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L'Express

4.2

4.2

360 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

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L'Express is located in Montreal, Quebec and offers a delicious and affordable mix of exotic yet comforting fare. Guests of L'Express enjoy menu items such as homemade ravioli, grain fed chicken, roasted quail, poached salmon, steak tartare, smoked Atlantic salmon, quiche and cheese, veal kedney and roasted bone marrow. A host of elegant items at L'Express are cooked using locally sourced ingredients that are available seasonally. Try the shrimp risotto and grilled salmon spinach for year-round tastes that are sure to satisfy. For dessert, try the biscotti, house truffles, apple crumble, lemon tart, chocolate tart, vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
French
Hours of operation
Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 11:30 am, Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - noon; Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:00 am, Saturday: noon - 2:00am, Sunday: noon - 1:00 am; Dinner: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:00 am, Saturday: noon - 2:00 am, Sunday: noon - 1:00 am.
Phone number
(514) 845-5333
Website
http://www.restaurantlexpress.com/
Payment options
Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Ghislain Roy

Location
3927 St-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4
Neighborhood
Plateau Mont-Royal
Cross street
Roy & Duluth
Parking details
After 6:00 PM Montreal"s Health Agency's parking lot is open to the public; located on Roy street between St-Denis and Berri.
Public transit
Metro Sherbrooke, 3 streets north or metro Mont-Royal, 3 streets south; a five minutes walk in both directions.
Additional
Bar Dining, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 360 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
0.8Value

Noise • Moderate

5
4
3
2
1

360 Reviews

m
mrbean1967
Toronto
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2014
overall4food5service3ambience4
My first visit to L'Express was made thanks to viewing Anthony Bourdain's show. The restaurant is set in a vibrant part of Plateau Mont Royal. I love the decor - reminds me of an chic old diner with parquet flooring. The best part was the food! We started with bone marrow as an appetizer (my first time having this) and it was delicious and rich. I had the steak frites and my steak was cooked perfectly. The service seemed a little bit slow, but considering how busy it was on a weekend, it was understandable.
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w
writer100
New York Area
90 reviews
vip
4.0
90 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience4
Well, one "nest egg" anyway. This famous--some would say iconic--bistro offers exactly the kind of feeling and food that Americans associate with Paris. Except that's a 55 minute flight from New York. And the service is kinder. Try it for lunch, when the crowd is less intense--at least if you head there past 1:00pm of so. A nice wine list, though with relatively few wines by the glass. Such quibbles aside, you won't be sorry you went for breakfast, lunch or dinner. One of the few places open on Sunday night. Very popular with locals of all classes, which is always reassuring to a tourist.
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KF
KenFox22
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2014
overall4food4service5ambience4
Well located on the Rue St Denis in the restaurant and night life district of Montreal. Reninsent of th old style Paris Bistros. Friendly and professional service, active bar scene at the side of the restaurant. seems to be a favourite with the local Montrealers; bistro style food i.e kidneys(which are not served everywhere) well cooked and presented. L'Express stays open late, good for after the theatre, opera or concert or a later nigh movie. Will return when next in Montreal
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MB
MaryB
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely amazing! We got the calf liver with tarragon and steak tartar. The servers were all very kind to us and accommodating to the fact that we do not speak french. Food arrived in a timely fashion and we were never wanting for anything. It was the perfect place to treat ourselves for our 1st anniversary-- all the glam without the exorbitant prices.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience5
Not many places where you can get steak tartare and rognons de veau, and both were terrific. Nice European-style atmosphere. Would have been good to have been greeted when we arrived on time for our reservation, instead of having to wait to be acknowledged. However, we realize how busy restaurants are at 7 p.m.
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c
cyclegrrl
New Orleans
26 reviews
vip
3.0
26 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2014
overall3food3service1ambience3
Went for breakfast on a weekday. Though place was empty, service was indifferent, at best. My omelette was requested well done - it arrived runny and raw. Toast was a commercial baguette. Nice fruit salad. Passable coffee. After all the hype - just a big disappointment.
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SB
SusanBklyn
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2014
overall3food3service3ambience4
Overall, the food was good. I had the salmon on a bed of spinach, which was prepared well. The gazpacho was very good. My husband ordered the duck confit salad which I thought was okay, though I'm not a big fan of duck to begin with. The interior of the restaurant is great looking - old world Paris, elegant and romantic. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd probably be back at some point.
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G
Gintonicmtl
Montreal
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience4
L'Express, professional French services, good foods, French ambiance.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2014
overall3food5service1ambience4
The food here was great. Menu for some reason is very hard to read. Despite having reservations for 845PM through OpenTable, we were seated at about 915.
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LP
LikeParis
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience4
Loved this restaurant - just like a trip to Paris without the cost or jet lag. Plat to go back on my next trip to Montreal.
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MS
MSkol
New York Area
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
A good definition of the perfect French bistro would be: L'Express, Montreal. Food fabulous, including such rarities as marrow without the bone. Waiters friendlier than in France, speak excellent English. Down to the checked floor, it's all genuine bistro. Worth our yearly trip from New York (for the record, the other two grand culinary destinations there: Queue de Cheval (steak) and Milos (seafood).
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MM
MollyM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Eat here -- eat an app, eat a main course, eat a dessert. i promise you it will all be incredible.
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LF
LF23124
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience5
Outstanding meal with authentic brasserie atmosphere. Great service.
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p
pensioners
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2014
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was very good and well prepared.nice bistro atmosphere. Noise levell was a bit high when the restaurant was full. Service was very good.
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DB
DBNYC
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was exactly what I wanted- Classic ! Pot au Feu and Steak Frites were perfect Gracious service I'll go back next time I'm in town
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c
chef
Montreal
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2014
overall4food5service5ambience3
4 of us had a late dinner. Everything was great but my friend's pot au feu; it was plated in a small bowl that was difficult to eat. My meal was fabulous.
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JE
JEFK
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was wonderful! We had classic French dishes like steak tartar and octopus terrine and they were fabulous. The service was very nice too
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JC
JoyceC
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our all-time favorites in Montreal - we always go out of our way when we travel from Burlington Vermont, to have dinner at L'Express. Consistently excellent.
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O
Olds1959
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience4
Three of us, all foodies, had lunch on 8/9/14. Wonderful, attentive service, excellent food and nice wines by the glass. The next time we are in Montreal, we will seek to dine there again.
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E
Eldyelle
Montreal
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 7, 2014
overall4food5service4ambience2
Highly recommended, the food and service lived up to the recommendation and were wonderful. Unfortunately, we didn't really get to experience the authentic French bistro ambience we were looking forward to as we were seated way in the back by the restrooms with very little decor.
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j
jdl520
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Menu was simple and food was seasoned perfectly. Foie gras and chicken liver was smooth and perfect with the toasted bread. Roasted squab was tender and moist and paired perfectly with te wild rice. The service was calm and did not feel rushed at all. They were patient and answered any questions we had about the menu.
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E
Ericw
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience4
I've been eating at L'Express for almost 30 years and it always delivers. It's a bustling hot spot that is always full. You need to book ahead. It offers classic french bistro fare, perfectly prepared, outstanding service and reasonable prices. Their Fish Soup is about the best I have ever had anywhere. The Mousse de Volaille is fantastic. Their Steak Tartare is to die for. Accompanied by perfectly cooked Frites, as it should be. Their Roast Chicken is always cooked to perfection. A terrific wine list with reasonably priced modest wines and expensive bottles for those looking to splurge. For me, a trip to Montreal isn't complete without a lunch or dinner at L'Express.
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S
Stifo911
Montreal
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience3
I love l'Express, has for 30 years. This time, I made my reservation on line with Open Table, and got assigned a very poor choice of table- at the end of the restaurant, our table for 2 behind the column and next to the wall, and a table for 4 right next to us was added 2 extra chairs to accomodate a loud group of diners...I was not happy. And I had to think , would I have been assigned a better table if I had called the restaurant directly? Next time, I wont take any chance, and I'll do that, even if Open Table is more convenient.
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c
cabernet99
Ottawa
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Look no further than L'Express !!! Great good, perfect atmosphere !!
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CG
CiboGustoso
Montreal
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went because of a recommendation and we're not disappointed. From the welcome at the door onwards it was a very enjoyable evening. The food, wine and service were excellent. When next in Montreal we will visit L'Express again.
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JB
JoelB
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant was one of several recommended by friends during our visit to Montreal, and it didn't disappoint. Authentic French cuisine at its best in a great traditional atmosphere - fantastic food, great atmosphere and a very attentive staff all added up to a wonderful experience.
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b
bobsyouruncle
Toronto
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had the tomato salad, ravioli, and the maple tart. Very fresh, very flavourable. Pricing $8 for salad and $20 for the main. Totally reasonable. Professionally serving staff, too.
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DD
DotDiner
Greater Boston
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2014
overall5food4service5ambience5
We walked 30 min each way, my wife got blisters, but the experience was wonderful. She had liver, just perfect; my kidneys not quite as good. Wonderful true bistro atmosphere.
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K
Kimchisaveslives
Montreal
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful spot where you can feel classy while drinking too much and laughing loudly . The food was outstanding. The bread, the mason jar of homemade pickles, and the hot mustard that they put on the table for you to share and nibble was darling. The chicken liver with pistachios stole the show. The spicy steak tar tar was the best I have ever had. My girlfriends tried the roasted bone marrow, the shrimp risotto and the salmon, everyone moaned in between our sips of perfectly made dirty gin martinis. A must try. I can't wait to go again.
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O
Osamoe11e
Montreal
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience4
C'est un classique pour mon anniversaire. De la bonne cuisine française exécutée à la perfection. L'île flottante est un incontournable (à partager à 2 cependant). On se revoit l'an prochain, comme le veut la tradition.
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PD
PDXDiners2
Portland
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2014
overall3food3service4ambience4
L'Express seems to be an institution in the Plateau and like many institutions, it seems to have earned its reputation for serving consistently good food, with attentive service and pleasant atmosphere. It did not disappoint on any of those counts, but compared with similarly-priced restaurants in the neighborhood, it was good, not great. The exception was the frites: my spouse declared them the best he's ever had (and the man has had a lot of fries!)
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n
ndgman
Montreal
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2014
overall5food4service4ambience4
L'Express est un classique dont on ne se lasse pas. Un des rares endroits sur lesquels on peut toujours se fier pour un repas de qualité.
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SM
SMCMMom
Philadelphia
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience5
A fantastic local French bistro, just like you'd see in Paris. Comfortable atmosphere and terrific service. Fresh and delicious ingredients put together like only the French can!
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b
bavaro
Berlin
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience4
we went there two consecutive days. Remarkable and reasonable priced wine list. We had a Cahors (solis) and a wine from toro (flor de vetus).Excellent and speedy service. Excellent lamb and veal kidneys. Also the starters marrow bone, salmon tartar and foie gras were remarkable. The dessert ile flotante rounded it up. Next time in Montreal , we are back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
25 reviews
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2014
overall3food4service3ambience4
Interesting experience. Food was good and served nicely, the entrée menu we felt was a little short. Details of service at times were slow. I am glad we tried it, do not know if I would go out of my way to eat there again.
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T
Thomas
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Recommended by everyone including the maitre d at another prominent restaurant and deserves every word. Having been to Paris it is a quintessential French bistro but with extraordinary food. One of the best meals my wife and I have ever had. Anyone with an appreciation for fine food and visiting Montreal should make this restaurant a guaranteed stop.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best dinners I've had all year. The service was excellent from the second we entered the restaurant and the food was perfect. Can't wait to come back.
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n
noodle
Greater Boston
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 4, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lots of Italian dishes on the menu, but French touches like a jar of cornichons on the table.
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M
Mitchp
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2014
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was fantastic. Service was great, very attentive and polite. We had a great night and will go back again we are in Montreal!
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FS
FoodieSue
Montreal
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2014
overall2food2service4ambience4
I had heard so much about L'Express but it turned out to be a huge disappointment. The food was not great but was overpriced. I got lobster risotto and the lobster pieces were over cooked, rubbery and chewy. I had to spit it out because I couldn't chew it any longer. The waiter asked if I didn't like the risotto because I had hardly eaten any. I told him how it was but he did not really seem to care. My friend from out of town got the quails and he was it was 'ok'. Overall it was an expensive place with bad food.
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FAQs

L'Express is rated 4.2 stars by 360 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for L'Express

3927 St-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4

Additional information

Cross street
Roy & Duluth
Neighborhood
Plateau Mont-Royal
Hours of operation
Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 11:30 am, Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - noon; Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:00 am, Saturday: noon - 2:00am, Sunday: noon - 1:00 am; Dinner: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:00 am, Saturday: noon - 2:00 am, Sunday: noon - 1:00 am.
Cuisines
French
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
After 6:00 PM Montreal"s Health Agency's parking lot is open to the public; located on Roy street between St-Denis and Berri.
Public transit
Metro Sherbrooke, 3 streets north or metro Mont-Royal, 3 streets south; a five minutes walk in both directions.
Payment options
Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ghislain Roy
Additional
Bar Dining, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.restaurantlexpress.com/
Phone number
(514) 845-5333

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