A no-nonsense guide to the best poutine in Montreal

Ma Poule Mouillée is Montreal’s bustling Portuguese Plateau rotisserie where locals and visitors alike have been wowed since its opening in 2013. The restaurant is celebrated not just for its expertly charcoal-grilled chicken but also for offering one of the best poutines in the city. This particular dish stands out due to its inventive use of São Jorge cheese, flavorful grilled chorizo, and a signature homemade sauce that the chef proudly claims makes all the difference.

Beyond its famed poutine, Ma Poule Mouillée features a menu brimming with Portuguese classics from sandwiches to fried squid, all served in a vibrant, no-frills, cafeteria-style setting. For those on the go, the entire menu is available for takeout.

A Montreal institution since 1968, La Banquise beckons locals and tourists with its round-the-clock menu of over thirty poutines. Originally opened by firefighter Pierre Barsalou, it morphed into a 24-hour snack bar it is today in the '80s. Revamped in 2006, the restaurant’s now brimming with options ranging from burgers to brunches, but everyone knows that the poutine lineup is the star attraction, including straightforward classics and specialties like the T-Rex stealing the limelight in addition to more experimental options like La Panoramix that’s made with sour cream. Thriving and charming, La Banquise fosters a lively ambiance every hour of the day.

The Montreal Pool Room’s a century-old institution that holds a special place in Montreal's culinary history. Founded in 1912 by Bulgarian immigrant Filipoff Dakov, it has evolved over the years, and remains a beloved spot for locals. Originally known for its steamies, the menu’s expanded to include fries, poutines, hamburgers, and more. This iconic greasy spoon’s seen a lot of faces over the years, from Leonard Cohen to Al Capone, serving up classic Quebecois snacks to them all—it’s a must-visit for those craving a taste of nostalgia.

Chez Tousignant evokes a sense of nostalgic comfort with its vintage diner decor designed by Zébulon Perron. This eatery conceived by chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione along with chef Yann Turcotte offers a delightful throwback to the classic casse-croûtes of the 1950s and 60s. Here, everything from the tiles to the seating invites you into a different era. The menu celebrates simplicity perfected, boasting homemade delights such as the city's best smash burgers, exquisite hot dogs, and top-tier poutine, all crafted with a dedication to freshness and quality. Chez Tousignant stands out for its genuine charm and the exceptional skill behind each dish, combining culinary nostalgia with contemporary panache.

Restaurant A.A. in Saint-Henri boasts a long-standing legacy as a beloved local diner. Owner André Annoussos and his 50+ years in the business has helped keep its old-school charm intact.

The restaurant’s got a small, narrow layout featuring a long counter and a few booths where hungry nighthawks flood in for late-night offerings including steamies, toasties, and a unique poutine recipe you can’t find elsewhere in the city—it’s all in the gravy. A steadfast fixture cherished for comforting classics and lightning-speed service, it’s an essential on any self-respecting Montrealer’s late-night eats bucket list.

Patati Patata’s a casse-croûte fixture that’s been in Montreal for over two decades. Originally founded by Louis Dumontier in 1996, it’s thrived on Saint-Laurent Boulevard ever since with good, cheap food in an unpretentious atmosphere. The concept here is straightforward: Affordable snacks from morning until the early hours when bars close. A cozy interior and a facade painted by artist Étienne Martin gives it an old-world charm, and the menu features a range of comfort foods like burgers, grilled cheese, poutines, and soups, with breakfast options throughout the day. Small in size, you may have to wait during busy hours, but it won’t take long to get a table and get a taste of local life in the Plateau.

Paulo et Suzanne has been dishing out everything that’s classically Québecois since 1980. Its retro American diner vibe—think black and white tiles and vintage art—sets the stage for one of the city’s best diners. Here, you’re going to want what’s traditional, like two-egg platters for breakfast and famous poutines that can come as classic or as dressed crazily as you want ‘em with ‘toppings’ like whole hamburgers. Open 24 hours on the weekend and until the late hours of the morning throughout the rest of the week, the owners here take pride in a loyal staff that delivers top-notch service.

Hermas Gibeau's dream of sharing his trademark beverage, the Orange Julep, materialized in 1932 with the opening of his retail storefront on St. Laurent Boulevard. By transforming his building into the shape of an orange, he created a landmark: The largest orange sphere in the world in 1964. Over the years, Gibeau Orange Julep has become a Montreal icon drawing folks in with its nostalgic charm and famous juice. Beyond that signature drink, this spot specializes in classic diner fare like Montreal-style hot dogs, poutine and burgers, and they serve it all until 4 a.m. The weekly summer car shows add to the experience, attracting vintage car enthusiasts on Wednesdays in the warmer seasons.

Since 1929, Chez Ma Tante has been the beating heart of Montreal-Nord’s fast-food culture, serving humble hot dogs and fries with a kind of devotion that borders on religion. What started as a horse-drawn cart, slinging dogs to hungry passersby, evolved into the iconic, neon-lit diner we know today. And while the space grew, the formula stayed blessedly simple: All-beef dogs, crispy fries, poutine, and house-made coleslaw. Whether you’re perched at a picnic table in the summer or grabbing a quick bite from your car, this is the spot for some tradition.

Tétreaultville’s Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine serves up comfort food with a bold approach. Simon Jodoin-Bouchard, known for his background in BBQ, shifted focus to smash burgers here—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour. The menu, inspired by the food from the American Southwest, features chili cheese fries and house-made cheddar jalapeño hot dogs alongside local touches like poutine. It’s satisfying food in a relaxed setting, with a nod to classic diner culture. And with a bar that’s been part of the space for 50 years, the place feels both familiar and fresh.

When Martin Picard opened Au Pied de Cochon in 2001, it marked a turning point in Montreal’s restaurant scene. The Plateau dining room—with its open kitchen, oversized portions, and unapologetic richness—deliberately rejected fine dining’s polished restraint. Instead, it offered something primal and exuberant: foie gras on poutine, pig’s feet reimagined, onion soup turned decadent.

Over two decades later, the energy hasn’t dimmed. It’s still loud, busy, and totally committed to indulgence. Behind it all is a generational crew of chefs and collaborators—many of whom went on to leave their own mark on the city. What started as a singular brasserie on Duluth has grown into a larger food ecosystem, with a sugar shack, cidery, offshoots like the Cabane d’à Côté, and even a product line sold nationwide. Still, the flagship remains its heart. For those looking to understand Quebec’s culinary id, this is where you start. Bring friends. And maybe a napkin for your forehead.

This ode to Quebecois cuisine is essential eating in Montreal, served in a completely unpretentious fashion that takes diners to the very heart of what makes this province stand out.

Since 1947, Restaurant Greenspot has been a beloved institution in St-Henri, offering comforting Quebec diner food in a charming retro atmosphere. Originally located at the corner of Greene and Notre-Dame Ouest, it moved across the street in 1989, bringing its original 1947 decor along. Owned by Jon Pavlakos, Nick Ioannidis, Louis Stavropoulos, and Stellios Kiliaris, Greenspot is known for its extensive menu featuring over 30 variations of poutine, classic breakfasts, pizzas, and smoked meat. Chef Denis Vavougios, a kitchen legend, ensures that every dish maintains its traditional quality. With fresh, homemade ingredients and a welcoming vibe, Greenspot remains a cherished Montreal landmark.

Messorem Bracitorium, translating to 'The Grim Reaper's Brewery,' has quickly become a top spot for craft beer enthusiasts since opening in 2019. Located along the Lachine Canal in Montreal's Sud-Ouest, it boasts a spacious canalside terrasse and a large taproom. Known for its creamy IPAs and crowd-pleasing lagers, Messorem offers an extensive range of in-house brewed beers, from low-alcohol thirst quenchers to robust Double IPAs and bourbon barrel-aged stouts. The brewery partners with Mitch Deli to provide delicious food pairings.

Brouhaha, a microbrewery and pub with a strong tavern ambiance, is a beer enthusiast's haven. With house brews on tap and a rotating selection from visiting breweries, it offers everything from light and refreshing to rich and robust ales. The menu is equally impressive, featuring the famed "poutiflette," a decadent twist on poutine that’s perfect after a few rounds. This gem has long been a gathering spot for Montrealers to watch hockey or enjoy a local brew. With Belgian-inspired house beers, 24 craft beers on tap, and over 60 privately imported options, Brouhaha is a true beer temple.

La Belle Province isn’t just a fast food joint—it’s a rite of passage for anyone who’s grown up in Quebec. Born in 1967, in the heart of Montreal, it’s the kind of place where greasy hands meet comforting classics. Think steamy hot dogs, golden fries, and smoked meat sandwiches alongside burgers and gyros. Founded by Greek restaurateurs Nick Glezos and Peter Kivetos in Montreal in 1970, it’s spread like wildfire throughout the province. Dozens upon dozens of locations later, here we are.

Chez Claudette has been serving the Plateau for over four decades, and it’s hard to walk by without noticing their bright yellow sign. Known for its expansive poutine menu, Claudette goes beyond the standard trio of fries, gravy, and cheese curds. With over 40 variations, you can dig into options like their ‘Cabane’ with bacon, sausage, and maple syrup, or the ‘Pharaon’ loaded with merguez sausage and spicy gravy. Whether it’s a classic or something more adventurous, the portions are generous, the vibe is casual, and the food has been a late-night staple for years.

Since 1958, Paul Patates has been at the heart of Pointe-Saint-Charles, a family-run casse-croûte that keeps things simple and classic. Known for their steamies,, this spot is also famous for its house-made spruce beer—a throwback to old Quebec traditions—and solid poutine. The retro, 1950s vibe has even attracted film crews over the years, but it’s the food that keeps people coming back. Their menu has as legendary as it is no-fuss, and it’s perfect when it comes to a true Montreal snack experience.

Frite Alors! began as a modest fry shop on Avenue du Parc in 1991, founded by Belgian expat Jean Jurdant. With his mother and partner Aline by his side, they brought authentic Belgian fries to the city—crisp, golden, and fried in animal fat—that they’ve since spun into poutine alongside menus of burgers and other bang-on offerings.

As demand grew, so did the concept, expanding from that small shop to a dozen locations, even crossing the Atlantic to France. While it has a chain vibe today, Frite Alors! remains one of the few places in Montreal where you can get true Belgian-style fries, light in colour and paired with a classic side of mayo.

For decades, La Pataterie has been a go-to greasy spoon for the residents of Hochelaga. This no-frills spot on Ontario Street has built a reputation on serving solid, satisfying fast food—think steamies, burgers, and a poutine that hits all the right notes. The fries are fresh-cut, the portions generous, and the prices won’t break the bank. Sure, the décor leans more vintage than trendy, but that’s part of the charm. Locals love it for the friendly service and unpretentious atmosphere.

Since 1962, Le Nouveau Système Beaubien has been a cornerstone of Rosemont, known for classic comfort food: poutine, burgers, and some of the best steamies around. The retro décor—jukeboxes, chrome stools, and vibrant 1960s colours—makes stepping inside feel like a trip back in time. Owned and operated by Georges Giannaras for nearly 40 years, it’s been in the hands of the same family since the start, building a legacy of great food and loyal customers. The menu sticks to the classics, all served with the same care and consistency that keeps regulars coming back.

Mon Petit Poulet in Rosemont gets right to the heart of comfort food with fried chicken, ribs, and rôtisserie classics that are anything but fancy—but all flavour. The team behind it serves up food that’s simple, hearty, and unapologetically good. The fried chicken is the star: crispy, flavourful, and not too greasy. Their hot chicken, piled high on brioche with cheese curd grits and gravy, is a local favourite. But don’t sleep on the poutine. As for the vibe? It’s casual with a playful, industrial touch. Grab a beer, dig in, and let the food speak for itself.

Since 1928, Schwartz’s Deli has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s food scene, famous for serving up what many consider the world’s best smoked meat. Stepping into its original Saint-Laurent Boulevard location is like walking back in time, surrounded by the charm of the Plateau and the deli’s old-school presence. Founded by Romanian immigrant Reuben Schwartz, the deli sticks to tradition, marinating their smoked meat for 10 days with a secret blend of herbs and spices, then smoking and steaming it to perfection.

The menu is as classic as it gets: smoked meat sandwiches piled high, turkey and salami options, and full plates of their famous smoked meat. For something heartier, there’s the rib steak or chicken combo, but locals swear by the poutine à la Schwartz’s as well—just so long as there’s a pickle and Cott’s Black Cherry served with it.

Le Casse-Croûte Normand has been quietly serving up some of Verdun’s best poutine since 1964, and the tradition continues to this day. Known for its classic poutine—hand-cut fries, rich beef gravy, and squeaky cheese curds—the spot has long been a neighbourhood favourite, even if it flies under the radar for many. The menu goes beyond the basics, offering variations as well.

Led by chef Michel Lim and partner Michel Nguyen, Mange Dans Mon Hood unapologetically channels In-N-Out vibes with caramelized smash burgers with paper-thin patties, ground daily in-house. It’s not just about the burgers, though. The menu keeps it simple, and that’s the beauty: just two burgers—the Cali, packed with MDMH sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and the Happy, a nostalgic nod to McDonald’s cheeseburgers. The crispy, beef-fat fried shoestring fries are a must, especially in the form of Ol’ Dirty Fries—an unholy pile of fries, pickles, cheese sauce, and their signature MDMH burger sauce. The poutine’s a banger, too.

Lafleur’s Hochelaga location carries the weight of decades of Quebec fast-food history. What started as a simple “voiture à patates” in LaSalle back in 1951 has since grown into a chain that’s cemented itself as part of Montreal’s roadside culture. Denis Vinet’s vision, rooted in a family dairy farm, evolved into a brand synonymous with steamies, fresh-cut fries, and unapologetically old-school poutine. The Hochelaga outpost stays true to the formula: no-frills counter service, golden fries prepared on-site, and hot dogs done the classic Quebec way. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best food experiences aren’t about reinvention—they’re about getting it right, time and time again.