L'Express

Scott

5.0

What you'll notice immediately about L'Express is its authenticity. The room looks like it was plucked straight out of Paris. There is a long bar with a partition separating it from the dining room. The tables are well spaced, but the room has energy, so bring your own. Reservations are highly recommended. I arrived as a solo diner on a Monday at 7:45 & had to return an hour later just to sit at the bar-it was worth waiting.

After choosing my meal, the waiter set a massive container of cronichon on the table with bread, butter, & mustard. Don't skip tasting them-the cronichon are pure perfection, & the mustard is spicy & tart, a classic dijon. The real challenge is not finishing it all (though with the huge jar of pickles, it's impossible; but beware: bread is the enemy).

My order needed to be classic but not pedestrian, so I chose the cured salmon, served over a bed of thinly sliced cabbage, dressed with cream, lemon, & dill, & garnished with radish & micro-greens. Wow, this was such a surprise. I was blown away. Great fish, paired with a salad I would have never considered, a true win.
For my main, I ordered the hanger steak (Aka Steak Frites) along with a wine of the server's choosing after letting him know what I usually enjoy. The steak was great, served with hotel butter, cooked to perfection. On the side were the fries, hot & crisp, with a fluffy interior & a generous serving of mayo.
I ate everything & required a coffee just to make it to my hotel. I will be back, with reservations & a larger group next time, so I can try more of the menu, but my first impression... O la la!

LingJ

5.0

We decided to try L'Express after hearing many positive reviews, & the dining experience was great.

The interior gave me a classic Parisian bistro feel, just like stepping into an old French film set. Staffs were friendly. The large jar of house pickles brought to your table was such a fun & memorable touch that adds to the classic French bistro atmosphere.

Food was great, we really enjoyed everything. Celery remoulade was refreshing. I also highly recommend the Boudin noix aux pommes, it was rich & flavorful. My boyfriend even stepped out of his comfort zone to try this blood sausage dish, & he ended up enjoying it as well.

Definitely will come back to explore more of the menu next time in Montreal.

Didier

5.0

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.

Michael

5.0

Steak frites, cod fritters, amazing wine choices, & the can't miss maple syrup profiteroles!!! These are truly life changing & absolutely a fantastic Canadian twist on a French classic. Probably one of my favorite desserts I've ever had.

Ari

4.0

I had a really lovely experience at L'Express in Montreal. The food was very good - classic, comforting French dishes that feel heartwarming & done with care. The soup was especially amazing, rich & full of flavor.

Our waiter was incredibly friendly & took the time to explain everything in English, which made the whole experience even better. The service was warm & attentive.

Maz

5.0

No nonsense French cooking. Top-notch, a Montreal classic.

Evan

5.0

Went here for lunch while on vacation in Montreal. I had many excellent meals, but L'Express was possibly the best. Food was fantastic, but the atmosphere is what I enjoyed the most. It feels very much like a classic French bistro. Charming, excellent service. What a delight.

David

5.0

The very best classic old school!!!!
Constant even perfect
We LOVE this place since 1983 & then on visits about 2-4 times a year since

Luis

5.0

Great classic bistro. There's usually 2 or 3 vegetarian options but expect things to be more classic French. Recommended are the raviolis des maison & the boudin noir.

Joseph

5.0

Restaurant has been open for a long time & is a blend of classic French & Montreal fare. Food was amazing. Complimentary table gherkins with mustard was oddly delicious. Profiteroles for dessert were also a highlight.