Nestled in the heart of historic Spitalfields, Galvin La Chapelle offers one of London’s most accessible Michelin-starred dining experiences. Celebrating 20 years in the restaurant industry, brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin remain true to their mission: to deliver exceptional French cuisine rooted in quality, seasonality, and elegance—while keeping it refreshingly within reach.
Their new 'Taste of Summer' menu is a shining example of this ethos, offering two beautifully prepared courses for £49 or three for just £55, a remarkable value in the fine dining world.
The restaurant is housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian school chapel, and the setting alone is worth a visit. Towering stone-vaulted ceilings stretch high above, their grandeur softened by warm lighting that pours in through soaring arched windows. Ornate chandeliers sparkle overhead, and a dramatic central bar draws the eye. The atmosphere is majestic yet welcoming, combining the reverence of a cathedral with the intimacy of a well-loved dining room. It's a space that invites you to linger, to savour, and to appreciate.
Arriving on a sunny afternoon after a stroll through the vibrant stalls of Spitalfields Market, we were greeted warmly and led to our table in the centre of the grand dining hall. A glass of Galvin Champagne—crisp, balanced, and developed by the brothers themselves—set the tone for the meal ahead. The menu, thoughtfully curated to showcase peak seasonal ingredients, was bursting with colour, creativity, and flavour. Even the side of fresh bread and salted butter was exceptional, leading us to ask for a second helping.
To begin, we chose the heritage tomatoes with almond cream, saffron and lavender—an elegant composition that was as fragrant as it was fresh. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe, their natural sweetness elevated by the gentle floral notes of lavender and the richness of the almond. Alongside it came the barbecued aubergine with pine nuts, Taggiasca olives and piquillo pepper—a dish layered with aromatic depth and Mediterranean brightness. Each course was expertly paired with wine, with our server explaining the selections with genuine passion and precision. The service throughout was warm, charming and exceptionally well-informed.
For our mains, the potato gnocchi arrived dressed in saffron, Scottish girolles and a truffle cream so fragrant it turned heads as it was placed on the table. The gnocchi were feather-light, the sauce indulgent yet balanced. A standout dish followed—the wild halibut, which carries a £20 supplement, but is well worth the indulgence. Served with quinoa-stuffed courgette flower, marine plankton and sauce meunière, it was almost too beautiful to eat. The plating was precise and delicate, the flavours harmonised to perfection, with the sauce tying everything together in a sensational taste embrace.
Dessert brought a final wave of creativity. The Amalfi lemon mascarpone cheesecake was a triumph—light and ethereal, with just the right snap to its base, and paired with a surprisingly successful coffee and liquorice ice cream. The apricot soufflé, towering and airy, was branded with the Galvin insignia, and when pierced, revealed a dreamy white chocolate and elderflower centre. A perfectly matched dessert wine complemented both selections.
As a final flourish, a petite box of petit fours arrived, presented on a bed of raw cocoa nibs, along with a pot of fresh green tea. It was a thoughtful and tactile ending to a meal that had been generous, elegant, and entirely unpretentious.
What stands out most about Galvin La Chapelle is not just the food, nor the beauty of its setting, but the atmosphere the team has cultivated. Despite its Michelin star and grand architecture, the restaurant is genuinely welcoming. It doesn’t whisper exclusivity—it invites you in. The staff are friendly without being fussy, knowledgeable without pretence, and clearly proud of what they do.
The 'Taste of Summer' menu is available for lunch, Monday to Saturday, from 12pm to 2pm. It’s a rare opportunity to experience high-end cuisine at a modest price, in one of London’s most beautiful dining rooms. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to an afternoon of elegance, Galvin La Chapelle offers an unforgettable journey of taste, texture, and hospitality.
For reservations and more information, visit galvinrestaurants.com
Written by Claire Bloom
1st image by Patricia Viven
