Touring Quebec City is somewhat strenuous. If you aren’t going up a hill, you’re coming down one. The perfect place for a little pause in all that exercise is La Maison Smith, on the Place Royale, at 23 rue Notre-Dame, just a couple of steps from the oldest stone church in North America.
Although their sign reads “depuis 1653” (duhpwee sez-sohn-sank-ahnt-twah), or “since 1653,” that august date refers to the building. The business is considerably younger, having been founded in 2013. 
Here you will find traditional café fare, such as flaky croissants to go with your morning coffee, or ice cream in many tempting flavors. I liked that the terrace seating faced forwards French-style, all the better for people watching.
One quality, the finest. 