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.
Super adresse sur Saint-Denis à Montréal ! Cette brasserie française propose une cuisine authentique avec un excellent rapport qualité-prix.
Côté assiette, tout était au rendez-vous : le carpaccio de boeuf était tout simplement délicieux, tout comme les rillettes, riches & savoureuses. En plat, les cailles au riz noir étaient parfaitement maîtrisées : une viande tendre, goûteuse. Tout le repas est aussi accompagnée d'un grand pot de cornichons & d'une moutarde bien relevée qui apportent une vraie touche de caractère.
La carte des vins est également un gros point fort : large choix & prix très raisonnables, parfait pour accompagner le repas sans se ruiner.
Seul petit bémol : l'ambiance est très (très) bruyante. Il peut parfois être difficile de s'entendre ou même de bien comprendre le serveur. Cela participe sans doute à l'esprit brasserie, mais ça peut déranger selon les moments.
Je vous conseille de réserver avant aussi !
Une excellente adresse malgré tout, que je recommande sans hésiter !
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.
Small but mighty! L'express was a happening place on the Monday night in March when we visited from New York. Ordered the beet salad (red & yellow beets, goat cheese, arulgula, candied almonds, raspberries, with an apple cider vinaigrette), the duck confit, & the steak frites. Salad was delicious, duck was lovely & the steak was the best I've ever had. So tender. & can't forget the complimentary bread, butter, cornichons, & mustard!
The waitstaff was friendly & made an excellent recommendation for a wine pairing with our meal. At times we waited for water refills, but it was so lovely to be there we didn't mind. Food was rich & delicious, probably would have a heart attack if you came here regularly, but this is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy the company of someone you love. Small, bustling restaurant with a lovely neighborhood vibe. Would absolutely come back next time we find ourselves in Montreal. 10/10 would recommend to a friend!
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!
Ma conjointe & moi même recommandons ce restaurant. Les prix sont légèrement hauts mais la qualité des produits & des services est de haut niveau. Le canard est excellent.
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.
Très bon restaurant avec une belle ambiance. Le personnel est professionnel & accueillant. Tout ce qu'on a commandé était excellent & bien présenté. Je recommande la place sans hésiter.
