L'Escargot

A flat performance

Its such a shame as this restaurant used to be very good many years ago. Having not been back for several years, we thought we would give it another go.
Unfortunately, things have not improved… The champagne was flat, food was sub café Rouge, and the atmosphere was unrelaxing. The waiting staff did their best, but clearly there were too many problems behind the scenes.

The Food in this place is amazing to say the least. Loved the french menu had so much to offer in small portion sizes but was excellent to try a variety of foods. Service was a little bit slow however can not fault the food or drink. The only other thing is the price, do not expect a cheap lunch this place is fancy and well worth it too. If you have the means to enjoy a fabulous french meal then thumbs up to this place.!

I rarely return to any Central London restaurants being that with so much choice and new places opening (and closing!) all the time, together with the nigh on impossible chance that a truly great evening can ever be repeated, why take such a chance? One place where I'm more than happy to break all those rules howwever, is L'Escargot. We first went there just over a year ago and last Friday saw our third visit, each one steadily improving on the previous experience.

Whilst the initial welcome at the reception desk is not what you could ever term “warm”, once you enter the wonderful room, everything is charm and elegance personified. Every individual member of the team greets you as you are shown to your table and service throughout the evening is of the highest standards; professional but friendly with nothing being too much trouble.

We're probably not the best to consult on the menu as in all visits we have never made it beyond the snails for a starter, although himself learned from his initial politeness and now steams in straight away with the full dozen. We've tried a few different mains, each of which have been well executed, beautiful to look at and taste fantastic. A constant has to be the side of gratin dauphinoise; it always looks a bit dry and unappetising but once you slice into it, it really is one of the best we've ever had (outside of that of himself's own making of course!) This time we came very close to ordering two portions but in retrospect are glad we didn't as it would have undoubtedly meant missing out on dessert.

Special mention has to go to their wonderful sommelier, Fabrice. Has a knack of asking the right questions (and remembering previous answers!) and his suggestions have always hit the spot. On the rare occasion his suggestion didn't work (on a glass of dessert wine) it was quickly exchanged with no fuss whatsoever.

It may not be the trendiest place in this part of town, but for old style glamour that delivers on the plate too, it has become an absolute favourite and we look forward to our next return.

A hidden gem
We have been to l'esargot a couple of times but normally in a small group but last night it was just as a couple. The service was excellent, the food was really good ( and we are fussy!) and a good wine list. All in all, we had a very nice evening in a good restaurant in the middle of soho. We will continue to return!

First visit to L'Escargot and a wonderful experience. Staff friendly and attentive (but not overpowering), food delicious. Would certainly recommend. What a way to spend a birthday evening

Ate here on Saturday evening with my husband. We chose from the a la carte menu in the ground floor restaurant. The restaurant was busy, but the service was cheerful and attentive. The artwork by Miro and Chagall was much appreciated. We really enjoyed our dinner consisting of foie gras and tuna to start with and then the lamb and pork for main course. The food was well presented and delicious. We will definitely eat here again. Highly recommended.

We purchased a theatre deal (3 course) for L'Escargot, based on overall good feedback, and were terribly disappointed. The service was slow to start with. We had ordered all 3 courses initially, and after the main course, the waitor eventually arrived and asked offered us coffee or the bill. I explained that we were on a 3 course deal and he had completely forgotten the fact that we had ordered dessert. The dessert then didn't arrive, and we ran out of time. I approached the manager and asked for the bill. They got the bill wrong too – charging for the full meal although we were on a prepaid theatre deal. By this time the desserts had finally arrived. They were the only good part of the meal (they were delicious).

We missed the first 10 minutes of our show as a result of their completely disorganized and slack service.

They did give us one drink off the bill for our trouble, but needless to say this did little to compensate for missing the beginning of Les Miserables!

The food was edible, but not gourmet. Basically if you are into food, you are likely to find it very forgettable. Not very tasty, not very imaginative.

Guys, if you are going to offer a theatre deal, serve the food so that the patrons can make the show – simple.

Will never go there again, show or no show.