Of all of Montreal’s most daring culinary prowess, a great poutine always reigns supreme. The fries, cheese and gravy concoction is a simple one yet when made right, it is the epitome of comfort food. Each of the three elemental ingredients have to be perfect in order for the final result to taste delicious. Poutine may be ubiquitous in Montreal but only a handful of restaurants make it right.
Chez Tousignant
One of Little Italy’s most successful restaurateur duo is behind this modern day snack bar, designed to look like the authentic thing. At Chez Tousignant, everything is made in house, including the potato buns and beef hot dogs. The poutine gravy is made from scratch daily and the potatoes are cut, peeled and fried fresh with every order. It makes for a very high quality poutine that’s been rated once of the best in town.
Ma Poule Mouillée
Ma Poule Mouillée is on the list of best Portuguese charcoal-grilled chicken in Montreal and judging from the long line-ups, that status is here to stay. The chicken, chorizo and bifana sandwich are all delicious but the poutine is where it’s at. The fresh fries are topped with a mix of regular and São Jorge cheese curds, grilled chicken and chorizo.
Au pied de cochon
Chef Martin Picard’s Au Pied de Cochon prides itself in shining a spotlight on traditional québécois cuisine. It also has the reputation of being the restaurant that uses the most foie gras. So it’s no surprise then that their poutine au foie gras has garnered so much well-deserved attention. The elevated PDC poutine is topped with a generous slab of seared foie gras and doused with homemade foie gras gravy.
Chez Claudette
A Mile End institution since 1982, Chez Claudette is a favourite among Montreal poutine lovers. Fifty poutine choices are featured on the menu, from the most classic to the most extravagant, like poutines topped with fish and chips, beef bourguignon, a slice of tourtière (Québec meat pie), or chicken tandoori, their most popular creation.
Gibeau Orange Julep
The restaurant housed inside a gigantic orange has been a Montreal institution since 1966. Gibeau Orange Julep may be famous for its ubiquitous orange drink but its poutine should also be a must have item. No fancy or extravagant toppings are added to this particular iteration, but this traditional take remains one of the best in the city, served with a side of 1960 nostalgia.
La Banquise
La Banquise is the most popular poutine restaurant in Montreal. Open since 1968, it’s been serving poutine since 1980. The 24-hour restaurant has a perpetual line up of hungry locals and curious tourist in front of it. The menu counts over 30 different kinds of poutine, from the most classic to more creative creations such as La Taquise (guacamole and sour cream) or the breakfast poutine La Cassoulette (potatoes, cheese curds, poutine sauce, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers & 2 eggs). The classic is always our go to option.
