Restaurant L'Express, located in Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Montreal is one of Montreal's best-known French bistros. The menu rotates somewhat, and there are always daily specials, but l'Express specializes in: pâté, foie gras and bouillabaisse appetizers; steak tartare, steak-frites and veal kidney main courses; and cheeses, crème caramel or chocolate mousse desserts.
L'Express comes across as a Montreal institution that conjures a classic Parisian bistro with damier tiled floors, dark wood, mirrors and a lively, intimate atmosphere. The menu sticks to timeless French brasserie fare with touches of Quebec, delivering crowd pleasers such as bone marrow, celery remoulade, beef tartare, duck confit, octopus and ravioli alongside a dependable steak frites, all complemented by a strong wine list and the simple abundance of house pickles and bread at the table. Service is frequently praised as attentive and friendly, with guests noting warm welcomes and guidance in ordering, though some visits describe occasional lapses or a dining room that can become very noisy when busy. Desserts like creme brulee, profiteroles, baba au rhum and other classics are often highlighted as memorable finshers, while a few diners report dishes that were only good rather than outstanding or prices that feel high for the value. Taken together, the sentiment is that L'Express offers authentic French comfort with a nostalgic vibe, solid quality, and a reliable, if sometimes imperfect, experience that keeps guests returning and reservations advised.
Parce qu'on y sert une excellente cuisine de bistro & que l'atmosphère est décontractée sans l'être trop. Par contre, après avoir fréquenté très régulièrement cet établissement pendant des années avec mon père, le personnel que je connaissais m'a complètement ignorée lorsque j'y suis retournée après le décès de ce dernier. J'ai trouvé ça assez'ordinaire'.
Nov 12, 2025
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Most authentic french dining in Montreal! Perfect food, attention to detail, outstanding service. Fair pricing. Great Wine selection. All day Menu. Bar seating for solo dinners. My go to for french dining in the city!
I have never been to a restaraunt that has provided Table Pickels, but i need more of this in my life. Food felt authentic & was fantastic throughout. Service was great as well. Highly recomend if youre in Montreal.
Nov 3, 2025
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Went here for lunch while on vacation in Montreal. I had many excellent meals, but L'Express was possibly the best. Food was fantastic, but the atmosphere is what I enjoyed the most. It feels very much like a classic French bistro. Charming, excellent service. What a delight.
Nous y sommes allés sur recommandation & avec des habitués. La nourriture n'est pas à la hauteur de sa renommée. Insipide & sans intérêt, niveau brasserie. Vu les tarifs, nous n'y retourneront pas.
Brasserie style européen.
Service rapide - efficace avec le sourire
Une belle découverte gastronomique.
Un impressionnant choix de vins importés.
Vaut le détour.
Première visite à cette institution de Montréal. Nous en avions tellement entendu parlé & nous l'avons enfin essayé. Très belle ambiance & nourriture très bonne. Le service est impeccable. Nous avons réservé pour 14:00 & le restaurant était pleins. C'est un bon signe pour nous. Bravo à toute l'équipe.
