Last Updated on June 1, 2026
Summer in the City at Galvin Bistrot & Bar
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
I took a trip to Galvin Bistrot & Bar in Spitalfields last week to seek out a taste of summer on their terrace. This lovely bistro is run by brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. They originally launched their concept with Galvin Bistrot de Luxe in 2005, and the Spitalfields venue carries that very same French style, evoking the feel of Parisian and Lyonnaise bistro culture. This summer it’s hotting up, bringing a touch of the South of France to East London, with its Château Sainte-Marguerite Summer Terrace.
Although it looked like a heatwave was on its way, the weather on the evening of our visit wasn’t playing ball. Despite this, the terrace at Galvin Bistrot still seemed like a tempting option, and with heaters and blankets available for those cooler days, it was still a great place to dine.
The friendly staff were buzzing around in Brecon-striped t-shirts, creating a distinctly Mediterranean, unstuffy impression. Inside, it boasts a long stainless-steel bar, wooden tables, bentwood chairs, a stone-tiled floor, and red leather banquettes, creating a chic, casual atmosphere. There’s a counter displaying fresh fish and the catch of the day. At the rear, in Galvin La Chapelle, there is a more formal, fine-dining experience with white linen tablecloths and staff smartly dressed in white shirts and waistcoats.
We were welcomed with a glass of Galvin’s champagne, a crisp, dry and elegant fizz which was the perfect start to the evening.
The kitchen is led by Head Chef Fabio Portaluri and overseen by Chef Director Arturo Granato. The regularly changing à la carte Mediterranean menu focuses on seasonal ingredients. It’s divided up into bites, starters, the raw bar, pasta, a pizzetta and mains, plus a catch of the day.
We were recommended to try the Chef’s Bites’ selection, which was an excellent way to try all them all on one plate – a soft brie on crunchy toast, drizzled with sweet truffle rich honey, wonderfully fresh bluefin tuna and otoro ham pincho, served on toast, rich and gloriously gooey wild mushroom and truffle arancini and a crisp confit of lamb croquette, refreshing topped with yogurt aioli.
The chicken liver parfait was gorgeously soft and creamy, presented with chunky slices of sourdough toast, lashings of rhubarb chutney, adding contrast, and so good we wanted to bottle it and take it home.
To pair with our meal, we moved on to the Château Sainte-Marguerite Cru Classé de Provence, a soft and fruity wine with notes of white flower and citrus. What is it about summer that makes rosé seem the most fitting way to raise a glass?
On the blackboard, the catch of the day caught our attention, and we weren’t disappointed: a whole gleaming sea bream arrived to be shared between the two of us. Clean white, meaty flesh, with a fabulous subtle sweetness, seasoned for summer with parsley, a handful of capers and segments of grapefruit cut a note of astringency. On the side, crushed new potatoes with salsa verde, giving them a lively kick, and tenderstem broccoli topped with chilli flakes and sesame oil.
Dessert brought further indulgence with a light and creamy tiramisu, just as it should be, and a slice of apple tarte tatin, gooey and caramelised, balanced between the tartness of the apple, the sweet toffee flavours and the freshness of Normandie crème fraiche…quite delicious!
So if you’re in the neighbourhood, take advantage of the warm weather and drop in to Galvin Bistrot & Bar for a glass of rosé on their garden terrace. You’re guaranteed reliably good Mediterranean food at approachable prices. The ideal destination for a long lunch, after-work drinks or a weekend get-together.
Located in: Spitalfields Market
Address: Entrance on 35, Bishops Square, Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Phone: 020 7299 0404
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