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 reserved for a party of 3 to celebrate a bday
we were told by a very rude hostess that our table would be a table for 2 with an added third chair facing the wall .. we tried to have a better table but once again the rude hostess told us that it had been mentionned when reservation was made .. totally false
Service was less than acceptable for a restaurant that has Michelin mention by the entrance door .. what a shame
We had ordered 2 bavettes one had to be well cook
but we had to return it to the kitchen because it was blue!!!
By recommandation from our waiter 1 person ordered the ravioli he made sound very nice but... the 5 raviolis were drowning in a brown sauce & was barely eatable tasted awdull did not eat...
We by accident knocked the sparkling water on the table , waiter was quick to change the paper tablecoth
but .. never replaced the water bottle nor the glass..
Salad tasteless barely dressed with vinaigrette ..
Had to waited at least 25 min with dirty plates
never were asked for another glass of wine or water
Dessert worst Creme brulee ever
Horrible service from start to end , loud phone ringing constantly
will never recommend this restaurant that used to be part of Montreal establisment for more than 40 yrs
Working as a public relation person for an international
cie this experience was simply not acceptable
Two friends & I had our favorite lunch ever here! The service was exceptional & atmosphere really enjoyable definitely recommend the duck confit, the bone marrow, the sorrel soup, & especially their signature dessert, Ile Flottante!
Beautiful experience, did not disappoint one bit. The scallops with strawberrys is divine. Their system is flawless. I sat at the bar & my server was perfect. I need to go back & try the rest of the dishes & order dessert. Merci!
Had an amazing late-night meal here with a group of friends, everything was top-notch & very reasonably priced. We got extremely drunk & extremely full. Would recommend to anyone.
Go for the quails, duck confit, & every dessert on the menu.
Un bistro français Bib Gourmand Michelin à Montréal qui vaut vraiment le détour. Le service était professionnel, accueillant & efficace du début à la fin. L'endroit est chaleureux & rempli d'histoire, notamment grâce aux cadres photos des équipes affichés des années 1980 jusqu'à aujourd'hui.
Nous avons commandé l'onglet beurre à l'échalote avec frites, la cuisse de canard confite, puis en dessert le fameux « Île flottante » que mon cousin me recommandait depuis longtemps.
Les plats principaux étaient parfaitement assaisonnés, & la viande était tellement tendre qu'elle fondait littéralement dans la bouche.
Le dessert mérite vraiment sa réputation. Je recommande de le partager à quatre plutôt qu'à deux, car il est assez généreux. C'était un superbe mélange de textures : la légèreté de la meringue, le goût sucré du caramel, ainsi que la sauce qui venait parfaitement compléter l'ensemble.
Petit conseil: ils préparent un nombre limité d'Îles flottantes par jour, donc ça vaut la peine d'arriver tôt pour ne pas la manquer.
I'm disappointed about my experience here, I & my friend went for a lunch, My friend ordered a starter & a main, but I only ordered a main that worths $21. No service for me at all, the server smiled at my friend & gave me a cold attitude. No one helped me to hang my backpack, I had to bring it to the table. Waited way too long before our order was taken. My glass was empty for half of the time & no water available. The server didn't split the bill originally, wasted our time & he didn't even say sorry.
The server almost ignored me, only asked my friend still or sparkling, wine or not, finished the dish or not, or if she would like to take a look at the dessert menu & never paid any attention to me. Except when he handed us the card reader, he let me pay the bill before my friend. He was gazing at the amount of tips I was entering, I was upset, I entered zero, he impatiently asked me'receipt?'
But after my friend finished her payment, he smiled & said thank you, have a nice day.
This sucks, would not come back again.
We ordered the herring, the bone marrow, the duck confit & the steak with fries. They were all so delicious! Favourite being the herring dish, the fish paired with the green apples & potatoes was so well balanced. Each meal was very well portioned as well, perfect size to taste & enjoy each dish without getting too bored. The desserts were wonderful as well, favourite was the basque cheesecake! Would definitely come again & recommend for others!
Très bonne & jolie brasserie française plutôt parisienne exactement comme la bas avec quelques produits d'ici , le velouté de cepes est le meilleur que j'ai goûté de ma vie , la viande & les frites aussi, les rillettes etaient fades mais ca ne gache rien, la carte des vins & aperitifs digestifs exhaustive & Excellente, nous reviendrons pour cafe dessert sûrement. Des années après toujours aussi bons & accueillants
