"French" Food in Montreal

[LJS]

Yes, I know, seems self-evident! I have been asked by friends from US to suggest good French restaurants in Montreal for their upcoming 4 day stay. I am Canadian but I don't live in Montreal and haven't even visited for 3 years now. I would like to help but can't...

I thought I'd start by browsing this Board, but you'd be surprised how little reference there is here to what I suspect my pals would recognize as "French"...sure there is loads of Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, dining-in-the-dark...

But what is the contemporary equivalent of Le Havre? (Yes, I know I am totally out-of-date). Maybe there are some identifiably Continental/European or some bistro-like gems that others know about?

My freinds are true foodies---ex-restaurant owners---so I want to get this right!

[LJS]

Checking in here Monday to find you have all come through for a fellow Chowhound! Thanks very much and I will post back on results of this visit (and enjoy the experience second hand!)

[foodie_mtl]

I love Montreal-French food. My suggestions:
L'Express (St-Dennis)
Au Petit Extra (Ontario/Papinau)
Les Heritiers (off Laurier)
Restaurant Yoyo (on Marquette) - Amazing place, and it's BYOwine

[kimberlya]

We recently spent a week in montreal and we found L'express to be awesome (go there for a late-night cocktail and terrine). It's quite charming. We also enjoyed Olive et Gourmand for great breads and such (down in Old Montreal), but get there early in the day or they won't have anything left!

[carswell]

The chef at BYO Le P'tit Plateau hails from Bordeaux and his (excellent) cooking reflects it. One block north, corner of Mont-Royal and Drolet, the chef at Au cinquième péché turns out always reliable and often inspired modern French dishes that often have a connection (use of endives, spice cookies, etc.) with his native Picardie, near the border with Belgium.

[Maximilien]

Have a look at "La Porte" on St-Laurent; french restaurant, owned by a a familly of French "natives".

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La Porte Restaurant
3627 Boul Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2X2V5, CA

[Fritzy]

Well, there is Mas des Oliviers for Southern French. And Lemeac (1045 Avenue Laurier Ouest) for a uniquely Montreal take on the French bistro. Not only is the food excellent at both places but your friends being ex-restaurant owners might appreciate being in two of the best run establishments in the city.

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Restaurant Le Mas Des Oliviers
1216 Rue Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G2E3, CA

[foodismyfriend]

Le Mas des Oliviers--great suggestion! Haven't been there for a while, but yes, I would say wonderful French food.

[foodismyfriend]

Hubby is French, and having read great reviews we were excited to try La Porte. Unfortunately we found the food uninspired. The service, however, was excellent.