Best casual bistros in Montreal

[JudyDenver]

We live in Denver and will be visiting in Montreal for a week. Denver has 3 French restaurants and only one offers exceptional food. If we decide to concentrate on bistro/French cuisine in Montreal-where should we go for dinner? (not fine dining).

I don't want to offend anyone, but I won't be eating poutine. I have NEVER eaten gravy or sauces over potatoes. In fact, I don't even eat mashed potatoes and gravy (very un American). Of course I love french fries, but with salt only (no sauce).

[Fintastic]

Montreal is casual. You would be hard-pressed to find many formal restaurants in the city, much less bistros, so you really have a lot of options. Unfortunately, price doesn't really vary much, so you'll probably be looking to spend about the same amount no matter what choice you make. Maybe one of the bring your own wines would be best? P'tit Plateau and Monsieur B come to mind, but there are many others.

[leyb]

I agree that bring your own wine places are your best bet for what you're describing. I second the Monsieur B recommendation, and I'd also suggest Les Heritiers, which is the same owner and is also BYOW, but has a less busy and bustling atmosphere than Monsieur B.

[cricri7]

I'd recommend M sur Masson which is in Rosemont. It is excellent! The service is nice...the food is great and all the waiters can help you in English with the menu. You won't be disappointed.

[C70]

No offense taken by most of us, I'm sure. Poutine is a "drunk food"... If you find yourself intoxicated enough while here, it is worth a try.

I love the granddaddy of our bistros, L'Express.

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L'Express Restaurant
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W2M4, CA