FR
Montreal Restaurants
RestaurantsReviewsArticlesWhat's On

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

Restaurant Top Pick

L'Express

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.6$$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 11:30 amValentine's Day: hours might differ
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
L'Express Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
BistroFrenchTartareGreat selection of wines
Restaurant L'Express, located in Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Montreal is one of Montreal's best-known French bistros. The menu rotates somewhat, and there are always daily specials, but l'Express specializes in: pâté, foie gras and bouillabaisse appetizers; steak tartare, steak-frites and veal kidney main courses; and cheeses, crème caramel or chocolate mousse desserts.

Amenities, services & more

Latest Updates

L'Express - recent news.

Suggested Articles

5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

The 10 Best Le Plateau-Mont-Royal RestaurantsMore

Reviews for L'Express

Food
Service
on Google4.6 (3700+)
*as of 2026-02-01
5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Reviews paint L'Express as a beloved Montreal institution with a classic Parisian bistro vibe, where comforting French dishes, a lively atmosphere, and a strong wine list create a consistent draw despite occasional price concerns. Dishes frequently highlighted include bone marrow, duck confit, ravioli, octopus, steak frites, and a standout creme brulee or floating island, with some desserts described as exceptional; the bread and pickles are often noted as welcome touchpoints. Service is praised for warmth, attentiveness, and knowledge, though experiences vary with some slower moments or hiccups and a few staff interactions that didn’t meet expectations. The setting can be bustling and noisy, especially late, which suits the energetic vibe but can feel crowded to some; signage and navigation occasionally challenge certain visits. Reservations are advised due to high demand, and while the experience is described as vibrant and authentically French, opinions on value and consistency vary. Overall, L'Express remains a top choice for a late night or special occasion in Montreal, offering reliable classics, a charming ambiance, and a sense of having stepped into a Parisian bistro.
Page 1 of 24 - 473 Reviews

Busy long time french eatery. Excellent food & service. Honestly one of the best meals I've had in Montreal. Truly Excellent.

Feb 11, 2026
on Google

3/5 food but its just a magical place, i love it. would marry this restaurant if i could.

Feb 11, 2026
on Google

Good bistro food & great wine list. Duck was OK, soup was fantastic. My companion liked his boudin.
Service is both friendly & professional.
It got very loud as the place filled up: noise bounces on the mirrored walls, it is difficult to have a conversation at a normal volume. & the lights are very bright. I don't remember these issues being a problem for my many visits over the years - maybe I get less tolerant with time.

Feb 10, 2026
on Google
5.0

Everything is all very well done, very Quebecois, very tasty. Live it up & order a bottle of wine with your lunch. Merci a tour.

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

Une parenthèse parisienne indémodable au coeur de Montréal
Franchir la porte de L'Express, c'est s'offrir bien plus qu'un repas ; c'est accepter une invitation au voyage. Dès l'entrée, le décor iconique avec son carrelage en damier, ses boiseries sombres & ses miroirs patinés nous téléporte instantanément outre-Atlantique, en plein coeur d'une effervescente brasserie parisienne. C'est une adresse qui traverse les décennies avec une élégance rare, prouvant que la véritable qualité ne se démode jamais.
L'expérience a débuté avec une délicieuse soupe onctueuse & réconfortante, accompagnée de ses croûtons parfaitement dorés. C'est le genre de classique maîtrisé qui annonce la couleur pour la suite. Pour le plat principal, mon choix s'est porté sur l'onglet de boeuf. Bien qu'il y ait eu un petit souci initial, Le serveur a réagi avec un professionnalisme exemplaire, remédiant à la situation en un clin d'oeil avec le sourire. Ce souci du détail & cette efficacité transforment un simple repas en un moment privilégié.
Pour clore cette soirée en beauté, le passage par le baba au rhum est tout simplement non négociable. Généreux, parfaitement imbibé & d'une finesse absolue, il confirme son statut d'incontournable de la maison. Que ce soit pour la rigueur de la cuisine, l'ambiance feutrée mais vivante, ou le service impeccable, L'Express demeure une valeur sûre où l'on revient avec la certitude d'être choyé. Une institution montréalaise qui honore magnifiquement la tradition française.

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

Pas grand chose à reprocher, le service est excellent, les plats bien préparés, le cadre dépaysant. Une valeur sur de Montréal

Feb 5, 2026
on Google

Have been eating here & a favourite for 20 years.. amazing dinner last night.. humorous & attentive service.. continued great space & delicious food.. beef tartare the star, follows by the steak frites then the lamb shank.. super wine list !! Go !

Feb 2, 2026
on Google

Ordered the steak frites & it was very very good. They serve pickles with mustard at the table & those were also very good. Interior looks nice & service was very attentive. Signage is minimum, you don't know you're there until you're basically at the door. Prices were also very reasonable considering the quality.

Feb 2, 2026
on Google
5.0

Excellente expérience !
Gabriel au bar était particulièrement sympathique.
Merci pour la soirée & les recommandations!

Feb 1, 2026
on Google

L'Express - une valeur sûre, tout simplement.

Une soirée mémorable à L'Express, où tout est au rendez-vous : ambiance incroyable, salle vivante & animée, service efficace & une cuisine qui assume pleinement son classicisme… & qui le fait brillamment.

Les prix sont étonnamment honnêtes pour la qualité des produits, la maîtrise des cuissons & le soin apporté aux détails. Mention spéciale au boudin & céleri - absolument remarquable, parfaitement équilibré, réconfortant & exécuté avec justesse. Un plat qui reste en tête longtemps après avoir quitté la table.

C'est le genre d'endroit où l'on mange bien, où l'on se sent bien, & où l'on comprend pourquoi le restaurant traverse le temps sans jamais perdre sa pertinence.
Bref, une institution montréalaise qui mérite amplement sa réputation.

Jan 26, 2026
on Google

The food is incredible!! I started with a vegetable soup & every piece of vegetables were cut to the same size. I then had the steak & frites. The fries were perfect!! The ambiance was something of the 1930's/40's New York. Staff was incredible & they have unlimited little pickles.

Jan 25, 2026
on Google

Iconic but the food is basic & just ok at best... soup & steak rly needs salt. Duck is very goood tho

Jan 24, 2026
on Google
4.0

La nourriture est délicieuse, le personnel est courtois & sympathique, une belle ambiance. J'ai passé un moment agréable.

Jan 24, 2026
on Google

Great service & delicious food. Got the bone marrow which was so rich, the beef tartare which was delicious, & a truffle risotto which was one of the specials & was pretty good.

Jan 19, 2026
on Google

Authentic French restaurant in Plateau!

Jan 18, 2026
on Google

Ordered veal kidney, it was amazing, love that flavor & topping, you must try it! Finished, 😎. You can see how I love it:)

Jan 18, 2026
on Google

My husband & I visited from Toronto & wow, we were mind blown from the food & customer service. I made sure to make a reservation as I knew it was a busy place. The servers are phenomenal & provide great service - my water & wine was never empty! On top of it, they give you a jar of pickles on house to munch at while waiting for your food - including be happier! The food is Michelin star for a reason … I got the duck & crème brûlée & it was SO GOOD. The crème brûlée is massive & you could share it with someone - or not :) Cant wait to be back!

Jan 14, 2026
on Google
5.0

everything was amazing

Jan 14, 2026
on Google

Je suis arrivée sans rendez-vous & ils ont pu m'accueillir. La soupe paysanne était réconfortante, l'onglet au beurre d'échalote & les frites étaient excellents. Gros plus pour le bocal de cornichons sur la table. La crème brûlée était délicieuse.

Jan 13, 2026
on Google
5.0

I would like the shepherd's pie in every lifetime.

Jan 13, 2026
on Google