L’Express, a cherished French bouchon in the heart of NYC for over 25 years, continues its legacy by embracing the city’s vibrant late-night scene. Amitzur Mor, the Executive Chef at L’Express, attributes the restaurant’s enduring appeal to its strong neighborhood connection.
L’Express: A Neighborhood Favorite for Over a Quarter Century
Enduring Appeal Through Community and Consistency
Chef Mor explains, “We’re a neighborhood spot, and we always have been. We know the people in our community, and it’s our greatest pleasure to be able to provide them with well-done, consistent food and attentive service. Those are the most important things, and they keep people coming back time and time again.” This focus on community and reliable quality has cemented L’Express as a local favorite.
Embracing the NYC Nightlife: L’Express Goes Late Night
Inspired by the City’s After-Dark Dining Culture
The relaunch of L’Express Late Night dining is inspired by Chef Mor’s deep appreciation for New York’s after-hours culinary scene. “I’ve been living in New York for over 20 years and have embraced the city’s late-night dining scene a lot in that time, both as a chef and a customer. I wanted to be able to offer people a complete dining experience at any hour of the day, whether they want a drink and a snack or a three-course meal and a bottle of wine.”
Late-Night Menu Highlights: French Comfort with a Twist
The Heart of French Cuisine After Midnight
Among the standout late-night offerings is the Hudson Valley Duck “Cassoulet,” a dish close to Chef Mor’s culinary heart. “The ‘Cassoulet’ is the dish that’s closest to my heart at L’Express. It’s one of the most traditional French dishes, and is also full of complexity and requires a lot of love to prepare properly. It’s true French comfort food and a great late-night dish.” The menu masterfully balances traditional Lyonnaise flavors with the energy of NYC nightlife. “At L’Express, we make classic French dishes for a New York palate. That’s always been our philosophy. We know that nightlife in the city can mean anything — someone who’s just finishing their shift, or someone starting it. I want to feed them all with simple, good-quality food.”
Welcoming a Diverse Late-Night Crowd Until the Early Hours
Extended Hours for Everyone Under the NYC Lights
L’Express now stays open until 2 AM most nights and 4 AM on weekends, a bold move to cater to a wide audience. “The amazing thing about New York is the diversity, and how people from all walks of life can come together to break bread. We want to welcome everyone to late nights at L’Express — teams from nearby hotels and restaurants who are just wrapping things up, office workers getting out late, musicians finishing their gigs, and tourists who’ve stayed out all night enjoying their last night in the city. Anyone and everyone is welcome.” Chef Mor emphasizes the flexibility of the late-night experience. “We give people as much flexibility as they need, whether it’s French fries and a beer, or Escargots with a $2,000 bottle of wine. We’re offering familiarity — you’ll see the same faces as you always do at L’Express, and a place to call home, even when it’s after hours.”
Late-Night Comfort: French Classics and a Lively Vibe
Satisfying Midnight Cravings with Refined Flavors
The late-night menu caters to comfort food desires with a distinctly French touch. “French comfort food is our speciality. Nothing beats our selection of house-ground L’Express burgers, the Steak Haché, or our Croque Madame with an oozy fried egg on top.” The restaurant’s cozy yet lively atmosphere is maintained through the late hours with a surprising musical choice. “We like to turn things on their head a bit and play some classic rock during the late night. We’re creating somewhere warm and fun, a destination. It’s a sexy place at night.”
Adapting to New York Tastes and Looking to the Future
Evolving with the City’s Palate and Renewed Energy
Chef Mor reflects on the city’s evolving culinary landscape. “Of course, COVID changed a lot in the city, but we’ve been seeing people coming back steadily after COVID over the last few years. People are heading out more, and they want dining experiences that they can depend on. We want to give people a satisfying meal for a great price, and we know that’s important to people right now.” His excitement for the return of late-night dining is clear. “With late nights, I’m really getting to run my dream restaurant. My food, my music and my people, all in a great space and after midnight. It’s the best, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.”
