What
Anyone who knows top-class European cuisine will be familiar with the names of Chris and Jeff Galvin, the chef brothers who took London by storm decades ago with a series of restaurants that redefined casual, accessible yet high class dining. Times have changed yet their City outposts, the Michelin-starred La Chapelle and the more down-to-earth Bistrot & Bar next door, remain the gold standard in what well-heeled diners expect from their meals.
Where
A stone's throw from Spitalfields Market, Galvin Bistrot & Bar offers everything from a quick after-work snack to the more luxurious three-course meal. If you're a fan of oysters and champagne, settle in for a feast; however, those who are looking for a steak frites or spatchcock chicken and tiramisu fix can pay a trifling £25 for a seasonal set menu. And, unusually round these parts, there's a well-appointed terrace too, meaning that you can dine al fresco on warm evenings and feel that the Mediterranean cuisine the restaurant specialises in isn't too incongruous with the sight of bustling commuters.
To Drink
There's a well-chosen cocktail list that combines twists on old classics – a rum punch has a Caribbean kick, and a Jalapeno Margherita would not disgrace a Mexican favela – with a few newer favourites; espresso martinis are reassuringly potent, but also have a smoothness that makes them go down with aplomb. The wine list, meanwhile, offers a selection on tap that can be had by the glass, carafe or bottle – check out the excellent Vermentino – or alternatively you can sample an excellent Toscana Rosso if you want a beefy and suitably full-bodied red.
To Eat
To describe the menu at Galvin Bistrot & Bar as 'French-Italian tapas' doesn't quite do it justice, but that's the way of beginning to look at a well-oriented and intriguing selection of dishes that alternate between bite-sized nibbles, small plates and rather more substantial a la carte options. If you opt for the chef's selection of the bites, delights like brie on toast and truffle honey or confit lamb croquette with aioli are a fine curtain-raiser. It should be noted that the starters are small but perfectly formed, such as the burrata with truffle oil or aubergine parmigiana, meaning that you will have space for mains such as cacio e pepe – the Italian accent here plays intriguingly with the Anglo-French ownership and atmosphere – or particularly unctuous, melt-in-the-mouth beef rib, which really does ooze class. There is usually a selection of specials that include meat and fish options, and the sirloin steak, when we popped in, was a particular winner.
To Finish
You'd be a fool not to sample some of the puddings here, which include excellent dark chocolate mousse and tiramisu – again demonstrating how French and Italian influences meld superbly – and if you choose to round the meal off with an espresso martini (and why not?), be assured that the ones here are amongst the very best that you'll sample in the City.
The Vibe
Visitors to Galvin Bistrot & Bar can be assured of a warm welcome, friendly but never over-familiar service and, of course, the sense of being able to escape from worries and cares for a couple of hours in a stylish and comfortable setting. It might not be the French bistro (or Italian trattoria) of your dreams, but it will do very nicely indeed for a destination spot rather closer to home.
Don't Miss
Oyster lovers should make a note of Galvin Bistrot & Bar's new Oyster Hour, launching 9th May. Running Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 6pm and Friday to Saturday from 2.30pm to 7pm, the new offering brings £1 oysters served with lemon and shallots, alongside £5 mini gin or vodka martinis and a concise menu of £9 drinks including Château Sainte-Marguerite Rosé, rosé spritzes and Bloody Marys. There's also a rosé terrace takeover planned for summer, giving the whole affair a distinctly Riviera-in-the-City feel.
FAQs: Galvin Bistrot & Bar
What is Oyster Hour at Galvin Bistrot & Bar?
Oyster Hour is a new aperitivo-style offering at Galvin Bistrot & Bar featuring £1 oysters alongside cocktails, rosé and martinis, designed for after-work drinks, casual catch-ups and leisurely summer dining.
When is Oyster Hour available?
Guests can enjoy Oyster Hour Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 6pm, and Friday to Saturday from 2.30pm to 7pm.
How much are the oysters?
Freshly shucked oysters are priced at £1 each during Oyster Hour, with optional additions including ponzu dressing and caviar.
Where is Galvin Bistrot & Bar?
Galvin Bistrot & Bar is located close to Spitalfields Market in the City of London, with a terrace designed for alfresco dining and drinks during the warmer months.
What drinks are available during Oyster Hour?
The drinks menu includes a £5 mini gin or vodka martini, plus £9 specials including Château Sainte-Marguerite Rosé, a rosé spritz and Bloody Marys.
What type of food does Galvin Bistrot & Bar serve?
The menu focuses on Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with seasonal produce, alongside small plates, seafood, steaks, pasta and classic desserts.
Does Galvin Bistrot & Bar have outdoor seating?
Yes — the restaurant has a well-appointed outdoor terrace that will host a Château Sainte-Marguerite rosé terrace takeover throughout the summer.
Is Galvin Bistrot & Bar open all day?
From 9th May, the restaurant will offer all-day dining every Friday and Saturday, allowing guests to book throughout the day.
This May, local Mediterranean bistro, Galvin Bistrot & Bar introduces Oyster Hour, a new campaign designed for leisurely afternoons, spontaneous meet-ups, and the growing appetite for simple, indulgent dining moments. Launching on 9th May, the offering pairs £1 oysters with a curated drinks selection, led by a standout £5 Mini Gin or Vodka Martini - a playful nod to the 'Girl Dinner' trend currently taking over TikTok.
Available Monday to Thursday from 3pm - 6pm, and Friday to Saturday from 2.30pm - 7pm, Oyster Hour invites guests to enjoy freshly served oysters with lemon and shallots, with optional add-ons including ponzu dressing and caviar for a more elevated experience.
Alongside the oysters, a special menu of £9 drinks will be available, featuring:
- 2025 Symphonie Château Sainte-Marguerite Rosé
- Château Sainte-Marguerite Rosé Spritz
- Bloody Mary
Designed to complement the oysters without overcomplicating the experience, the drinks menu balances classic favourites with refreshing, easy-going options. Alongside, Château Sainte-Marguerite is taking over Galvin Bistrot & Bar's outdoor terrace across the summer, offering up the ultimate Provençal rosé experience in the city.
In addition to the launch of Oyster Hour, from 9th May, Galvin Bistrot & Bar will open for all-day dining every Friday and Saturday, with reservations available throughout the day - offering even more flexibility for guests to drop in, dine, and unwind.
Galvin Bistrot & Bar is a relaxed, Mediterranean-style bistro just moments from Spitalfields Market, offering high-quality food at an accessible price in a setting that suits everything from outdoor terrace dining and leisurely lunches to after-work drinks and private celebrations. The menu showcases Mediterranean dishes made with the finest seasonal produce, while the bar centres on vermouth-led cocktails and a carefully curated, sustainability-focused wine list.
Blending the charm of a neighbourhood favourite with the standards of the Galvin name, Galvin Bistrot & Bar continues to deliver approachable dining with genuine care and flavour at its heart.
To book a table, visit galvinrestaurants.com.
By Alexander Larman
