Harden's says
Opened almost 15 years to the day after their first London venture (Bistrot de Luxe, which also inspires it), this new Galvin Brothers restaurant next to La Chapelle serves familiar, traditional French bistrot dishes and wines.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Galvin restaurants always deliver”, say fans – but even so it is difficult to avoid a sense of missed opportunity with this bistro next door to the brothers’ flagship, La Chapelle. All reports rate it acceptably well, and no disasters are reported, but amidst some “fabulous” accounts, there are also those with elements that are “average” or “slightly disappointing”.
Summary
Occupying “an excellent spot in the City, overlooking a pedestrian square behind Bishopsgate” – this is, say fans, a “reliable” bistro, whose “great French food and friendly service” delivers “the Galvin experience, but at approachable prices”, right next door to the brothers’ high-end La Chapelle (see also). More critical reporters, though, diagnose price creep here, which they feel is starting to erode the level of value, especially given the relatively humble interior. Top Tip – “sit outside on the terrace”.
Summary
This “very reliable and enjoyable old-style bistrot” in Spitalfields is from “the same team as La Chapelle” (the Galvin brothers’ deluxe flagship next door). Fans say that “means the food is top-notch for a bar” with a “well-prepared set menu that’s great value”, but ratings are capped by a minority of critics who feel it has “lost its magic since the revamp”. Top Tip – “worth visiting for the Pilsner alone” – fresh unpasteurised Urquell delivered weekly and stored in copper tanks above the bar.
Summary
“A lovely brasserie-style option at the rear of Galvin La Chapelle” – the Galvins keep reformatting the smallish unit adjacent to their landmark venue (previously Galvin HOP, RIP, and before that Café à Vin). This mid-2020 re-launch pays homage to the formula of their original ‘Bistrot de Luxe’, which launched their empire 15 years ago. “Very casual and lots of fun” – staff are “very friendly”; it has “a lovely outside space on the terrace with a cover”; and the cooking is “just what French bistro-style fare should be”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Galvin Bistrot & Bar?
35 Bishops Square, London, E1 6DY
Restaurant details
Galvin Bistrot & Bar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Food probably better than average, but not quite “good”; nothing was disappointing. Ambience helped by the fact everyone seemed to be having a good time, including the staff. At £220 for two, without being very extravagant, the prices a little steep, but would go back."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £28.00 | £33.00 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £17.00 | £24.30 | £11.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £39.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 14.50% |
35 Bishops Square, London, E1 6DY
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:45 am‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:45 am‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:45 am‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:45 am‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:45 am‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:45 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:45 am‑3 pm |
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