The Galley
Mediterranean restaurantsWoodbridge
“Restaurant in pretty, old building with modern English-continental food created by Turkish patron.”
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Quick info
About The Galley
On Market Hill in Woodbridge, The Galley is a Mediterranean restaurant set in an old building with seating for around 20 people inside. The kitchen, run by a Turkish patron, works from a middle floor where diners can hear the cooking underway, and the chef-owner comes out to talk to guests at their tables during the meal. Lobster is a recurring specialty on the menu, alongside gluten-free and dairy-free options that are clearly labelled. The restaurant takes walk-ins rather than bookings. It operates as a family-run business, with the compact dining room shaping the close contact between kitchen and table.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention chef visiting tables, lobster with samphire sauce, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine and gluten-free dairy-free options.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention chef visiting tables, lobster with samphire sauce, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine and gluten-free dairy-free options.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the chef patron, who comes out to talk with tables and ask about the meal, which several describe as welcoming and much appreciated. The cooking earns equal credit. Reviewers name the lobster with samphire sauce, the lamb stew, and the pork, and mention Turkish dishes and Mediterranean-inspired spice combinations. Close behind are the friendly, helpful staff, a wine collection one reviewer says has to be seen, and gluten-free and dairy-free options clearly labelled on the main menu. The caveats are specific. One reviewer who had criticised the seafood mains says the chef came out to defend his dishes and left them feeling intimidated and uncomfortable, though they liked the rest of the meal and found the servers kind. Another finds it a little overpriced, one says it was slightly understaffed, and one calls the room a little cold and quiet. One group liked the dessert so much they ordered it a second time.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the chef patron, who comes out to talk with tables and ask about the meal, which several describe as welcoming and much appreciated. The cooking earns equal credit. Reviewers name the lobster with samphire sauce, the lamb stew, and the pork, and mention Turkish dishes and Mediterranean-inspired spice combinations. Close behind are the friendly, helpful staff, a wine collection one reviewer says has to be seen, and gluten-free and dairy-free options clearly labelled on the main menu. The caveats are specific. One reviewer who had criticised the seafood mains says the chef came out to defend his dishes and left them feeling intimidated and uncomfortable, though they liked the rest of the meal and found the servers kind. Another finds it a little overpriced, one says it was slightly understaffed, and one calls the room a little cold and quiet. One group liked the dessert so much they ordered it a second time.
Featured reviews
- Max Scott
“Exceptional food and service. Great atmosphere made special by the chef patron. His cooking is by far the best in this area and appreciated by foodies. Many specialities including Lobster and Turkish cuisine. We had not been able to get there for over a year and going back was treat.”
- Cristina Lorenzetti
“Delicious food. Lovely little restaurant that reminded me of some restaurants I visited in Paris long time ago. We had a girl-night-out and this was an absolute treat. Food was amazing and the dessert was so good we ended up repeating it 😅 I felt like I was at home. Owner was very welcoming and chatty. This bit reminded me of my home country 🇧🇷where customer service is absolutely key! Will be coming back soon!!! This time for a date night with hubby!”
- Edwina Cunningham-Hill
“Chef made us very uncomfortable when providing some feedback on the mains. We enjoyed most of our food, except the seafood mains; we weren't fishing for any discounts or free food, but felt very intimidated and uncomfortable after the chef came out to defend his dishes. Other than that, it is a cute little restaurant (a little cold/quiet) and the servers working there were lovely and very kind.”
- Graham Pattle
“No complaints. We popped in on the off chance, and were gladly fitted in. In fact, we had a bigger table than some people that had reserved. It’s a small place, seating around 20 people inside. The front of house staff we all very pleasant and cheery, but not overbearing. The chef also came out to ask us how our meals were, which is a rare thing in the restaurant trade these days, but it was reassuring to see. The food was very tasty and I would like to go back to sample some more of the deserts. I think it’s a little overpriced, but that’s Woodbridge for you I guess. I would recommend.”
- Ed Franklin
“Perfect family-run local restaurant. Great options for gluten-free and dairy-free clearly labelled on the main menu. Highly recommended. Everything was great, but the pork was amazing. A very warm welcome and somewhere I look forward to visiting again.”
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