. Maxime stays pleasantly busy at all hours, with locals passing through for a quick burger or a club sandwich before work or errands. But the ideal time to visit is around noon for a plate of their specialty poutine.
Don’t miss the pizza, and order whatever affordable dish catches your eye on the straightforward menu, whether it’s the reliable club sandwich or the simple, tasty options that make this place a neighborhood staple.
Bistro de la Gare
$$ | (819) 477-0877 | WEBSITE
Bistro de la Gare was once just a train station, but now it’s a cozy restaurant in Drummondville that fires up its ovens each morning with one mission: feed everyone. Quebecois are famous for their bistros, which are known for their welcoming atmosphere, and Bistro de la Gare has one of the best menus in town. The vegetarian options are excellent, as is the salmon tartare, a fresh, quality dish that’s perfect to start a meal.
Sip a local craft beer or crisp white wine at the comfortable, friendly tables. You’ll probably leave feeling full and satisfied, but just like a good home-cooked meal, it’s part of the charm.
Quebeco
$ | (819) 475-4000 | WEBSITE
Quebeco in the heart of Drummondville is one of the city’s local favorites. They’ve been serving fast and affordable food for years and continue to improve—maintaining reasonable prices, ensuring quick order fulfillment, and offering both English and French service. All of these qualities are exactly the reason why locals keep coming back, but the standout poutine with squeaky cheese, the Zorba burger, and those sweet-tasting fries worthy of a potato shack don’t hurt, either.
When stopping by for lunch, expect a welcoming atmosphere with no forced tipping and vegetarian choices like poutines, salads, and Guedilles.
Pub St-Georges (Pub Le St-Georges)
$ | (819) 475-3500 | WEBSITE
You could miss this unassuming pub, which hardly even stands out from the street. Unless, that is, you have a beer Spidey sense, in which case you’ll be drawn to Pub St-Georges like a magnet. This incognito spot, previously known for its extensive selection of beers, is the city’s mixed-review MVP. The menu has been reduced to a double-sided sheet, jumping from basic pub fare to overpriced sangria without a pitcher of water.
This is an efficient, in-and-out kind of place, so spend your time noticing the cramped terrace with too many tables and have your order ready when you enter. An order, by the way, that should definitely include some attentive service from the staff, though be prepared for the overall downhill quality and value.
McDonald’s
$ | (819) 477-3553 | WEBSITE
This reliable spot just off the highway is the perfect stop for a satisfying post-road trip meal. While the menu isn’t gourmet, it’s consistently high quality, and you can choose from classic items like a hot Big Mac, crispy fries, a creamy shake, or that special chef’s sauce. Go with family and mix and match for a quick meal that’s not quite fine dining and not quite home cooking, but still a delicious display of efficient fast food.
