Galvin Bistrot & Bar brings a Mediterranean feel to Shoreditch
Launching today, the Galvin brothers are bringing a fresh burst of flavour to Galvin Bistrot & Bar in Spitalfields. The much-loved neighbourhood restaurant, founded by Chris and Jeff Galvin, continues to evolve under their guidance, responding to the rhythm of city life and the return of the five-day-office-working week. Guests can look forward to a vibrant new Mediterranean-inspired menu, crafted by Executive Chef Arturo Granato, that perfectly complements the welcoming spirit of the Bistrot.
Executive Chef Arturo Granato brings a wealth of experience from some of Europe’s most prestigious Michelin-starred Italian and French kitchens, where he honed his craft and developed a deep respect for culinary tradition and innovation. Having retained stars at Galvin La Chapelle and Club Gascon, Arturo channels his expertise into Galvin Bistrot & Bar, embracing Chris and Jeff Galvin’s passion for Mediterranean flavours with a vibrant, contemporary twist.
While the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere remain unchanged, the food now sings with new energy. Arturo’s menu celebrates vibrant flavours, creative flair, and the simple joy of sharing family style - a modern interpretation that sits comfortably alongside the brothers’ enduring vision for the Bistrot.
Chef Granato, whose Italian heritage and Michelin-starred pedigree shine through in every dish, has created a menu that is both comforting and enticing. Playful opening plates include Cantarbian Anchovies in extra virgin olive oil, a fresh Cured Sea Bass with tomato ponzo, and golden Wild Mushroom & Truffle Arancini. Ingredient-led and rooted in deep flavour, the menu showcases the best produce from trusted suppliers while remaining mindful of value, offering guests the freedom to enjoy as much or as little as they wish.
Handmade pastas showcase chef's creativity and Italian roots - from Duck Ragout Maltagliati, slow-braised and topped with a scattering of crisp pangrattato, to Mezze Maniche tangled with cuttlefish and bottarga, briny and deeply umami, alongside the timeless simplicity of Cacio e Pepe, sharp with pecorino and fragrant with black pepper.
The generosity of the kitchen comes alive in sharer plates, designed for sharing. Grilled Baby Chicken, marinated in garlic oil, emerges spicy, crisp-skinned and juicy. Cod Collar, cooked in the wood-fire oven, is finished in a buttery meunière sauce, its smoky richness melting into every mouthful. The Grass-Fed Ribeye, aged on the bone, is another perfect centrepiece for the table. And for a bold, modern twist, the Burger Maison - a British Wagyu burger layered with slow-cooked short rib - is unapologetically messy and luxuriously comforting.
Desserts echo the sunlit Mediterranean: a classic Tiramisù with its cloud-like mascarpone, a bright Lemon Cream Baba that refreshes the palate, and a Chocolate Tart with salted caramel that finishes the meal on a deeply indulgent note.
At the heart of the Bistrot, counter dining brings guests close to the action, offering a lively spot for after-work drinks and relaxed small-plate grazing. Inspired by the traditions of tapas and Venetian cicchetti, the menu lends itself to sharing over a glass of wine or a classic cocktail, whether it’s a quick bite on the way home or a leisurely evening unwinding with friends.
The experience extends to the bar, now a vibrant stage for Vermouth or Vermut as it’s known in Spain. Inspired by Italy, France and Spain, the new cocktail list gives this timeless aperitif a playful, lighter twist. A highlight is the Reverse Dirty Martini, where the usual proportions are flipped to let Vermouth shine - refreshing, aromatic and fun. Other bespoke creations explore its herbal complexity, offering guests an easy-going way to drink socially without feeling too boozy. To sit alongside, is an affordable and approachable wine list that celebrates the vineyards of the Mediterranean basin, with bottles from Spain, Portugal, Lebanon and Italy bringing warmth and character to the table.
Galvin Bistrot & Bar remains the beating heart of Shoreditch, just moments from Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street Station. Its buzzing bar and bustling alfresco terrace - cleverly weatherproofed for year-round enjoyment - continue to draw locals and newcomers alike. With Arturo Granato’s Mediterranean vision at the helm, supported by Chris and Jeff Galvin’s dedication to quality and hospitality, the restaurant offers not just a meal, but an experience: generous, sociable, and alive with the sunny vibe of the Mediterranean.
To make a booking, please visit: www.galvinrestaurants.com
Galvin Bistrot & Bar
Entrance on 35, Bishops Square, Spital Square, London E1 6DY
020 7299 0404
@galvinbistrot