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.
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
Classic French brasseries serving hearty dishes. We got the bone marrow for the starter which was okay but too oily & very filling. Personally, I would not recommend this as an appetizer as it was quite oily & essentially another version or bread with butter. But if you like bone marrow you will enjoy it. For main course we got the Boudin Noir (blood pudding) with apples & the hangar steak. Both were quite good & filling but the blood pudding was my favourite. The blood pudding was rich with a creamy texture while the mashed potatoes it comes with were very buttery. The fries with the steak were extra crispy (maybe a little over cooked) as well. Both the steak & the blood pudding felt like they were deep fried. We also got the maple profiteroles for dessert which was alright. The maple flavour is quite strong but it is essentially just profiteroles with maple ice cream in them. Overall not bad but you can get better food at a similar price at Monarque, which is much better.
It was one of the best experiences I've had. The restaurant staff were excellent & very professional. The steak was really good, & the best thing I had was the profiteroles for dessert-I definitely recommend trying it.
Déçue dans l'ensemble. Les plats sont corrects, mais les desserts déçoivent. Le service est convenable, sans plus. L'ambiance est beaucoup trop bruyante, au point de ne pas pouvoir discuter. Clairement un endroit qui plaira plus aux touristes qu'aux amateurs de vraie brasserie française.
Sat at the bar with my daughter last night. Service was amazing by bartender. She recommended great wine & dinner. We had the bourgot app. My daughter had trout & I had traditional steak frites. Dessert was creme brulee & raspberry glacee. We had made reservations.
😍🍽? Food heaven alert! Everything was just incredible! From the perfectly cooked duck 🦆🔥 to the decadent desserts 🍰🍮🍫, every bite was a flavor explosion 😋💥.
The vibe of the place is cozy & inviting 🌿🪑🎶, perfect for chilling with friends or treating yourself 🌸✨. Staff were friendly, service smooth, & honestly… I just want to come back tomorrow 😍🚀.
If you love amazing food + a cute atmosphere + total comfort, this place is a must-visit 🍤🥗☕. Can't wait for my next foodie adventure here! 🍴💖
Dans le menu du jour, j'ai choisi les poireaux & moules en escabèche @ 16 $ (3 étoiles / 5) & les tripes bourguignonnes @ 29 $ (5 étoiles / 5), accompagnés de deux verres de vin, dont le Château Bréhat 2016 @ 10,75 $ le verre (6 étoiles / 5).
Mon expérience avec la carte des vins de L'Express a toujours été exceptionnelle : un choix remarquable & des prix parmi les plus raisonnables que je connaisse. Pour moi, déguster un verre de Bordeaux vieux de dix ans à environ 11 $ tient presque de l'exploit - & mérite d'être souligné.
Les poireaux & moules en escabèche n'étaient toutefois pas à mon goût : l'assaisonnement était trop vinaigré & l'acidité trop vive.
Les tripes bourguignonnes, en revanche, étaient très réussies pour un plat que l'on retrouve rarement dans la restauration. On y trouvait de nombreux oignons confits, relativement peu de tripes, le tout dans une sauce bien bourguignonne qui manquait légèrement de sel - un détail que l'on peut facilement ajuster soi-même à table.
Je n'ai pas été tenté par les desserts, mais la générosité des portions observée aux autres tables suggère qu'ils se prêtent bien au partage entre convives.
