L'Escargot Restaurant Jamaica

L’Escargot Restaurant: A French Dining Experience in Runaway Bay, Jamaica

At Mais Oui Villa, the food is so delicious that we rarely eat out unless we’re already on the road. However, every now and then, we venture out to explore what the local culinary scene has to offer.

On a whim, we decided to try L’Escargot, a French restaurant located in Runaway Bay, near Salem. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive from the villa heading east.

Be careful, though — it’s right by the side of the road, and you could easily miss it if you’re not paying attention.

Sign for L’Escargot restaurant in Jamaica located 15 minutes from Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay

First Impressions of L’Escargot Restaurant

Our visit was a last-minute decision. We called at 7:15 PM on a rainy Saturday evening in November 2024, and they gave us their latest available reservation for 7:45 PM. When we arrived, we were the only diners there —apparently, they had been busier earlier in the evening.

The server greeted us promptly at the door and ushered us to a table of our choice since we had the place to ourselves.

The indoor dining area felt cozy and quaint, with the charm of a home turned into a restaurant. Tables were simply set with white dinner plates topped with red napkins holding the cutlery.

The Menu and Meal

L’Escargot offers a truly French menu—don’t expect any “French-style jerk chicken” here. Warm French bread accompanied by their signature sweet balsamic vinegar and oil dip started the meal off nicely.

We were excited to try the duck, a rarity in Jamaican restaurants, but unfortunately, it wasn’t available. According to the server, duck dishes need to be requested in advance.

For appetizers, we had both the smoked salmon and smoked marlin. The salmon was a hit with Darrian, but the marlin was a bit dry and not as fresh as we’re accustomed to.

For the main course:

• Darrian ordered the Filet de Saumon à la Maison and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5. He loved every bite.
• Darrell tried the Grilled Fillet of Snapper with Pesto Sauce and rated it a 4.5 out of 5.
• I opted for the Snapper Almondine. The sauce was flavorful, and the steamed vegetables were fresh and perfectly cooked. However, the fish itself wasn’t as fresh as I had hoped, especially considering the price point. I gave it a 4 out of 5.

Portion sizes were just right—not too much, not too little. We skipped dessert, planning to grab ice cream at Devon House on the way home, but unfortunately, they were closed.

Smoked marlin appetizer at L’Escargot restaurant in Runaway Bay Jamaica

Pricing

L’Escargot is one of the pricier restaurants in the area. We spent approximately $10,000 Jamaican per person, (about US$70 per person) and that was without dessert or alcohol.

While the quality of the dishes was good overall, the pricing makes it better suited for a special evening out rather than an everyday dining option.

The One That Got Away

It wasn’t until we got home that I realized we’d completely missed ordering their namesake dish — escargot!

Oddly enough, it was never highlighted during the evening. It wasn’t mentioned by the server or included on the chalkboard menu of the day’s specials. While I’m sure it was in the printed menu, we must have skimmed right past it in our rush to decide.

Now I feel like I need to return, if only to try their escargot.

Things to Know Before You Go to L’Escargot

• A 10% service charge and 16.5% General Consumption Tax (GCT) are added to the bill. Gratuity is separate.
• Dress code: Relaxed.
• Opening days: Thursday to Sunday.
• Reservations: Required.

Food: Cooked to order, so be prepared to wait a bit for your meal. For made-to-order food, the service was quite prompt.

Inside of L’Escargot restaurant in Jamaica

So, If you are looking for an upscale restaurant in Runaway Bay, check out L’Escargot. It offers an authentic French dining experience right here in Jamaica.

While there were a few hiccups, like the lack of fresh seafood and the absence of duck or escargot, the overall experience was enjoyable. The cozy ambiance and thoughtful service made it a pleasant evening out.

Would I return?

Definitely, if only to finally try the escargot!