L’Escargot Montorgueil: an institution of excellence for 200 years
L’Escargot Montorgueil has been a Parisian institution since 1832. Located in the heart of the capital, in the lively Rue Montorgueil, this listed restaurant has stood the test of time, retaining its charm and authenticity.
Frequented by such illustrious figures as Sarah Bernhardt, Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Dalí, it perpetuates a culinary tradition in which the escargot is king. Its sumptuous decor and generous cuisine make it a must for lovers of traditional French gastronomy.
A charming Second Empire setting
To enter L’Escargot Montorgueil is to enter a world where time seems suspended. The decor, imbued with the Second Empire style, combines gilded moldings, imposing mirrors and deep red velvet. Every detail evokes the elegance of an era when pomp and refinement reigned supreme. The ceiling in the entrance hall, a painting that once belonged to Sarah Bernhardt, further enhances this unique historical atmosphere. Outside, the award-winning stained-glass façade gives a foretaste of the experience inside.
The establishment is divided into several distinct areas, each offering its own particular ambience. The light-filled veranda lends itself perfectly to a peaceful lunch, while the main dining room, surrounded by mirrors, captures the vibrant soul of the place. Upstairs, a flowery carpet recalls the history and timeless character of this traditional house.
Generous, masterful bourgeois cuisine
At L’Escargot Montorgueil, pleasure comes first and foremost on the plate. The menu, orchestrated by chefs Cécilia Milla and Stéphane Mangin, celebrates a French bourgeois cuisine where the richness of flavors and the authenticity of recipes are central concerns. Escargot, the restaurant’s undisputed star, is available in five different recipes, from the traditional beurre persillé to more daring variations such as those with Espelette pepper, Brie, foie gras or truffle.
But the house doesn’t stop there, and offers a range of emblematic dishes, often disappearing from Parisian menus. These include frog legs, duck pithiviers to share, and filet de boeuf à la Rossini. For lovers of timeless classics, onion soups, entrecôtes and bœufs bourguignons perpetuate the tradition of the Parisian bistro. Here, butter and cream are generously used to sublimate each dish, in the purest respect for traditional French recipes.
An exceptional restaurant with a timeless soul
L’Escargot Montorgueil is more than just a restaurant, it’s a place where history and gastronomy become one. With a large kitchen brigade, meticulous and attentive service, and a wine list featuring some thirty references, everything is designed to offer an immersive experience in a refined and authentic Paris.
A true testament to the city’s history, it continues, almost 200 years after its opening, to seduce gourmets and the curious in search of an exceptional meal. When you enter this temple of French gastronomy, you’re not just enjoying a meal: you’re living an experience where every mouthful is a tribute to a bygone era, but one that is still very much alive within the walls of L’Escargot Montorgueil.
Read also: Les Petits Parisiens: the essence of bistronomy in the 14th arrondissement
