Quick answer
Montreal's best poutine ranges from CAD $8 at classic diners to $28 at gourmet restaurants in Old Montreal, with The Plateau neighbourhood being the best area for poutine tourism. La Banquise is the can't-miss experience; Casse-Normand is what locals eat when they want the real thing.
- Best overall
- La Banquise
- Top pick
- La Banquise
Top verdicts
- La Banquise: Post-2 AM on weekends has its own queue culture — sober afternoons (3–5 PM) are the calmest.
- Casse-Normand: Take the Wellington Street walk — Verdun's main commercial strip rewards the detour with good cafes too.
- Poutineville: Multiple locations — the Ontario Street original has the most kitchen options; suburban branches are more limited.
Poutine was born in rural Quebec in the 1950s, but Montreal turned it into an art form. Today the city has everything from late-night diner poutine slathered in old-school gravy to creative Michelin-adjacent versions with foie gras and truffle.
Area map
All 12 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Banquise | restaurant | mid | 994 Rachel St E, Plateau-Mont-Royal |
| 2 | Casse-Normand | restaurant | mid | 4735 Wellington St, Verdun |
| 3 | Poutineville | restaurant | mid | 1365 Ontario St E, Centre-Sud |
| 4 | Montreal Pool Room | restaurant | mid | 1200 St-Laurent Blvd, Downtown |
| 5 | Chez Claudette | restaurant | mid | 351 Laurier Ave E, Plateau |
| 6 | Patati Patata | restaurant | mid | 4177 St-Laurent Blvd, Plateau |
| 7 | Chez Tousignant | restaurant | mid | 1292 Beaubien St E, Rosemont |
| 8 | Greenspot | restaurant | mid | 3041 Notre-Dame St W, Saint-Henri |
| 9 | Ma Poule Mouillée | restaurant | mid | 969 Rachel St E, Plateau (near La Banquise) |
| 10 | Chez Ma Tante | restaurant | mid | 209 Bernard Ave W, Outremont |
| 11 | Méchant Boeuf Bar Brasserie | restaurant | upscale | 124 St-Paul St W, Old Montreal |
| 12 | Mont-Royal Hot-Dog | restaurant | mid | 1101 Mont-Royal Ave E, Plateau |
1La Banquise
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Late-night and tourist-checklist poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 994 Rachel St E, Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Price / value
- $12–$18
- Why it made the list
- Plateau-Mont-Royal institution since 1968, open 24 hours, 70+ poutine variations, and the place every visitor eventually shows up at. 4.2 stars on 3,400+ reviews — the menu sprawl is the point.
- What to order
- La T-Rex (ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, smoked sausage) for the maximalist take, or a classic for purists.
2Casse-Normand
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Locals' choice for a textbook classic poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 4735 Wellington St, Verdun
- Price / value
- $9–$14
- Why it made the list
- Verdun snack bar that locals routinely cite as the best classic poutine in Montreal — fresh squeaky curds, peppered gravy, hand-cut fries, and 4.5 stars on 850 reviews despite being out of the tourist track.
- What to order
- The classic poutine — they execute the three-ingredient form better than anywhere on this list.
3Poutineville
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Customized gourmet poutine builds
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 1365 Ontario St E, Centre-Sud
- Price / value
- $14–$22
- Why it made the list
- Centre-Sud chain with a build-your-own format — fries from regular to sweet potato, gravies including butter chicken and lobster bisque, and a maximalist toppings list that has carried 4.1 stars on 1,200 reviews.
- What to order
- A custom build with smoked meat, mushrooms, and a peppered gravy.
4Montreal Pool Room
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Old-school classic poutine and a steamie
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 1200 St-Laurent Blvd, Downtown
- Price / value
- $8–$12
- Why it made the list
- St-Laurent Boulevard greasy-spoon legend, opened 1912 and reputedly the oldest steamie counter in Montreal. 4.0 stars on 2,100 reviews — purist late-night fries, gravy, and curds with no embellishments.
- What to order
- The classic poutine plus a steamie hot dog — the historic combination.
5Chez Claudette
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Plateau late-night neighborhood poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 351 Laurier Ave E, Plateau
- Price / value
- $10–$15
- Why it made the list
- Plateau diner serving 4.3 stars on 920 reviews — open late, generous portions, and a no-frills classic poutine that locals trust over flashier spots.
- What to order
- Classic poutine, or the smoked-meat poutine if you want a Quebecois mash-up.
6Patati Patata
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget Plateau poutine on the go
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 4177 St-Laurent Blvd, Plateau
- Price / value
- $8–$14
- Why it made the list
- A 14-seat Plateau corner spot on St-Laurent — 4.2 stars on 1,450 reviews, with one of the city's most affordable poutines and a perpetual line of locals at lunch.
- What to order
- Classic poutine and a mini burger combo for the canonical order.
7Chez Tousignant
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Chef-driven poutine in Rosemont
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 1292 Beaubien St E, Rosemont
- Price / value
- $10–$16
- Why it made the list
- Rosemont diner with a serious chef pedigree — owners come out of restaurant kitchens, and the result is a fries-and-poutine program built like a fine-dining side dish. 4.4 stars on 680 reviews.
- What to order
- Smoked-meat poutine — the cured-meat program is unusually good for a snack bar.
8Greenspot
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Mid-century Saint-Henri diner experience
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 3041 Notre-Dame St W, Saint-Henri
- Price / value
- $9–$14
- Why it made the list
- Saint-Henri diner since 1947 — one of the oldest continuously operating greasy spoons in Montreal. 4.1 stars on 1,100 reviews, classic Quebecois diner format, and a poutine that hasn't changed much in decades.
- What to order
- Classic poutine on its own or as a side to a club sandwich.
9Ma Poule Mouillée
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Portuguese-influenced specialty poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 969 Rachel St E, Plateau (near La Banquise)
- Price / value
- $11–$18
- Why it made the list
- Portuguese rotisserie next door to La Banquise — 4.3 stars on 780 reviews, with Lisbon-style chicken and a piri-piri-and-chorizo poutine that diverges sharply from the classic format.
- What to order
- The chorizo-and-piri-piri poutine, or a quarter chicken with poutine on the side.
10Chez Ma Tante
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Quiet residential-Outremont poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 209 Bernard Ave W, Outremont
- Price / value
- $10–$15
- Why it made the list
- Outremont snack bar with a small but loyal following — 4.2 stars on 520 reviews, serving the kind of greasy-spoon classic poutine that doesn't get hyped but consistently delivers.
- What to order
- Classic poutine or a club sandwich and a small poutine combo.
11Méchant Boeuf Bar Brasserie
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Old Montreal upscale gourmet poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 124 St-Paul St W, Old Montreal
- Price / value
- $18–$28
- Why it made the list
- Old Montreal upscale brasserie — 4.4 stars on 1,300+ reviews, where poutine costs $20+ and arrives with foie gras, duck confit, or short rib. The room looks expensive because it is.
- What to order
- The duck-confit poutine — their most popular high-end version.
12Mont-Royal Hot-Dog
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Cheap Plateau snack-bar poutine
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 1101 Mont-Royal Ave E, Plateau
- Price / value
- $8–$13
- Why it made the list
- Plateau snack bar at Mont-Royal Avenue East — 4.0 stars on 650 reviews. Steamies, fries, and a classic poutine for the price of a coffee at the upscale spots, with no pretension.
- What to order
- Classic poutine and a steamie all-dressed.
Frequently asked questions
What is poutine?
Poutine is Quebec's signature dish: french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and hot brown gravy. The heat of the gravy softens the curds slightly without melting them completely. Originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s, it's now a Canadian cultural icon found everywhere from late-night diners to fine dining restaurants.
Is La Banquise really the best poutine in Montreal?
La Banquise is the most famous poutine spot in Montreal with 70+ varieties, and it's open 24 hours. It's not always ranked #1 by locals for pure poutine quality — Casse-Normand in Verdun often gets that nod — but it's the best all-around experience with a huge menu, great atmosphere, and the iconic Plateau location.
How much does poutine cost in Montreal?
A basic poutine in Montreal costs CAD $8–$14 at most classic spots. La Banquise runs $12–$18 for specialty versions. High-end restaurants in Old Montreal charge $18–$28 for gourmet poutine with duck confit or foie gras. Budget tip: Patati Patata and Montreal Pool Room offer the best value at around $8–$10.
What neighbourhood has the best poutine in Montreal?
The Plateau-Mont-Royal is the best neighbourhood for poutine — La Banquise, Patati Patata, and Ma Poule Mouillée are all within a short walk. The Main (St-Laurent Blvd) is great for late-night poutine. Verdun is a hidden gem with Casse-Normand consistently rated as having the best classic poutine by locals.
Where can I get poutine late at night in Montreal?
La Banquise on Rachel Street is open 24 hours — it's the go-to for late-night poutine and gets packed after the bars close. Montreal Pool Room on St-Laurent is another classic late-night option. Both are legendary among locals for post-bar poutine runs.
What's the difference between regular and gourmet poutine?
Classic poutine uses only three ingredients: fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy. Gourmet versions at places like Poutineville or Méchant Boeuf add toppings like pulled pork, smoked meat, foie gras, mushrooms, or truffle. Purists argue the original three-ingredient version is best; food adventurers love the creative toppings.
Is poutine vegetarian or vegan?
Traditional poutine gravy is meat-based, making it not vegetarian. However, many Montreal restaurants now offer vegetarian or vegan poutine with plant-based gravy. La Banquise has vegetarian options. Always ask — the cheese curds are dairy but the gravy is the main non-vegetarian element.
What time does La Banquise open?
La Banquise is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — it never closes. This makes it the perfect spot for late-night poutine after concerts or bar-hopping on the Plateau. Expect waits on weekends after midnight.
What are the essential elements of a good poutine?
A truly great poutine hinges on three pillars: perfectly crispy, fresh-cut fries, squeaky-fresh cheese curds that haven't melted into a blob, and a rich, hot, flavourful gravy that coats everything without making it soggy. Places like <a href="#casse-normand"><strong>Casse-Normand</strong></a> excel at this fundamental balance.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan poutine in Montreal?
Yes, many places now offer vegetarian options, typically using a vegetable-based gravy. While fully vegan poutine (with dairy-free cheese curds) is less common in traditional spots, some modern eateries or custom poutine places like <a href="#poutineville"><strong>Poutineville</strong></a> might offer plant-based cheese substitutes. Always ask to confirm gravy ingredients.
How much does poutine cost in Montreal on average?
The price of poutine in Montreal varies depending on the venue and complexity. A classic, basic poutine can range from CAD $8-$14 at diners like <a href="#montreal-pool-room"><strong>Montreal Pool Room</strong></a> or <a href="#patati-patata"><strong>Patati Patata</strong></a>. Gourmet or specialty poutines with premium toppings can range from $14-$22 at places like <a href="#poutineville"><strong>Poutineville</strong></a>, and up to $28 for high-end versions at <a href="#mechant-boeuf-bar-brasserie"><strong>Méchant Boeuf Bar Brasserie</strong></a>.
Are reservations needed for poutine restaurants?
Generally, no. Most poutine spots, especially diners and casual eateries like <a href="#chez-claudette"><strong>Chez Claudette</strong></a> or <a href="#la-banquise"><strong>La Banquise</strong></a>, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, for upscale brasseries offering poutine, such as <a href="#mechant-boeuf-bar-brasserie"><strong>Méchant Boeuf Bar Brasserie</strong></a>, it's highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner on weekends.
What's the difference between 'classic' and 'gourmet' poutine?
Classic poutine, exemplified by <a href="#casse-normand"><strong>Casse-Normand</strong></a>, adheres strictly to fries, fresh cheese curds, and traditional brown gravy. Gourmet poutine, like those found at <a href="#poutineville"><strong>Poutineville</strong></a> or <a href="#mechant-boeuf-bar-brasserie"><strong>Méchant Boeuf Bar Brasserie</strong></a>, elevates the dish with premium ingredients, alternative gravies (e.g., pepper sauce, butter chicken), and a wide array of toppings such as pulled pork, foie gras, or smoked meat, transforming it into a more complex culinary creation.