There are few dishes as quintessentially Canadian as poutine. These days you can grab a heaving plate of this Quebec-born fast food in restaurants around the world, but there’s nothing quite like tasting that perfect combination of crispy French fries, fresh cheese curds and proper homemade gravy in its home country. Here, we've gathered the best poutine places in every province and territory, from hole-in-the-wall joints to restaurants adding a gourmet twist.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best places to get poutine – counting down to the greatest of them all.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They’re also regularly checked and updated.
Big Red’s Poutine has an impressive list of accolades to its name and regularly places highly in national poutine contests. It’s easy to see why – the street food truck is known for having a strong focus on top-quality ingredients and a handful of fun poutine variations. Big Red’s pops up at different locations around the region depending on the day, and its movements are always published on social media first. The truck regularly sets up at the Pitt Meadows Food Truck Spot on Bonson Road. Go classic with regular poutine or switch things up with crowd-favourite Hamburger Poutine (ground beef, real gravy, fries and cheese curds).
Formerly known as Chez Ashton, now simply Ashton, this is one of Quebec City’s most iconic institutions. Growing from a food stall into a local chain with more than 25 locations, Ashton is known for serving the best fast food poutine in the area – some would go as far as to say it’s the best poutine, period. With a big menu and locations dotted around the city, it’s easy to make several visits to find out for yourself.
This small restaurant chain is quickly expanding out of its home in Calgary thanks to its melt-in-the-mouth barbecue meats, but it also has a dedicated local following for its amazing poutine. It can be ordered plain or piled high with house-smoked brisket or juicy pulled pork, but however you order it, the key to Big T’s poutine is the incredible gravy. Made from scratch using the delicious meaty bits left over from the smoker, it has to be tried to be believed.
While this self-styled ‘poutinerie’ has a location in New Brunswick, there’s no doubt that Cheese Curds is firmly a Nova Scotia institution. The gourmet burgers and hot dogs offered at this beloved local chain are superb, but it’s the award-winning poutine that’s truly special. You can buy a classic bowl or mouthwatering variations such as crispy Thai chicken, triple bacon or vegetarian – and the dish is so popular, some Cheese Curds locations have express poutine lines to keep up with demand.
Beloved local chain Ches’s Famous Fish and Chips has three locations in St John’s and two more around the province, and the obvious appeal is the freshly fried fish. However, according to locals, the poutine is pretty perfect. People praise the fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside fries, which come generously topped with fresh, squeaky curds and thick gravy. There are regular specials on the menu, too – look out for the Snarl Poutine, which comes loaded with fried onions, hamburger meat and barbecue sauce.
From classic cheese curds and gravy to fries loaded with crazy toppings, and even a vegan and gluten-free option, La Poutine offers something for everyone. The spot, located in Edmonton, launched in 2011 and quickly became known for its extensive menu. Regulars love the range of styles, from The Taco (traditional poutine finished with taco beef, Cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and crushed Doritos) to specials like the shepherd’s pie (pictured). Feeding a family? Try the 5 Pound Poutine: five pounds of fries, curds and gravy served in a huge pan.
Coney Island Poutine proudly ships in fresh Quebec cheese curds for its range of around 20 amazing varieties. Alongside the sublime classic poutine – featuring fresh hand-cut fries, squeaky curds and deliciously dark gravy – there are some fun twists to choose from, such as German Bratwurst, topped with sliced sausage, onions, bacon, sauerkraut and Dijon mustard, and the breakfast-inspired Hangover.
Visiting this charming Bedford diner is like stepping back to the 1950s, complete with flashing neon signs, a jukebox and red leather booths. The lengthy menu has something for everyone, including hefty all-day breakfasts and fantastic milkshakes, but when ordering, make sure you try a bowl of the perfectly made poutine. It’s highly rated by reviewers, who love the authentically rich gravy, and is available as a side dish with any sandwich, hot dog or burger.
Sturgeon Falls is famous for its chip stands – and especially for the friendly rivalry between its two most popular vendors, The RIV Chip Stand and Larry’s Chip Stand. Currently, The RIV Chip Stand is said to have the upper hand in the poutine stakes, loved for its freshly cut fries and choice of cheeses, but it’s a close call. If you’re ever visiting Sturgeon Falls during the summer season to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty, the only thing to do is visit both RIV and Larry’s to see for yourself.
Nunavut may be Canada’s most remote and least populated region, but parts of it share a border with Quebec – which means plenty of fabulously fresh cheese curds. Nowhere are these nuggets of squeaky goodness better prepared than at The Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit. Here, the kitchen combines them with the freshest, crispiest fries and a dark, delicious gravy for the best plate of poutine in the territory.
This Toronto-based mini-chain may be better known for its smashed patties, but its poutine shouldn’t be overlooked. Available as a side or part of a combo deal, this poutine features fresh-cut fries, Quebec-style cheese curds and house-made gravy. The curds are perfectly melty, the gravy is rich, and the fries are deliciously crisp.
Yellowknife favourite The Black Knight Pub may be Scottish themed, but the poutine on offer is still quintessentially Canadian. Customers praise the classic version, but keep an eye on the specials board for a regular rotation of mouthwatering poutine variations. Past favourites with the pub’s loyal customers include butter chicken curry, pulled pork and shredded lobster with a creamy white wine sauce.
The Rook and Raven is one of the best gastropubs in downtown Saskatoon, operating for more than a decade and playing a crucial role in the area’s food revolution. It should come as no surprise, then, that the poutine from such a revered kitchen is one of the best in town. Here, the classic dish is served from 2pm until late on the snack menu, but be sure to keep an eye on the specials board for tasty variations like the popular prime rib poutine.
A taproom and kitchen at the back of a self-styled ‘geek shop’ selling board games and collectables isn’t the first place you’d expect to find top-rate poutine, but Titan Tavern & Geek Shop in Whitehorse is exactly where you should go. The spot has previously won local magazine What's Up Yukon’s quest to find the region’s ultimate poutine, and fans praise the dark gravy and punchy seasoning on the perfect fries.
There’s no doubt that the fantastic pizzas and subs at Ed’s bring customers through the door, but locals say the poutine at this small Italian chain is some of the best you’ll ever taste. Whether you upgrade your fries when ordering a sub, or come specifically for a portion of the classic chicken, beef or donair poutine, you can’t leave one of the two branches of Ed’s without trying it.
A favoured Gatineau spot since 1982, La Pataterie Hulloise is loved for its quick service, big portions and hearty fare. While you can’t go wrong with the classic poutine, locals love the fact that you can create your own style, too. Load up your bowl with your choice of sauce (think barbecue, smoked chipotle or spicy Italian) and add-ons, like extra cheese curds, pepper sauce and various meats.
The White Star Diner is one of Winnipeg’s most beloved mom-and-pop joints. There’s a lengthy short-order menu packed with comfort food classics like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, but the absolute star of the show is (of course) the poutine. Here, it's available as a side, a regular meal or elevated in dishes like the Reubenesque, where crispy French fries are smothered in seasoned sauerkraut, corned beef and a rich beef gravy. You can also swap the fries in your poutine for onion rings, if you like.
Gallants & Co, a kitchen tucked out of the way in an industrial area on the outskirts of Charlottetown, is mainly known for its takeaway, catering and eat-at-home options. However, the joint also serves a delicious à la carte menu throughout the day, and one of its undeniable highlights is the poutine. Here, the perfect combination of hand-cut fries, fresh cheese curds and dark beef gravy is well worth the trip to this hidden gem. There's an equally tasty crispy chicken version, finished with pickled onions and buttermilk breaded chicken thighs.
The simple but perfectly made poutine at Peasant Cookery is a huge favourite among Winnipeg locals – the fries are well seasoned and crispy, the cheese curds are fresh, but it’s the special bacon gravy that really blows people away. The restaurant is worth visiting year round, but extra efforts are always made to celebrate La Poutine Week each February, when the spot serves plates loaded with unique toppings like pulled duck and chanterelle mushroom gravy.
Big Bear Eatery & Taphouse is a Whitehorse institution, attracting guests from far and wide with promises of tasty drinks, good times and excellent food. The regular poutine here is always worth ordering, but for something extra special, try the signature shawarma version. Topped with thin slices of juicy chicken shawarma and Lebanese garlic sauce, the dish has been a firm local favourite for several years.
While crispy fries and dark homemade gravy are essential components of great poutine, every true fan knows that the key to a truly exceptional plate is fresh curds. It should come as no surprise, then, that the poutine from the Fromagerie St-Albert Co-op – one of Canada’s oldest cheesemakers – is some of the best in the Great White North. This gourmet destination is located in a tiny village between Ottawa and Montreal, and its classic poutine, topped with the freshest possible cheese curds, is well worth travelling for.
Those after the squeakiest curds, crispest fries and richest gravy in Ottawa should hit up Crispy Chips. This popular poutine truck, located in the Canadian Tire parking lot, has been a local hotspot since opening in 1989 and continues to draw in crowds for its mega fast food options. Alongside a classic poutine (which you really can’t beat), the joint offers a range of loaded poutine styles, too – from Buffalo chicken to smoked meat.
Heartbreakingly, Ken’s Island Fries is a seasonal food truck, which means that during the winter months, loyal customers are left counting down the days until it reopens. Throughout the spring and summer, however, Ken’s Island Fries serves up some of the best poutine on Prince Edward Island. You can't go wrong with the classic poutine, which comes in three sizes, but there are plenty of loaded styles available as well. A particular highlight comes at the end of the season, when the truck makes its hugely popular 'Thanks Giver' Thanksgiving special, loaded with peas, stuffing, turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce.
OEB is another small chain expanding out of Alberta – it was founded in Calgary in 2009, but now has outposts in several cities, as well as California and Arizona in the US. Breakfast and brunch with a Canadian twist is a big deal here, meaning only one thing: breakfast poutine. Served over tallow-fried potatoes with poached eggs, OEB’s sublime breakfast poutine comes topped with everything from confit duck with cranberry jam to sesame tuna and avocado, and even pork with truffles. Truly, there’s no better way to start the day.
It’s impossible to talk about poutine in Nova Scotia without mentioning Willy’s. Since opening in 2008, this legendary spot has been serving what reviewers say is the best poutine in Halifax, and it routinely finds itself ranked at the top of local lists. The menu here is highly customizable, too, with add-ons and extras available to go on the regular poutine, including ground beef and donair. With Willy’s serving from noon until 4am on most days, there are plenty of opportunities to test out the different varieties.
The Hungry Wolf Restaurant serves up a huge selection of hearty and tasty meals, but regular diners say the simple but perfectly executed poutine – with crispy fries, savoury homemade gravy and fresh cheese curds – is a must-order. You can order extra gravy on the side, too. If you’re ever at the local Yellowknife Golf Club, keep an eye out as the restaurant often has a summer residency.
Dedicated fans will swear the best poutine is the kind that comes from late-night diners and tiny roadside food stands – the further from the beaten track you are, the better the poutine. However, Montreal fine-dining institution Au Pied de Cochon flies in the face of that notion, serving up exquisite plates of the city’s iconic dish. The classic poutine here is worth a visit alone, but the decadent foie gras version is said to be one of the best elevated poutines in the country.
Set up by three friends in 1980, Paulo & Suzanne has become renowned for its giant portions and hearty comfort food. Expect all of the classic fast food favourites here, from ultra-cheesy burgers to club sandwiches. There’s plenty of poutine, too, with 19 different styles to choose from – including the popular Pop’n’Hot. Fries are piled with popcorn chicken, bacon, hot peppers, southwest sauce, cheese and gravy. The classic poutine, which comes swimming in gravy and extra cheese curds, is well worth trying, too.
Big D’s Poutine has spent the past several years winning awards (and fans) for its gourmet burgers and hot dogs, but it's the poutine here that truly steals the show. While the regular version is well worth trying, there are a number of loaded poutines that simply demand attention. With toppings such as deep-fried pepperoni, chicken and bacon ranch and butter chicken, it’s important to go to Big D’s hungry – and make a return trip as soon as possible.
La Belle Patate is serious about poutine, going to great lengths to make sure diners know that its curds squeak, won’t melt, and are used to top the freshest French fries. With that kind of attention to detail, it’s no surprise La Belle Patate has been one of Vancouver’s best poutine spots since its opening in 2009. There are around 40 different varieties on offer here, topped with everything from smoked meat to the chilli-packed Ring of Fire, giving customers plenty of reasons to keep going back.
This storied poutine spot, first opened in 1968, has lost a little favour with locals in recent years, with some feeling it has become too much of a tourist spot. But, sometimes, restaurants are popular because they are just that good. La Banquise is open 24 hours a day and was a favoured haunt of Anthony Bourdain when the legendary food writer was in Montreal. With more than 30 regular poutines to try, along with another five breakfast options, diners will need the continuous opening hours to even touch the sides of the fantastic menu here.
Baba Q’s is one of the best barbecue joints across Newfoundland and Labrador, and its huge selection of expertly smoked meats is obviously the big draw. However, customers who know the menu all agree that the poutine is just as good. You can grab a classic bowl as a side, or load it up with Baba Q’s juicy brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, ground meat or crispy bacon. Early risers can also enjoy breakfast poutine, smothered with extra cheese and with fried eggs.
There's some pretty strong competition in Canada’s most populated city, but this tiny food stall is quietly making some of the best poutine in the entire country. Located in the run of converted containers on Dundas Street, Nom Nom Nom regularly tops local food lists, and regulars can't get enough of its topped fries. The regular poutine here is worth a visit alone, while the big menu of variations, with toppings like jerk chicken and sliced hot dogs, means there’s always something new to try.
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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.