The story
L’Escargot is a French restaurant at 48 Greek Street in Soho, London, and holds 2 AA Rosettes for 2026. It has traded from this address since 1927, with roots going back to 1896.
Head chef James Tyrrell trained at Langan’s Brasserie and at Claridge’s, and the menu follows the Parisian grand brasserie style. The snails come from Herefordshire and arrive with garlic butter or flambéed with Pernod. Beyond them sit lobster bisque, confit of duck with braised Puy lentils and the Tournedos Rossini with foie gras and truffle. Puddings include a chocolate soufflé (allow 20 minutes). The Good Food Guide 2026 describes the cooking as a comforting rendition of "la cuisine bourgeoise".
The building dates from 1741, and the restaurant spreads across several floors. Paintings and photographs cover the walls, including works by Grayson Perry, Francis Bacon and David Hockney. Chandeliers, ornate mirrors and heavy velvet set a grand tone, and a swirling carpet marks the rear dining room. Three private dining rooms sit upstairs, and dogs are welcome at the tables.
Recognition
Details
History
Opened in 1927 as L’Escargot Bienvenue (complete with a snail farm in the basement), this bastion of old Soho has moved gently with the times while retaining its ageless sense of style – thanks in part to its current patron Brian Clivaz. A substantial refit in 2023 enhanced the famously warm, softly lit interiors, numerous salons and private spaces, and the veritable gallery of artwork lining the walls. ‘Slow and sure’ is the restaurant’s motto, and the kitchen continues to deliver a comforting rendition of 'la cuisine bourgeoise' – which means lobster salad, navarin of lamb, grilled halibut with hollandaise, confit duck with Puy lentils, crème brûlée and chocolate soufflé. The titular gastropods are shipped up from Herefordshire these days, although their treatment is as emphatically traditional as ever – slathered with parsley and garlic or, perhaps, flambéed with Pernod. Occasionally the menu strays off-piste for the likes of crab linguine with leeks and tarragon or asparagus and pea risotto, but it's back to France for cheeses and madeleines. Fixed-price lunches and pre-theatre deals are good value for the postcode, afternoon tea is a pleasing surprise, and ‘flavoursome’ Sunday lunches have delivered ‘exceptional quality’ – from ‘rôti de côte de boeuf à l‘anglaise’ to tarte au citron. Wines are patriotically Gallic, of course, with big-ticket bottles for those who want to splurge but also some more affordable regional options for everyday drinking.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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