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La Banquise Cover Image
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
La Banquise Montreal RestoMontreal.ca
Restaurant Top Pick

La Banquise

La Banquise is known throughout the world for its famous poutines.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.5$ & $$
OPENOpen 24Hrs
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Casse-Croute (Snack Bar)PoutineBurgersRegionalBreakfastSaladsVegetarianVegan Options

About

La Banquise, originally a small ice-cream shop, first opened its doors in May 1968. In fall of the same year, its founder, local fireman Pierre Barsalou, decided to transform the enterprise into a 24-hour snack bar. At the time it specialized in exceptionally good hot-dogs and great fries. Poutine first appeared on the menu at the start of the 80s and originally just two varieties were offered, classic and Italian. However, in response to repeated requests from very satisfied customers, the restaurant’s poutine varieties quickly multiplied. Today we offer no less than 25 different types of poutine. Today, La Banquise remains a family business. Mr. Barsalou’s youngest daughter Annie took over in the 1990s along with her partner Marc Latendresse. Together, they maintain both the tradition of quality and the excellent reputation of the La Banquise Restaurant. In summer 2006, La Banquise underwent major renovations and a much larger dining area was made available. 40 years on, La Banquise is now much more than a simple snack bar or poutine joint. Today it is also a warm, friendly venue where customers can enjoy micro-brewery beers, a complete menu du jour and excellent breakfasts. So here’s to you, our loyal customers, the night owls, the groups of friends, the workers, students, families and more, because all of you have contributed to shaping and enriching the success story that is La Banquise today. Many, many thanks.

Details

Our Specialties

Poutine

Amenities, services & more

We accept:  Interac, ATM machine
We are located near Lafontaine Park. Gift Certificates available.
Paying parking across the street and free parking on the side street of restaurant.
30 seats.
5★
68%
4★
18%
3★
7%
2★
7%
1★
0%
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Reviews for La Banquise

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (20400+)
*as of 2026-07-11
5★
68%
4★
18%
3★
7%
2★
7%
1★
0%

Review Summary

La Banquise is widely recognized as a Montreal institution, celebrated for its extensive menu of creative poutine variations and generous portion sizes. While the restaurant is incredibly popular and frequently experiences long wait times and a lively, crowded atmosphere, many visitors find the high-quality food, fresh ingredients, and authentic taste worth the effort. The staff generally receives praise for being friendly and efficient, even during busy periods, though some guests note that the tight seating and occasional noise levels are part of the bustling experience. Whether stopping by for a classic version or trying a specialty, most patrons consider it a must-visit destination for those seeking a quintessential dining experience in the city.
Page 1 of 3 - 30 Reviews

Très bonne expérience , j'ai pris la Scooby pour tenter quelque chose de nouveau après avoir tenté une classique ailleurs & c'était vraiment bon ! Possibilité de manger en terrasse, serveuses sympathiques

Jun 24, 2026
on Google

Our taxi driver from the airport told us we had to have poutine at La Banquise while we were in Montreal.
It was worth the trip! The staff are delightful, the place is super funky & fun, & La Classique poutine was a hit!

Jun 6, 2026
on Google

I got a regular La Classique & was so full by the end of it. I haven't had much poutine to compare but it was so good!

Apr 7, 2026
on Google

La Banquise is an absolute must?visit in Montreal

La Banquise delivered exactly what we came for: legendary poutine & a fun, lively vibe. I went for the smoked meat poutine - L'Obélix - & it was outstanding. Perfect fries, rich gravy, plenty of cheese curds, & that smoky, tender meat on top took it over the edge.

My brother ordered La Elvis, which was loaded, indulgent, & exactly the kind of over?the?top poutine you hope it will be. Our niece kept it classic with La Classique, & even the simplest version was spot?on. When a place nails the basics, you know the rest is going to be great.

They also have a surprisingly good craft beer selection, which paired perfectly with the food & the atmosphere.

If you're in Montreal & craving poutine - whether you want traditional or something wild - La Banquise absolutely lives up to the hype. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Mar 7, 2026
on Google

En visite à Montréal, on nous a conseillé cet endroit & vraiment on a pas était déçu. Cela va devenir un classique lors de nos prochaines visites. La version grande est vraiment à réserver aux grandes faims

Dec 10, 2025
on Google

If you get the restaurant & there is no queue, you're lucky! I was in this case. Super friendly & efficient service, no complaints whatsoever... Regarding the large Classique Poutine? Decent portion but it was served slightly warm & not enough sauce. Also the flavour wasn't anything to brag about as I've had hundreds of poutines btw so I know what a good poutine is.
Worth it, sure, but not worth a trip across town.

Nov 19, 2025
on Google

Ce lieu est censé représenter l'endroit où on mange la meilleure poutine à Montréal.
Je pense que c'est surtout l'endroit le plus bruyant pour manger la poutine.
Une carte vous ai proposé avec plusieurs déclinaisons de la poutine, pour la plupart des saveurs improbables, & pas du tout bon d'ailleurs.
Je vous conseille de rester sur la poutine classique qui est très bonne.
Le serveur a été très sympa.
Les toilettes sales comme beaucoup de restaurant à Montréal

Nov 4, 2025
on Google

We arrived around 5pm & waited about less than ten minutes to be seated. We ordered la classique & l'obelix poutines, which were delicious! Alex, our server, provided excellent service & had a great attitude. Definitely recommend & will be back again!

Oct 11, 2025
on Google

Un classique, beaucoup de monde, beaucoup de bruit, beaucoup de choix, beaucoup de bonnes poutines, beaucoup de bonheur. & un service fort efficace

Aug 17, 2025
on Google

Classique is great

Jun 20, 2025
on Google