For many of London’s finest restaurants, success can feel like a flash in the pan. The dining scene in the capital moves so fast that it can feel impossible to remain at the top of foodies’ lists, whether for romantic weekend dinners, special occasions or mid-week get-together with friends – but every so often, you come across one that is rather more enduring, and that stands the test of time with ease.
One-Michelin-starred, Mediterranean-inflected French fare restaurant Galvin La Chapelle is one of them, and situated in London’s Spitalfields, close to Liverpool Street, remains one of the most sought-after foodie spots in the capital even after more than 16 years.
Having first opened its doors back in 2009, the eatery is the brainchild of renowned chefs and brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, who have a long career in top-end kitchens. It’s their third major venue, following in the footsteps of their first joint venture – Galvin de Bistro Luxe – which opened its doors on London’s Baker Street back in 2005, and Galvin at Windows, located on the 28th floor of the lavish London Hilton on Park Lane, since 2006.
Having first opened its doors back in 2009, the eatery is the brainchild of renowned chefs and brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, who have a long career in top-end kitchens
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the brothers’ Galvin Restaurants group, and today Galvin La Chapelle is, and always has been, the undisputed Michelin-starred jewel in the Galvin crown. Its long-standing appeal is something that few can manage to maintain, but it continues to innovate. Over the years, it has built up a loyal customer base, as well as continuing to attract new guests who come to experience the classic yet creative cuisine, modern elegance and heartfelt service it has become known for.
Drawing on the Galvin brothers’ French heritage and influence from vibrant Mediterranean flavours, Executive Chef Arturo Granato has developed a mouth-watering new menu for the new season that demonstrates his fresh and contemporary approach to dining – and proves that the restaurant is still a top player on the London dining scene.
Ambience
Set within a stunning Grade II-listed Victorian school, with soaring stone ceilings, vast arched windows, and timeless interiors, Galvin La Chapelle offers an unrivalled dining experience in the heart of the City
Located in an old Victorian school, Galvin La Chapelle exudes an unequivocal sense of grandeur from the moment you set foot inside, its soaring stone ceilings, vast arched windows and timeless interiors setting the scene for a magical dining experience in the heart of the City.
Having retained its coveted Michelin star since 2011, the venue continues to go from strength to strength, and the impeccable and warm service offered by its staff ensures that every dining experience is memorable for all the right reasons.
From the elegant décor and light-filled surroundings to the harmony between setting and seasonal menus, the atmosphere is welcoming but feels undeniably refined. It’s easily one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants in the capital, and the perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion.
A talented executive chef
From Venice to Spitalfields, executive chef Arturo Granato brings fire, flavour and a touch of Italian charm to Galvin La Chapelle
With over two decades of experience in some of Europe’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred kitchens, executive chef Arturo Granato has become one of the leading figures in modern Italian cuisine. From esteemed Italian eateries in his home town of Nocera Inferiore to the kitchens of some of Londin’s finest restaurants – including The Greenhouse and Club Gascon – he has successfully retained the restaurant’s Michelin star and 3 AA Rosettes since 2022, and is known for his Mediterranean flair, creativity and commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“Seasonality is always my first consideration. I aim to create something new and exciting while ensuring there’s a perfect balance of flavour without ever compromising the quality and freshness of the produce,” he says.
Newly refreshed menus
Since opening in 2009, the restaurant has been celebrated for its marriage of classical technique, modern elegance, and warm hospitality. Image credit: Patricia Niven
The restaurant’s newly refreshed menus promise to take you on an indulgent multi-sensory journey around southern Europe, showcasing the very best in seasonality. Reaffirming the Galvin legacy whilst bringing forth a new flourish of creativity shaped by Granato’s rich culinary background and the innovation of the wider Galvin team, you can be certain of a meal that will make its mark.
There are various different menus and dishes to choose from, encompassing both traditional dining options and a greater emphasis on family-style dining. A new ‘bites’ section encourages guests to graze and explore the menu at leisure, and the set lunchtime menu, at £55 per person for three courses, makes dining here really accessible. There’s also an excellent Sunday roast offering, which word has it is one of the best in the entire capital.
The a la carte menu offers a host of tempting choices and is ideal for those seeking a flexible dining experience. Chef Granato’s signature dish – Dorset crab raviolo with braised fennel and beurre blanc – is a must try, while the Scottish scallop crudo with cobnut and buddha’s hand or the wood fired anjou pigeon with fermented Mirabelle plum and dark chocolate are also guaranteed to go down a treat. Signature mains include the Barbecued Cornish monkfish served with trompettes and Vin Jaune and Free Range English Pekin Duck a L’orange with black garlic. Or, for a more sociable way to dine, you can opt for a larger sharing dish like the grass-fed Côte de Boeuf with sauce Bordelaise, which is carved tableside to honour the convivial spirit of French dining – but with the same polish and finesse the restaurant has become known for. The rich araguani dark chocolate soufflé with tonka and salted caramel, or the reimagined Tiramisu, are just two examples from the sumptuous dessert menu, and ones you won’t want to miss.
A decadent seven-course tasting journey
For a Michelin-starred experience, the tasting menu offers exceptional value, and reaffirms Galvin La Chapelle’s commitment to making world-class dining both aspirational and attainable. Image credit: Patricia Niven
The piece-de-resistance, though, is the new seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, which is guaranteed to go down a storm for foodies who take their fine cuisine seriously. The new dishes celebrate carefully sourced ingredients from across the UK and Europe, each one designed to highlight the finest seasonal produce and its provenance. At a cost of £120 per head, the menu is a showcase of decadent dishes crafted from the finest ingredients sourced from independent growers, trusted day-boat fishermen, and artisanal producers. It’s a real feast of flavours and textures, with highlights including the regal oyster, guanciale, and finger lime and the mouth-watering Lake District fallow deer – served with Baeeri caviar and bagna cauda – which is moreish, buttery and simply divine.
The risotto carnaroli, with smoked bone marrow and hermitage jus, is equally delicious, and each course is satisfying, but designed to ensure you have room left for dessert. The caramelised delica pumpkin and clementine tart, served with chocolate gelato, is the perfect way to round things off.
For a Michelin-starred experience, the tasting menu offers exceptional value, and reaffirms Galvin La Chapelle’s commitment to making world-class dining both aspirational and attainable.
A dynamic curated wine list
Wines can be enjoyed by the glass or the bottle, and the restaurant’s dedicated sommelier is on hand to recommend pairings, ensuring the perfect match for every dish. Image credit: Patricia Niven
Of course, every great fine dining experience includes dishes that are complemented by just the right wines, and Galvin La Chapelle’s painstakingly curated list certainly doesn’t disappoint. With a focus on old world classics, it comprises an array of options sourced from across the globe. You’ll find a mix of rare vintage bottles – like the Hermitage La Chapelle – along with more accessible selections from notable French wine regions (including Rhône and Burgundy), and across Spain, Italy and other renowned international wine-producing areas.
Wines can be enjoyed by the glass or the bottle, and the restaurant’s dedicated sommelier is on hand to recommend pairings, ensuring the perfect match for every dish. If you’re opting for the tasting menu, then be sure to draw on their expertise – there’s a specially curated wine pairing selection available, designed to complement each course and elevate the dining experience, and suffice it to say, it does exactly that.
The bottom line
Combining Michelin-starred mastery, Mediterranean flair, and a stunning Victorian setting, Galvin La Chapelle delivers a dining experience that is as timeless as it is memorable – and as we head into 2026, it’s still a top choice for fine dining in the capital. Not only that, but it remains the undisputed jewel in the Galvin crown – so if you’ve yet to experience it, then get that table booked.
Factbox
Address: 35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Phone: 020 7299 0400
Website: galvinrestaurants.com
Dining and Cooking