As I visit the South Shore of Quebec more and more often, I take the opportunity to explore its restaurants. One Sunday, after my daughter's gymnastics classes, which take place in Lévis, I decided to take the children to dinner. Rather than give in to the call of the nearby golden arch, I opted for Express du Sud, an address I had already heard of. Since it is nestled a little away from the main thoroughfare, I had never noticed its location, even though I often go to the area.
When we arrive, the restaurant has a warm ambiance and is beautifully decked out for the holiday season. I immediately notice the nods to the name of the establishment, inspired by the Lévis train station. A large clock, similar to those of old train stations, adds an authentic and charming touch to the decor. The hostess welcomed us with great kindness and even without a reservation, and despite a crowded restaurant, she managed to find us a table.
The menus are quickly brought to us, but we are informed that only lunches are offered on weekends. Regardless, the choice is still varied and promising. I am served a hot coffee, while the children order the Le Rubis cocktail, a beautiful combination of strawberries and raspberries.
For lunch, I let myself be tempted by the Gaufre l’Express. On one side, it is topped with two poached eggs, shredded ham, Swiss cheese and topped with Hollandaise sauce. On the other, it is covered with seasonal fruits and a creamy pastry cream. I love the sweet and savory mix at lunch and this plate promised a great experience. The idea is excellent and the waffles are generous and tasty. My only downside? They get soggy quickly. Under sauces, they lose their crunchy texture, which makes everything a little less interesting.
For my daughter, it’s paradise! A huge thin crepe, generously garnished with wild fruits, strawberry coulis and a rich pastry cream. That said, the portion is frankly gargantuan. It’s a shame that no children’s menu was offered to us, because a more suitable option would have been ideal.
For my pre-teen, it’s a real feast with his Bagel Club. This mouth-watering sandwich is made with egg, bacon, tomatoes, Swiss cheese and mayonnaise. A choice that turned out to be simply perfect for him! And the highlight of the meal? Tasty potatoes. They were so appetizing that his sister and I couldn't resist tasting them.
In short, it was a pleasant outing with the children. The place is charming and warm, and I now understand why it has existed since 1995. A beautiful address that pleases both regulars and people passing through, like us!
Note :
7.5/10
What struck me most about my visit:
The popularity of the place
The specialty of the house:
Lunches
The most expensive main meal on the menu:
$23.50, salmon omelette
The cheapest main meal on the menu:
$11.50, breakfast The regular
Do I recommend this restaurant:
Yes
At what time of day did I visit:
Lunch
The pluses:
The decor, the atmosphere
Cons:
Narrow parking, no possibility of dining on weekends, no children's menus at lunch