Galvin Bistrot de Luxe

We love La Chapelle and Cafe Au Vin, but on a rare day off we went to our local – Galvin Bistro Deluxe and what a good choice that was. The Aperitif Maison set the scene. We had a chacuterie to share to start and it was fabulous and more than enough for two. There were so many lovely dishes we had a hard time choosing our mains but both had the Boeuf Bourguignonne which was absolutely sublime. For dessert we had great French classics, creme brulee and tarte au citron, which were divine. Overall the atmosphere was very French, the service great and very welcoming and the prix fixe menus look wonderful value. Everyone should give this lovely bijou a try!

Everything here points towards the “new breed” of continental-inspired London brasseries. However, this branch of Galvin doesn't feel very authentic. The service is good, but the hype about this place is difficult to understand. It is a welcome addition to this part of W1, but it has failed, in my oppinion to give the feeling of “occasion” it – and the two star rating on this website – promise. Especially the food is, while the ingredients seem well-sourced, slightly under-whelming.

good service, better restaurant than galvin at windows and cheaper.

We ate at Galvin's last Friday and had a late table (9pm). We arrived on time but it took ten minutes to seat us and a further twenty before anyone took a drinks order. At every stage of the evening we had to actively attract someone's attention to move our meal forward – to order food, wine, water, ask for bread and cutlery etc. At one point, a waiter confidently recommended a wine to go with food we weren't having. Another bought coffee and chocolates before the cheese we had ordered (we hadn't even seen the cheese board) and then looked aghast when we asked to finish our meal first. When we pointed out the problems we were having (we raised all this on the night) they were completely unapologetic. I have had better service in MacDonalds. The food was fine (the terrine of ham hock and fois gras had too much of the former and should have been half the size, the crab lasagne is rightly popular) but not nearly exceptional enough to justify the dreadful service.

Friends, Marylebone, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Galvin, not to praise him. Unlike Marc Anthony, however, I am not being ironic; it really was the case that, on the showing of last evening, GBDL should be well and truly buried. To be fair, I have been here a number of times, and this is the only time that I have felt the evening to be anything other than very good. But I am reviewing last night, so what can I say; it wasn't a terribly good evening.

We were walk-ins, so had a seat in the middle of the room, by which the serving staff and diners pass every few seconds. It was this or outside on Baker Street, with its buses and other assorted road traffic passing every few seconds.

Things started fine; we were settled into seats, given menus, bread and water. So far, so good. Orders were taken. Again, looking good. Then it all started to unravel: how many times have I complained about wine arriving after the food? There is a set pattern to meals now: take a seat, order, wine arrives, food arrives, coffee, pay and leave. The restaurant wouldn’t like it if you reversed the latter two, so why or why do we get food that sits and waits for the wine to arrive? Come on guys, it isn’t that hard. Food goes with wine, wine goes with food. It works. Always has done, always will. Try harder.

You will have gathered that the wine didn’t arrive. The food did. Piping hot snails, drowning in garlic butter, crusted with parsley; and a thick veloute of broad beans with hard boiled egg. Hard boiled? Surely soft would have worked better. Never mind; both were pleasant, both work better with wine. So we asked. And then we asked the maitre d’. He brought the red. We had ordered a white to start. He brought it. Didn’t offer a sniff; just poured. He left.

Now it is nice of the restaurant to do wines by the carafe, but they: (a) shouldn’t sit around at the service area; and (b) should be served as any bottle would: it could be off. Let me at least give it a cursory olfactory test.

Worse was to come with the mains mind. First there was the wait. Having had the starters rushed to the table before the wine could be served, the mains it seems were being delayed. Maybe so that we finished the wine and had to order more. On arrival, the risotto was pleasing enough, even if the toms were cold, not having been sat in the warmth of the rice long enough. The brain dish, however, was just wrong. I like a nice veal brain, and the brains themselves were a delight: crispy on the outside, melting within. The trouble was they were swimming, nay engulfed in black butter; an oil slick of BP proportions, completely covering the mashed potato that fought like a seabird to escape from the injustice done to it. The black butter is there to enhance, to add to, not overwhelm the centrepiece: the brains.

We couldn’t face any more, so got the bill. Not cheap, not really cheerful. A shame really, as it can be such a great place, as previous visits have proved. Clearly, when it has an off night, Galvin Bistro De Luxe does it with the utmost Gallic flair.

Recession? what recession! Galvin Bistro was heaving when we got there for Friday lunch. The set menu was an excellent bargain – £17.50 for three courses however i decided on the lamb tagine for my main and the floating islands for pudding. Both delicious and perfectly presented and cooked! My partner had the chicken bouillon, the daube of beef and ended with the tarte tartin. We couldnt really flaw the place and could see why it was so busy. Lots of banker types and yummy mummies!

Delicious food, good service – its a great place for lunch/catching up – ill be back!

Went here for an early dinner with my parents. Online booking was simple but our table was, disappointingly, in the middle of the room with just about everyone, both staff and customers, having to walk past every few seconds. If you are bothered by this, or by the fact the tables are closely packed, then maybe think twice or ask for a corner table.

The room itself is very French Bistro style with moodish dark furniture, ceiling fans, faded mirrors etc and not particularly sleek and somewhat spoiled, it being winter, by coats hung everywhere.

Food is, as with all Galvin establishments, a bit of a highlight – indeed on the night we were there it was good enough for Greg Wallace of Masterchef fame. However, if you've been to La Chapelle then Bistrot De Luxe will be a touch disappointing as its not up to the amazingly high standards achieved there, but equally neither is the bill – £165 for 3 people, 3 courses, a bottle of Fleurie, water and a glass of Picpoul, whereas a similar selection in La Chapelle came in at closer to £240.

I ate pumpkin and parmesan soup to start, which was stunning – creamy and full of complex flavours – where normally in many London restaurants it would be disappointingly bland. This was followed by rib of angus beef, spinach, cèpes and shallot jus – excellent beef, but as with all Galvin options somewhat short on vegetables; dinner was finished off with a simply amazing apple tarte tatin with crème fraîche, which was the best I've eaten here in London, or even in France. My parents were both pleased with their choices, though apparently the roast sea bass, piperade & smoked aubergine caviar was somewhat bland.

Service was consistently polite and efficient, with some slighly uneven waits between courses – note they do a 2 hour turn round on bookings.

I'd be happy to return, but if you are prepared to pay a bit more then my personal recommendation would be to travel the extra distance to La Chapelle as its a far more impressive setting with better food.

This restaurant feels like a special occassion but dont just wait for one of those to come along, go and eat there soon. My first impressions of the dining room were excellent – I couldnt wait to sit down and enjoy it but we were early for our reservation so we were invited to take a seat in the bar downstairs. A rush of excitement as pre-dinner drinks at the bar means cocktail or champagne or…an unmanned bar where we sat for 10 minutes waiting for someone to appear and offer us a drink. Noone came so we went back upstairs and asked to be seated. The manager immediately offered us 2 glasses of champagne, these later turned up on the bill but all we had to do was point this out and it was removed straight away. Good service means correcting mistakes in a way that doesnt make you feel uncomfortable. They were very good at this on a busy Friday night. A dozen snails, half a dozen Oysters, more champagne and a bottle of quite the most delicious bordeaux. After our mains of Liver and Venison we were very happy. Warm bread was brought to the table several times and we were offered tap water. All in all I will be recommending this place but be prepared to push the boat out a little as it was more than £45 per head however that may have been down to the alcohol consumption.

I've just seen the couple of negative recent reviews of Galvins and I thought I would weigh in.
I guess that since it opened, I have eaten at this Galvins (Baker Street) at least 10 times. The first time I ate here, the whole experience was marred by a French dwarf masquerading as a Maitre D': the worst of Gallic condescension… However, I had enjoyed the place itself and, indeed, the food – so I tried again. Given the absence of said dwarf, the second experience made me want to come back a third, and so on. The last time I ate here was late August on a Monday night when although the place was not full, it was busy. There were six of us, me, my wife, my two grown-up sons (one lawyer, one writer) and my in-laws who I had invited to celebrate their wedding anniversary. First and foremost, my mother-in-law (not the easiest of persons…) was super-indulged by the people serving us, though as usual she was being just a little hard to please. My father-in-law thought the service was elegant and efficient as well as friendly. Although the menu seemed to lack a little variety, the food was very correct, in the formal sense of achieving the standards it should and, if anything were lacking in that department, it was that apart from my dish (I think I had a cassoulet) it lacked a little “heart”. The Champagne was, of course, ridiculously priced but had to be bought. The other two bottles of white wine we had were from the “value” end of the list and really excellent both in absolute terms and for value for money. The atmosphere, as always, was smart and “buzzy” but the actual place relaxed. The bill for the six of us was under £300 including service, which given what we'd consumed was a pleasant surprise. So, don't be put off – in my view – this is a restaurant which while not for “every day”, is well worth visiting when you want a bit of authentic good cooking and a touch of glamour.

As expected, Galvin Bistrot proved to be another fine culinary offering from brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin. The restaurant immediately reminds me of high-end Parisian eateries, with the classic dark green leather banquette seating paired with dark wood panelling and starched immaculate white table cloths. The menu is not enormous, but just the perfect size so as not to overwhelm. Between the two of us, we couldn't resist the temptation of ordering 3 starters of huge garlic butter and bread crumb-stuffed Escargot, meltingly tender and bathed in buttery garlicky goodness. Decadent yet simple Terrine of Foie Gras with toast and gaining a special mention, a first class Lasagne of Dorset Crab with a perfect pairing of beurre Nantais sauce. The lasagne is truly spectacular in it's towered glory, bound with eggs to give it an almost feather-light weightless texture and packed with the beautifully sweet crab meat.

Main course of scallops with Provencale tomatoes and also surpreme of ‘Landaise’ chicken with girolles and delicately creamy fettucine are both beyond sublime. I would just like to say that i NEVER order chicken at a restaurant as I find it terribly disappointing most of the time, but the skilled hands at Galvin restaurants manage to execute flawless cooking of chicken, retaining succulence at the centre and crisp skin on top. Heavenly.

A simple vanilla creme brulee may amount to the most perfect creme brulee I have had to date. The perfect amount of sugar, bruleed to perfect. A creamy rich creme peppered with vanilla seeds and not remotely scrambled or unpleasant like the offenders at so many other restaurants these days. My guest went for the Tarte Tatin which arrived as a enormous portion topped with caramelised apples that were virtually glowing with appeal and soft and made a delicious and sweet topping for the perfect pastry beneath them.

Looking around, the people that ate there seemed to be regulars as the wait staff engaged in conversations with them, addressing them by name. A very dapper elderley gentleman sat on the table next to us and without a word, a glass of champagne was served to him “And what will you be having today Sir?” He orders some oysters and then proceeds to have a salad. Various staff greet him throughout his meal, another patron even stops to visit him claiming “Hello! How are you? My God you are so loyal here, no?” This is the mark of a good establishment. Good food, good service and attention to detail, taking care of people… If only more restaurants in London were a little more like this, we would all be a lot happier!

How the Galvins manage to run 3 incredibly successful restaurants that all serve such wonderful food, consistent both in flavour and high quality, is beyond me. Galvin Bistrot de Luxe is often viewed as the less glamorous venue of the 3 restaurants owned by the Galvins, but having dined there over the weekend I can quite confidently say that if it is real French food (with a few subtle influences from other countries) than you would be hard-pushed to eat anywhere better than Galvin Bistrot de Luxe.

I thought Galvins Bistro was a good choice – good food and service.
Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

I was a bit shocked when I saw the last 2 reviews as my visit to Galvin Bistrot reflects the total opposite.
We went for my partners birthday and the service was great. While making our booking I mentioned that it was my partners birthday and if we could have a nice table. We indeed had a lovely corner table next to the window. The food was excellent – I think the Tagine of lamb is one of the best dishes I have ever eaten and in the end my partner received a lovely birthday plate with “Happy birthday” written on it and a candle in the dessert. They made us feel very special and I would recommend it to everyone. I certainly will go back!

The most awful place I have ever dined. Please don't go

Eating at Galvin was what I call an average experience…
the food ok…desserts were yummy but some of the mains lacked flavour especially the seared tuna
the service ok…the sommelier was helpful and insightful but most of the staff had a little too much french arrogance for my liking. the atmosphere good…relaxed but still professional
value for money good…dishes are very well reasonably priced.

I went there to celebrate a special birthday so perhaps I am being unfairly harsh; the restaurant would be nice for a casual saturday evening out but don't go here if you want a special occasion.

Our meal in October 09 was our 7th or 8th in the last 2 years. We particularly like Saturday lunch or Sunday dinner. There are still very few alternatives in London for good food on a Sunday evening. As previously, the restaurant was very busy. Prices are fair, but despite its name, I'm no longer sure that they are really Bistro level, especially a la carte.

We like the relaxed bistro / brasserie style décor and atmosphere, the predictable French classics menu and the reliably good quality food – which can sometimes be really very good, with very good taste and flavour. Very rarely bad.

Service is generally efficient and pleasant, but in my view has always been its weakest link – very inconsistent. On this occasion, it was not so good. The incorrect dish was delivered, but the waitress struggled to do that very simple basic thing – apologise – or in a very good restaurant, to simply remove all the other diners plates and to start again with fresh servings. Instead, she reacted by emptying the wine bottle into a glass, together with the sediment. Some basic waiter training appeared to be missing, since there was a lot of reaching across the table and fellow diners in order to deliver or collect dishes, rather than simply walking around the table.

Overall, still a very reliable venue, and one of my favourite French restaurants in London. It is nicely situated away from the main throng of tourists at the northern and southern ends of Baker St. Better service would take it to the next level, but I think mgt is pre-occupied with other ventures.

My second visit to Galvin and the service, atmosphere and quality of food and value for money remain excellent.

I had high expectations for our 1st wedding anniversary and was recommended coming here by a close friend. Having booked early for a 7pm seating, all seemed to go well until we were rushed into ordering although we wanted to celebrate and enjoy ourselves. My wife asked for a side serve of potatoes and was promptly told by the waiter that “I have never had that request before and wouldn't recommend it”. Once I explained that she was, quite obviously 7 months pregnant and couldn't eat most of the menu he reluctantly complied. When ordering the wine for the dinner, I was told by another waiter that my choice wasn't right and I should go for something he recommends. I'm all open for recommendations but as I run a wine company, I'd like to think that I know what I would like to drink and was completely amazed that any member of staff would debate my choice in front of another diner. He also, reluctantly sent the requested wine over. Overall, the food was very good but the evening was a real non-event due to (apparent but not obvious) know-it-all staff and pushy service.

A restaurant I'd been recommending to friends for over two years, but had never been to myself. Finally I wangled a client to pay. And it didn't let me down.

From scanning the menu I knew I was going to enjoy it. Foie gras, ham hock, veal brains, steak tartare et al.
I opted for the steak tartare for starter which was everything it should be – spicy, sharp, succulent and well seasoned. My main though was the star – pig's trotter with mash – unctuous, rich, and surprisingly soft flesh with a wonderfully deep sauce.

The decor was good too – what one would expect from a French bistro – grey slate floor, heavy doors, silly prints, no plates for bread (good!). The wine list was very well stocked with affordable bottles too.

Overall this was excellent French fair, and far better than the Bleeding Heart. The only small downside was the rather poor cheese selection, which amazingly was a little bland. But maybe that's just me.

Deserving of its award as the Best French Restaurant in 2008.

Consistently good and a great venue for family occaisions. You know you are in safe pair of hands when you go to Galvins bistrot. Menu is reasonabily classic and service is normally quite good but its the food you go for and it doesn't fail to please. I've been to its sister restaurant, Windows only once before and was less impressed! More expensive and too formal for me but I guest thats Park Lane for you, view of Hyde Park may be worth a visit if you are new to London! Definitely would recommend the bistrot.

The concept of a Bistrot de Luxe is that you can eat better-than-bistro food at bistro prices. While the set lunch and pre-theatre menu is undoubtedly good value, their a la carte menu is no cheaper than any other half-decent restaurant in the West End, so be warned.

On my first visit to Galvin, the twelve-year-old French waiter thought that my partner should be told which spoon to eat her soup with and which spoon to use for the gruyere cheese. Now, one was a soup spoon and one was a teaspoon. My partner may be blonde, but she knows that one should not use a teaspoon to eat one’s soup with.

The soup itself was a traditional French fish soup, slightly more watery than one finds in most Parisian bistros. The rest of the meal went without a hitch; the food was very good and the quality of the ingredients was evident. In comparison to a Parisian bistro which they claim to emulate, it is on a par with the decent ones.

While the service can be a tad patchy, the food has been of a high standard the few times I’ve eaten here. You could certainly pay the same and get a lot worse, so in all they have a good thing here.

Galvin is one of my favorite restaurants in Marylebone.
Perfect for Sat or Sun lunch as there is no timed seating, so you can easily spend over 2 hours enjoying food & wine. As for food – their Crab Lasagna is to die for.
I agree with others on the occasionally poor service but it has not stopped me from going there on regular basis.

I had lunch at Galvins Bistrot Deluxe for the first time. I have been wanting to try the restaurant for some time and was not disappointed. I had requested a table with banquette and was duly led to the right table on arrival. Service was attentive and professional. The food was excellent, well presented and full of flavour. We did not have to wait too long for food to arrive and all requests were met efficiently and without fuss. I was surprised to see that it was very busy and I hope it remains so through these difficul times.

I've eaten at Galvin 5 or 6 times over the past 12 months and have never had a bad experience. Everything it prides itself on – great food at very good value for money – is as evident now as it was on my first visit. The set lunch and dinner are exceptionally good value. On each visit I've found the food and service to be consistently good, with friendly staff and a great, buzzy atmosphere. Having eaten at many bistros throughout France I must say that Galvin can give them a run for their money!

Determined to bring (what i consider to be) balance to some of the reviews where the main negitives about this restaurant is poor service.

My most recent visit Jan 09 (my 4th) the service was average, which you notice when you go to a good restaurant and this is a good restaurant. The Galvins are indervidually 2 of londons best chefs, their technical ability and their passion for good classic french food is to be enjoyed and admired.

Because the food is so professinal and good you notice the inbalance of the service which is not as good. when you notice the service also notice the VFM on your bill and notice the prices of the wine. this is a restaurant to blow a lot of money on the wine, i recomend you spend double your normal budget and enjoy a wine that could easily cost 4 times more in other restaurants where the food is as good as the Galvins.

In a nutshell Great food, good wine list with considerable VFM and a great atmosphire. ‘GO’

I was recommended this restaurant and visited on a Saturday night, I have never been so let down. Service was dreadful – we were served our starter before we had been offered a drink (despite asking to order wine), then the waiter came and plonked a random soup down in the middle of our main course. These were just the highlights of dreadful service. The food was okay, not bad but not great by any means. We actually complained in writing after the meal and were sent a voucher for free champagne next time we went – unsuprisingly that has not been used!

Luckily, I live close to Galvin and have been there on numerous occassions. One shouldn't expect anything overly fancy, but the way the restaurant is laid out, the consistent quality of the food and the general buzz is exactly my view of how a French bistro should be. I have never been disappointed although the one minus is that the menu hasn't really changed in quite some time, and I would suggest for them to maybe try something different now and then. That said, it is consistent and always delivers.

We visited Galvin Bistro de Luxe with some trepidation having seen the reviews on other websites, but nonetheless the menu on the website looked like it would be an excellent treat.

After a long wait, one of the surly staff deined to seat us. Without subjecting readers to a bite-by-bite commentary on the service I can report it is every bit as awful as others have attested. Order taking, water, wine and even clean cutlery was all something we had to battle to elicit.

I should mention at this point that the food was indeed good. But the truly awful nature of the service and atmosphere made the whole experience far from enjoyable.

I visited Galvin on a Friday night, the whole experience was fantastic from the atmosphere to the food. I Would recommend this restaurant to everyone especially if you like fine dining and exceptional wine