Martinique Gourmande Festival returns from September 9 to 21 for its 18th edition across Quebec
While waiting for your next Caribbean escape, Martinique is coming to you—right to your neighbourhood, your favourite restaurants, and even your glass. From September 9 to 21, 2025, the Martinique Gourmande Festival returns for its 18th edition with one simple promise: to take you on a palate-pleasing gourmet journey. For 13 days, approximately fifty restaurants and bars across Quebec —from Montreal to Quebec City and through several regional towns—will offer specialized menus, cocktails, and experiences inspired by the Island of Flowers. A generous, festive, and flavourful celebration, echoing the character of Martinique itself.
« This festival embodies the spirit of Martinique: a land of warm hospitality, generosity, and flavour. With the Martinique Gourmande Festival, we want to offer Quebecers a chance to truly immerse themselves in our culinary culture, and beyond that, in our way of life », says Bénédicte Di Geronimo, Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority. She adds: « With the Martinique Gourmande Festival, our ambition goes beyond showcasing gastronomy: every bite, aroma, and ingredient tells the story of Martinique. This initiative is part of a broader mission to spotlight Martinique as a rich, welcoming, and multifaceted destination.
Over 50 Restaurants Celebrate the Flavours and Colours of Martinique
Just five hours by plane from Quebec, Martinique offers a unique experience where culinary traditions meet stunning landscapes. Among the local specialties are cod fritters, smoked chicken, and conch: dishes that reflect the richness of the country’s gastronomic heritage.
This year, the Martinique Gourmande Festival once again goes all out, inviting more than 50 participants inspired by Martinican flavours. New addresses are joining the adventure, both from large cities and more rural areas. Each menu, each plate, each cocktail becomes a bridge between Quebec and Martinique, a story of passion, spices, colours, and human warmth.
Olivier Perret, Executive Chef, member of the Académie Culinaire de France and Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit, from Le Renoir and Le Nini, shares: « It’s always a pleasure to share joyful, sunny, and flavourful moments in my kitchen alongside chefs from Martinique. Their vibrant ingredients and rich culinary heritage infuse every dish with bold, delicious energy. It’s a culinary encounter full of colour and emotion. »
And to make the celebration complete, some establishments will also offer musical entertainment to accompany dinner, with the music of Martinique soulfully rendered via violin, saxophone, drum, and DJ. While the program is yet to be finalized, an authentic Martinican atmosphere is guaranteed!
A mocktail competition to raise a glass together
A brand-new feature this year: the Martinique Gourmande Mocktail Competition. Bartenders and mixologists across Quebec are invited to craft festive, alcohol-free drinks using a rare and precious ingredient from Martinique: Volkanik Vanilla.
This initiative reflects three key values dear to Martinique:
● Inclusion: Everyone can raise a glass, young and old alike
● Creativity: Mixology as a form of artistic expression
● Authenticity: Spotlighting local ingredients grown with care
Some mocktail creations will be featured on menus in select participating restaurants, a bold and refreshing way to discover Martinique!
Win a trip to Martinique!
« For over two decades, the Martinique Tourism Authority has been actively committed to raising the destination’s profile in the Quebec market. This commitment is supported by the collaboration of strategic partners — airlines, travel agencies, tour operators — who help make the island more accessible than ever », explains the MTA Commissioner. Thanks to our partners Air Canada and Club Med Les Boucaniers, several one-week trips for two to Martinique will be available to win throughout the festival.
Draws will be held for: general public, travel agents, participating restaurants and bars and mocktail competition winner.
An invitation to travel for all Quebecers
Starting December 7, a new direct flight from Quebec City to Fort-de-France with Air Canada will be added to supplement the existing Montreal routes. This new connection will make it even easier for travellers from the Capitale-Nationale region to access the island.
« This air route between Quebec City and Fort-de-France symbolizes the strengthening of ties between our two regions. It will allow Quebecers to access our island more easily and experience the full diversity of Martinique », concludes Bénédicte Di Geronimo.
Through the Martinique Gourmande Festival, we reaffirm our desire to build lasting connections between Martinique and Quebec, based on what brings us together: authenticity, warmth, and a love of good taste. « I’m delighted by this renewed momentum, and I warmly invite all Quebecers to come and discover the full splendour of MARTINIQUALITÉ — through its cuisine, its hospitality, and its exceptional natural beauty! » shares the CMT President.
Find all the information on martiniquegourmande.ca
