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Restaurant Top Pick

L'Express

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.6$$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 11:30 am
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L'Express Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
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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5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
5%
2★
5%
1★
1%

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Reviews for L'Express

Food
Service
on Google4.6 (3900+)
*as of 2026-07-01
5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
5%
2★
5%
1★
1%

Review Summary

L'Express is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal institution that offers an authentic Parisian bistro experience, characterized by its classic decor, lively atmosphere, and long-standing menu favorites such as duck confit, steak frites, and bone marrow. Many patrons praise the efficient, professional service and the unique touch of complimentary house-made pickles and mustard served with fresh bread. While a significant number of visitors consider it a must-visit destination for its consistency and quality, some diners have noted inconsistencies, ranging from issues with food preparation and seasoning to concerns regarding noise levels and occasional lapses in service quality. Overall, it remains a beloved staple for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional French dining experience, though making a reservation is highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular and bustling eatery.
Page 62 of 62 - 617 Reviews

After being away from Canada for 2 years, it felt great to visit this French bistro again. Not much has changed. The classics are still there. The soupe de poissons tasted amazing. L’os à moelle just has I remembered. Living in India you can image that I’m craving beef a lot. So the tartare was just the fix I needed. Could have used a little kick for a guy who’s been eating spicy Indian food for a while but the server never asked how I wanted it. The fries were great & crispy. The croque-monsieur left us wandering. Very hard & dry. Frankly have something else. Over all it felt good to be back. The atmosphere was vibrant even on this late afternoon during the week.

Sep 1, 2023
on Google
Kimmy
2 Reviews
5.0

Une valeur sûre! Service rapide & efficace, personnel courtois & professionnel. Menu simple & authentique, je n'ai que de bons mots à votre égard!

Jan 1, 2018
Alsaco
3 Reviews
2.0

Très déçus par notre dernier passage où nous avons eu un traitement inacceptable !
Nous avions réservé une table pour 18h15 & dès notre arrivée, le serveur nous dit que nous devons quitter pour 20h. Pas de problème pour nous. Nous commandons un apéro & on nous demande aussitôt de commander nos plats. Nous avions à peine bu deux gorgées de l'apéro qu'on nous amène l'entrée ainsi que les verres de vin devant accompagner notre repas !
Nous mangeons notre entrée sous le regard anxieux de trois serveux qui tournent autour de nous. Mon conjoint tardant à finir son potage qui était très chaud, un serveur se plante à côté de lui & montre des signes d'impatience. Il lui arrache le bol dès que mon conjoint pose sa cuillère & bien que je lui demande de ralentir un peu le rythme, il amène aussitôt les plats de résistance.
Nos verres d'apéro à demi pleins sont encore devant nous, ainsi que nos verres de vin inentamés...
Côté nourriture, la bavette était bonne, mais la salade de magrets baignait dans l'huile.
La facture a été amenée à la même vitesse que le reste.
Bref, arrivés à 18h15, nous avons quitté le restaurant à 18h50 ! Je pense que cela a rassuré les serveurs & qu'ils ont eu le temps de dresser la table pour 20h...
On ne nous y reprendra plus !

Sep 19, 2017
Sonia60
1 Review
3.5

Ce resto nous avait été recommandé pour un petit déjeuner en ville, ce fut une déception. Seul une omelette perdue dans l'assiette avec un morceau de tomate, 2 rotis refroidies & non beurrées dans une autre assiette, aucune confiture, rien de bien impressionnant pour le prix. Nous ne retournerons pas.

Jul 4, 2016
alchor
1 Review
4.0

Nous avions décidé de manger en ville & sans réservation. Je connais l'Express depuis près de 30 ans & j'y suis allé à intervalles plus ou moins réguliers. L'accueil fut très cordial & le maître D nous indique que nous pouvons avoir une table mais que nous devrons quitter à 19h30 en raison de réservations ultérieures. Comme il est à peine 18h nous avons le temps. Nous retrouvons donc le décor un peu intemporel de ce bistro français. Une carte simple avec des plats classiques de la gastronomie française goûteux & bien présentés, une carte de vins variée avec des prix allant du raisonnable au plus cher. Le service est attentif & professionnel. Très content de notre visite. Oui le resto est bruyant mais c'est souvent le cas dans ce type de bistro très éclairé & malgré la proximité des tables on peut s'y faire notre propre "intimité". On y retourne ? Certainement.

Jan 23, 2015
Foodie
4 Reviews
3.0

This restaurant has fantastic reviews & word-of-mouth & I have been looking forward to visiting it for a long time. When I called this evening to see if they had space, they were able to squeeze us in early, which I really appreciated!

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. If you are looking for fine dining, this is not it. The atmosphere was severely lacking - it was loud, the phone was ringing non-stop, kids were screaming, & there was no music at all to try & set the mood. The food was average & not at all adjusted to the season. I ordered the chanterelle ragout to start, but one or two of the mushrooms had not been cleaned properly, resulting in a few grains of crunchy sand. The 'homemade ravioli' was thin, delicate, & stuffed with a mushrooms-ricotta mixture; unfortunately, it was topped with rich caramelized mushrooms & served in a heavy, cloyingly sticky veal sauce which was not at all what I expected on a hot July evening. I picked at a few french fries which tasted like they had been fried in old oil. We left without dessert. The details feel overlooked here (cheap paper napkins & table covers, no music, etc.).

As I mentioned, I have heard so many great things about this restaurant. Based on that alone I would be willing to give it another try. It seems like it could be a fun brunch spot, so I might try that sometime. I will say that the staff was polite & attentive & the location is good.

Jul 26, 2014
Foodie
10 Reviews
4.0

Une institution à Montréal. Le genre de resto que les chefs & les professionels du métier adorent. Qualité, bon pour le prix & une carte des vins remarquable.

May 14, 2014