Monday

11:30 am - 1 am

Tuesday

11:30 am - 1 am

Wednesday

11:30 am - 1 am

Thursday

11:30 am - 1 am

Friday

11:30 am - 1 am

Saturday

11:30 am - 1 am

Sunday

11:30 am - 1 am

About

L'Express functions as a definitive pillar of classic bistro culture, showcasing a commitment to traditional French techniques through a focused and meticulously prepared menu. The kitchen specializes in seasoned raw meat preparations, including signature tartare variations that serve as the hallmark of the culinary program. Guests encounter an atmosphere defined by iconic tiled floors, bentwood chairs, and a long zinc bar that anchors the bustling room. Staff execute table service with precision and efficiency, maintaining a steady tempo throughout the facility. The menu prioritizes authentic preparations such as bone marrow, confit de canard, and artisanal cheeses, highlighting a devotion to timeless culinary standards. This establishment operates with a singular focus on consistent quality, ensuring that every dish reflects the core identity of the bistro format through technical rigor and dependable execution.

Reviews for L'Express

Food

Service

on Google4.6 (4000+)

*as of 2026-08-01

4.6 1035 ratings

5★

77%

4★

13%

3★

2★

1★

Write your review

Reviews often mention

Display All french(134) steak(77) duck(74) dessert(73) recommend(70) bistro(70) wine(69) classic(68) confit(54) duck confit(45) pickle(45) busy(33)

Review Summary

L'Express is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal institution that offers an authentic Parisian bistro experience, characterized by its classic decor, lively atmosphere, and long-standing menu favorites such as duck confit, steak frites, and bone marrow. Many patrons praise the efficient, professional service and the unique touch of complimentary house-made pickles and mustard served with fresh bread. While a significant number of visitors consider it a must-visit destination for its consistency and quality, some diners have noted inconsistencies, ranging from issues with food preparation and seasoning to concerns regarding noise levels and occasional lapses in service quality. Overall, it remains a beloved staple for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional French dining experience, though making a reservation is highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular and bustling eatery.

Page 8 of 8 - 77 Reviews

Déborah

5.0

Tous les plats que nous avons commandés étaient excellents! De la vraie cuisine de bistrot parisien. Ça fait plaisir de manger des mets aussi bons à Montréal 🙂 Nous avons prit: poireaux vinaigrette, céleris remoulade, confits de canard & purée (le rêve), le poulet sauce citron & sauge aux légumes, l'onglet au beurre d'échalote. En dessert: la tarte au citron ganache chocolat blanc (une tuerie), la créme brulée (excellente), le baba au rhum (un pur délice, la truffe miam miam & le macaron citrouille épicée la folie 🤤 Les desserts sont juste PARFAITS 🤩 J'aurais juste aimé que les plats soient plus chauds mais à part ça c'est pour moi un sans faute.

Nov 5, 2023

on Google

Frances

4.0

First impression….. there is no sign out front. I guess you have to be in the know.
Beautiful inside like a proper French Bistro. Menu with all the classics.
Everything delicious.
The waiter was snooty.
Probably French ;- )

Oct 17, 2023

on Google

MunchingUnderControl

5.0

A staple in the neighborhood & the city, a solid choice when I’m craving for a delicious classic French bistro food.

Oct 17, 2023

on Google

Louis

5.0

Best French bistro around. Great selection of traditional French bistro fare. Great wine selection. Impeccable service. Highly recommended.
Upd-20231005: Been back a couple times post-pandemic, food quality has been consistent, but like most places, they're being challenged staff-wise, but overall a great place to enjoy an excellent meal.

Oct 5, 2023

on Google

Josef

5.0

The consummate go to French bistro in Montreal. Awesome food, service, & atmosphere.?

Oct 2, 2023

on Google

Chef

4.0

After being away from Canada for 2 years, it felt great to visit this French bistro again. Not much has changed. The classics are still there. The soupe de poissons tasted amazing. L’os à moelle just has I remembered. Living in India you can image that I’m craving beef a lot. So the tartare was just the fix I needed. Could have used a little kick for a guy who’s been eating spicy Indian food for a while but the server never asked how I wanted it. The fries were great & crispy. The croque-monsieur left us wandering. Very hard & dry. Frankly have something else. Over all it felt good to be back. The atmosphere was vibrant even on this late afternoon during the week.

Sep 1, 2023

on Google

alchor

1 Review

4.0

Nous avions décidé de manger en ville & sans réservation. Je connais l'Express depuis près de 30 ans & j'y suis allé à intervalles plus ou moins réguliers. L'accueil fut très cordial & le maître D nous indique que nous pouvons avoir une table mais que nous devrons quitter à 19h30 en raison de réservations ultérieures. Comme il est à peine 18h nous avons le temps. Nous retrouvons donc le décor un peu intemporel de ce bistro français. Une carte simple avec des plats classiques de la gastronomie française goûteux & bien présentés, une carte de vins variée avec des prix allant du raisonnable au plus cher. Le service est attentif & professionnel. Très content de notre visite. Oui le resto est bruyant mais c'est souvent le cas dans ce type de bistro très éclairé & malgré la proximité des tables on peut s'y faire notre propre "intimité". On y retourne ? Certainement.

Jan 23, 2015

L'Express

Montréal’s definitive classic bistro destination remains the gold standard for authentic French culinary tradition.

LocationError?

About

Details

Mentioned in:View More

The Best Food Streets in Montreal for Dining and Strolling

The Must-visit Food Spots in Montreal to Add to Your Bucket List

Restaurants in Le Plateau-Mont-RoyalView More

India Rosa Plateau

Barranco MTL

Le Nil Bleu

Au Pied de Cochon

Café Cherrier

Reviews for L'Express

Review Summary