The Best Poutines in Québec City

This microbrewery in the heart of Saint-Roch puts a twist on poutine by serving it with homemade beer gravy. Carnivores will love digging into the Chimi, topped with bacon, fried onions, grilled corn, and chimichurri, an Argentinian sauce made with fresh herbs. Vegans, on the other hand, can enjoy a fully plant-based option with fauxmage and roasted seitan slices. Be sure to wash it all down with a nice, cold seasonal beer!

The title of best classic poutine in town is hotly debated, but connoisseurs often award it to Chez Gaston. This humble Saint-Roch greasy spoon evokes the roadside snack shacks of yesteryear with its red facade, narrow counter, and menu full of deep-fried delights. Its poutine hits every note, with fluffy fries, homemade gravy with just enough salt, and extra-fresh cheese curds. On those extra-hungry days, try one topped with ground beef and onions or bacon and sausage—because, why not? Getting a seat may take a while, but that’s part of the experience!

With its bright red-and-yellow exterior, La Baraque à Frites is a real eye-catcher. Located in Saint-Sauveur, this hole-in-the-wall snack bar is home to some of the best fried chicken in town. Add poutine to the mix, and we all know where this is going: the snack bar’s famous Gerry Spicy, a classic base of fries, gravy, and cheese topped with crispy, juicy pieces of fried chicken and a tangy pickle. It’s enough to satisfy any appetite!

Nestled in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Au Bonnet d’Âne café and bistro always has a traditional poutine on the menu, plus a few variations inspired by world cuisine. Sometimes it’s Indian-style with butter-chicken gravy; other times it’s Cajun-style with cream sauce, chicken, and mushrooms. It all depends on what’s inspiring the chef at the moment, so every visit brings a new international surprise. If visiting in summer, definitely grab a seat on the gorgeous, intimate patio.

This restaurant lives up to its name, serving up top-quality diner fare. Conveniently located on the edge of Place d’Armes, right next to Château Frontenac, Le Chic Shack offers a number of unconventional poutines made with hand-smashed potatoes. Toppings range from kimchi and maple syrup to Indian-style plum chutney, but the poutine forestière with wild mushroom ragout and grated aged cheddar is undoubtedly the star of the show. Pair it with a homemade milkshake!

Grabbing a quick lunch? With one of the most beautiful outdoor seating areas in the city and a perfect view of the St. Lawrence, Café du Monde offers a delectably brunchified variation on classic poutine. Generously topped with bacon, sausage, ham, cheese curds, a poached egg, and a drizzle of homemade hollandaise sauce, it’s a unique and gourmet way to start a beautiful day exploring the Old Port, especially in winter!

Paying homage to the culinary heritage of chef Marie-Chrystelle Cheikha’s family, Zeitoun features traditional Lebanese dishes such as hummus, labneh, pita... and, of course, poutine! Zeitoun’s version is a celebration of two cultures: classic gravy and Perron cheese curds beautifully complement za’atar fries and Zeitoun sauce. The unexpected yet harmonious mix of flavours is the perfect way to fill up before heading to the Grand Marché for shopping and more gourmet adventures.

Chez Boub in Lac-Beauport has earned its spot on this list for two reasons: the generous portions of cheese and gravy on its classic poutine, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. It even has a playroom specially designed for young children. What better way to spend family time than enjoying a hot meal while the little ones play to their hearts’ content? For an extra-local choice, be sure to try the duck poutine, loaded with caramelized onions and chives.

Delicious surprises await those who venture to the border between Neufchâtel and Des Rivières. That’s the location of Hector, a restaurant famous for its iconic meatloaf recipe that’s been kept secret since 1952. And as a poutine topping? The phrase “the best of both worlds” comes to mind! The local snack bar also serves a tempting poutine nordique, topped with Philly-style steak, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and maple gravy.

From May to October, this spot on Île d’Orléans is home to some of the best poutine in the region. Chez Mag is a roadside canteen like no other, whose lobster poutine has made it famous across Québec on both traditional and social media. Expectations are high, and Chez Mag delivers! This upscale take on the dish is made with island potatoes, squeaky curds, lobster bisque gravy, and half a lobster’s worth of tender meat. Enjoy it like any great poutine: outside at a no-frills picnic table.