One of my favourite restaurants in London. The staff always make you feel special. The menu never disappoints - lots of lovely traditional dishes alongside more unusual choices. As ever, everyone on our table of 4 was delighted. Excellent wine list. Great atmosphere.
We were lucky to get in without a reservation (Saturday evening). The place was packed and buzzing. And yet the service was impeccable, and the food came right on time. Delicious, too. It wasn't cheap, but the atmosphere was so great it was totally worth it.
I think the Ivy was ok, but not great. I sound like I'm always being critical, but I expect the service and food to be the best at the Ivy. We constantly had to ask for tap water, but they managed to keep topping our wine up. The roast potatoes weren't great, neither was the cauliflower cheese. Beautiful setting, but very similar to the Ivy chain.
Great food and service set in a luxurious ambiance.
Very very good. We came here for Sunday lunchtime and the whole experience was perfect from start to finish. The lady on the bar mixed our cocktails with great dexterity. The greeting staff were friendly and efficient. The menu had a wide choice that suited everyone in our party. The food itself was perfect and generous in size. We even stayed for the spectacular desserts and we were never rushed.
It has been at least 18 years since I last came to this original and best Ivy and they have not dropped the ball one little bit. Well done.
Food and staff fantastic never been to a place like this before but best place to spend my 60th birthday
The club at the Ivy is the exclusive members club, associated with the infamous restaurant! I visited for drinks to disappointment.
Firstly, the entrance lacks lustre, and opens into a lobby with a lift that doesn't work.
Walking up the stairs I expected to be received by a chic or grand room, but which quite frankly was neither. The space looked like a big lounge rather than a series of huddles as such a club should. An interesting idea - implemented without vision!
Beautiful dining space with impeccable service and good food. Portions of the mains are rather small but the taste is amazing. Has its price
I have dined at the Ivy several times and usually my experience is exceptional. Unfortunately this was not the case on the evening of Saturday 28th July. My partner and I were seated for 745PM reservation and after browsing the menu the waiter came to take our order. Unfortunately he couldn't take our preferred order as the restaurant had ran short on stock and couldn't provide the full menu. Being early on a Saturday evening alongside having a small menu, I thought this was a little strange. We went back to the menu and ordered a different meal, which proved delightful. All said and done, we were satisfied at this point. It was only upon leaving the venue, I spoke to the Maitre D', and casually asked him why and how the Ivy couldn't provide their small menu, for an early setting, on possibly the most important evening of the week. To this, the response I received was abysmal. He began to tell me that the Ivy always has a busy lunch setting, and that to have the full menu available, I should book for an earlier time. At this point, I explained, 745pm, is usually an early and very reasonable time to dine, and that I don't care to book dinner at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. I felt that I was to blame for their lack of planning and poor service, which came as a shock, as surely an internal issue should never be blamed on a customer, and a regular one at that! On this note on the 30th July, I felt the need to email both the General Manager and Director of the Ivy, and to date have not had an acknowledgment, which again, is testament to the customer service that I had received that evening. I fear that this service may be the future of what was once, a great restaurant.
I have to mention, the majority of my issue is with the poor service from the Maitre D' and lack of response of an accountable manager. The service from the waiting staff and bartenders is great.
If you want to eat English food from the 1950s, you've probably come to the right place! First of all, it is very dark inside. The starters were average. The mains, however, were very disappointing. It's possibly some of the worst food I've had in decent memory in London. My Shepherd's Pie was unbelievably salty and reminded me of my school dinner at primary school (not a compliment!). The sausages were slightly burnt and not all that tasty. The fish was overcooked. Dessert was decent.
Overall, I was expecting a lot more from such a reputable establishment. We had The Ivy as a must-do thing on our list for years, only to be disappointed when we finally got round to it. Service was average, and not very detailed compared to other 'high brow' restaurants I have been to. Overrated.
Great go to place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is always great
Kindness: (even wine recommendation)
Food Taste:
Price:
Accessibility: Very close to Covent Garden Station
We love our visits to the Ivy. From the staff, service, menu everything! We can't fault it at all. It's a must see when you're in London. Especially the one near Leicester square. Elegant & classy.
Lovely atmosphere. It is always good to arrive early so you can sit at the bar and have a drink. A good variety of fish dishes and vegetarian dishes. Can get very busy during lunch but settles down. Excellent service
Been coming for years and even better after refurbishment, great place for pre or post theatre meal in Covent Garden.
Had a lovely time here for my wifes birthday. Staff are attentive and food was great quality
We went to The Ivy for a light dinner after the theatre & found the food pretty average, not very hot & overpriced. Not an altogether positive experience notwithstanding the proliferation of favourable reviews!
Great service. Food was excellent! The choice of wine is very good indeed. well worth a trip. Thank you
Delicious food and environment, however very pricey
Great dinner/experience but nothing special considering the reputation AND PRICE! Reserved a table for 8pm weeks in advance and didn't get seated until 8:45pm! Attentive waitress who explained what I could eat off the menu as a vegan which was much appreciated, only to have an egg on top when the dish finally came out! Not that I am militant, I just took it off my plate, but maybe someone with allergies wouldn't feel the same? Definitely worth a visit to say you've been but I wouldn't be hurrying back any time soon.
Every time I come it, I just go away happy! Child hood memories and never fails to disappoint. My Granny would take me as a child and I still love this place.
Very lovely restaurant, amazing food however comparing it to the ivy restaurant in Dublin I was a little disappointed, one particular man seemed very distracted, we noticed that after directing us to our table others were directed by other members of staff carrying their drinks to the table which we did get when visiting the dublin ivy. And did not get during our experience at this Ivy which I thought would be a lot better as it is known as the IVY the man also was reluctant to opening the door although I received this treatment on the way to the toilet many times throughout the night but not with the particular guy who had dark hair and wore glasses who I believe was a manager.
Appart from this the experience was lovely with a great atmosphere great service from our waiter as well.
Excellent meal, excellent service. The Baked Alaska is outstanding!
all things are great except one English speaking waitress' attitude. just can't believe she directly said "I cannot hear you" when I was ordering the meal. disgusting. but other staffs are quite nice, or I would not pay the service fees.
This is a really good restaurant. You are looked after and the menu is varied and food good. They have changed the menu slightly - and I wasn't impressed by the cerviche. However the atmosphere is always good and the staff make up for it.
Fabulous food, probably much cheaper than you may expect
Just okay. Average food and way over-priced. Suggest dropping in for just a drink for the atmosphere. Hard pass on the food.
The food selection is amazing! The zucchini courgette is a must for an appetizer. I have been here twice and ordered the sheperd's pie which was delicious and mouth watering. I have a small appetite so the pie was more than enough for me but others it may not be filling enough, a side order of salad may be needed. I ordered the fish of the day, which was sea bass. It was a bit pricey, roughly 34 pounds..and that does not include any side orders. My partner ordered the fish and chips was yummy, the batter was not too crispy, the chips were made well. He also ordered the butternut squash dish which is vegetarian and he enjoyed that as well. The service is excellent here. Only suggestion would be to definitely book a reservation ahead of time as it does tend to get crowded.
For more than 20 years I've dined here, it is truly the heart of Theatreland. Excellent menu, attentive staff - superb!
Very poor service. We waited ages to be served. Staff weren t particularly nice and food was so so. I wouldn t eat here again
The best art deco restaurant with a pub atmosphere in London . The shepperds pie is very special.
One of the most luxurious restaurants with the best food & service. Not expensive at all!
West-end landmark restaurant with those signature harlequin patterned windows and distinctive narrow profile.
An epicure and gourmand delight.
Top notch service, our 10th wedding anniversary and we were made to feel very special.
Food was out of this world. Christmas party was ace. Staff very friendly
Amazing resteraunt, great ambience, great food and great service..... What more could you want.
They made my mothers birthday special by delivering a sweet note written in chocolate - I didn't ask them they are just attentive and really listen.
Thank you!!
Absolutely fantastic experience. Warm welcome on arrival, food delicious and staff couldn't do enough for you going above and beyond to make this a memorable evening.
Best.. Pity can't make a reservation asap.. Book a month or more in advance.
Great food and service. Loved the historic surroundings too
Went here for a late lunch before attending a matinee show at a theatre across the street. The atmosphere was amazing, almost Gatzbyesque. Food was very good, I had the bang bang chicken, though portions are very small to keep prices down a little. Very clean location with renovations done a few years ago.
Service was good but food mid range. Feel like this has had its day
We will able to get into The Ivy on a whim and short notice for lunch. Hopped in a cab and went directly there. The service was top notch and the food was to die for! I ordered the lamb and the cheesecake for dessert.
Lovely meal and service but over rated and very expensive
Rarely fails to impress. It's our favourite restaurant and has been for decades. Polite, friendly staff, good food great ambiance. Love and recommend it !
Enjoyable atmosphere and good food but quite pricey.
Nice place. Nice atmosphere -- energetic but not too busy. The food is very good but I would not put the steaks in the top tier (which would be akin to a USDA Prime dry-aged cut). Nonetheless, you will enjoy yourself.
Absolutely loved it. We came without a reservation and the staff was very friendly and welcoming! We sat at the bar and the waiter found us a table immediately. The entire experience (Food, atmosphere, and staff) were amazing and deserves 5 stars! A must visit for anyone in the area.
Really nice traditional food. Expensive, but worth it for special occasion. Nice atmosphere, really friendly staff.
Good Restaurant. The staff were a little rude when we asked to switch tables.
Staff did not know the details of some dishes on the menu. They did not know the original of the fish on the menu. I expected more. Food was tasty and we had a pleasant night.
Always a treat. The Ivy is an evergreen. Feels special each time. The layout and decor as unique, it feels comfortable so you can relax but also has the elegance to put a glint in your eye.
Food is always reasonable and honest. Can t wait to go back again
Food was amazing and the atmosphere is very classy and lovely. But I must say, the cocktail u had was the most perfect part of it. I had the Butter & Bread Punch and it was delicious. The ice cube was perfectly cubed and it made my night.
Love it!!! Iconic restaurant, one of the highlights of a trip to London
I called over a month ago to book a table for my sisters birthday on the 16th of September.
I was told I was too early, and to call a month before. Last week I called them on three occasions to make sure I could get a table and again told I was too early and to call next week.
I call them this morning and spoke to a very unpleasant woman who seemed to be above taking reservations! She was quick to tell me that all the bookings were released and I was too late!!! Obviously I was disappointed as I know my sister would like an evening there but more so disappointed by the way I was spoken to on the phone which was snappy and confrontational!!!!
What a lovely place .. We have been going there for years and it always delivers a wonderful meal .. I love the dressed crab and the seared foie gras .. If you are visiting London , don't miss!! Enjoy
Set in the heart of theatre land this lovely old restaurant, refurbished recently to a very high standard, serves superb food & wine with excellent friendly service
Fabulous food and dining experience, excellent service and attentive staff.
Great atmosphere, incredible food - an institution.
My son booked the table for Good Friday with the understanding the set menu was available Monday to Friday before 7pm. When we arrived we were given the menus which were a la Carte. When we asked for the set menu (pre theatre) we were told it wasn't available on bank holidays. This wasn't mentioned when we booked. We didnt have time to find another restaurant. I asked for a rare steak which was well done when it arrived. I complained and then got what I ordered. My family had almost finished their meal when mine arrived. We were given no apology and were very disappointed the cost of the meal we had originally booked wasn't honoured nor was there any concession for their error regarding my steak. I wouldn't go there again!
Good reliable comfort food. But too many Ivy restaurants with fake flowers have popped up all over the place.
This used to be amazing but now it's not good value for money. The only positive is the staff who are good.
One of the most elegant rooms in London. The Ivy manages to be both serene and buzzy. Everything about it is supremely assured, just so. The chef doesn't need to show off. Never disappoints. A class act.
Not impressed with the service at all.
We have booked a private room for an event for 10 people.
We were treated by very friendly waiter offering us still or sparkling water. Only few wanted sparkling water and asked for tap water for the table. Tap eater never arrived and instead we were being poured still water we had to pay for.
We were also recommended some not on the menus smoothies to start with whilst we were waiting for the rest of the guests.
When ordering food only 3 people were ordering strayers and of course the waiter suggested some food to share for the rest whilst they were waiting for people who were eating the starters. We felt like he was upselling all the time. When ordering maincourse the waiter pushed for us to order more and more food. He was suggesting food of the menus which were the most expensive ones or claiming that the carrots in the plate were only for decoration and that we needed side orders with our meals. At this point we kept refusing m but he just didn t understand NO THANK YOU.
Same for deserts. One of our friends felt very uncomfortable when the waiter offering her food as if she needed to be fed.
The wait between finishing starters and receiveig maincourse was more than 30 minutes. We were offered bread and olives on the house. But by the time we received those our maincourse arrived and the bread and olives were taken away.
Having the waiter in the private room all the time didn t feel private at all. We didn t feel like we could talk.
When the bill arrived. The tip was included which is fine. Some of us paid cash and never received change but instead we were asked for more money because the waiter miss calculated what we already paid. He was in the wrong.
Will not go back in rush for sure!
Fernando, the owner of place welcomed us so warmly offering us a great place to dine even though the place was packed and we didn't have reservation. The place is tastefully decorated and the waitresses were all very attentive. And best of all the food was great!
Fairly opulent restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Lovely food and drinks.
Absolutely brilliant great atmosphere staff were excellent food gorgeous .Highly recomend
the-ivy.co.uk