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.
Cool, classic restaurant in terms of decor & set up. Lights were pretty bright. No music, which is oddly nice. Restaurant was packed (even after 11:30pm on a Friday). Service was good, waiter was attentive & friendly. He brought us a great glass of wine. The food though... I left seriously questioning all the people who recommended this to me. We got the chicken liver, the bone marrow & the ravioli. The chicken liver came in a small bowl, densely packed. No way the two of us could finish it. It came with nothing. The bone marrow was also a lot for 2 people. Very oily & greasy, & just came with salt & crispy baguette slices which were very thin. The first two slices were nice, but then it was boring. We really tried to finish it, but it was so oily. We took showers when we got home lol. & the ravioli🥲we were hoping it would turn our experience around, but unfortunately it did not. It was definitely left out too long & developed a film that even my fork lightly grazing over couldn't puncture. The whole dish lacked depth, the flavor was flat & it was uninteresting. At least the baguette, cornichons, & mustard were good. But you can get the same stuff at Trader Joe's. Wouldn't recommend to my foodie friends.
If you miss Paris, come here. Friendly staff, great food, classic bistro ambiance, extensive wine list. Packed with locals & tourists. Highly recommended.
At first, I thought L'Express was a tourist trap, but was I wrong. Packed at 2:00 on a blistering hot Tuesday in the middle of June, L'Express would feel comfortable in any arrondissement in Paris. We settled in at the expansive bar, ordered wine & a cocktail, & didn't miss Paris at all. Romanik took great care of us, & his graciousness was welcome after the often self entitled servers in the United States. Maybe Canada's universal health care has something to do with that. The menu covers every classic French dish, & we ordered calves liver with frites & Duck Confit for nostalgia's sake. Ooh La La. They were both fantastic. Our late lunch was long & so relaxing. Regrettably, we left the AC of L'Express to take a stroll in 93 degree heat. Mistake. We should have stayed at L'Express & ordered dessert.
Great Food&Dessert(I really liked the it!)& a 1999 Sassicia in Really Great Condition from their Cellar!! Haven't Got a 1999 Sassicia yet!! Wonderful Pickels & Mustard! Wine List is Really Weak on BORDEAUX though.A note on the Sassicia it drank like it was years Younger than it's Age means that it has many Years to go before it reaches it's Potential! Possibly cellared at a lower than recommended Temperature? Will have ask when I'm back! Can't wait to possibly do a 5 year Sassicia vertical ! We'll see!! February 22/2023 the 2000 Sassicia a bit better but was cellared at 14C with the white wines 13 C or 55 F is considered by to be Ideal & for others depending on the type of Wine 18.5 C Still pretty Good!! I enjoyed the Boar Pasta & the Beef tartare was Acceptable. The Dessert was AWESOME 👌
A great French restaurant, with amazing food, wine list, & service. If you go during the day time, try to book à table under the glass ceiling! I really liked their appetizers & desserts the most, their paté was amazing, & the bone marrow, chèvre salade, grilled octopus, duck confit were also really tasty. The lemon tart was one of the best I've had in Montreal.
Came here for dinner on a Tuesday night. Really great experience. Delicious food, great wine list, lovely service, great ambience. We ordered the goat cheese pastry, the shrimp & chorizo risotto, & steak frites. Very rich tasting food, but lovely & complex flavors. I would recommend getting the hangar steak medium as the medium rare was a bit too lacking form for me. All exceptional!