6 French Restaurants with the Best Escargot in Chicago

There are certain dishes that make more sense as an adult, and escargot is certainly one of them. Indulging in the delicacy of escargot, or cooked snails, is a gastronomic experience that transports diners directly to the heart of France. If you’re seeking out delicious escargot in Chicago, the city’s expansive culinary landscape offers a range of exceptional options.

From upscale dining to casual, cozy bistros, there is no shortage of deliciously salty and savory escargot across the city. Each bite will be an exploration of rich and buttery textured, often completed by every Chicago’s favorite additive: garlic. Look at a few of the best places to try escargot in the city, and we promise you’ll find yourself discovering one of your new favorite dishes to splurge on. 

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aboyer escargot
Image Credit: Aboyer

Aboyer

As one of the best French restaurants in Chicago, Aboyer’s menu returns to the cuisine’s essence and classics with utmost respect and craftsmanship. Their Classic Escargot Bourguignonis is escargot at its finest and most delicious, featuring Burgundy Snails, garlic, parsley, and pernod. Escargot also frequently adorns the George Trois menu, incorporating it into all sorts of incredible ways on their rotating tasting menu.

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Mon Ami Gabi

2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

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Nestled in the heart of Chicago, you’ll find the charming French bistro, Mon Ami Gabi. With a classic ambiance, aire of warm hospitality, and delectable Parisian cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi transports guests to the streets of France, especially if you are hunting for some rich, salty escargot. At Mon Ami Gabi, you’ll find the escargot to be oven roasted and smothered in garlic-herb butter, creating the perfect appetizer for your fully French meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a romantic date night or a casual dinner out, Mon Ami Gabi provides an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. 

Le Bouchon 

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Le Bouchon is an authentic French bistro that invites guests to indulge in a culinary journey inspired by the streets of Paris. With a cozy and intimate atmosphere in Bucktown, Le Bouchon captures the essence of French dining. These snails are a decadent addition to every meal, featuring escargot in garlic and parsley butter. Paired with an extensive selection of French wine, Le Bouchon offers a well-rounded dining experience that should start with your escargot and end with a sweet, caramelized crème brûlée. 

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Bistro Champagne

4518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Since 2002, patrons of Bistro Campagne have been invited to experience a delicious meal while feeling like a part of the Bistro family. With a belief in inclusivity, Bistro Champagne uses its French cuisine to foster a welcoming environment where people can gather and enjoy a good meal together. Of course, a stop in Bistro Champagne is not complete without a dish of escargot. These snails are paired with a French aperitif, Pernod, and a mix of parsley, lemon, and butter to add more flavor. Enjoy your escargot with a sweet French wine and transport yourself directly to the streets of Paris. 

Les Nomades

222 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Fine dining, anyone? Plan a night at Les Nomades! This upscale French restaurant exudes elegance and sophistication. The menu showcases exquisite French cuisine, including the “fricassee” of escargot. The plate is completed with braised leek, celery roots, mushrooms, and red wine sauce. Each dish, including the escargot, is thoughtfully prepared using fine and fresh ingredients, resulting in a delectable combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Les Nomades is the perfect spot for a special occasion, and offers an experience you won’t soon forget! 

RL

115 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 

Did you know that Ralph Lauren has a restaurant in Chicago? Well, now you do! The Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store doubles as an elegant dining destination, with menu items that range from steaks to seafood. What you’ll also find on the menu, of course, is escargot. Matched with garlic butter and toasted brioche, the saltiness of the snails will be perfectly offset by crispy, fresh bread, creating the ultimate starter dish. If you never thought you could enjoy escargot, let alone in a Chicago store front, Ralph Lauren will immediately prove that thought wrong! 

Bistronomic

840 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Combine Midwest based ingredients with French cuisine and you’ll end up at Bistronomic. By combining his passions, Chef Martial Noguier’s long-time dream came to fruition. Bistronomic is where you can find a contemporary twist on classic French cuisine, including their signature escargot. With green garlic butter, mushroom duxelle, parsley, and bread crumbs, you’ll experience much more flavor than your typical escargot. The menu at Bistronomic is also continuously rotating based on the seasons, so you can enjoy your meal knowing that you’ll be savoring only the freshest ingredients in all your dishes. 

Featured Image: Aboyer