Galvin La Chapelle

French·
££££
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Silver Award
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SquareMeal Review of Galvin La Chapelle

Silver Award

One of London’s most enduring fine dining monuments, Galvin La Chapelle has been around so long that it’s a little out of place in Spitalfields - a part of London that is trying so hard to be modern that La Chapelle feels like a stark contrast. The entrance to this stately old restaurant is low-key, but as soon as you walk in, the room opens out into a huge, airy, magnificent chapel, complete with brickwork, skylights, and an imposing vaulted timber ceiling that towers above you. Polished marble columns stretch up from the floor, supporting a series of large stone arches. There’s no doubting Galvin La Chapelle is an impressive space - perfect for a special occasion, sure, but it’s ever-so fine dining.

If Galvin La Chapelle hasn’t changed much in the 15 years it has been open, it’s easy to see why. The Galvin brothers have a magic touch when it comes to classic French cooking, one that is still clearly popular in London. La Chapelle’s well-drilled staff are also masters at making you feel special, whether it's via the Champagne trolley that glides up to the table just moments after you’ve sat down, or the easy, good-natured banter.

All that pomp comes with a price of course, and with a la carte starters starting at £25 and mains starting at £48, that price is considerable. Even by London standards this is a significant outlay, but dishes are uniformly excellent and executed with precision. A crab raviolo is stuffed to bursting with fresh crab meat, with beurre blanc and roe generously spooned over the top. Iberico pork is beautifully cooked, with a gently rosy pink middle, dressed in charred friggitelli peppers and deeply satisfying sauce cassoulet. The Galvin tarte tatin has been cooked perhaps tens of thousands of times in this kitchen, and its bronzed apples hide deep layers of flavour. Staunchly old-fashioned, well-dressed and luxurious, you know exactly what you’re getting at Galvin La Chapelle - no wonder it’s still one of London’s most popular restaurants for a special occasion.

Good to know

Spend SquareMeal Smart Vouchers
Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
French
Ambience
Fine dining, Glamorous, Luxury, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Traditional, Unique, Widely spaced tables
Awards
One Michelin star
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Alfresco And Views
Terrace
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celeb spotting, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Magnificent arched windows, soaring stone ceilings and sophisticated decor provide a beautiful backdrop in which to indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Galvin La Chapelle. Like all Galvin outposts, La Chapelle provides high-quality cuisine designed by brothers Chris, Jeff and David Galvin alongside luxurious surroundings and warm and hospitable staff, making it a popular choice for celebrating special occasions.

Galvin La Chapelle majors in modern French cuisine crafted from produce sourced fresh every day from Covent Garden Market. Seasonality is of huge importance to the Galvin family, so expect ever-changing dishes on their range of menus, which include vegetarian, vegan, tasting and special menus for high days and holidays, such as Valentine’s and Father’s Day.

As you’d expect from a Michelin-starred French restaurant, the food here is exquisitely presented. Diners wax lyrical about the beautiful presentation of each dish before going on to praise the taste and textures. Wonderful combinations come together in starters like Dorset crab lasagne with beurre Nantais and pea shoots, and velouté of Ironbark pumpkin served with seared foie gras, Lyonnaise onion and bacon crumb.

Mains take the form of dishes such as grilled Cornish red mullet with cuttlefish, orange-braised fennel, pine nut purée and sauce vierge, or roast loin of Icelandic cod accompanied by crushed Charlotte potatoes, cauliflower and a warm raisin dressing, while desserts could be anything from blackberry soufflé and milk ice cream to mandarin parfait made with hazelnut, cocoa nib crumb and Valrhona chocolate ganache.

The set Menu du Chef offers excellent value when you consider Galvin La Chapelle’s Michelin Star credentials, though if you’re really looking to push the boat out, you ought to consider the Menu Gourmand – a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing that can be enjoyed in the main dining room or on the private dining mezzanine for that extra special experience.


FAQs

Does Galvin La Chapelle have a Michelin star?

Galvin La Chapelle has one Michelin star.

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This venue also offers

Galvin La Chapelle
Private Group Dining

Galvin La Chapelle

Galvin La Chapelle
Wedding Venues

Galvin La Chapelle

Location

35 Spital Square, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DY

020 7299 0400 020 7299 0400

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-14:00
Tue 12:00-14:00
Wed 12:00-14:00
Thu 12:00-14:15
Fri 12:00-14:15
Sat 12:00-14:15
Sun 11:45-14:30
Dinner
Mon 18:00-21:00
Tue 18:00-21:15
Wed 18:00-21:15
Thu 18:00-21:15
Fri 18:00-21:15
Sat 18:00-21:15
Sun 18:00-21:00

Reviews

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70 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Kathy H

12 April 2023  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Great meal

I had a great lunch here, and chose the £45 set menu including wine and coffee, which was pretty good value, so enjoyed herring to start, sea bream, and pannacotta, all of which were delicious. The Viognier wine that was included was also very nice. Staff were very friendly and great service. One to return to. 

nada C

28 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

dream food

Michael-John & S

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Outstanding ambience, cuisine, cocktails and service

Andrew K

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Excellent food and wine list in a charming old building, with great service

Anon

14 June 2021   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Amazing date night

my partner and I went and had the 7 course tasting menu. He also had the paired wines, which he said were up there with some of the best he's ever had in terms of pairings with food. I have quite specific dietary requirements and the waiter was amazing, as soon as I mentioned my condition he was able to change everything on the menu perfectly so that I could still experience the tasting menu and not feel like I was a difficult customer. The bread (that just kept coming) was delicious, as were all of the tasting courses; I particularly enjoyed the garlic risotto. Highly recommend the whole experience, whether you are on a date, with friends and family or just want to do something special. We were made to feel like royalty, got to sit on the balcony which had great views and the whole night was magical. Special thanks to Alfie and George who were wonderful as waiter and sommellier. 

Sandra S

06 August 2019  
Top class food, excellent service, decor, ambience and price.

Christina G

26 July 2019  
Absolutely lovely ambience, food and friendly staff at a surprisingly good price. Recommended by Square Meal.

Christie J

26 July 2019  
I would come here for a one off treat or celebration. The service, quality and wine list is impeccable! They also have an outdoor area which is lovely in London.

Maz P

08 July 2019  
Impeccable, warm and inviting service here. They take time to connect with the clientele. Outstanding food in a beautiful restaurant with the meal finished of with Coffee and the most amazing home made Marshmallows - to dream of - and I do!!

Ian B

02 July 2019  
Completely professional in all aspects, always a very pleasurable overall experience.
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020 7299 0400 020 7299 0400

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