Galvin at Windows

I don't understand why this place is taking such a beating! I really liked this restaurant.

I went with a large group as part of a workplace outing. Despite the size of the group, they managed to get us served very promptly and efficiently. Food was very good indeed and everything fitted nicely into the lunch hour that we had.

Service is somewhat on the pompous side, as some have mentioned. But, if you walk into a restaurant in a Hilton, what do you expect? In fact, I'd go so far as to say that, in the same way as some would go to Wong Kei for the rudeness, some would come here for the pomp and ceremony. It's part of the experience.

Great views of London in a great venue.

Money-wise... small confession. We'd booked under a special offer, so were shielded from the normal price. However, looking at the prices listed on the menu, I'd have still been happy to have paid.
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, June 07, 2010

I booked this restaurant for our 14th Anniversary on the strength of the location and the reputation of the namesake. The views are pretty good, although it's worth asking for a table by the window on the side that you want, the balcony is generally pretty good. After dark, there are surprisingly dark swathes in central London!

The food was not very good - for vegetarians. The risotto was too salty, and the pastry dish was overly 'eggy' and sweet. would not take veggies here for a good meal out as the choice is limited.

However, the service was friendly and accommodating, making more of an occasion - the restaurant wasn't too busy, which I feel helped.

I had asked for a little surprise at the end of the meal, which they prepared and brought out - unfortunately, it said 'Happy Birthday' but the chocolates were delicious. That and the wilted flowers on the table were the only obvious signs of a slight sense of disinterest.
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Nemish
7 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Thursday, May 27, 2010

When we visited the restaurant we found it very good and the offer included a glass of champagne. We recommend it to one and all. The atmosphere and service were outstanding.
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Leon Cohen
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, May 14, 2010

Had a dinner with my girlfriend on Friday 9 April. I dine out at least twice a week in London and other major cities, in small local as well as "high end" restaurants. The dinner at Galvin was the most terrible experience I had in years. If you are used to posh / Michelin star places you will find the quality of food appalling. If you are a regular visitor of your local, family run restaurants you will find the service to be very pretentious and the place to be severely overpriced and lacking atmosphere. Views of London are great, but that’s all. If you are interested in a great London view, consider London Eye or have a drink at the bar next door (same floor as Galvin and same view).
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Victor
3 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Monday, April 12, 2010

Booked a table 3 weeks before our stay in the Hilton Park Lane (04/04/2010) on the evening when we arrived we where seated in the interior of the restaurant and that after our internet booking requesting a window table. When we asked for the right table we have booked the manager could not offer us that table due to bookings made before?? How long do you have to book in front to get the right table? We never received an email notifying us that the requested table was not available! They were very impressive in receiving you at the entrance at least four (4) people. The manager came to our table with a ridiculous solution, we could maybe change tables between our main course and dessert, GREAT SOLUTION SIR!!!! We left very disappointed, we did not want to try the food if the service is not up to standard.
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Ronny De Graeve
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, April 08, 2010

Oh the perils of being a single diner and a non-drinker to boot! My non-alcoholic cocktail arrived between the starter and the main. The restaurant was busy with waiters smiling at all but with little attempt to communicate with the kitchen. A main of partridge was very good however. Then a 25 minute wait for dessert which the waiter attempted to precede by coffee! Apparently the biscuits take only minutes and it is important to get them hot. I did not understand how this related to a 25 minute wait! The waiters then gave up and moved on to tables with 2+ diners which was likely to be more productive.

What a pity - the food was quite good without being sensational. I certainly wont be going again.
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1 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I was treated to a surprise lunch at this restaurant for my 30th birthday on the 28th August and had a wonderful experience. I have been to this restaurant a few times and it is excellent. We were given a table at the far end, by the window, and chose their 3 course lunch at £39. Excellent value for money and the wines were very good also.

My wife is a vegan so were very pleased that they made something special for her. Also, we took our 2 yr old son and the staff were extremely friendly and accomodating.

This has to be our favourite restaurant in London and worth considering for any special occasion.
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Tejas Somaiya
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 14, 2009

No complaints here! That said, my sister heard the maitre d' giving staff a right rollocking before the start of the evening when she turned up early, so maybe they were on their best behaviour. We had a charming French waiter. Taking the best view for myself 'the birthday boy' as I said, sitting down, I later got a Happy Birthday written in chocolate across my dessert plate. Now that's service for you!

I preferred views to the south, looking over the MI6 building and Buckingham Palace Gardens, towards Crystal Palace.

Food was great actually, I think I had the salmon (it was a couple of months ago now). Only prob was my sister's starter: a sort of duck fois gras type thing which was pretty sludgy and tasteless.

Filter coffee was excellent. That said, the venue was just a tad lacking atmosphere looking back, perhaps because it's bang on top of a hotel. BTW it's a good 20 minute walk down Park Lane from Marble Arch, it's really not too close so leave plenty of time to get there.
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- View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 31, 2009