Harden's survey result
Summary
“Thoroughly recommended, even after all these years!” – this “truly excellent” Gallic venue in the heart of Soho is marching towards its centennial in good form. A menu of “French classics, always to a high standard” is perfect “comfort food” and “combines with the lovely ambience” of the characterful dining room and “excellent service” to ensure it’s “always an enjoyable experience”.
Summary
“Everything is quite perfect” at this “civilised” but also “quirky” Gallic classic that has notched up 90 years in the heart of Soho (nowadays under owner Brian Clivaz). Though not as high profile as once it was, it remains by all accounts “a very special destination”, with “brilliant, non-intrusive service”, a “wonderful” and “romantic” room, and “excellent” French cuisine.
Summary
“A long-time (and forever) favourite” (est 1927), this “romantic” Gallic classic in Soho (current owner, Brian Clivaz) retains its reputation for dependable French cuisine, “attentive” service and a “buzzy” ambience and is particularly “convenient for the theatre”.
Summary
Brian Clivaz’s datedly glamourous old-timer provides a “cosseting” and “romantic” refuge from Soho, and its slightly “formal and traditional” style would also suit a business occasion; under new owners for a year now, the Gallic cuisine is proving “reliable”.
Owner's description
Set in the heart of Soho and conveniently located near the great theatres of London, L’Escargot has been at the epicentre of London life for almost a century. It has regularly been voted one of the best restaurants in London and is famous for its bourgeois French cooking. Snails, not surprisingly are a speciality of the house; the menu changes seasonally and centres on your French favourites including Lobster bisque, Salade Nicoise, and Coq au Vin. There is an excellent wine list with many reasonably priced bottles.
L’Escargot is one of the top restaurants in Soho and has been host to stars of stage and screen for many years. Previous clients include, Coco Chanel, John Giulgud, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Ralph Richardson, Judy Dench, and the late Princess Diana.
Pre-theatre and post theatre dining is popular and theatre and dinner packages are available.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £18.50 | £21.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £11.00 | £24.00 | £6.00 | £9.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £2.50 |
| Service | 14.50% |
Restaurant details
L’Escargot Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The first time I had eaten here, and what a disappointment. Such a beautiful restaurant is worthy of far better food. I had an avocado salad as a starter, and the avocado was not properly ripe. Pretty average guinea fowl for the main course."
"Beautiful, old-fashioned surroundings and service. Menu is similarly old-fashioned and pretty well executed."
"A splendid evening - faultless service, beautiful food in a great atmospheric room."
"Had a late family dinner here following a theatre visit. Our table was not ready when we arrived, so we had a drink in the bar first. This is right at the top of the building, two floors up from the restaurant and a bit of a climb, especially going back down to our table with our unfinished drinks. The service in the restaurant was friendly and attentive without being too intrusive, although it was relatively quiet given our late arrival. The food is French of course and very authentic. Even the bread brings back fond memories of French Bistros. Snails remain a speciality and are available with either garlic or flambéd with Ricard and are delicious. We also had the Chateaubriand, which was delicious. There is a decent wine list with a range of prices which are reasonable for this part of London. Overall a good venue for a late dinner"
48 Greek Street, London, W1D 4EF
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-6 pm |
