The 15 Best Restaurants for Escargot in Paris

The 15 Best Restaurants for Escargot in Paris

*Originally published by Natalie on November 2019 and Updated by Vanessa on April 2023 and by Vanessa M in August 2023.

Like frog legs, escargot is a delicacy of France.

Escargots are edible land snails that are cooked with different herbs to flavour them into an appealing hors d’oeuvre. They are usually served with a side of bread for dipping into the remaining sauce.

Unlike frog legs, this dish is not difficult to find in Paris at all. Just about every single bistro, brasserie, bouillon and French cafe will have escargot on their starter menu.

Escargots – by DanceWithNyanko – Wikimedia Commons

1. L’Escargot Montorgueil in Paris

This spot happens to be one of the best places in Paris to enjoy both escargots and frog legs; travelers love to come here to kill two birds with one stone.

It’s considered an institute in Paris, and it’s been here since 1832, having served the likes of Salvador Dali & Marcel Proust.

Come for the escargots, but don’t leave without sampling one of their crepes as well!

If you’re passionate about French cuisine, you might also consider exploring other culinary delights with our food tour of Paris.

Click here for 15 French food specialties you absolutely have to try in Paris

L’Escargot Montorgueil in Paris – by L’Escargot Montorgueil – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Étienne Marcel

2. Du Pain et des Idées in Paris

Du Pain et des Idées takes a slightly different approach to the preparation of their escargots.

They use escargot in sweet dishes as opposed to savory, making the snails an integral part of each baked treat.

Berry lovers will enjoy the escargot fruits rouge bio, but if you’re like me, a fan of anything chocolate, then get the chocolate escargot.

Du Pain et des Idées in Paris – by Du Pain et des Idées – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Friday — 7am to 7:30pm

ADDRESS: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Jacques Bonsergent

3. Chez André in Paris

Chez André is your traditional, run of the mill Parisian bistro in the 8th arrondissement. Here, tourism reigns supreme so each restaurant is on their top performance at all times.

I like that Chez André gives you the choice of different sizes for your escargots. Their jumbo option is definitely the most popular, but such big snails are sometimes overwhelming for people not accustomed to the cuisine.

Chez André in Paris – by Chez André – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 12 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Alma-Marceau

4. Le Petit Châtelet in Paris

For a romantic night out, book a dinner table at Le Petit Châtelet in Notre Dame.

This is also a traditional French bistro where all the delicacies of the country are served. The menu is very affordable considering the quality and the area.

Also, this might be the most aesthetically charming restaurant from street level in the whole city — you can let me know if you agree!

Le Petit Châtelet in Paris – by Le Petit Châtelet – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 2:30pm // 7pm to 10:50pm

ADDRESS: 39 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Maubert – Mutualité

5. Bouillon Chartier in Paris

The Bouillon Chartier is another institution to Paris. It was started back in 1896, and has been serving traditional French food ever since.

Here are the top 10 Popular Traditional French Foods

A few years ago, the bouillon made the decision to make their menu as affordable as possible, without compromising quality. This is very close to fine dining, but at unbelievably low prices.

Their escargots are a crowd favorite and are ordered as starters by almost 70% of the people who come to diner here.

Bouillon Chartier in Paris – by Bouillon Chartier – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 11:30am to 12am

ADDRESS: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Grands Boulevards

6. Le Coupe Chouin Paris

I’ve always like the intimate, speakeasy vibe at the Coupe Chouin on the Left Bank.

This is a top spot for romantic dining in Paris, and reservations are required if you’d like to join them for dinner.

Their escargots are traditionally prepared and a really well sized portion for your first course. The dish is best paired with a French Bordeaux, as your waiter will likely advise you. 

Le Coupe Chouin Paris – by Le Coupe Chouin – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 7pm to 10:30pm

ADDRESS: 11 Rue de Lanneau, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Maubert – Mutualité

7. La Jacobine in Paris

La Jacobine is also on the Left Bank, and is the most inviting restaurant on the rue Saint-Andre des Arts. The whole perimeter of the eatery is made from glass, so you’re always in view of both the warm atmosphere inside, and beautiful Parisian streets on the out.

I must recommend both the escargots and the French onion soup.

Read more on where to Find the Best French Onion Soup in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Odéon

8.  La Fontaine de Mars in Paris

The Fontaine de Mars is a great spot for escargots near the Eiffel Tower. If you dine here, order a portion of the mushroom paté along with your snails; you’ll be thrilled to have it as an accompaniment to your bread.

Bistro dining in this part of town can often come off as pretentious and unwelcoming; la Fontaine de Mars is not like this at all! A wholesome, inviting space where food is celebrated.

La Fontaine de Mars in Paris – by La Fontaine de Mars – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 3pm // 7:30pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 29 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France

Metro STATION: École Militaire

9. Chez Janou in Paris

While hunting down traditional ratatouille in Paris, I came across Chez Janou. Turns out this spot has been here for years, and it remains well loved amongst the locals & the tourists.

Chez Janou does escargot the way your French grandma would were you to ask for them as a homemade meal. More than this, there are also a variety of escargot inclusive pastas that really steal the show. The tagliatelle with escargot incorporates basil pesto and is phenomenal.

Chez Janou in Paris – by Chez Janou – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 3pm // 7pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Bréguet – Sabin

10. Au Doux Raisin in Paris

Au Doux Raisin is a little wine bar in St Victor where escargots are served as a light appetizer during your wine drinking session.

It’s a nice spot to enjoy the dish without needing to sit down for a full on formal meal. This is actually how a lot of French locals prefer to enjoy their escargots.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 6pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 29 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Jussieu

11. Robert et Louise

Robert et Louise has managed to cook this traditional French meal by using the right ingredients such as butter sauce made of garlic and herbs which you can only imagine adds a lot of flavour to the snails’ delicate flavour and sensitive texture. They serve their escargots sizzling hot, this is a must-try for anyone who wants proper traditional French cuisine. You can choose to either have this meal as an appetiser or a main course while you’re here. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 6pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 64 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart

12. Le Coupe-Chou

Escargots from this beautiful French eatery can be described as delightful and tasty. If you’re looking for an eatery that is homely and really gives you a taste of France, this is the right place. The escargot here is made in garlic and parsley butter sauce and they are quite famous for this standout dish.

When you take a bite of the creamy escargots be sure to only experience the savouriness. You can have this meal as an appetiser or a light lunch because they come with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the tasty sauce. We can guarantee that their French food is carefully and meticulously cooked. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 7pm to 10:30pm

ADDRESS:11 Rue de Lanneau, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Cluny-La Sorbonne

13. Le Grand Colbert

If you’re looking for a place that has a posh, luxurious-looking environment then Le Grand Colbert is the place to be. For starters, you can have your escargots cooked in butter sauce, garlic and herbs, if you’ve never had snails before we think that this would be the place to start with, we don’t think you’ll ever regret it. Have your escargots with a side of baguette and you can have this meal for dinner, we promise that this is a must-visit location for everyone who is looking for a proper dining experience. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS:2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Bourse

14. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie

Are you looking for a restaurant that focuses on traditional French foods such as Onion soup, steak tartare or escargots? This restaurant serves a variety of traditional French dishes that are well-cooked and sumptuous. The restaurant has walls covered in wine bottles and is decorated with wooden tables and the environment is warm and inviting. If you’re a food enthusiast in Paris then we can guarantee that this restaurant is the perfect place to visit.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday — 9am to 10:30pm

ADDRESS:34 Rue Montmartre, 75001 Paris, France

Metro STATION: s Étienne Marcel

15. L’Ami Louis

Celebrities love this restaurant and it’s been around since 1924 so that tells you a lot about this place. They offer French cuisine and have a welcoming atmosphere that is needed especially for tourists. They are known for their chicken and escargots, both are usually prepared to perfection and accompanied by a thick, buttery sauce. If you’re taking someone who is not a fan of snails then you don’t need to worry because they offer a variety of dishes on their menu. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: Monday to Sunday —7:30pm-11pm

ADDRESS:34 Rue Montmartre, 75001 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

In your attempt to sample everything local and traditional about Paris, make time for a guided walking tour through the city as well. This will give your time here a cultural element as well as historical point of reference for all of the neighbourhoods that you find interesting. C’est bon!

How to eat escargot like the French

“Escargot” (pronounced “es-kar-go”) is a type of edible snail that is frequently served in drawn butter and seasoned with garlic and maybe other herbs and spices. Although eating snails is uncommon in various regions of the world, France and Turkey have extensive snail-farming industries.

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

Following appropriate etiquette and using a few basic strategies may help you become a seasoned escargot eater if you plan to eat escargot at a fancy dinner or even if you want to taste the meal.

Here’s a hint of what you should know, escargots are commonly served as an appetizer in France. When you order snails in a French restaurant, you should expect a plate of six-nine units, so it’s a light starter that leaves room for the main course and dessert. It can occasionally be found in a French apéritif, a type of casual drink with food that is especially popular in Paris.

Eating escargot like the French is about more than just the meal but also about the experience and etiquette that comes with it. In French cuisine, escargot or snails are considered a delicacy. Here’s how to savor them like a true Frenchman;

Prepare yourself for the experience: If you’re apprehensive about trying new cuisine, keep in mind that escargot has long been regarded as a delicacy. Each snail is prepared using precise, time-tested techniques. In general, edible snails are raised on a healthy, nutritious diet of cereals, fruits, and leaves. 

Acquaint yourself with your tools: When the escargot is served you should be given a plate, snail tongs, and snail forks, especially if it is served as an appetizer. The dish on which your escargot will be served should have various indentations in which the escargot will be placed once they have been cooked.

User:Trizek, CC BY-SA 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grip the snail’s shell with the escargot fork to keep it steady. Carefully extricate the snail from the shell with escargot tongs or a standard fork. The fork is used to support the snail while it is dipped into the sauce.

Pair your escargot with a glass of white wine: Escargots have a harder texture, which necessitates a wine with higher levels of acidity. White wines are often more fresh, acidic, and lighter than red wines making them better matches for foods like escargot.

https://pixabay.com/photos/wine-wineglass-leisure-drink-2789265/

Savor the Flavor: Escargot has a distinct, slightly chewy texture as well as a rich, buttery flavor. The garlic and herb butter sauce enhances the flavor. Not all snail species are edible though, but this isn’t something you need be concerned about if you’re dining at an elite restaurant. Some snail species, on the other hand, are better suited to specific meals or have an unusual flavor character. Take your time enjoying each bite’s various flavors and textures.

Enjoy the Experience: More than just the cuisine, French dining is an experience. Take your time, appreciate the atmosphere of the restaurant, and taste every second of this one-of-a-kind cuisine.

Photo by Ruslan Khmelevsky from Pexels

Remember that trying escargot is an exploration of French culinary culture. If you’re unsure about anything don’t worry your server will most likely be pleased to assist you and provide instructions. The idea is to consume the meal in a way that seems natural and delightful to you.