This place is not somewhere where you can bring your dog. In fact, I don’t think you would want to drag him up to the 28th floor at the Park Lane Hilton and he won’t appreciate the great views anyway.

I have been here several times and each visit has invariably been nothing less than pleasant. To get the best views, do request a table next to the windows overlooking Buckingham Palace when booking. The waiting staff are an eclectic collection of continental Europeans who ply their trade very smoothly indeed. The decor is somewhat dated in some respects, and some bits look decidedly 70s, especially the tan-coloured curtains, but nobody notices it after a while.

The food is always great, superbly well-cooked, though not quite faultless, as Andre Garrett does try to combine English with continental cuisine, and this blend can sometimes come over a bit “original”. So it’s best to just order the simpler dishes, and perhaps avoid a few of the saucier meat dishes. However, that is just my opinion and I am totally sure that everyone will enjoy their meal here.

The wine selection is quite well-studied, though I often go with their daily wine selections, which are always good, such as the Chilean Secreto Carmenere.

One thing to note is that this restaurant will never be accused of being a cheap place to eat. While waiting for my table, I had a gin and tonic, and that costed well over a tenner alone. The lunchtime set menu is more economic, around £45 per head, including a half bottle of wine but add in the service charge and one would be foolish to expect change out of £100 for lunch for 2. There is also a little pre-theatre menu that does little more than taunt you but that’s relatively cheap at around £20, plus extras. I know this sounds expensive but I really think it is worth ordering the degustation dinner menu at £130 per head and watch London light up at night over a fine meal. Oh, remember that does not include the service charge, so forget the idea of any change out of £300 for dinner for 2. I haven’t tried but maybe you can ask to take a doggie bag home, though I seriously doubt you would have left enough.

People go to Galvin as much for the view as they do for the food. It’s not to be missed. This certainly isn’t going to be a cheap meal, but the quality of the food is absolutely superb, and they are always so many delicious things on the menu that you’ll find it hard to choose.

The view is really fantastic. Very romantic. Even more expensive!! The food was very good, was it worth the money? Now there’s a question, I’m not sure I have the answer to. The truth is some of it was amazing (oddly the things that I thought might be just OK) some of it was just OK (obviously good quality though, but then you’d expect no less). Maybe it’s all to do with expectation. Service was excellent and the waiter even helped in our game of trying to name at least 10 landmarks each from the stunning view (not that he was much cop at it. But it’s the taking part that counts, and all that).
There are deals that are available for this restaurant and although I can imagine the choice is very limited I have to say the difference in price is considerable so it is worth a shot for the view alone. I believe you can just head to the bar which is a sensible option - although don’t let the height go to your head - keep an eye on the tab!
I won’t say how much our meal cost, because frankly it’s just embarassing - feed a small African village for a week kind of thing. But I’d say it is worth it for a special occasion. Actually best make that a VERY special occasion!