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.
L'Express is back ! Food , ambiance, service all outstanding. Only caveat ; the frozen Provigo style baguette…terrible. Please bring back crunchy Pain Dore baguette of lore .
The service, atmosphere, & cocktails were great. The food was a miss, except for the octopus (a permanent fixture on the menu for good reason) & the trout amandine (a special). This feels like a restaurant that is cruising on its reputation while allowing the quality to drop. There was no attention to detail from the kitchen & some of the food was frankly baffling.
I have some questions for the kitchen:
Why are the fries soggy?! Why is your steak cut unevenly so some of it is tremendously overcooked? Why are there strawberry chunks floating awkwardly in the asperagus soup? Why are you calling this scallop dish ceviche when it has no relationship to ceviche whatsoever & what is that thing in there that's super over-salted? Why does it look like you guys prepped these ingredients while blindfolded?
& a comment:
The crème brûlée was slightly over-torched & had an unpleasant burnt flavour but at least the custard was good. The cookie was sugary & a little dry, not a great addition.
Here's what was good:
The octopus. Extremely tasty.
The asperagus soup if you didn't have confusing things bobbing around in there.
The trout Amandine, what a nice take on that dish actually! The foamy & light sauce was great & the cook on everything was perfect.
The chou was actually delicious, nicely done.
Sadly this place has gone downhill. Ambiance & service is still okay but the food is sub par now. The steak in the steak frites was undercooked & tasteless, tough/fatty/stringy. The frites were still amazing though. The poached salmon was undercooked & also tasteless. The sorrel soup was bland, the celery root remoulade tasted like grandma's recipe from 40 years ago that no one has the heart to tell her is bad. They need a major menu shake-up before we will go again.
On sort toujours de L'Express avec un sourire aux lèvres. Une entrée de hareng fumé qui était sublime & une autre d'os a moelle. C'était parfait pour le repas du midi!
L'express demeure un incontournable dans le quartier. Depuis de longues années nous avons la chance d'avoir ce lieu avec une ambiance incomparable & un bouffe à la française excellente. Le service est à la hauteur, Xavier & Jules qui nous ont servi hier soir furent efficaces, & très chics.
Je ne comprends malheureusement pas l'engouement autour de ce restaurant.
L'accueil a été froid &, tout au long du repas, nous avons eu l'impression de déranger. Les serveurs nous bousculaient régulièrement en passant derrière nous sans même s'excuser. Plus étonnant encore, ils continuaient à nous parler en anglais alors que nous leur répondions en français à chaque fois. Nous avons dû leur rappeler à plusieurs reprises que nous parlions français, ce qui est vite devenu agaçant.
Côté cuisine, la déception a été tout aussi grande. Le tartare de boeuf était extrêmement fade, pratiquement sans assaisonnement. Rater un tartare de boeuf, c'est quand même dommage. Dans l'ensemble, nous avons trouvé les plats très ordinaires, surtout compte tenu des prix & de la réputation de l'établissement.
Honnêtement, je recommande plutôt le Bouillon Albert, situé à quelques minutes de là : les prix sont plus abordables, l'ambiance est moins prétentieuse &, selon moi, la cuisine y est meilleure.
Une expérience très décevante, qui ne justifie absolument pas la réputation du lieu.
Brought my golden retriever along last Saturday afternoon & was so relieved to find they had a shaded terrace where she could settle right beside our table. The staff were genuinely warm about having her there, even bringing out a little bowl of water without being asked. I had the croque monsieur & it was exactly the kind of classic, no-fuss bistro food that just hits right on a lazy afternoon. L'Express is now firmly on my regular rotation for weekend lunches with my pup.