FR
Montreal RestaurantsValentine's Day
RestaurantsReviewsArticlesWhat's On

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

Restaurant Top Pick

L'Express

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.6$$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 11:30 am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Valentine's Day: hours might differ
L'Express Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
BistroFrenchTartareGreat selection of wines
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.

Amenities, services & more

Latest Updates

L'Express - recent news.

Suggested Articles

5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

The 10 Best Le Plateau-Mont-Royal RestaurantsMore

Reviews for L'Express

Food
Service
on Google4.6 (3700+)
*as of 2026-02-01
5★
77%
4★
13%
3★
4%
2★
5%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Reviews paint L'Express as a beloved Montreal institution with a classic Parisian bistro vibe, where comforting French dishes, a lively atmosphere, and a strong wine list create a consistent draw despite occasional price concerns. Dishes frequently highlighted include bone marrow, duck confit, ravioli, octopus, steak frites, and a standout creme brulee or floating island, with some desserts described as exceptional; the bread and pickles are often noted as welcome touchpoints. Service is praised for warmth, attentiveness, and knowledge, though experiences vary with some slower moments or hiccups and a few staff interactions that didn’t meet expectations. The setting can be bustling and noisy, especially late, which suits the energetic vibe but can feel crowded to some; signage and navigation occasionally challenge certain visits. Reservations are advised due to high demand, and while the experience is described as vibrant and authentically French, opinions on value and consistency vary. Overall, L'Express remains a top choice for a late night or special occasion in Montreal, offering reliable classics, a charming ambiance, and a sense of having stepped into a Parisian bistro.
Page 7 of 24 - 473 Reviews

Haven't been to this establishment in years so it was lovely to see that service was excellent as always. However, the steak was very chewy & difficult to cut but the fries were alright. The pickles & bread served before the meal are a nice touch! The crème brûlée was excellent!

Mar 5, 2025
on Google

Excellent'local' vibe place. Food marvelous!

Mar 5, 2025
on Google

Les pizza sont très bonnes, j'ai connu cet endroit car mon père est un ami de Jean Jacques, ont est toujours bien accueilli, ce sont les meilleures pizzas que j'ai mangé, je vous recommande !

Mar 4, 2025
on Google

Très très bon, ambiance détendue & service impeccable.
Je m'attendais à une note très salée & finalement ça allait. Entrée, plat & dessert avec juste 1 verre de vin (ceci explique peut être cela 😄) pour moins de 100$, j'étais surpris surtout quand on voit le prix de beaucoup de restos plus que moyens..

Mar 2, 2025
on Google

Large selection. Twist on some classics. Cute atmosphere. Duck & tartare were perfection. The French onion soup was a pleasant surprise

Feb 26, 2025
on Google

Toujours une valeur sûre!

Feb 25, 2025
on Google
5.0

Can't give them enough stars. FANTASTIC food & service. Highly recommend this place.

Feb 23, 2025
on Google

Un classique qu'il fait toujours bon de partager en bonne compagnie !

Feb 21, 2025
on Google

La bouffe était bonne & l'atmosphère était la mais le service était inapproprié. J'ai commandé une bouteille de vin & le serveur a mal ouvert la bouteille. Il m'a ensuite servi le vin avec plein de liège. Quand je lui ait gentiment fait remarqué, il m'a changé mon verre avec un air bête & sans même s'excuser. Je ne retournerai pas.

Feb 20, 2025
on Google

Fantastic spot. Great service, wine, & food.

Feb 12, 2025
on Google
5.0

Une adresse à ne pas manquer à Montréal … une cuisine de bistrot avec ce petit supplément d'âme que le chef jean François Vachon & toute son équipe savent orchestrer avec brio, de belles surprises dans l'assiette . L'île flottante avec sa cloche de caramel soufflée est surprenante, son baba au rhum avec du vrai rhum est remarquable , & sa crème brûlée est surprenante, un véritable sans faute pour un bistrot - brasserie… Le lapin à la moutarde est une tuerie. Merci d'avoir ravie nos papilles… Alors à vos téléphone réservé une table & réveiller vos papilles…. Héhé

Feb 11, 2025
on Google

Un bistro français ouvert jusqu'à 3h du matin à Montréal ? Que demander de plus ? De la bonne bouffe, une ambiance conviviale & un service au top… Ah ben, tout y est ! Parfait pour les oiseaux de nuit & les gourmands tardifs.

Feb 9, 2025
on Google

A pleasant experience. We liked most of what we ordered.

Feb 8, 2025
on Google
5.0

Exactly what I was looking for in Montréal. Fantastic French food.

Hanger steak had the best fries I've ever had too.

Feb 8, 2025
on Google

My wife & I had dinner at L'Express on a Wednesday night during a trip to Montreal after reading about it in the NYT. It lived up to its reputation.

The staff was warm, welcoming, & skilled, making us feel comfortable right away. The meal started with pickles & bread--a simple but memorable touch. L'Express feels like an authentic French bistro, the kind that has inspired places like Pastis or Parc (both favorites of mine). It reminded me of a restaurant I once visited on Île Saint-Louis in Paris, adding to its authenticity.

We shared a green salad, steak frites, & a pasta special with meatballs in red sauce. Every dish was clean, simple, & well-executed. The restaurant was packed, with every seat filled, & the atmosphere was cozy & lively. We enjoyed the sophisticated local chatter & the charm of the space.

It's easy to see why L'Express has been around for decades. The food, service, & vibe are top-notch, & the prices are reasonable for the quality. The surrounding neighborhood was also a nice area to explore. Reservations are a must. Highly recommended!

Feb 7, 2025
on Google

Service was second to none! Love this place & enjoy it every time I'm in town!

Feb 5, 2025
on Google

Just amazing have been there twice now in the span of a week the star if the meals has been the house ravioli just incredible the sauce is amazing super rich & refined I would pay the $30 just for the sauce & bread.

The duck confit is also amazing & the octopus is delicious comes with a red pepper type sauce very flavourful.

But again get the ravioli & extra bread to not waste the sauce.

Parking on that street is very rough I recommend you just take a taxi or Uber as whatever you pay for the ride is worth the lack of frustration trying to find parking.

Feb 2, 2025
on Google
5.0

All time favourite ❤?

Feb 1, 2025
on Google
5.0

Great spot!

Jan 30, 2025
on Google

J'y suis allée la première fois en 1982. J'y retourne toujours avec grand plaisir. Le service est irréprochable. La nourriture est toujours aussi bonne!!!

Jan 27, 2025
on Google