A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: L'Escargot Montorgueil, an institution at Les Halles

Nestled at 38 rue Montorgueil in the 1ᵉʳ arrondissement, L'Escargot Montorgueil is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital. Opened in 1832, this legendary restaurant alone embodies a part ofParis culinary history, with its mythical Burgundy snails, Second Empire decor and deep roots in the life of Les Halles and the Montorgueil district.

An address founded in 1832, in the heart of Les Halles

When L'Escargot Montorgueil opened its doors in 1832, the Halles district was in full swing. It was the capital's food hub, a meeting place for shopkeepers, chefs, artists, writers and workers. The establishment quickly established itself as a chic and popular canteen, featuring an emblematic dish: escargot de Bourgogne, served in the traditional manner. Over the years, the restaurant became a popular institution for both local residents and visitors seeking a taste of Parisian tradition.

A Second Empire décor of charm and elegance

To step through the doors of L'Escargot Montorgueil is to plunge into theatmosphere of another century. The carefully preserved Second Empire décor transports diners into a hushed, warm atmosphere of gilding, dark woodwork, moldings and comfortable banquettes. The restaurant cultivates a bourgeois, Parisian spirit, without ostentation, but with real attention to detail. La Maison evokes both the heyday of Parisian gastronomy and that of a suspended time, far removed from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Brasserie Lipp, living memory of Saint-Germain
• La petite histoire des grands restaurants de Paris: Lapérouse, heart of Paris's social and political life
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Maxim's, the crème de la crème of the Belle Epoque

A cult specialty: Burgundy snails

As the name suggests, the snail is the star of the house. Prepared according to a house recipe handed down from generation to generation, it is served with a creamy herb butter, perfectly seasoned, which makes all the difference. The Laporte family, now at the helm of the restaurant, continues this tradition with rigor and passion. But the menu doesn't stop there. You'll also find great French specialties: foie gras, onion soup, free-range poultry, roast meats, not to mention classic desserts, from chocolate moelleux to tarte Tatin, all accompanied by a generous, well-thought-out wine list.

A neighborhood address turned institution

More than just a tourist restaurant, L'Escargot Montorgueil remains a lively part of everyday Parisian life. Its central location in one of the capital's liveliest districts, between the Bourse, Les Halles and Châtelet, makes it a landmark for both locals and travelers in search of authenticity. It's an address that appeals for its consistency, hospitality and ability to bring to life a certain French art de la table, without betraying its heritage.

L'Escargot Montorgueil is like yesterday's Paris serving today's Paris: an address where time seems to stand still over an iconic dish, in a setting full of memory and elegance.

Our review of L'Escargot Montorgueil:

L'Escargot Montorgueil, the Parisian institution still delighting, 200 years later
Located in the Halles district of Paris, L'Escargot Montorgueil showcases Burgundy snails in original recipes, and brilliantly executes the great classics of French gastronomy. [Read more]