In the lively, bustling Montorgueil district, lies one of the capital’s most legendary restaurants. With its golden snail on the front, this eponymous establishment has been a legend in the capital for almost 200 years.
This legendary restaurant has served its flagship dish to the whole of Paris.
Since 1832, in the heart of the Halles district in the 1st arrondissement, L’Escargot Montorgueil has established itself as a veritable monument to Parisian gastronomy. The building, a listed historic monument, boasts an ornate façade and a ceiling painted by Georges Clarin, testifying to its former prestige. When it opened, the restaurant made a name for itself by specializing in Burgundian cuisine, and in particular by its well-assumed specialty: the famous escargot!
At L’Escargot Montorgueil, the signature dish is of course… snails. A must: a tasting of 36 snails in five flavors (plain, foie gras, black truffle, Espelette pepper, cheese-walnut). The traditional recipe – blanched Burgundy snails cooked in court-bouillon and seasoned with herbs – remains the basis of a dish that has stood the test of time. Other not-to-be-missed dishes include onion soup au gratin, duck confit and frogs’ legs, perfect for those who want to prolong the tasty experience in a period setting.
As soon as you cross the threshold of 38 rue Montorgueil, the Belle Époque atmosphere is renewed. The Second Empire style unfolds through gilded woodwork, antique mirrors and majestic chandeliers. The ceiling painted by Georges Clarin remains one of the place’s curiosities. A remarkable visual detail: the famous golden snail, which watches over the façade and has announced the restaurant’s reputation for generations.
L’Escargot Montorgueil is not just a restaurant, it’s a gastronomic institution in the capital. With its legendary snails, listed decor and history dating back almost two centuries, it offers a unique Parisian experience, perfect for a memorable dinner.
📍Location: L’Escargot Montorgueil – 38, rue Montorgueil, 75001
📆 Opening hours : Open daily from 12pm to 10pm