By Katie Wilson
If you’re a foodie, it’s highly likely you’ll have heard of Galvin La Chapelle. Open since 2009, this London restaurant from chef extraordinaire Galvin brothers, Chris and Jeff, has held a coveted Michelin Star since 2011.
Sixteen years on and it’s still at the top of its game. Not just for the food, but you can’t fail to be wowed by the breathtaking setting and effortless service.
Not visited Galvin La Chapelle before, or not been in a while? Here’s what to know before you visit – and why you should make a point of booking a table.
Galvin La Chapelle review
Where is Galvin La Chapelle?
Galvin La Chapelle is a five-minute walk from London’s Liverpool Street station on the Tube or Shoreditch High Street on the overground.
The entrance is tucked away on Spital Square. Can’t find it? Look out for the red umbrellas and outdoor terrace at its sister restaurant, the more casual and affordable Galvin Bistro & Bar next door.
What’s so special about it?
Aside from Galvin La Chapelle having a Michelin star, the red brick Grade II listed building it’s in is pretty special too.
Formerly a school dating back to 1726, the high ceiling room with its church-like arched windows was once the gymnasium.
At one point, the building was set to be demolished until a group of locals staged a sit-in protest and chained themselves to the front gates. Thank God they did, as these days it’s home to one of the best restaurants in the UK.
What food does Galvin La Chapelle serve?
It’s no surprise, given its name, that Galvin La Chapelle serves French haute cuisine and there are a number of menus to choose from, to suit different budgets and tastes.
We went for the signature Chef’s Tasting Menu, priced at £120pp for seven courses. This gives you a flavour of Galvin La Chapelle from the mind of Executive Chef Arturo Granato.
Menus change regularly, but dishes when we visited included veal steamed brioche buns, smoked bone marrow risotto, Lake District fallow deer with Baeeri caviar, fermented fig sorbet and a pumpkin and clementine tart.
What else is on the menu?
On the à la carte menu, guests can choose from snacks and starters like Orkney scallop crudo, wood-fired pheasant and Dorset crab raviolo. Prices start from £10.
Mains are the aforementioned deer and risotto, as well as barbecued Cornish cod and honey-glazed guinea fowl. There’s a BBQ cauliflower steak with black truffle for the veggies. Prices from £30.
Sharing dishes come in the form of Côte de boeuf (£140) or roasted Cornish monkfish with white truffle (£125). Pair with charred hispi cabbage, smoked Charlotte potato or cauliflower mushroom with hazelnut praline. Sides from £10.
Do they do a lunch or Sunday lunch menu?
Yes, a lunch menu is served daily. Choose from two courses for £49pp or three courses for £55pp. There is also a Sunday lunch menu for the same price, which we’d definitely go back for.
Starters range from Scottish scallop crudo and cured sea bream to wild mushroom fricassee with Morteau sausage and shaved pecorino. Mains are parmesan risotto, Scottish salmon or roasted free range Basseri chicken.
For a £15 supplement, go for the grass-fed Hereford beef sirloin with smoked bone marrow served with duck fat roasted potato, Espelette pepper canelé and braised Roscoff onion. Puds are apple tart tatin, brie and quince or the baba au tiramisu for two (£12 supplement).
What about wine pairings?
Galvin La Chapelle is French and has a Michelin Star, so rest assured the wine here is good. They serve bottles from both their own range and handpicked producers from around the globe.
Add a classic wine pairing on to your Chef’s Tasting Menu for £80pp – or ask the excellent sommeliers to create a bespoke wine pairing for whatever meal you choose (£130pp with the tasting menu). You won’t be disappointed.
They also serve beer, spirits and a range of cocktails and mocktails, so there’s something for everyone if you’re not a huge wine drinker.
Overall verdict
As first time visitors to Galvin La Chapelle – even though it had been on our radar for years – we were seriously impressed. The setting is extra special with high class food, as you’d expect, with equally exceptional service to match. It’s definitely one for a special occasion.
Book a table at Galvin La Chapelle
*The Boutique Handbook’s visit was complimentary, but we always give honest reviews
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