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.
L'Express is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal institution that offers an authentic and timeless Parisian bistro experience. Guests frequently praise the consistently delicious classic French cuisine, highlighting standout dishes such as the duck confit, steak frites, bone marrow, and the signature Ile Flottante dessert. The welcoming atmosphere is often described as vibrant, cozy, and elegant, perfectly complemented by a professional and attentive service team. Many diners appreciate the unique touches, such as the complimentary jar of gherkins and mustard served at every table, as well as the extensive and well curated wine list. While the popular, bustling dining room can become quite loud and tables are closely spaced, most visitors find that the high quality of the food and the charming, energetic vibe make it a must visit destination that provides excellent value for a memorable dining experience.
We had Duck Confit & Veal kidney It met our expectations in the fullest Great food, environment & very friendly & knowledgable staff Highly recommended!
Beautiful decor that has an old soul vibe. The service was very good. You are served warm baguette with butter as well as their homemade (sour) pickles & dijon mustard. That mustard is potent & delicious! Just a dab & it'll clear your stuffy nostrils. We had the duck confit leg, which was very nicely cooked & the steak/frites.
Feb 27, 2024
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Tout ce qu'on a commandé était delicieux & le service était impeccable. Par ordre de préférence : Mousse de foies de volaille aux pistaches (à ne pas rater, mais très gras naturellement) Onglet beurre échalote- frites Cuisse de canard confite Chèvre frais en croute de kataifi Pieuvre grillée (rien de special, le seul plat que je ne reprendrai pas)
This was the BEST duck confit I've ever had! It was so perfectly done. The place is quite packed & even when I made a reservation a few weeks before we could only get bar seating so make sure to book well in advance. If I'm in Montreal again I'm definitely going back. Pretty reasonable prices too!
My husband & I visited Montreal for the first time & we were impressed with the fabulous restaurant scene here. We didn't get to go to a lot of restaurants here but L'Express quickly became one of our top choices-so much so that we visited twice in a row, both for dinner. First visit was for a late night meal right after our check-in. We had sorrel soup, duck confit & a lemon pie. We loved the soup & it was also our best duck confit. The mushrooms & potatoes had depths of flavors having been cooked in (what I assume to be) duck fat. For the second day, we shared french onion soup, hubby had salmon with lentils & spinach & I got quails with wild rice & we were both amazed once again. The French onion soup instantly warmed us up & the main dishes were very well balanced in terms of seasoning & also cooked to perfection. We also enjoyed quick service & friendly & very professional staff.
Best meal I've had...hands down. Was blown away. Duck confit was by far the best meal but nearly everything on the menu looked amazing. Texture of the duck's delicate skin with the tender meat inside made me want to savor every bite. Surrounded by crisp brussel sprouts & mushrooms only added even more greatness to an already perfect meal. Filling & affordable. Was able to make a reservation that same day an hour beforehand & even walked in early & was seated for a large party of 8. Maple Porfitoroules & creme brûlée also highly recommended. Meal came with tons of complimentary pickles, spicy mustard, & bread. Perfection. Wouldn't have had it differently any way
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.
Réservée une soirée délicieux!
Le crème fraîche au kataifi was rich, & balanced perfectly with the grilled onions
Le pieuvre was the best dish of the ones we ordered. It was soft & the piperade complemented it perfectly
Le canaird confit first looked beautiful & despite it's greasy appearance was super light, soft, & perfectly seasoned. The leeks accompanying it made it an absolutely perfect main.
& I cannot forget the pickles presented with the bread after we sat down. The pickles were the best seasoned ones I have had with such dimension in flavor
Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Montréal for the first time
The staff was friendly & very patient with my stale French speaking XD
We went to L’Express as it is highly reviewed by local. Even right before getting into the restaurant, the guy on the street told us to give it a try. We ordered an Scallop appetizer to start with, I ordered.sea bass & my friend ordered duck confit. In MHO, the appetizer could be skipped if you are on a tight budget as the pickled cucumber & bread could serve the same purpose . Both of us have the feelings all the foods are towards stronger seasoning side & has the very similar taste. Compared Le Boulevardier we had last night, I’express is towards more casual & pub style cooking. It will be good place to try if you are in the neighbourhood .
