Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Poutine is Quebec's beloved plate of fries topped with fresh cheese curds and hot brown gravy, the curds warmed just enough to squeak while the gravy binds.
Poutine emerged in rural Quebec in the late 1950s, with several Centre-du-Quebec towns claiming its invention. It spread to Montreal's late-night diners and by the 2000s had become a national symbol. La Banquise on Rue Rachel turned it into an art form with dozens of loaded versions, though purists still argue for the classic three-ingredient plate.
3 editor picks for Poutine in Montreal, ranked by editorial score. All Montreal signature dishes · Poutine across every city.
La Banquise is Montreal's round-the-clock poutine institution on Rue Rachel, slinging more than thirty gravy-soaked variations to a 24-hour crowd.
OrderLa Taquise poutine with guacamole, or the classic with extra cheese curds.
TipWeekend nights bring a long post-bar line; go on a weekday afternoon for a seat straight away.
Au Pied de Cochon is Martin Picard's temple of Quebecois excess on Avenue Duluth in Montreal, home of foie gras poutine and the theatrical duck in a can.
OrderFoie gras poutine and the canard en conserve.
TipPortions are enormous and rich; come hungry and plan to share every dish.
Chalet BBQ has roasted hardwood-charcoal chicken in NDG since 1944, an unchanged Montreal rotisserie whose quarter-chicken and gravy fries define the genre.
OrderA quarter chicken with fries and the house barbecue dipping sauce.
TipThe room looks frozen in the 1960s on purpose; dine in for the full retro rotisserie experience.
Poutine makes more sense with someone from Montreal explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Taste your way through Montreal’s Mile End on a guided tour featuring warm wood-fired bagels, classic poutine, street-style gnocchi, and a savory Mediterranean secret dish.
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Taste your way through Montreal’s Mile End with a local guide. Enjoy iconic dishes like bagels, smoked meat, gnocchi, and poutine while discovering the city’s rich cul...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover the Mile End neighbourhood in Montreal on a guided foodie walking tour. Enjoy 7 food/drink tastings, and learn about the history of Mile End and its culturall...
