Galvin at Windows

We had dinner last weekend, also to celebrate hubby's b'day earlier in the week. When I booked I had mentioned special day and asked to be by window, but on arrival were shown to a table at centre of room. Asked for table by window, was told we would be moved when one became available - and we were. I must say, the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful and always around without being intrusive.

We went with the tasting menu, the risotto was perfectly flavoured with balanced texture. The cured salmon was lovely and blended well with the accompaniments, however the crab was very sparse - but i think the portion size could be halved.

The foie gras was one of the worst i've had in a long time, it had no flavour i enjoyed the brioche that came with it! The fish course was scallops and I love my scallops not this one though - it was meant to be seared but was quite soggy and a touch under-cooked . We were quite disappointed by this time, and then the meat course arrived. We both had the lamb, the steak was mostly fat and bone with a bit of meat stuck to it, the cutlet was nice but chewy. It came with a quarter of one baby carrot (menu says carrots!) - unbalanced to say the least.

The cabecou was fab, a good blob of it too and the truffle honey which i've never had before went very well together. The (3) shavings of fig were out of place perhaps as i couldnt taste on their contribution. The yoghurt with strawberry granita was really nice, especially the yoghurt which put the foie gras to shame!

The chocolate dessert was perhaps the best dish of the night, it was perfectly my kind of balance not too sweet not bitter just beautiful.

The accompanying wines went very well with each course complimenting the food. The Graham's grape reserve was a surprise, quite heavy and punchy but loved it.

We were quite disappointed with the food as we expected a 2* to be spot on with the food every time. The theme may be to not try too hard with the creativity, but the cooking, portions and balance (especially the meat course) needs a lot of work to be made good. All in all a pleasant evening with lovely views and services, but the food a big let down. We wont be rushing back, as we there are too many places in London with much better food for the price, or even less for that matter.
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Nush
8 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Saturday, July 31, 2010

I took my family here for my fathers birthday and we had 3 courses from the A la Carte Menu for £35. The food was absolutely delicious, we were also given an amuse bouche from the chef along with some breads for the table and some complimentary chocolates and marshmellows at the end of the evening.

Service was very good, possibly too attentive to be honest. There is always a fine lline when you visit fine dining establishments between very good service and feeling like youre being watched!

I requested a table by the window and we weren't dissapointed! Amazing views! The staff were very nice and catered to our every need.

The portions (although typically small as expected from fine dining restaraunt!) ended up to be very filliing! I recomend the duck!! delicious!

They do try and get you though with £4 glasses of lemonade and £5 bottles of water for the table! Deffinately dont go here if youre looking to save some pennies but for a celebration, as was my occasion, it is perfect! Would recomend.
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Mell - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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