Restaurant Le Quarante 7 celebrates 30 years of fine dining in 2026
Pierre Perreault
Yvan Ouellet has always been an avid traveller. Originally from Rimouski, with a background in advertising, and based in Québec since 1994, it was precisely after returning from a trip to discover the world, broadening his mind and his knowledge, particularly of a wealth of gastronomic flavours, that he decided to go into the restaurant business.
It all began in 1996 under the name 47e Parallèle, on rue Sainte-Anne, in the heart of the historic charm of Vieux-Québec. Its name referred to its geographic location, well suited to a seasoned traveller like him. It was there that the first foundations of the establishment's identity were laid, driven by a vision of excellence and hospitality, with the collaboration of French chef Joseph Sarrazin, who arrived shortly after and remains part of the restaurant team today. They then developed a catering service that quickly became popular. 
On the strength of its success and rapid growth, the fusion restaurant concept, offering 30 dishes from 30 countries, moved in 2003 to its current location, next to the Grand Théâtre, and became Le Quarante 7. This move allowed them to fully develop the concept and create a space worthy of its gastronomic ambitions, explains Yvan Ouellet, who runs a group of four partners.
Now celebrating 30 years, Le Quarante 7 remains a favourite gathering spot for food lovers seeking refined flavours. From its lively dining room to its custom catering, the mission stays the same: to honour the richness of its ingredients through carefully crafted dishes. Step through the doors and you'll discover the legacy of a passionate team that constantly reinvents itself to deliver a memorable experience. There are 35 to 40 people behind the scenes at 47, about ten of them in the kitchen.
Ouellet attributes this longevity to several factors, including constant curiosity and close relationships with local producers. Over the decades, the menu has evolved to combine timeless classics with contemporary trends, ensuring an element of surprise on every visit. The wine list is rather impressive, as the immense glass-walled cellar commanding the dining room makes clear. Whether for a corporate event, wedding, intimate dinner or meal before a performance at the neighbouring Grand Théâtre, every plate reflects the team’s rigour and passion.
The restaurant serves lunch on weekdays and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.
Catering now accounts for 70% of Le Quarante 7’s activity, with capacity for events of 200 to 500 people. The team travels with its own equipment and food and provides service on site. Options also include boxed lunches, cocktail receptions, buffets and banquets tailored to clients’ needs.
The traveller in Yvan Ouellet remains active as well: he continues to organize overseas group trips exploring renowned wine regions and culinary routes.
Throughout the year, the 30th-anniversary celebrations will include special events, among them a major contest offering $30,000 in prizes, including several cash awards and a trip for two to Bordeaux, France. The celebrations will culminate with the presentation of the winners at the 30th Anniversary Party at the Musée de la civilisation on October 1, 2026.
Restaurant Le Quarante 7
lequarante7.com
333, Rue Jacques-Parizeau
Québec, QC, G1R 5G2
(418) 692-4747