FR
Montreal RestaurantsValentine's Day
RestaurantsReviewsArticlesWhat's On

Logo 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
Valentine's Day: hours might differ
Casse-Croute (Snack Bar)PoutineBurgersRegionalBreakfastSaladsVegetarianVegan Options

About us

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.

Our Specialties

Poutine

Amenities, services & more

We accept:  Interac, ATM machine

More details

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★
67%
4★
18%
3★
7%
2★
7%
1★
0%

Events NearbyMore

Reviews for La Banquise

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (19800+)
*as of 2026-02-14
5★
67%
4★
18%
3★
7%
2★
7%
1★
0%

Review Summary

La Banquise is a Montreal staple known for an astonishing variety of poutines, including plenty of vegetarian options with veggie gravy, and generous portions that satisfy big appetites. The classics shine with crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy, while creative toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and smoked meat offer memorable twists. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with fast, efficient service that keeps things moving even when the place is crowded. Long lines are part of the experience, yet the quality and range of choices make it worth the wait. Takeout and late hours make it a reliable go-to for a satisfying meal any time, and the consistency keeps bringing locals and visitors back. In short, La Banquise delivers a quintessential, comforting poutine experience with heart, variety, and a true Montreal vibe.
Page 1 of 35 - 685 Reviews

Très bon, service rapide & très bien

Feb 10, 2026
on Google

Not bad, the quality of food can improve

Feb 9, 2026
on Google

Large potions, fresh crispy fries! Went here after reading reviews & found it meeting the reputation!

Feb 9, 2026
on Google

It's a staple for a reason… highly recommend the Montreal smoked meat with mushrooms & sour cream poutine!! Fries were a bit cold at my last visit which was a bit disappointing given it wasn't very busy on a winter evening

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

Très sympa🤩je recommande pour un moment entre amis on a bien été reçu service rapide assiette généreuse très bon 😁

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

La meilleure poutine !

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

A 24 hours running restaurant serving pountine is amazing. There is a long queue outside the restaurant for a bowl of pountine. We were planning to dine inside but the wait is too long so we got the takeaways finally. There are a lot of flavours to choose from. Love it.

Feb 6, 2026
on Google

Lively pub serving its famous Montreal poutine & beer.

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

Totally recommended..!
Went there & tried their veggie reggie poutine & it was really great & the food portion was really good.

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

A Montreal institution for a reason! Great anytime of the day, & for families with littles. La scooby is my favorite!

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

Very delicious, the large size is good enough for two adults
The shootout & the panoramix

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

L'endroit Incontournable pour manger une bonne Poutine à Montréal. Deuxième visite pour nous & de nouveau une excellente dégustation. Seul reproche, l'assiette est trop petite par rapport à la bonne quantité de Poutine. Ça tombe sur la table, dommage !

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

The best authentic poutine in montreal. Try La Veggie Reggie for sure. They have waiting almost everyday so make sure to go before.

Jan 27, 2026
on Google

This is a great spot for a late night poutine!

Jan 27, 2026
on Google

Loved our food! The classic poutine was a must as this was my first experience. However,'La Shoot Out' was an excellent alternative to try. The smoked meats on top were to DIE for, & my highlight of the experience. Everyone was accomodating & friendly, which made up greatly for the tight seating. Great spot.

Jan 26, 2026
on Google

Tried the Veggie Reggie after seeing some of the reviews. & it's totally worth it! Best poutine ever. Must try.
There's usually a waiting if you're dining in, but not for takeaway.

Jan 26, 2026
on Google

I love the hot dog poutine

Jan 26, 2026
on Google

If you want some of the best tasting Poutine, try La Banquise! They have a wide variety of Poutines as well besides the classic.

Of course this is a tourist attraction, so expect long lines for at peak times.

Jan 25, 2026
on Google

Went for my yearly winter visit for a poutine. Portion getting smaller every year. Taste still good. Very noisy. The distance between chairs makes it every uncomfortable.

Jan 25, 2026
on Google

Très bonne poutine & l'attente en vaut le coup

Jan 18, 2026
on Google