My lunch at Galvin Bistrot de Luxe was very solid, some great dishes and I can’t really complain when it costed around the £20 mark. I am pretty sure the full price menu would have been even better in terms of cooking quality and use of ingredients. But the lunch menu offered me a good insight of how capable the chefs are. Lastly a massive shout out to the service team, faultless and charming, the general service level across London is pretty decent but here at Galvin, they are on another level.
Kasia C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
Fantastic French restaurant. food is excellent, desserts are the utter definition of indulgence. service is impeccable. Been many times and will be back. Its a costly trip but worth it. Very nice for a date or special dinner with parents.
Katy V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Gt Lon, United Kingdom
Wow, what an amazing French restaurant, now celebrating their 10th anniversary. A beautiful bistro suitable for an intimate dinner, celebration or private function. The selection of exquisite sparking French wines is enough to draw you in.
Scott M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Looking for a nice restaurant to enjoy a better meal with friends. Some locals took us to Galvins. Delicious French food, well paced, and very lively for a Sunday night. The cod /egg appetizer was particularly interesting and original.
Taylor B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
While the service was a bit slow, my food(mushroom risotto) was very good. The desserts were also delicious – I tried the chocolate mousse and some of their apple dessert, which was particularly good. With their pretty reasonable prices, this place is a strong value.
Frank B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Philadelphia, PA
Went here while vacationing in London for my wife’s birthday. There were four of us in our party. The service, food, ambience were all excellent. They even wrote a happy birthday in white chocolate on my wife’s dessert plate. It is definitely a restaurant we will return to next time in London.
David P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Westminster, London, United Kingdom
We live this place. A real French Bistro with excellent food and the Tart Tatin to die for.
Ada C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
We came with a voucher and despite an initial blip about not having a paper printout, the meal proceeded without a hitch! We started with a terrine and goats chessmen beetroot mousse salad. Both were tasty. We both had hake with kale which was good. Mine was very slightly over cooked but I enjoyed it nonetheless. For dessert, it was the cheese and blueberry clafoutis. The clafoutis was hot and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I quite enjoyed it although it was slightly too sweet. We downed it all with a chilled bottle of Sancerre. I would like to try the normal menu sometime. I’m sure it’s amazing. Lots of suits dining in the restaurant but the place has a very laid back feel, despite the white tablecloths. The service was probably the best part of the experience. Very friendly and accommodating staff. They were all smiles!
Mick A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
This is a good restaurant — we were warmly greeted and served in an efficient way. The food we had was all good, and included starting with Escargots and Asparagus and was then ably followed by Iberico Pork and Navarin Lamb. We had a great table at the front of the restaurant and along with good food we enjoyed the recommendation on the Cairanne wine. It was a good night… everything about the night was good… very good although nothing was outstanding… and would we come again? …yes.
Linda J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Food: We ordered the small escargots and small tartare for starters, the John Dory and large tartare for our entrees and the tarte tatin for dessert since they are known for it. Everything was traditional French and delicious — especially the steak tartare. Lastly, the bread that they bring to the table is to die for. We asked for two extra since it was so good. Drinks: We received two glasses of champagne complimentary since we booked through OpenTable. We then ordered a glass of wine. Price: 94.78GBP for two people. Ambiance: The weather was nice and we were able to sit on their outside terrace area located on the back side of their restaurant. It was nice and cozy with the four tables. Service: From the hostess to our waiters, everyone was very delightful and friendly. Would I go back? Yes, especially for the steak tartare and the bread. It’s a great neighbourhood spot that will be put on the go to list.
Brittany B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 London, United Kingdom
Ate dinner here last Friday evening. The place is cozy, unpretentious, and the service is very welcoming! Some of the seating is pretty tight. I almost had to sit on the table next to ours to get into our table and had to do the same on the way out. But, we got by with a few apologies and awkward smiles: D. Overall it was a good experience. We shared a smoked salmon appetiser, enjoyed some fresh baked bread, and also a cocktail before our main. Everything was good, cooked/prepared properly, but perhaps not the most imaginative menu I’ve seen. They were out of the lamb(by 8pm, oops) so we both enjoyed the beef dish(short rib and cheek). This was very good! The entrees come with vegetables but I found the ratio of meat to veg somewhat overwhelming. I’d add a side or two. Unfortunately we ordered a bottle of wine with our entrees, and it failed to come while the food was hot. We waited for a while, then started eating so we could enjoy the food, then had to ask again as it still wasn’t on it’s way. Not the greatest thing to essentially finish the meal before the wine. BUT, they did the right thing, and our(delicious!) bottle of wine was on the house. So, the service was good in the end(they promptly fixed a mistake). It’s right across the street from my offices so I will definitely be back. Maybe for lunch this time.
Stacey S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 New Haven, CT
Food was good. Wine choices were wonderful. Service was attentive
Ayako Y.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Maida Vale, London, United Kingdom
Nice classical French restaurant with British twist — good pricing as well. I would definitely try once and see. There is relatively affordable lunch and theatre on prix fixe menu if you want to save some money.
Christie K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
We rushed to our dinner reservations which followed drinks at Zoo Lates earlier. We had quite a late reservation around 9:45 with a table of 11. Because of the size of the group, they asked us to have a limited menu with a choice of 3 for each course. We were all pretty hungry so when the bread and butter came, we devoured it. I had the Dorset crab lasagna. It wasn’t what I expected but it tasted fantastic! Especially having been down to Dorset recently, it brought some good memories. I had the lamb as a main and it was so perfectly cooked and seasoned. I haven’t had such a good meal in a while. We were drunk, loud and sometimes a little obnoxious but the service was really good. We were the last table left… and think they even started clearing the place up a bit but they let us stay until we were ready to settle the bill. I’d definitely like to come back when I’m not so intoxicated!
Diane B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Oviedo, FL
A co-worker of mine was kind enough to take me to this lovely restaurant for lunch. I didn’t have high expectations because even though it was lovely inside I didn’t think the food would be my type. We had the price fixe meal because otherwise it would have been very pricey. I started off with something I knew had asparagus but couldn’t tell from the description that it was a soup. They should make that clear. However, I am very happy it was. It was delicious! Then I had chicken leg with little potatoes and carrots I think. I wasn’t excited about meat on a bone but they also put two boneless slices on the plate. It was wonderful as well. We ended the meal with some sort of white dessert(kind of like panna cotta) with fabulous berries on top. Heaven on a plate. Service was perfect. What a nice treat!
Andy B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
I found Galvin Bistrot De Luxe through an online remmendation, after finding that my favourite French bistro, had recently shut down. I wanted something that impressed, but didn’t beat you round the face with its credentials. Galvin is wonderfully understated, and somewhat comfortable in its status as a high quality establishment, although that may just be a touch of Gallic confidence creeping in there. When we arrived, the restaurant was full, but, as they have two seatings on a weekday, that was merely due to the diners from the previous seating finishing up. The waiters were attentive, polite, and informative, ready to assist when required, and leave you be when not. The food of course, was the thing that made the evening, my dining companion having the duck, which she enjoyed greatly, and I had the Scotch Beef, with accompanying amuse bouches. We enjoyed this with a red superbly chosen by the sommelier, and that was enough for the both of us. Galvin also provide a prix fixe meal for the smaller budget, and many of the items on there looked rather tempting, so don’t thnk a trip there s necessarily going to break the bank. If you have the chance, I’d certainly recommend a visit!
Tracy Z.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
This review is pretty much just going to be me taking you on a wild train ride through GUSHYFANGURLTOWN but before you turn a suspicious eye to my compliments, just know that I endured this entire meal next to a table containing two two two two screaming children. It is now unclear to me who else was at this loud table of harpy devil spawn(who also, by the way, found it necessary to crawl across all the chairs and wave their arms frantically intermittently) but I do remember there being a balloon somewhere in the fray. Anyway. We had escargot and oysters to start. Oysters were delicate and fresh. Escargot were flavorful and probably the best I’ve ever had and the leftover broth went great with the warm, sliced bread. OHYESTHEBREAD. Never have I been to a restaurant where bread was replenished SOREADILY. I had the Sunday roast(pork) as my main with potatoes, applesauce and cabbage. It was tender and juicy and delicious. The only comparable pork dish I can remember having in recent memory is the pork chops at Barbecoa. So yes, all in all, great service, delicious food, GOODLIGHTINGFORFIENDISHFOODPHOTOGRAPHY and bountiful helpings of fresh bread with love from Peeta Mellark(or so it felt).
Vikki C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Had a work-related lunch here and didn’t choose the venue, but ended up having a lovely meal. The dark wood interior screams classic French bistro, and waiters are the perfect level of attentive. I had smoked salmon to start, which was plentiful in its portion size, but didn’t really match up taste-wise. Then I had the roast chicken breast, with mash and various types of greens and roasted vegetables in a jus. That was quite wonderful. Wine, prosecco and such complimented our food well, but I feel my great experience was more so led by the company than the food. Yes, it’s a lovely French place, but the décor and placement of the table takes away some of the intimacy and I’m not sure it’s first of my list to go back to.
M. W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Used their online reservation system and made a special request for a drink order to be waiting at the table. They acknowledged this request only after we had been seated which is an automatic star deduction. I understand it is a gamble for them to make a drink or two & set them on a table because the customer may not show up etc, but it’s just a couple of drinks. This is the kind of service that sets apart a truly great restaurant from a good one and also why I am being a jerk about it. I don’t mind paying good money for my meals or even paying exorbitantly, but I do expect the level of service to be commensurate with my cost and being the customer I figure if I want to have drinks waiting for me & my wife when we sit down then that really isn’t too much to ask… In typical French fashion the service was a bit on the slow side even when the place was pretty much empty on our arrival. All my complaining aside the real reason we were there of course is to eat and let me tell you, the food was absolutely fantastic! Starting with the crab lasagne you simply know more good things are sure to come… Everything placed on the dish was paired with items that either complemented or contrasted seamlessly with every other component for both taste & texture and all of it cooked to perfection. One item that really stood out was some sort of celery purée. I have never had anything like it in my entire life and it will never cease to be on the forefront of my tastebuds. The apple tart dessert was the only regret of the evening as I feel I could have made a better choice rather than relying on the waiters suggestion, but that’s my fault not his.
TootTootTootsie G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
The interior has the look of a private men’s club circa 1930s, but the food in this lovely bistro is strictly classic French with some contemporary touches. Be forewarned — if you’re concerned about calories or cholesterol, this isn’t the place for you. You must start with the crab lasagne with chive beurre blanc. Layered between perfectly al dente noodles are chunks of fresh crab swimming in a delectable sauce. I wish they served it as a main course because as generous a portion as the appetizer is, it’s so sensational you’ll crave more. The entrees are large enough that light eaters probably will want a doggy bag for the next day’s lunch. An enormous ribeye steak, grilled medium-rare exactly as ordered, was served with crisp green beans and a wedge of potato casserole, both swimming in butter. Pork cheeks and sausage, braised with shallots, were served on a bed of lentils. The meat was so tender it flaked with a fork. Rice pudding with roasted figs and an apple tarte with cream were the perfect end to a perfect meal. Ordering a la carte, the tab for two, with wine and tip, will run a very reasonable £90 or so. Bargain hunters will be happy to find they offer a 3-course lunch for £15.50 and, from 6.00 — 7.00pm, a 3-course dinner for an amazingly low £17.50.