Galvin at Windows

Sunday lunch in style

Seared fillet of halibut, chilli shellfish, mussels, hispi cabbage

This is my third time visiting Galvin at Windows, a fine dining French restaurant on top of Hilton Park Lane hotel. The restaurant is one of the two restaurants with a Michelin star by the Galvin brothers, a successful restaurateur duo with numbers of restaurants across the UK. These days, Galvin at Windows is headed up by Joo Won, a Korean chef who has injected some Asian element into the restaurant's signature modern French cooking. Dining at this restaurant is usually reserved for a special occasion, with high-class service and a sky-high view over London to match, as the Hilton Park Lane is one of the tallest building around Mayfair. 

Scotch beef steak tartare, pickles, & mustard mayonnaise

Seared foie gras, Iberico pork, brioche & tomato chutney

Roast pork, black pudding, apple compote & roasting jus

I visited for a special Sunday treat, the starter of seared foie gras was really something, it was paired with Iberico pork, the texture was rich and creamy, packed with bold and umami tastes, all on top of a brioche bun, I think I have found the best burger in London! The main of Halibut fillet has showcased Joo's Korean touch in his Asian inspired cooking, it was served with some chilli cabbage and shellfishes, almost like a kimchi seafood hot pot you will find a traditional Korean restaurant. I found the garnishes overshadowed the fish with the really powerful spicy taste, not the right balance for me. The dessert of hazelnut and almond Paris brest was a total winner on the other hand, crispy and packed with some well-executed praline cream but not too heavy at the same time, it was a simple looking dessert but done in an expert manner. 

Apple tatin, caramel sauce & rosemary ice cream

Hazelnut & almond Paris Brest

The Sunday lunch experience was great but I would not class it as really high level. If I must be critical, I felt the Korean element didn't really work with the French cooking, not from what I have eaten anyway, while the pure French/ modern European dishes from the kitchen generally worked a lot better for me. Food aside, the service was a little offbeat this time around, with our sommelier totally forgot our wine order. Other than that, it was pretty solid, one that you would expect from a 5 stars hotel. To sum it up, with a great view and fine cooking, Galvin at Windows is still a great choice when you seek a special meal in the Mayfair area, I would highly suggest coming at lunch hours or early dinner time to take advantage of the set menu, which would cost you less than £50 for 3 courses with wine and service charge, not bad at a Michelin starred restaurant inside a luxury hotel.


Food 3.5/5

Head chef: 
Joo Won

What I paid: 
£75 pp with water

Average cost without drinks and services:
£37 lunch menu
£119 tasting menu


22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE

http://www.galvinatwindows.com/