Restaurant Review: L’Escargot

Soho exudes a distinct aura that sets it apart from any other district in London. Here, cultures collide in a joyful symphony. The bustling energy of China Town, vibrant markets of Berwick Street, vivacious cabaret scene at The Windmill, lingering ghost of Madame Jo Jo’s, and, of course, the warm Bienvenue at L’Escargot, London's oldest French restaurant, are all part of Soho’s tapestry.  

Now, cast your thoughts back to 1896—a time of exploration and adventure and the height of Belle Époque. In this heady atmosphere, a gentleman named Georges Gaudin brokered a beautiful romance between a French delicacy and a new London audience. What did he feed them? Snails! The success of L’Escargot was so stratospheric that Gaudin was commemorated by a plaster bust which shows him riding a snail, bearing the motto ‘slow but sure’. It’s still proudly displayed outside the restaurant.

L'Escargot possesses a unique allure as an experiential dining destination. It's not merely a place to savour exquisite French cuisine (though that's a given), but also a living testament to its storied past. Ever pondered the question of who you'd invite to your dream dinner party?

The Snail, Mushroom, and Roquefort Pie is a hearty indulgence, where the earthy essence of snail melds seamlessly with flaky pastry.

Dining at L’Escargot provides the answer, for this establishment has welcomed an illustrious array of luminaries over the years. The restaurant's rich history and its innate charm are inseparable; one doesn't exist without the other. The main courses offer a range of high-quality meats, with the Fillet of Beef 'Rossini' standing out as a particular highlight. And to conclude, a perfectly crisped Crème Brûlée.

Salon Vert, one of the private dining rooms at L’Escargot

While the main dining area could benefit from a touch-up, exploring the myriad private dining rooms and cocktail bars proves worthwhile. The building, dating back to 1741, conceals a sprawling interior, its levels extending skyward. The private rooms available for events exude an eclectic, artistic flair, steeped in French allure. Stepping into this historical Town House, adorned with photographs capturing diners of bygone eras, reaffirms L’Escargot's place of significance and value, an indisputable fixture in the annals of gastronomic excellence, undoubtably inducting this establishment into the restaurant halls of fame.

For more information and bookings, please visit L’Escargot’s website