CARGO in Matane: Gaspésie style and flavours
CARGO’s name is displayed proudly across the front of RIÔTEL-MATANE, making the restaurant impossible to miss. In 2025, it marked 10 years at the hotel, although long-time residents and regular visitors will remember that food service has occupied this same space for roughly 60 years, originally under the Hôtel des Gouverneurs banner.
Today, CARGO has shed its old skin and become a distinctive restaurant that offers a year-round nod to Matane’s industrial and maritime heritage. Its decor charms with its fixtures, simple raw materials and interior design, which create a particularly welcoming atmosphere in which to fully enjoy both the menu and the natural setting. 
The feature that most surprises and delights on arrival is the broad wall of glass overlooking the Saint-Laurent and the vast expanse of its maritime estuary. The larger-than-life landscape is captivating in every season, as are the spectacular sunsets that unfold day after day. Boats entering and leaving the neighbouring marina add to the holiday atmosphere and sense of maritime life.
Before dinner, guests can enjoy an aperitif in the CARGO LOUNGE, which offers house cocktails, regional and imported beers, and wines from an extensive cellar. Mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available, and the lemonade deserves a mention. The lounge suits groups of friends, families or simply a relaxed 5 à 7. In season and weather permitting, the outdoor terrace extends the experience for meals and cocktails alike, always with a sweeping view unique to Matane. 
A private room built inside a shipping container can seat 10 for a birthday, business lunch or similar occasion.
CARGO serves breakfast and dinner to local patrons and guests of both Riôtel-Matane and Pavillon-sur-Mer. A team of seasoned chefs led by chef Jean-Alexandre Dubé creates what RIÔTEL describes as simple, high-quality and approachable food: urban bistro cuisine inspired by Gaspésie flavours, with vegetarian dishes and a children’s menu. Takeout is available, and several dishes can be prepared gluten-free.
A number of menu items merit particular attention. Starters include duck drumsticks with crisp-pepper sour cream and foie gras au torchon with brioche, sea-buckthorn jelly and beet caramel. The flavours are undeniable. The beef and salmon tartares are also highlights. Main courses offer plenty of choice: fish and seafood, pasta, tartares, meats, burgers and vegan dishes. We enjoyed the house cod fish and chips, which evokes Gaspésie, and the AAA Angus flank steak and vegetables, worthy of a leading steakhouse. 
Desserts are limited in number but strong in quality, including a smooth cheesecake and banana tart filled with generous pieces of fruit.
At breakfast, CARGO offers a broad selection of plates, some incorporating seafood and even a breakfast poutine. Eggs and crêpes are served in several styles, accompanied by excellent coffee for those who need it to begin the day.
CARGO’s welcome and service are reputed to be of superior quality. Malela has worked there for 10 years, first as a server and more recently as maître d’hôtel, coordinating operations in the dining room and lounge.
Because Riôtel-Matane includes a convention centre, event participants also benefit from CARGO’s kitchen for catered meals. Following the acquisition of three other Gaspésie hotels, Groupe Riôtel Hospitalité extended the same broad menu concept to their restaurants, with variations showcasing local specialities in Percé, Bonaventure and, most recently, Carleton-sur-Mer. 
Resto-bar-lounge CARGO
restocargo.com
250, avenue du Phare Est
Matane (Qc) G4W 3N4
418.566.2651