Best poutines in Montreal
This might be a controversial one, but here’s a review of the best poutines in Montreal.
After trying several (too many?) ranging from the IKEA one to the most famous poutine in Montreal, I am sharing with you the ones worth trying!
Table of Contents
Where to eat the best poutine in Montreal
La Banquise – the institution
First of all, la Banquise is an institution, and probably the most famous poutine restaurant in town. Actually, you will see it recommended on every Montreal vlogs and articles. However, after asking every local I met for the first time what they thought about this place, the answers were pretty mixed. Some people says it is THE poutine to try, and some states it is overrated. So I of course gave it a try!
With more than 33 options, it was pretty difficult to choose. Not only can you go for the classics with just gravy, cheese, and meat, but also more exotic options with guacamole and fried gerkhin. However, I like my poutines simple with some veggies, so I chose “La Matty”, with bacon, green peppers, mushrooms and onions. My boyfriend chose the “T-Rex”, with ground beef, pepperoni, bacon and hot dog sausage.
There’s often a long line, but you usually don’t wait that long as the restaurant has many seats, and is open 24/24. Service was also very fast.
Price range
Most regular size poutines are around $14-16.
From $10-30 for the large ones (only if you share).
Chez Claudette – the local option
Chez Claudette is a local poutine restaurant located in the Plateau which offers a lot of poutines (too many to count sry). It is well rated and was recommended to me by my colleague since it is not that far from my office.
So far, it is my favorite poutine. The restaurant is located in a quiet neighbourhood, the french fries are yummy, very generous in toppings, and not too salty. Totally recommend!
Price range
From $10-17, mostly around 15$.
La Belle Province – simple and yet fulfilling
Next up, la Belle Province is a Montreal staple with more than 125 restaurants, mostly in Quebec. Actually, my first ever poutine was at one of their locations, so I might be biased here. Although it is not a fancy option (which poutine is not anyway), La Belle Province offers a classic and authentic taste. I almost compare it to your local favorite kebab place: most probably not the best, but surely hits the spot.
Their locations offer around 10 classic options, with philly steak, smoked meat, pulled pork, chicken… Great choices!
Price range
Around $12-13 for a regular size one.
From $9.50-26 for the biggest size.
Poutineville – often recommended by Quebecois
While half of people recommended La Banquise, Poutineville was shared by the other half. Poutineville has 7 locations, mostly in Montreal and some in Quebec and Ontario. They claim to be the best reinvented poutine with impeccable table service and great culinary experience.
Poutineville offers a lot of options, with classic poutines and poutines of the world. You can try the Chinese General Tao, the Indian Butter Chicken, or even the Quebec Sugar Shack. Moreover, you can customize your own poutine by choosing your fries (regular or sweet potato…), the cheese (regular or brie, feta…), vegetables, meats, and sauce! A great option to fit anyone’s taste.
Price range
From $10-20 for their own recipe
Around $18-20 if you customize it with at least one veggie and one meat
Poulet rouge – for their chicken and veggie poutine
Poulet rouge is a chain specialized in grilled chicken with more than 70 locations in Canada. To be honest, I didn’t expect much of this place since no one recommended it, and it was not on travel vlogs either. I just went for groceries on an empty stomach and decided to stop by. And to my surprise… It was really good! Actually, I think it’s the poutine I eat the most whenever I’m in search for a quick meal.
The poutine has traditional ingredients like french fries, cheese and sauce, to which you add grilled chicken with another sauce (sweet, lemony, garlicky or spicy). On top of that, you can choose up to 3 other toppings (onion, pepper, tomato, cucumber, corn…). Result is… fantastic. If you only eat 1 poutine during your stay, I would not recommend this one first, as it won’t be the most authentic version you’ll find. However, I would highly recommend to do another round to try this one!
Price range
From $14-20 depending on how many toppings you choose.
Bonus – during a match
Finally, another great time to enjoy a poutine is during a football game in the Percival-Molson stadium or a hockey game in Center Bell! Although poutines will be less tasty than the ones you’ll find in restaurants, it is still a must do to enjoy your game night. Check out my Montreal article to see how to plan your game night!
