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Restaurant Top Pick

L'Express

Montréal’s definitive classic bistro destination remains the gold standard for authentic French culinary tradition.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.6$$$
OPEN11:30 am - 1 am
Monday
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Photo of L'Express, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal - Montreal
BistroFrenchTartareGreat selection of wines
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About

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.

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4.61074 ratings
5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
1%

Mentioned in:View More

L'Express was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for L'Express

Food
Service
on Google4.6 (4000+)
*as of 2026-09-01
4.61074 ratings
5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
1%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

Display Allfrench(135) duck(80) steak(78) dessert(76) recommend(73) bistro(72) wine(72) classic(71) confit(58) duck confit(48) pickle(47) soup(34)

Review Summary

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.
Page 4 of 7 - 67 Reviews
E
5.0

The MTL version of'Mid night in Paris'. Great wine at reasonable prices. Classic dishes that maintain their charm over decades.

Apr 13, 2025
on Google
Chris
5.0

Fantastic spot. Great service, wine, & food.

Feb 12, 2025
on Google
Jack
5.0

A quintessential French bistro that consistently exceeds expectations! Whether you're dining for business or pleasure, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by a very well curated menu of French classics, all expertly prepared to showcase simplicity & quality ingredients! If you love wine then you'll appreciate the work that has gone into building the extensive wine list that showcases a variety of wines & older vintages. I particularly enjoy sitting at the bar, where the energy is always lively & welcoming! A definite must!

Jan 26, 2025
on Google
Benjamin
5.0

Best restaurant for a night out with your best friend &/or family. Reasonable prices & great selection of wine. From 30$ a bottle!! My favorite restaurant in MTL by far!!

Jan 22, 2025
on Google
Tom
5.0

Wonderful old school place - open late - great wines - excellent application of classics. Little touches like the jar of cornichons really make it. Must stop when in Montreal!

Dec 25, 2024
on Google
Alex
5.0

Like being in Paris, amazing food, wine & ambiance, relaxed but refined.

Dec 7, 2024
on Google
Mike
5.0

An institution. We never miss a chance when visiting the area. There's nothing like a bottle of wine & a delicious L'Express dinner on a fall Saturday night at 11pm. The food & energy in unparalleled.

Nov 10, 2024
on Google
YY
5.0

Amazing food & an excellent wine list. I had the duck confit which had crispy skin & the meat was so tender it just fell off the bone. Profiteroles were excellent. Try the wine!

Oct 28, 2024
on Google
Léa
5.0

Great experience overall! The food is great, the service is slow, but it was extremely busy & they seemed understaffed for a Friday night! Plus, they did accommodate for the wait by giving us two free glass of wine which was really sweet! I recommend the steak or the poached salmon as a main, it was honestly a 10/10! For the appetizer, the chicken liver pistachios with the bread is so tasty. The maple profiteroles, for the dessert, were so well balanced in terms of sweetness, 100% recommend!

Oct 19, 2024
on Google
Sharon
5.0

I was just walking by when this place caught my eye, & I couldn't resist checking it out. Inside, it was packed with people enjoying their food, & the vibe felt really inviting. They had an amazing wine list with choices from Canada & France. I went for the Risotto Crevette & Chorizo-wow, the flavors were out of this world! For dessert, I had the Crème Brûlée with coffee, & it honestly made me feel like I was in a 5-star restaurant. The staff was super friendly, & the guy handling the reservations & seating was incredible-he really made the experience special. I'm so glad I stopped in. What a great meal!

Sep 23, 2024
on Google
View 1074 ratings
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