Warm, thick gravy sliding across brown, crisp fries covered in soft, noisy curd cheese… Oh, hello poutine! This iconic dish from the province of Quebec is a must-taste when you visit. I’ve spent years taste-testing for you, so I’ve tailored a list of 15 suggestions if you’re looking for the best poutine in Montreal!
I put them in my personal favourite order, but rest assured, they are all amazing and poutine is like your mom’s spaghetti sauce: everybody has their own favourite, and you can’t really discuss preferences, as nobody’s right and nobody’s wrong! These are quite a consensus though, so you’re sure to get the best squeaky-cheese experience in the city!
Poutineville Montreal – Multiple Locations
I remember when Poutineville first opened. It was a bit “controversial” because we already had so many poutine spots in Montreal. I’ll admit I was one of the skeptical Quebecers, but I soon changed my mind after trying it a few times in different locations.
I have to say though, not all the restaurants from this chain are born equal, so pick wisely. I like the Beaubien and the Ontario locations.
Poutine here is perfectly traditional, with crispy fries, hot gravy and squeaky cheese. It’s served fast and simple! You can also “make your own poutine” with their ingredients list and choose different sauces and potatoes.
Besides the traditional one, I’d say go for the crushed potatoes, they are really good!
Patati Patata – Plateau Mont-Royal and Villeray
You’ll notice Patati Patata Friterie Deluxe from afar thanks to the bright red and yellow street art on its facade. This place is your typical greasy spoon with crispy skinny fries, hot dogs and burgers and one of Montreal’s best poutine spots.
I like the simplicity of the place and the fact you can actually still get in without waiting for hours!
I started my poutine history with the Plateau Mont-Royal address on St. Laurent Boulevard, but there is also a new spot near the Jean-Talon market, bigger and comfier.
Want Some Other Foodie Tour Recommendations?
Montreal is such a perfect foodie city! Here are some food tours that I can recommend with my eyes closed and know you’ll have an amazing time with fun, knowledgeable guides.
Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour to not only see the historical part of town but learn about how food influences travel and where to catch the best bites in the old part of Montreal.
Mile-End Foodie Walking Tour with 7 Tastings, all the classics you need to try when you’re in Montreal, from poutine to bagels to other tasty surprises too!
Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour in the Villeray neighbourhood where I spent 10 years of my life. The market is a Montreal must-see and it’s even better if you have someone explaining things to you!
No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings in the Mile-End neighbourhood that is known for its Jewish influences but also its hip and trendy stops.
Maple syrup tasting and conference in residential Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, a part of town off the beaten path that you will love. Domaine des 15 lots will explain all there is to know about maple syrup! If this interests you, check out this article about maple syrup farms!
Beyond the Bagel Jewish Food Walking Tour is guided by the Museum of Jewish Montreal and will show you a side of the city that people know about (bagels and smoked meat) but incorporate all kinds of interesting cultural facts from our Jewish community.
La Banquise — Plateau Mont-Royal
Yeah, La Banquise is ultra-popular, but it’s for a reason! Although I rarely go anymore because I hate waiting in line, La Banquise is a great place for a first poutine experience in Montreal. And it’s right by the La Fontaine park too, so you can take it to go and eat in the park!
It has been open since 1968 and it never closes, so you can go 24/7. If you can go early during the day, you’ll wait less and get to try some real iconic and typical poutines. Want an insider tip? Get it delivered to your hotel through Uber if you can’t get there outside of peak times. A delivered poutine is not the same as a “fresh” one, but it’s a good compromise.
I always go for the traditional fries, gravy and curd cheese as I’m a bit of a purist outside of the Montreal poutine festival. However, I’ve had one of their more unconventional toppings, the La Taquise, which is a traditional poutine topped with guacamole, sour cream and tomatoes. It’s different, but it works, just like the pogo-on-top version!
Read also: Everything You Need to Know About Poutine: A Quebecer’s Guide
Ma Poule Mouillée — Plateau Mont-Royal
Just across the street from La Banquise is just-as-busy Ma Poule Mouillée on Rachel Street. Originally, it started in 2013 as a Portuguese rotisserie chicken joint, but nowadays most people come for what I consider the best Portuguese poutine in Montreal!
Its version of fries, cheese and sauce involves São Jorge cheese, chicken and chorizo, which are typical flavours from the chef’s inspirational land.
Insider tip: go for the small portion, because it’s quite generous with all the meat!
Gibeau Orange Julep – Côte-des-Neiges
Iconic fast-food institution, Gibeau Orange Julep is probably a place you’ve seen on a postcard before even coming to Montreal. Why’s that?
Ever seen that huge orange ball in the middle of a parking lot? This is the place! This 2-story (40-feet high) giant sphere has been a Montreal roadside attraction since 1945.
People were drawn here by their signature drink made of skimmed milk powder, pectin, orange juice and vanilla flavour. Simply put, it’s a milky orange juice and it’s a love it or hate it situation.
But why am I talking about this in a Montreal poutine article? Because it’s a perfect combo with their poutine! It might not be the crispiest, but it does the trick and you’ll love going for a photo opp!
Au Pied de Cochon — Plateau Mont-Royal
Ever heard of foie gras poutine? Montreal’s got you covered for that! I’m personally not a fan of foie gras, but if you are, then you’ll want to head to Au Pied de Cochon, a renowned restaurant by famed chef Martin Picard, who specializes in all things foie gras!
Picard helped put typical Quebec ingredients and dishes on the international map and his poutine is a cult experience with a
Looking for a cheap flight to Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair I use regularly. Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Other Poutine Places I Can Recommend in Montreal
- Chez Tousignant – Villeray
- La Belle Province – Multiple locations
- Frites Alors! — Multiple locations
- Paulo & Suzanne – Ahuntsic-Cartierville
- Paul Patates – Pointe-Saint-Charles
- Greenspot – Saint-Henri (uneven quality)
- Pierrette Patates – Verdun
Montreal Poutine-related Festivals You’ll Love
We’re not the poutine province for nothing, and our metropolis knows how to show it off! Here are 2 poutine-related events that you’re not going to want to miss!
La Poutine Week
Speaking of poutine…
Every beginning of February, Poutine Week takes over Montreal and the rest of the province during 7 days of foodgasm!
The name says it all: it’s a poutine festival in the city, where all kinds of restaurants create original and noteworthy poutines we fans move around town for, kind of like a bucket list rally!
I’ve done it year after year with friends, so we can share and taste more at the same time!
Le Grand PoutineFest Montreal
Le Grand PoutineFest comes to Old Montreal every July with food trucks and restaurants serving amazing poutines in all kinds of various forms. Kids will enjoy inflatable games while parents sip local beers and drinks.
Gotta say the Quai de l’horloge is an amazing backdrop to stuff yourself silly on poutine!
You’re all set for the perfect poutine experience now! Which one will you start with?
If you’re heading to Quebec City, check out the best poutine spots there and read more about why Quebec Is the Best Food Destination in Canada!
Discover other Montreal foodie articles here:
- Top Spots for the Best Cupcakes in Montreal
- Why Food-Loving Travellers Should Care About Quebec Michelin Restaurants
- Gluten-Free Montreal: My Best Restaurants and Foodie Spots
- Quebec Maple Syrup Farms: Tours, Tastings, and Traditions
- Le Boulevardier Restaurant – Where to Eat in Downtown Montreal
- Best Montreal Ice Cream Spots
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