Galvin Bistrot de Luxe

up_shiraz

Got to stop reviewing French places... 27th September 2008

7 found this helpful

There's something so comforting about this place. If you could use GPS to triangulate the position of well-dressed, Guerlain-infused, elderly French madames, then i would. And then i'd eat where they were eating. Or i could save a trip to the Dragon's Den and just come here instead.

The steak tartare was text-book, and in my GCSE text-book, this dish appears at the top of the contents list in the section "Dishes a French brasserie should be judged on". And judging this one along those lines, it's an A* kinda effort. And that's in the early days of the A* classification....actually scrap that...the A* system has never really meant anything has it? But i digress. It's a beautifully formed mound of beef full of character and spice. The raw egg yolk on top is sublime.

On the wine front, it's true the list is quite pricey. We splashed out a bit on a beautiful Gigondas but it wasn't cheap at £38. The most fun though was to be had with the sommelier and the bizarre couple at the next table. The exceedingly rich man had brought a bottle of Comte de Vogue Musigny from 1990. His younger companion looked like she'd have preferred a bottle of WKD Blue. So half the bottle just sat there quietly until they left...and with some minor prompting, the sommelier happily shared it out with us. It was like some kind of wine porn moment - brilliant. Love this place.

bellaphon at 28/09/08

WKD Blue...LOL!

Browners at 28/09/08

Love the concept of wine porn! Given that I have worked next door to the Galvin for over 3 years... I think it is high time I tested them out!

Niamheen at 28/09/08

Fantastic! Especially getting your paws on the Comte de Vogue Musigny from 1990 :-) I must try this place!

Lacrimosa at 15/10/08

Bravo, sir! A shame to let a good bottle of wine go to waste.

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bellaphon

Bistrot par excellence 15th August 2008

2 found this helpful

There's consistency and there's consistency. I've been coming here for the past three years and the Galvin brothers have managed to maintain a high level of cooking standards and service. They define consistency. I also had my first brains at this place.

Well, to be precise roast veal brains and beurre noisette. It was absolutely out of this world and utterly delicious despite the fact that this particular organ contains at least 60% fat! It was also the cheapest mains to boot. The starter of Soupe de poissons, rouille and Gruyère was basically a well executed Bouillabaisse without the fish morsels. When supping early don't feel intimidated with ordering the exceptionally good value 3 course Menu Prix Fixe at £17.50. The dishes offered are often found on the à la carte for a lot more and the portions are definitely not skimped either. The money thus saved can now be allocated to the not so cheap wine list.

This place is also not terribly good for solo diners like me as the more mature couples (dressed to the hilt of course) who dine in the evening often provide me with the suggestive look of ''does it snow where you come from?''

It has always baffled me as to why a Michelin star has eluded Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, maybe they ought to drop the word bistrot or call it Chez Galvin instead.

A toast to the Galvins.

gastro1

Needs to improve 29th February 2008

0 found this helpful

Not for me.

Simply does not come up with the goods !

Good Bistro food like Cassoulet or Ox Cheek stew for instance are simply not good enoough - not a patch on Anchor and Hope's as an example.

ProfMagellan

high standards are maintained 1st February 2008

3 found this helpful

Just next door to Magellan's global HQ in St Marylebone, Galvins is wonderfully convenient and vies with Hardy's
as the best lunch in the area (the Orrery is overpriced,
Providores too fussy and I have not yet tried the new Pied).
Today, I was joined by a distinguished journalist and reviewer. We had lunched here soon after the opening when the service was a bit slow and the menu slightly heavy in its orientation.
Today, we had faultless (prompt and cheerful) service and a well-constructed menu that offered a wide variety of choices. My guest had salmon and a fine daube of beef whilst I opted for the artichoke veloute which came steaming hot just as I asked for and a vegetable risotto.
Good bread basket. This washed down with Trebiac and Sancerre.
Coffee was excellent with a nice chocolate truffle.
This is a well managed establishment which copes excellently with its heaving lunchtime crowd.
Currently, it is priced fairly (no ghastly hidden extras) and I do hope it stays that way in this difficult economic climate.

dhmalcolm

31st July 2007

4 found this helpful

Wow! If one is looking for a great atmospherof a contemporary view to a comfortable French Bistro, staff that is ever so so good, and great food, this is the place to go for 2 or for 4 or more. Call at least a day ahead. |Average meal for two is about £65-75 with a good wine. Ask for thier recomendations. D Malcolm

Hugo

Galvins - bounces back to pole position 21st June 2007

3 found this helpful

Galvins is a winner. I went there about six months ago and felt the food was a bit rich, thin-on-the-ground and disappointing. However, I have been there three times in the last month and have had a tremendous meal each time.

The menu is innovative and delicious. My favourites have been the summer Vichycoise with langustines (intriguing combination but it really works) and the cod with peas, beans and gnocci - green, fresh and very satisfying.

The service is excellent and the atmosphere, although a teeny bit pretentious gets away with it and is pleasantly calming.

freddie5540

15th May 2007

3 found this helpful

Galvin bistro is fantastic value for money! I have had the pleasure of dining in this slick restaurant four times. Each time precise cooking has pleased and excited me.

It is an bustling dining room with tables often quite close to each other creating a warm atmosphere. A solid steak tartare with good bread satisfied. Caramalised tart of chicory with foie gras and raisons was delighful with the perfect amount of the foie to accompany the slighly bitter tart and sweet raisons; with a glass of monbazillac served at the right temperature it stands out as a dish to remember. Pork chop with d'agen prunes and perfect pommes mousseline was again satisfying if a little rich. The set lunch, if i remember correctly at £17.50 is great value including pave of beef with mushrooms and glazed onions represents a dish that is of excetional quality and value.

The wine list is almost exclusively French but well sourced in all price brackets.

You must go there if you like French food and even if you don't you may be converted.

Ladis19

8th May 2007

3 found this helpful

My visit to Galvin’s was in the company of 7other people 5 of which I had never met before and this time round, lunch was on the menu. However I left the restaurant somewhat disappointed by the lack of choice on this menu. This place sells itself as a French restaurant however there isn’t a single French person in there, the menu does not have Steak, Entrecote, Bavette or even fries. No crème brulee for desert….. need I go further… I’m sure you’ll understand that as a Frenchman, I took a little offence to being told by a German waiter that there was no steak because they served “French Food”. They do serve stinky Seabream with Green pea Risotto though…….. How the heck is that French…..?

Anyway, enough with the slander, all in all, I thank the people I went with for having made this an enjoyable Sunday lunch. Without them, it would have simply been a disappointing culinary experience, no more, no less.