L'Escargot, Soho ★★★★★

Revive Soho's bourgeois charm at this classic french bistro. London food hub Greek Street, in the heart of bustling Soho, is home to the newly decorated L'Escargot restaurant. 
New French brasserie in Soho
About as formal as they come, this french restaurant in Soho, L'Escargot is a bastion of old aristocratic dining, and manages to retain its bourgeois charm after a number of years in redecoration.
Very large menus and very French waiters make L'Escargot a far cry from the street-food revolutions of Shoreditch and Brixton, but if traditional dining is what you're after, it doesn't come more authentic than this. 
L'Escargot Soho: review
With a permanent, extensive menu, L'Escargot offers everything you'd expect in Brasserie cuisine. Snails are, of course, the specialty on the menu, but if you're keen get your teeth into something even more slimy, opt for the delicate starter of Scallop ceviche, thickly sliced and marinated in a rich citrus jus with mango and chilli (though if Ceviche is what you're after – we'd suggest popping round the corner and trying London's finest – or heading to the latest offshoot in Old Street). The halibut was a little on the salty side, overdressed as it was in a rich caper sauce, whilst the Steak was cooked perfectly but unfortunately accompanied by slightly cold frites. 
Avoid the hubbub
Whilst there's nothing particularly unique about it – here are all the French trimmings you'd expect – L'Escargot has its appeals. It's a haven for in-the-know tourists wondering where to eat dinner in Soho, or seeking welcome respite from the rainy streets of ram-packed Theatreland.
Chic interiors
And whilst it may not be the best french restaurant Soho has to offer, L'Escargot knows exactly what it's doing and everything's run fairly smoothly: and the best thing about it is the atmosphere. Paintings line the wallpapered walls, and it certainly channels the sense of history that belongs to its 200 year old venue.
Upstairs at L'Escargot
The new members' club upstairs has received particular creative attention, with winding staircases you can lose yourself in, a spacious and chic bar for entertaining and an intimate red antechamber for tucking away with a friend and a glass of wine, a lot of thought has been put into the interior design. You're invited to pop upstairs for a drink after dinner – and that'll probably be the best part of the meal.
Whilst this remnant of bourgeois Soho isn't for everyone, it's a safe spot to invite a friend – or an estranged aunt – looking for a Wildean evening of sophistication and snails.