The Best Poutines in Québec City

What is poutine?
Poutine is one of the most famous canadian food. It's a guilty pleasure where 3 ingredients fuse into a typically Québécois meal. It’s decadent, highly caloric and painstakingly good. Here is the classic poutine recipe : French fries and fresh cheese curds topped with abundant gravy. The classic version is a must, but there also are infinite variations to taste.
If you are going to indulge, here are the must-try poutines that are easily accessible by foot within or around downtown:
-
-
@lechicshack
1Le Chic Shack
Gourmet poutine with style
The Chic Shack is a popular destination for gourmet burgers, generous milkshakes and, of course, poutine. Every sauce is made in house and served with smashed Yukon Gold potatoes—yes physically smashed potatoes—that are deep-fried and mixed in with large chunks of fresh cheddar cheese. Their list of toppings is mouth-watering, but the braised beef remains my favourite. Bonus points for the gorgeous view on the Château Frontenac!
-
-
-
Poutineville
2Poutineville
Create your own poutine
Years away from the classic a poutine, Poutineville prides itself on imaginative toppings and flavour combinations. You can even create your own mix; add smoked meat, Philly steak, feta or goat cheese, anything is possible. Or opt for the 15-pound Heart Attack plate, the biggest poutine in town.
-
-
-
Brasserie Artisanale La Korrigane
3Brasserie Artisanale La Korrigane
Beer lover’s delight
In Québec, beer and poutine go hand in hand. La Korrigane is an artisanal microbrewery that has taken the pairing to a whole new level by creating a thick, lightly sweetened beer-flavoured gravy. Kraken brew in hand –a take on the English pale ale– and a mouthful of fresh cheese curds, this dish is wicked good.
-
-
-
Chez Gaston
4Chez Gaston
Greasy spoon par excellence
In downtown Saint-Roch, this tiny greasy spoon dishes up one of the most decadent poutines in Québec. Chez Gaston’s golden, crispy fries are covered in an unctuous and rich beef-flavoured sauce. Choose a seat at the counter, order a Gaston and watch the cooks add mouthfuls of griddled sausages, onions and meat to your plate.
-
-
-
Frites Alors!
6Frite Alors!
My favourite classic poutine
This is my favourite classic rendition of poutine: crispy fries, hearty stock and big chunks of fresh squeaky cheese. Forget outrageous toppings, just 3 simple and tasty ingredients. Frite Alors is a small joint set in a quiet, yet trendy residential area (in Montcalm district and in Limoilou district). I love the restaurant’s cartoon decor that stands out among the neighbouring condos. It’s the best price-to-quality ratio. Québec’s Frite Alors location is atop my list of best poutines in the province.
-
-
-
@fannyetvincent, Casse-croûte Pierrot
7Casse-croûte Pierrot
Popular late night eat
Open 24 hours a day with free delivery until 5 am, Pierrot is a minuscule neighbourhood eatery, exceptionally popular for late night cravings. Here, the cheese curds are uncommonly small and slowly melt with every bite. This version stands out for its dark and oh-so-savoury beef sauce poured onto sweet, caramelized fries.
-
-
-
Chez Ashton
8Chez Ashton
The most popular poutine
We couldn't write an article about Québec City's best poutines without mentioning the most popular poutine in town: the poutine of Chez Ashton. For many locals traveling abroad, it's one of the first meals to eat when coming back home!
-