Poutine—a Canadian classic, a Québécois cuisine, and the dish you cannot miss out on in Toronto. Ask any Canadian what their favourite restaurant is and they’ll tell you lots, but where to get the best poutine? Ah, they’ll probably tell you just one or two.
It’s a simple dish but requires the perfect combination of flavours and consistency; that’s why we scoured Toronto for the best poutine, including some hidden and not-so-hidden spots, whether you want a traditional or a variation with many toppings.
Stop wondering and read on!
Sea Witch Fish and Chips
Website: https://www.seawitchfc.com/
Address: 636 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1A9, Canada
Contact Details:
- 647-349-4824
- [emailprotected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Price/s: $13
The thing about this eatery is it focuses on fish and chips, but that doesn’t mean their poutine isn’t a must-try! If you happen to pass by Claire Avenue West, definitely get a side of poutine because no meal in Canada is complete without it!
Their fries are crispy golden that’s soft on the inside, slathered in gravy that’s not too salty but hits the right spot. The cheese curds? Oh man, they have the perfect creamy consistency.
The best news is they’re pretty affordable for the generous servings. They’re available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery via Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, and DoorDash.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re ordering fish and chips, we suggest adding that extra $4 to upgrade to poutine instead of buying a separate one.
Rudy
Website: https://rudyresto.com/
Address: 619 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B5, Canada
Contact Details: 647-748-7839
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:30 AM
Price/s: $7.99
Rudy is known for their burgers, but did you know they have one of the yummiest poutine in Toronto? Even our friends from Montreal liked this Toronto spot, which definitely says something!
Their fries are thick but not too soft on the inside, which is a perfect combination with their thick and flavourful gravy. They also use squeaky Quebec cheese curds, which adds to the authenticity of the food!
With five locations in the GTA, you’ll find this restaurant very accessible no matter where you live. They also offer deliveries, so there’s no need to get up in bed for your poutine cravings.
Pro Tip:
- If you don’t want to wait a while for your food, we suggest ordering online for pick-up.
NomNomNom Poutine
Website: https://www.nomnomnom.ca/
Address: 707 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 2W6, Canada
Contact Details: [emailprotected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Price/s: $9.29+
This adorably named poutine spot is a can-not-miss spot in downtown Toronto. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists alike—not surprising since this is easily one of the best places.
That’s because they use veggie gravy straight from Quebec, which has a perfect amount of saltiness. They also don’t skimp out on ingredients—they serve a nice portion of big, chewy cheese curds!
You won’t be disappointed with their selection. The pulled pork poutine is a good option, or go with the double cheese if you want that extra squeak!
Pro Tip:
- You can purchase a pack of fresh cheese curds that you can take home! Perfect for poutine at home!
The Holy Chuck
Website: https://holychuckburgers.com/
Address: 1450 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1Y7, Canada
Contact Details:
- 416-962-4825
- [emailprotected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Price/s: $12.99
One of the best poutine in Toronto is found inside this burger shop. Poutine and burger? Count us in!
We first want to say that their poutine looks incredible—the presentation looks mouthwatering. They serve large portions, with slightly thin fries, squeaky cheese curds from Quebec, a nice amount of gravy, and seasoned with herbs and spices on top.
They don’t have a lot of seating inside, but you can order via Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Skip the Dishes for delivery.
Pro Tip:
- You get to save some extra money by buying a combo meal.
- Don’t forget to try their yummy Nutella and peanut butter milkshake with your poutine.
Leslieville Pumps
Website: https://www.leslievillepumps.com/
Address: 913 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J4, Canada
Contact Details:
- 416-465-1313
- [emailprotected]
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:00 pm
Price/s: $8.84 – $15.75
This local hotspot has a creative eye, offering one of the best and most unique poutine variations in the city. They serve different kinds, and each one is worth a try.
You can opt for the classic poutine, topped generously with rich dark gravy, smoker au jus, herbs, and orange and white cheese curds. For a more adventurous palate, go for the toppings—the beef brisket chilli is a particular favourite of ours.
You can order ahead and pick it up at Queen Street East or order for delivery if you prefer the convenience. They’re available on Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Ritual.
Pro Tip:
- The poutine is best paired with a southern beef brisket burger.
- Take home some of their delicious baked goods. This Toronto spot is a general store, so you’ll find plenty of things to bring home.
Philthy Philly’s
Website: https://philthyphillys.com/
Address: 624 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E4, Canada
Contact Details: 905-801-9797
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 am (location dependent)
Price/s: $12.99+
You will drown in poutine in this eatery. The servings are massive, especially the Philthy size, even though they might not look like it.
Any Canadian will tell a poutine newbie to stick with the classic—no other ingredients besides fries, gravy, and cheese. But if you’re looking for plenty of toppings, you’ll find this place a must-visit because they’re not stingy with their servings.
The bacon poutine is a nice option if you don’t want too much going on in your poutine. But a filling morning meal is the breakfast poutine, which is topped with egg, bacon, and steak.
Pro Tip:
- Stop by on a Tuesday for their Choose-day special. A regular poutine will only cost $6 plus tax.
New York Fries
Website: https://www.newyorkfries.com/
Address: Eaton Centre North, 260 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2L9, Canada
Contact Details: 416-408-3501
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Price/s: $8.19+
This is a place to try poutine in Toronto because of the wide range of selections. *Cue Ophrah’s voice* YOU get a poutine! YOU get a poutine!
You get fresh-cut fries doused with their signature gravy, which is surprisingly vegetarian-friendly. The best part is their Quebec cheese curds that are in the middle of squeaky and melty.
A popular option is the butter chicken poutine, which has Indian spices that are mildly spicy for that extra kick. Another bestseller is the pulled pork poutine, complete with smokey sauce.
Pro Tip:
- We highly suggest dining in. The poutine variations have a lot of juices that will turn your fries soggy, especially on the bottom.
BeaverTails
Website: https://beavertails.com/
Address: 145 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H4, Canada
Contact Details:
- 416-360-8245
- [emailprotected]
Opening Hours: (location dependent)
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Friday – 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Price/s: $9.50
Yes, we are including the popular Canadian flat donut shop on our list. Despite focusing on pastries, they actually make spectacular poutine!
They’re the go-to for a quick poutine fix, considering their roughly 200 locations in the country. They top their fries with a generous serving of cheese curds and, of course, with flavourful gravy.
Once you’ve tasted that, you can move on to their peculiarly named dish, Poutail, which is poutine served on top of their signature flat donut. It’s a unique offering that you don’t normally see in Toronto—and it’s really good!
Pro Tip:
- It’s best to call ahead before going to a BeaverTails branch. Not all offer poutine, so if you don’t want to order Poutail, you might be disappointed.
Knuckle Sandwich
Website: https://www.knucklesandwich.ca/
Address: 969 Coxwell Ave, East York, ON M4C 3G5, Canada
Contact Details:
- 647-748-7999
- [emailprotected]
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Price/s: $11
In this East York burger joint, you’ll find delicious classic poutine that’s best paired with a juicy burger and a pint of beer. It’s the type of place for a casual brunch or dinner with family or friends.
They only use locally sourced fresh ingredients. All meats are naturally raised, which is more sustainable, healthier, and tastes better.
Their poutine has golden brown fries that are perfectly cooked, with salty (but not too salty) gravy and an abundant number of melty cheese curds. It’s the perfect side dish that goes with any burger.
Pro Tip:
- This burger haven is more of a dining-in-place. If you order takeout, you’ll lose the crispiness of the fries, and it won’t be as pleasing to eat because they don’t use thick fries.
C’est What
Website: https://cestwhat.com/
Address: 67 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B5, Canada
Contact Details: 416-867-9499
Opening Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
Price/s: $10+
This taproom is a laid-back spot for poutine and beer just near St. Lawrence Market. The decadent poutine is a perfect food for late-night cravings—it’s best to down it with a cold glass of beer.
Their tasty classic poutine comes with thick gravy and diced green onions that add a pop of colour. Their cheese curds are well-portioned—actually, the whole dish is perfectly portioned.
A bestseller is the butter chicken poutine, which is topped with pieces of buttered chicken, almond slices, mango chutney, and diced green onions. It’s not a traditional Québécois dish, but it’s something you can’t pass up in Toronto.
Pro Tip:
- Check their social media updates for live music. They invite performers on weekends.
- For a brain booster activity, you can join trivia nights! There’s no reservation required, and it’s a nice way to meet some locals.
FAQs about Poutine
What is poutine?
Poutine (pronounced as poo-TEEN) is a French-Canadian dish composed of fries topped with hot gravy and cheese curds. If you travel to Montreal, you’ll find many eateries serving poutine with Quebec cheese curds.
While no one really knows where it originated from, it started appearing in the 1950s in Quebec, which is why you’ll hear it being called a Québécois dish. A popular story is that it started at the restaurant Le Lutin qui rit in Warwick.
Restaurateur Fernand Lachance made the dish after a customer asked him to “combine the fries and cheese together.” To which he replied, “Ca va faire une maudite poutine!” (translated as “It will make a damn mess!”).
It’s a beautiful mess, alright. Now, it’s a Canadian staple, kind of like ice hockey and maple syrup!
How to eat poutine?
To eat poutine, just use a fork (and a knife if you want to be fancy or if you have extra toppings, like beef, chicken, or pork). You can’t eat poutine with your fingers like normal french fries because that will create a mess.
The best poutine comes with squeaky cheese curds, preferably from Quebec. And yes, you’ll actually hear a little squeak once you chew.
If you don’t hear a squeaky sound, that’s okay! Cheese curds will only do that at the peak of their freshness, and some restaurants will use mozzarella instead.
