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.
The steak frites was perfect & the dessert a fever dream: the eye-catching île flottante is so satisfying to break open & probably best shared between at least three people...
I came here on a Monday night for dinner. I had a reservation & it was quite busy. The host runs a very tight & organized ship. The amount of people who walked in without reservations & the number of phone calls was endless. Make sure to make a reservation, many people without were told to come back 45 minutes-1 hour later. I sat at the bar. The stools are nice but do not move so you're sitting pretty close to your fellow diners. For my meal I had a white wine, Sanserre to drink. I ordered the Bone Marrow, Croque Monsieur & maple syrup Profiteroles. Marrow was good, Croque was comforting & fries crunchy. I think the Profiteroles were my favourite item. The bar staff were both kind, friendly, attentive (but not overly) & had recommendations when asked. As expected they were also all able to speak French & English. The establishment is very tight space wise & your very close to other diners. Additionally, I know they were busy but before I even took my last bite of my dessert, my bill was quickly slapped in front of me. So I guess that was the Express part of my experience. 🤷🏻♀️
Great experience overall! Service is top notch. Never enjoyed the dining experience this much. Portion size is good, food was awesome! Great espresso & dessert. Everything was just perfect! Would definitely come back!
Managed to snag a couple of spots at the bar for Saturday lunch. Had a pisco sour which was really good. They give you some baguette with butter & Mustard & house made Pickles.. we ordered the poached salmon & the house made ravioli. Both were exquisite. Really amazing flavors, both dishes were really really good. We used the bread to mop up all the sauce. It was so good! We got the lemon tart & chocolate ganache tart for dessert & left absolutely stuffed & happy. Would 100% recommend.
The food was on point, which was to be expected. Great menu, nice presentation. The atmosphere was nice too, classic Montreal shotgun style eatery. The service fell short for us though. I think there was a shift change shortly after we arrived which caused a bit of a rough dining experience. We had to ask for water multiple times. There were long waits between courses, our drinks were taken as soon as we finished them but we were never able to order a second round, we were brought dessert menus twice. we could tell no one was really dedicated to our table. Our original server left shortly after taking our order without informing us, after that it seemed that we were split between two new servers that had just arrived. Kind of a let down given the reputation & price paid.
The duck is really good especially with the sweet potato & sauce underneath the duck. Surprising combination. The dessert is the must try!!! If you are a sweet tooth you should order this dessert
Great fun night out with friends. If you're looking for no frills, decent wine, decent food, decent price, & relaxing night out - this is it. The vibe is fresh & lively. If you can manage your way to dessert, the lime sorbet is recommended.
Je me rappelais vaguement de cette place « iconique » des années 80. 1er décembre réservation à 22 h. Coût 225 $/2 3 services + un verre de vin blanc [imbuvable selon moi (Chablis 2020)] + 2 bouteilles d'eau de type « gastronomique » Cryo [eau filtrée faite pour les restos]. On demande pétillante; elle était « flat » (!). Le cocktail sans alcool « Virgin Andrew » était excellent. La place est littéralement bondée! C'est bruyant & assourdissant pas possible! Genre si vous aimez être collé su' l'monde, bin c'est la place! Genre tu tournes la tête & tu peux parler à ton/ta voisin/voisine (!). Le serveur vient prendre la commande d'à-côté & t'as ses fesses pratiquement dans la face lol! Des mini-tables pour deux où on a l'audace d'installer une 3e chaise! J'avais jamais encore vu ça lol! Bref, oubliez l'intimité, bonjour la promiscuité! Haha! & les chaises, ouf! Inexcusable. Une torture après 30 min. Disons simplement que c'est une place qui a besoin d'une forme de rénovation totale, mais à ce moment le charme de l'endroit sera peut-être perdu... Disons simplement que la place est beaucoup, beaucoup trop « maximisée ». La bouffe? Le poulet paillard : très bon! Sauce impeccable! Salade de betteraves bonne, mais hors de prix pour un mesclun avec champignons sautés, betteraves & walnuts. Enterrée de fromage commun sur le dessus. Pourquoi ne pas mettre quelques tranches minces de cheddar vieilli, un gouda comme un hollandais Beemster ou encore d'éclats de parmigiano reggiano? Les desserts maison? Mon ami a dit que son Baba au rhum était le meilleur qu'il ait jamais mangé! Je l'ai goûté : excellent effectivement! Ma tartelette au citron était un peu décevante pour 14 $ : la croûte était pratiquement immangeable, dure & réfrigérée. J'ai laissé le 3/4 de la croûte dans l'assiette. La garniture au citron était excellente & la ganache au chocolat blanc sans reproche. Informé un des serveurs qui a simplement dit qu'« [il allait] aviser (...) ] (!). Ça vaut ce que ça vaut. J'aurais préféré une réduction du prix de la tarte ou son retrait de l'addition tout simplement. Manque un peu de sens du service à la clientèle là... Message au pâtissier : va voir du côté d'Angelo Musa pour savoir c'est quoi la tartelette au citron ultime... Service : empressé, sans être nullement exceptionnel. Serveurs bien mis & habillés professionnellement. Certains validaient une 2e fois la commande avec les clients, afin d'éviter les erreurs, ce que le nôtre n'a pas fait & mon ami a obtenu une soupe paysanne plutôt que la soupe aux poissons commandée... All & all : je n'y retournerai probablement pas, mais je sais que la place a clairement ses afficionados & sa réputation. Mais 225 $ pour cette « expérience », je dirais que c'est très cher payé.
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.
