Roxan Bourdelais does not hire based on resumes. “I hire the person. Humility, passion, and open-mindedness matter more than experience.”
The secret code and the art of hospitality: A sensory journey at Tanière3
In the timeless charm of Old Quebec, among historic stone vaults that tell four centuries of history, lies a culinary experience that transcends simple tasting. Tanière3, winner of the 2025 Art of Hospitality Award, is not just a restaurant, but a true three-act show, where every detail, from service to flavors, is choreographed with precision and passion. Leading this magic are director and co-owner Roxan Bourdelais and chef François-Emmanuel Nicol, a duo who have reinvented hospitality, turning it into a work of art.
A welcome that begins with a mystery
The experience begins well before sitting down at the table, as 50 Best recounts in this special feature. The entrance to Tanière3, hidden away on Rue Saint-Pierre, is not marked by a sign, but by a personalized access code, sent to guests at the time of booking. This seemingly simple gesture is the first act of tailor-made hospitality. The code is not just a key, but an invisible thread connecting the team to the customer. Activated 15 minutes before arrival, it allows staff to recognize and welcome each guest by name, creating a feeling of intimacy and familiarity. “We want to recreate the feeling you get when you've just walked into a friend's house,” explains Bourdelais. This approach has earned the restaurant a loyal following, with over 80% of its clientele coming from Quebec.
The culinary spectacle between poetry and choreography
The same attention to detail is evident in every stage of the meal. Halfway through the evening, guests discover a hidden surprise: an individual drawer under the table concealing a poem written by Bourdelais. This lyrical touch, a tribute to the original owner of the vaults and the luxury of shared moments, introduces one of the restaurant's iconic dishes: Quebec scallops, caviar, and potatoes. It's not just about serving food, but telling a story, transforming every bite into an emotional experience. Roxan's past as a tennis player and actor is reflected in this approach: every gesture of service is precise, every timing is impeccable, and the entire meal is a fluid choreography that surprises and delights.
A multisensory journey: from underground to the forest
The sensory journey of Tanière3 unfolds in three distinct acts. The experience begins in the Bar Vault, where guests are welcomed with a cocktail and appetizers in a room that celebrates the ecosystem of Québec. The absence of windows is no accident, but a deliberate choice to allow guests to lose track of time, immersing them completely in the culinary narrative. The journey continues in the Main Dining Room or at the Chef's Counter for an interactive experience, and concludes in the magical Dessert Vault. Here, the atmosphere transforms radically: surrounded by birch trees, guests savor desserts and infusions in a surreal setting that evokes the serenity of a boreal forest.
The soul of Quebec: nature, teamwork, and authenticity
Tanière3's culinary philosophy is an ode to the province. Every ingredient on the menu, described by Bourdelais as “modern and wild Quebec,” is local or harvested in the wild. Chef Nicol believes that “true luxury lies not in caviar or truffles, but in the seasonal ingredients that Mother Nature offers us for a very short period of time.” Tanière3's commitment to excellence and personal touch has earned it numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars.
But the beating heart of the restaurant is its team, a close-knit group that moves like a flawless orchestra. Bourdelais doesn't hire based on résumés. “I hire the person. Humility, passion, and open-mindedness matter more than experience,” he says. The result is service where each member brings their own personality to the table. The explanations of the dishes are not automatic scripts, but heartfelt stories that link the food to history, culture, or producers. It is an approach that defines Tanière3's service as a true “language of love,” an extension of Quebec's warm and playful hospitality.
