What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
L'Escargot Restaurant
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
L'Escargot is London's oldest French restaurant and one of the most celebrated restaurants in the West End. Even though it is a Soho legend, it has kept itself very much up-to-date. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, good food and wine, and all reasonably priced. There is no formal dress code (although nudity is discouraged !). L'Escargot has been host to stars of stage and screen for many years; previous guests include, Coco Chanel, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Kate Moss, Judy Dench, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Matt Smith and Princess Diana have all been regulars. Pre-theatre and post theatre dining is popular. You may just pop in for one course and a cocktail or glass of wine - we look forward to welcoming you. Dogs are welcome, allergies are accommodated, vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Features
CUISINES
French, International, European, British
Meal types
Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Dog Friendly
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Visa
Wine and Beer
Location
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: L'Escargot Restaurant
"The food was superb and the service brilliant, attentive without being annoying."
Sadie1968
"Amazing quality food, it’s my favourite French restaurant, such amazing service "
Z5778WVkarens
"Really good french food, reasonably priced for London. French onion soup a must,"
Farrier9999
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 - 17:00
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 22:30
Wednesday
12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 22:30
Thursday
12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 22:30
Friday
12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 22:30
Saturday
12:00 - 15:0017:00 - 22:30
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4.3
(1,149)
Excellent
655
Good
277
Average
117
Poor
59
Terrible
41
Elizabeth U
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
As we were in London for Mum’s birthday to see Les Mis, I thought we’d stick to the French theme and treat her to lunch at L’Escargot. One of my better decisions! From the welcome when you arrive, to the beautifully classic decor, to the delicious food, it really is a special place. We started with the obligatory birthday bubbles and then moved on to the very reasonable prix fixe menu. Amazing French onion soup followed by perfectly cooked salmon for me, and Mum was very happy with her charcuterie plate and mushroom risotto. The service was impeccable and the icing on the cake was the complimentary plate of chocolate snails complete with birthday candle and handwritten postcard. I can see why it’s survived for so long. Will be back!
Written 14 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
august01
London673 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
Came here for lunch and was given the bread basket (£5). I would have preferred for the bread to be warm. I then had 6 L'escargot (snails) (£18) which were large and full of garlic goodness. We also had the langoustine bisque (£16) which was full of flavour, and the French onion soup (£14) which hubby loved. We then had the baked lobster (£65) which I thought was too expensive for the size of the lobster, and the chicken breast (£32) which was just okay, and again too expensive for the quality and size of the dish. We also had the new potatoes (£6) and the minted peas (£6). I had an Amaretto Sour cocktail (£15) which was lovely but absolutely tiny, and hubby had the Bon Vivant cocktail (£15) which he enjoyed. Service charge of 15% was automatically added. All in all we enjoyed the meal, but the mains were particularly expensive for what they were, and service was just okay, not great. We were also really close to the tables around us, so it was difficult to get out if we wanted to. A little more space between the tables would have been nice ideally.
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tad
34 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
I booked a table in January for my husband's birthday and we had an excellent evening. The ambience was excellent; although the room was full, the restaurant did not feel too loud at all, while we enjoyed the decor. The staff were very attentive throughout and surprised my husband with a birthday treat. We ate three courses (smoked salmon and langoustine bisque to start; duck confit and mushroom linguine for main; crème brulee as a shared desert) and it was all delicious. The wine list was very extensive and not unreasonably priced. We shared a bottle of Chardonnay. The restaurant permits dogs and we enjoyed getting to know the pets of the table next to ours as we waited for the bill. Overall, a fantastic experience marred only slightly by the very warm fire behind my chair, which meant I was slightly overheated by the end of the evening.
Written 28 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yaron M
London3621 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
L'Escargot is the place to visit for a treat. The welcome by the hostess was amicable. The layout is separate dining areas throughout which gave the feeling of intimacy. Felt a little like stepping back in time, reminiscent of Hercule Poirot.
We chose Duck Terrine, which was beautifully presented and flavourful
and the Lobster salad as starters. Again an excellent presentation but at £29 it seemed excessively pricey for a bowl of lettuce leaves with a few pieces of lobster. I somehow expected more. The citrus dressing was tasty, but not enough of it for my liking.
We drank the 312 St-Emillon Grand Cru, an excellent full-body red wine.
For mains, we had Leaf salad, very well presented but again, lacked flavour.
The Poached Sea Trout, which was utterly delicious, and the Navarin D'Agneau, also very good.
We opted not to have dessert and were treated to "snail" chocolates. A sweet gesture and delicious too.
The meal, in general, was very nice, and the restaurant had a lovely ambience. Picture crisp white linen tablecloths, deep red velvet chairs and silver cutlery. Special mention must be given to the service by our waitress Aurora, she was truly delightful.
This place is worth a visit, particularly if you want to impress a date or important client.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forkandles
Binfield148 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
We enjoyed a delicious early evening dinner at L'Escargot after a nearby matinee performance. The menu options were wide ranging and great value (given the restaurant's Soho location). The ambience is nicely relaxed and the staff provided excellent table service. We'll be back if we ever visit Soho again.
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heza h
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • couples
L'Escargot, a Soho institution, provided the perfect setting for a delightful Sunday lunch with my partner. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable – attentive, friendly, and perfectly paced. My meal began with the crab mayonnaise, a delicate blend of sweet crab and tangy pickled cucumber, a refreshing start. The roast rib of 28-day aged Scotch beef was the highlight, a truly magnificent cut cooked to a perfect medium-rare; the meat was meltingly tender and full of flavour. The accompanying Yorkshire pudding was crisp and light, and the horseradish sauce added a welcome kick. Throughout the meal, we enjoyed selections from L'Escargot's magnificent wine and champagne menu, each pairing perfectly with our chosen dishes. Finally, the soufflé au chocolat, a 20-minute wait well worth it, was a rich and decadent delight, the perfect ending to a classic meal. L'Escargot delivers a refined and consistently excellent dining experience, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or a simply enjoyable Sunday lunch with someone special.
Written 13 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
London17 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
I have not been for a while but L'escargot never fails
The food was amazing and the restaurant is looking good.
Our waiter was young but had the most amazing service ethic - nothing was too much
we had the set menu which was amazingly well priced
the Beetroot Risotto was amazing - LOVED IT.
But next time I am having the BEEF WELLINGTON.
This restaurant is a real institution and a definite must visit.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B C
Thank you so much for the lovely review, we really appreciate it.
The Beef Wellington is really good, last night one of the customers said it was"...better than at The Ritz!"
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best wishes...@/"...@/"
Written 2 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paulwF3718ID
35 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
Wow! What a fantastic Sunday lunch! The menu was packed with tempting choices, making it hard to decide. We went for the three courses for £45, and it was worth every penny. The crab starter was just amazing – so fresh and delicious! And the terrine? Bursting with flavour! The rib of beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, cooked absolutely perfectly. The service was spot-on, really friendly and efficient. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a stunning art collection and lovely fresh flowers on every table. But the desserts! The soufflé was a showstopper – perfectly cooked and that hot chocolate sauce was divine! My guest was raving about his homemade lemon curd ice cream too. Honestly, I don't think you could find a better Sunday lunch anywhere.
Written 10 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole G
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
Fantastically priced Sunday lunch. I booked the set menu at £39 for three courses for 4 of us and was astonished at the value and amount of food we received. Usually set menus are sparse on portions, but we were all stuffed, particularly with the roast beef which was perfectly cooked. Very attentive service and a great venue.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B C
Thank you so much for the lovely review, we are delighted you enjoyed your visit so much and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best wishes ...@/"...@/"
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ali P
25 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We have been to L’Escargot a handful of times over the past few years and it has always, up until now, been special. Unfortunately, the restaurant has lost its je ne sais quoi. The food is still good, but the service and general ambience have shifted towards the unremarkable and at times below par.
There were specific issues which resolved themselves during our meal (eg long wait for wine, coffee unavailable at the end of the meal, sparkling water not refrigerated), but it was the general sense that something had changed. The soul of the restaurant had left the building.
A quick google search triggered by the odd inclusion of a German dessert on the menu and the unavailability of French fries (only thick English style chips which, by the way, are cooked far better in the majority of ubiquitous gastropubs across London) revealed that the restaurant was taken over by Thomas Hitzlsperger, an ex-German professional footballer with a keen interest in economics and finance. I don’t know if this is the reason that the execution was flat, why everything felt a little 4 star with corners being visibly cut, but it could well be.
It’s a real pity, but it’s unfortunately (another) one of those London institutions that isn’t quite what it used to be. Would no longer recommend.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia T
Sale20 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Came here for my birthday dinner and the whole experience was fantastic. The decor, the customer service and the food... all of it.
The classic French onion soup lived up to its name and expectation.
We were too full for dessert but as it was my birthday, the waiter brought out a lovely birthday surprise - a candle with handmade dark chocolate from the chefs - delicious!
Will definitely return!
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heartofglassgirl
Cambridge9 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Tonight's visit to l'Escargot made me fall in love with French dining again. Wonderful decor, a relaxed atmosphere, a perfectly executed menu and attentive service made for a great experience. Our waiter went above and beyond to talk us through the wines and was observant enough to hear us congratulating our son on his graduation (the reason we were there). He brought us a great plate of celebratory chocolates to round off our meal - such a lovely touch! There are good reasons why this place is an institution. A wonderful evening - thank you.
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oly L
1 contribution
Sept 2022 • none
I've heard people say this is a restaurant for 'special occasions'. I'd say this is a restaurant for 'any occasion' as the experience you get for the price represents incredible value. We took a chance as we didn't have a booking so I was expecting to be turned away but to our delight, the lovely girl on reception managed to squeeze us in. Service was exceptional from end to end, and the food was sublime. The place has a busy, old-school speakeasy vibe which was a breath of fresh air in a city saturated by modern copy & paste dining rooms.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dYquem
166 contributions
Sept 2024 • business
I thought hard whether this should be a 4 or 5.
On the positive side, the decor was great, our waiter was responsive, they took allergy issues very seriously and the ambiance was nice.
However there were a couple of errors on our order and the food was nothing special, with only a medium quality-price-ratio. Service was also not very quick albeit for a dinner this wasn’t such a problem but I don’t think I’d have time to go there for lunch.
Written 4 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lawyer_who_travels
150 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Took my partner here for a birthday lunch. The fixed price three course menu was absolutely delicious- the soup, the pasta, and the dessert were very tasty and well-presented. Really good location as well. Would come again for sure, for a pre-theatre nibble.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B C
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are delighted you enjoyed your birthday lunch so much. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Best wishes...@/"...@/"
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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