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.
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
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
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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!
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 $30 just for the sauce & bread.
The duck confit is also amazing & the octopus is delicious comes with a red pepper type sauce very flavourful.
But again get the ravioli & extra bread to not waste the sauce.
Parking on that street is very rough I recommend you just take a taxi or Uber as whatever you pay for the ride is worth the lack of frustration trying to find parking.
Feb 2, 2025
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J'y suis allée la première fois en 1982. J'y retourne toujours avec grand plaisir. Le service est irréprochable. La nourriture est toujours aussi bonne!!!
A quintessential French bistro that consistently exceeds expectations! Whether you're dining for business or pleasure, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by a very well curated menu of French classics, all expertly prepared to showcase simplicity & quality ingredients! If you love wine then you'll appreciate the work that has gone into building the extensive wine list that showcases a variety of wines & older vintages. I particularly enjoy sitting at the bar, where the energy is always lively & welcoming! A definite must!
Jan 26, 2025
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the epitome of a french diner! started out with the bread / butter / pickles, which came with a side of the best mustard i've ever had. split the steak frites & quiche with leek for mains. quiche was good but the steak was REALLY good. fries come with mayo, obviously. really excellent meal, would go again!
Restaurant proposant des classiques français. On ne se casse pas la tête ici : tout est délicieux, & les prix sont plus que raisonnables. Nous avons visité un lundi soir à 21h, & il y avait encore une file d'attente. Cela en dit long sur la réputation exceptionnelle de ce restaurant.
Best restaurant for a night out with your best friend &/or family. Reasonable prices & great selection of wine. From 30$ a bottle!! My favorite restaurant in MTL by far!!
