The Ivy has been a firm fixture on London's dining and social scene since its foundation in 1917. Situated in Covent Garden restaurant and private room upstairs are the epitome of glamour. With its shimmering central dining bar, signature harlequin stained-glass windows, oak panelling and striking contemporary art collection, the longevity of this most British restaurant is ensured.
Renowned for its food, Executive Chef Gary Lee creates balanced seasonal lunch and dinner menus that place the Ivy classics alongside a contemporary global palette, incorporating more Asian dishes, salads and vegetables. The Ivy team deliver the unfaltering service for which it has become celebrated for worldwide.
Renowned for its food, Executive Chef Gary Lee creates balanced seasonal lunch and dinner menus that place the Ivy classics alongside a contemporary global palette, incorporating more Asian dishes, salads and vegetables. The Ivy team deliver the unfaltering service for which it has become celebrated for worldwide.
Services
When owner Abel Giandolini and Matre d'Htel Mario Gallati joined forces in 1917, their modest caf soon made friends and gained favour amongst the theatre community, and The Ivy was born. Subsequent redevelopments over the years have evolved the dining room as we know it today, a space closely resembling the grand restaurant created by the original duo back in their heyday.
Executive Chef Gary Lee has created seasonal menus and set menus featuring Ivy classics alongside modern British dishes. Today's tastes have also been incorporated with the addition of more Asian-influenced dishes, salads and vegetables. At the cocktail bar, Bar Manager Darren Ball and his team have curated a list of original Ivy drinks and classic cocktails alongside old favourites with a seasonal twist.
The Private Room at The Ivy in Central London is as glamorous and in demand as the restaurant downstairs. Up to 60 guests can be seated for a wedding breakfast, birthday and anniversary celebrations, corporate lunches or dinner, or 100 for cocktail parties, book launches and canap reception. Following an extensive refurbishment, The Ivy and its Private Room have a fresh new look, fashioned by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
The Ivy welcomes customers without reservations at the central dining bar, for lunch and dinner. The bar is not licensed for drinks without food. The Ivy's all-day menu features Ivy classics alongside modern British dishes, served daily from 11.30am until late. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
The entrance is discreetly concealed within a flower shop on West Street, Covent Garden. Designer Martin Brudnizki has created a fresh and imaginative Art Deco oasis in the heart of the West End. We'd like to keep in touch with you about all our restaurants with exclusive news and advance booking opportunities.
Reviews (24)
Edwin Dooley
Jan 29, 2022
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Valerie Henbury-Demargne
Jan 22, 2022
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Richard Amero
Jan 15, 2022
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We booked months in advance and got a friendly reminder a few days before.
This 1917 Art Deco building is a perfect setting for a pre theatre meal. It's directly opposite The Ambassadors theatre( The Shark is broken) and St Martin's( The Mousetrap). The stained glass windows and ornate Art Deco reliefs are punctuated by modern paintings by the likes of Damien Hirst.
Guests coats are taken and are then ushered to the central cocktail bar for apperitifs whilst tables are being prepared. We were late so we only had 5 minutes at this gorgeous Savoy like bar. Try and get there as early as you can
This 1917 Art Deco building is a perfect setting for a pre theatre meal. It's directly opposite The Ambassadors theatre( The Shark is broken) and St Martin's( The Mousetrap). The stained glass windows and ornate Art Deco reliefs are punctuated by modern paintings by the likes of Damien Hirst.
Guests coats are taken and are then ushered to the central cocktail bar for apperitifs whilst tables are being prepared. We were late so we only had 5 minutes at this gorgeous Savoy like bar. Try and get there as early as you can
Andi Orlowski
Jan 10, 2022
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The Ivy continues to offer great service and great food in the sweet spot between Covent Garden, Soho and Leicester Square.
The menu is as equally as accessible as the location and full of the traditional favourites like Shepards Pie, burgers, steaks through to lobster and chips.
The glamour days of TV and film stars maybe behind it, diluted by the franchises, as it seems to attracts a more ‘mature’ crowd, maybe they remember the cachet being at the Ivy used to bring… me being one I guess.
The food continues to be consistently good and the service exemplary. The bar was a great place to
The menu is as equally as accessible as the location and full of the traditional favourites like Shepards Pie, burgers, steaks through to lobster and chips.
The glamour days of TV and film stars maybe behind it, diluted by the franchises, as it seems to attracts a more ‘mature’ crowd, maybe they remember the cachet being at the Ivy used to bring… me being one I guess.
The food continues to be consistently good and the service exemplary. The bar was a great place to
Jolly Holly
Jan 08, 2022
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We visited The Ivy inbetween our visit to the two Harry Potter stage shows at Palace Theatre just round the corner.
We explained that we had limited time to eat, and the staff were very efficient and our meal was finished with time to spare.
The decor of the resturant was warm & welcoming. We both thoroughly enjoyed the duck. The theatrics of preparing the baked Alaska and setting it alight next to our table was exciting, and the dessert itself tasted divine.
Our waitress (around 5ft 5, short pixie cut dark hair, very smiley) was wonderfully professional, plesent and attentive. Nothing was too
We explained that we had limited time to eat, and the staff were very efficient and our meal was finished with time to spare.
The decor of the resturant was warm & welcoming. We both thoroughly enjoyed the duck. The theatrics of preparing the baked Alaska and setting it alight next to our table was exciting, and the dessert itself tasted divine.
Our waitress (around 5ft 5, short pixie cut dark hair, very smiley) was wonderfully professional, plesent and attentive. Nothing was too
Jess Manuel
Dec 29, 2021
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Sue Burcombe
Dec 29, 2021
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Lexi Marapao
Dec 28, 2021
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For a restaurant that had celebrities whisked in, I kind of was expecting a little too high but was letdown by a seemingly limited menu. Was that just menu for the day? Well, I must've missed it. Dining at the bar, though, felt more worth it than at the table. And as a last minute option following a spectacle at The Dominion Theatre, it was the best stop to cap off the night.
After the complimentary bread, I went straight to the 'roasted John Dory filets with cauliflower, potted shrimp and sea purslane.' I barely remember I had any shrimp in my plate, though but the fish was exceptional. The grilled
After the complimentary bread, I went straight to the 'roasted John Dory filets with cauliflower, potted shrimp and sea purslane.' I barely remember I had any shrimp in my plate, though but the fish was exceptional. The grilled
Khaled AlHussaini
Dec 20, 2021
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Loved the classic, intimate, warm atmosphere there. The service not bad but nothing special either.
Mostly classic well executed dishes, sometimes with a twist.
I hated the Asian dishes served there and I think they are out of context. They didn’t even taste that good and some where badly cut as well.
Loved the cheese souffle with truffle and the Roast lobster as well.
The grilled sole while good was underseasoned and overly charred to my liking. The shepard pie although tasty was nothing special. I still prefer the old fashioned one served right from the oven.
Mostly classic well executed dishes, sometimes with a twist.
I hated the Asian dishes served there and I think they are out of context. They didn’t even taste that good and some where badly cut as well.
Loved the cheese souffle with truffle and the Roast lobster as well.
The grilled sole while good was underseasoned and overly charred to my liking. The shepard pie although tasty was nothing special. I still prefer the old fashioned one served right from the oven.
Elizabeth Arimoro
Dec 15, 2021
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This was our fourth time to the Ivy, Ive had lunches in the Guildford Surrey one which is just Devine lovely but this was first time in the London one. Very busy but we booked a table not to be disappointed.
I went with a girlfriend for lunch decided to get dress up.to make a trip into london We were greeted in a polite way we were taken to our table. First impression is definitely WOW We had a booth We didn’t wait long for a table the slots are not long for lunch as we were not drinking alcohol it wasn’t too expensive there is also a theatre menu after 4.30pm that menu also delicious if you
I went with a girlfriend for lunch decided to get dress up.to make a trip into london We were greeted in a polite way we were taken to our table. First impression is definitely WOW We had a booth We didn’t wait long for a table the slots are not long for lunch as we were not drinking alcohol it wasn’t too expensive there is also a theatre menu after 4.30pm that menu also delicious if you
Kerry Tutty-Lyons
Dec 15, 2021
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Torrie L.
Dec 08, 2021
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I enjoyed the Ivy, and would return for a traditional tea experience that is a bit more casual and affordable than the local, expensive hotels.
I enjoyed a simple cream tea. I loved that it came with fresh cut strawberries, as well as jam and clotted cream. The scones were delicious. The tea was a standard menu, about 6-10 options, nothing outside the norm.
The main issue I had was the seating. We had a reservation for 5 for tea, yet they squeezed us into a table meant for 4. And when you're ordering tea and food, that takes up more space than a standard lunch. I felt the price for my
I enjoyed a simple cream tea. I loved that it came with fresh cut strawberries, as well as jam and clotted cream. The scones were delicious. The tea was a standard menu, about 6-10 options, nothing outside the norm.
The main issue I had was the seating. We had a reservation for 5 for tea, yet they squeezed us into a table meant for 4. And when you're ordering tea and food, that takes up more space than a standard lunch. I felt the price for my
Tamara Leeward
Oct 18, 2021
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The food was well seasoned and just overall amazing. There was a good portion size from the starter to the desert. By the end, we were full but a nice full (if that makes sense). The staff were very attentive and venue itself was stunning. Only downfall would have been where we were sat, very close to other people and not enough privacy but would definitely reccommend for a nice meal in central.
Cheryl Grant
Sep 23, 2021
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Lovely atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable about their food choices and alcoholic beverages. Very clean and attention to detail. Excellent menu choices for everyone. Staff were very accommodating as my friend had gone to the wrong branch and was 30 minutes late. They didn’t throw us out even though we had gone over our allotted time. Would definitely eat there again. The highlight for me was having fresh mint leaves for my mint tea 🍵
Julia D.
Aug 07, 2021
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Never going back! Worst meal experience of my life!
Simply were asked to leave the restaurant because our kids were being kids!
If a restaurant is not appropriated for kids it should have a policy and explicitly inform the clients about it. We were never let known about any of this.
During our lunch, after having the starter, one table came to us and, in a very rude and impolite way, demanded that if we could not "control" our kids we should leave the restraint since it was not appropriate for kids.
Unfortunately the restaurant manager backed up the request (even after the waiter apologized
Simply were asked to leave the restaurant because our kids were being kids!
If a restaurant is not appropriated for kids it should have a policy and explicitly inform the clients about it. We were never let known about any of this.
During our lunch, after having the starter, one table came to us and, in a very rude and impolite way, demanded that if we could not "control" our kids we should leave the restraint since it was not appropriate for kids.
Unfortunately the restaurant manager backed up the request (even after the waiter apologized
Colleen L.
Jan 05, 2020
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We ate here over Christmas week. It was very crowded and busy but our table was ready on time. Service was a little slow but very accommodating to menu order changes and questions. My husband had the dover sole and said it was probably one of the best he had ever had. One person in our group had the Shepard's Pie and loved it. The scallops and risotto were very good, too. We also had the lamb chops and pork cutlet. All of our orders were delicious.
For a fun, busy atmosphere and good food, we would definitely recommend this restaurant.
For a fun, busy atmosphere and good food, we would definitely recommend this restaurant.
Manny R.
Jan 03, 2020
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I've heard lovely things from others about this place and we were lucky enough to be given a Secret Santa gift card to this restaurant.
A bit posh, a bit seemingly dated, however pleasant in decor. There's wheelchair accessibility for those who need it: getting through double doors and a ground floor designated rest room. (wash room in the UK).
The food stood up to the buzz.
A varied menu of what seems to be from the tried and and true peppered along with some tempting curiosities.
I had the tempura prawn and squid appetizer which was lovely. Freshly fried with a hint of cilantro
A bit posh, a bit seemingly dated, however pleasant in decor. There's wheelchair accessibility for those who need it: getting through double doors and a ground floor designated rest room. (wash room in the UK).
The food stood up to the buzz.
A varied menu of what seems to be from the tried and and true peppered along with some tempting curiosities.
I had the tempura prawn and squid appetizer which was lovely. Freshly fried with a hint of cilantro
Walt B.
Sep 18, 2019
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We had dinner at The Ivy prior to attending a musical. You walk into a beautiful and charming restaurant. Rather than order on a the pre-theatre set menu, we choose to a la carte offerings. We highly recommend the following: Burrata tomato salad; Ginger chicken; Bisque soup; Fish and chips; (4) Veal Cutlet and the baked cheese cake. In addition, The Ivy has a nice wine list. The Chablis Colom was very enjoyable.
The service was superb. The place was packed with theatre goers, yet, the we were able to enjoy a leisure two hour dinner with out being rushed.
We look forward to returning to The
The service was superb. The place was packed with theatre goers, yet, the we were able to enjoy a leisure two hour dinner with out being rushed.
We look forward to returning to The
Lucas W.
Jun 29, 2019
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Very fancy and classy establishment with a beautiful decor that takes you back in history.
Service was terribly slow though, they were good about taking our initial order but then didn't come back and we struggled to find someone to pay our bill. It was frustrating to say the least.
As for the food, it was rather elegant but at the same time it didn't really taste all that great. I got the steamed Thai seabass. The flavor was fine but i wished the flavour was more intensive. It left me wanting more. It also would've been better had the fish been fully de-boned.
Also had some
Service was terribly slow though, they were good about taking our initial order but then didn't come back and we struggled to find someone to pay our bill. It was frustrating to say the least.
As for the food, it was rather elegant but at the same time it didn't really taste all that great. I got the steamed Thai seabass. The flavor was fine but i wished the flavour was more intensive. It left me wanting more. It also would've been better had the fish been fully de-boned.
Also had some
Jana H.
Jun 23, 2019
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I absolutely love the decor of this restaurant. It dates back to 1917 and I believe has the original marble counter tops at the bar. It has an old worldly vibe and takes you back to the 20's.
The cocktails are the star for me! The bar tenders are excellent and with expansive knowledge on drinks.
The food is good and you have some classic dishes such as Shepherd's Pie. The starters are quite fun as well - the tiger prawns were amazing. Deserts delicious!
In all this is a lovely time and a gastro excursion but it will set you back a few bob so it's for special occasions only
The cocktails are the star for me! The bar tenders are excellent and with expansive knowledge on drinks.
The food is good and you have some classic dishes such as Shepherd's Pie. The starters are quite fun as well - the tiger prawns were amazing. Deserts delicious!
In all this is a lovely time and a gastro excursion but it will set you back a few bob so it's for special occasions only
Kimberly C.
Apr 18, 2019
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We had a rather disturbing experience trying to have dinner at The Ivy after seeing a show nearby. We had 9 people in our party and it was clear they didn't take any care in trying to seat us together. Either they forgot we were a party of 9 coming in or they sat people so as we could not possibly be seated together. They didn't seem to be interested at all in accommodating our request. And hostess named Kate was particularly unhelpful and actually treated us very rudely. We decided to leave and find a restaurant that would value us as customers and value our business. We have eaten
Miko B.
Apr 21, 2018
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Having started off as a modest café in 1917, The Ivy has such a storied history. Since then, it has grown into one of London's most quintessential restaurants. You can't possibly go wrong ordering British staples here, such as their famous shepherd's pie. Just be sure not to fill yourself up too much on the complimentary bread to start. After all, it's a good idea to save room for (at least) one of their dessert puddings.
Sar P.
Apr 30, 2017
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I had a review of this saved for like two years so I'm finally posting it
I enjoy restaurants in London especially because they have a dedicated Vegetarians menu (yes not an after thought or yes we can remove the meat and give make it vegetarian for the same freaking price)
The Ivy is right next to Covent Garden so you have plenty of restaurants to choose from, they have delicious food and its priced affordably, more like $$ and not $$$ as advertised.
I had the soup and gnocchi both of which were good, they didnt have a chocolate cake on the menu or else i would've tried that as well
I enjoy restaurants in London especially because they have a dedicated Vegetarians menu (yes not an after thought or yes we can remove the meat and give make it vegetarian for the same freaking price)
The Ivy is right next to Covent Garden so you have plenty of restaurants to choose from, they have delicious food and its priced affordably, more like $$ and not $$$ as advertised.
I had the soup and gnocchi both of which were good, they didnt have a chocolate cake on the menu or else i would've tried that as well
Sherrie T.
Feb 12, 2016
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We came here right when The Ivy opened so we could catch our early flight. The place just opened at 8 am on a Saturday morning and we were the only customers there the whole time. The interior was beautiful and I can imagine this is the place to be for weekend brunch if we only get here at 11am! The location, food and decor are definitely to be sought after.
We ordered the crumpet with a delicious concoction of marmite, honey and butter (as an American, this is the way to eat marmite!). The crumpet was delicious with the right amount of crunch and soft, chewy batter goodness. At the waiters recommendation
We ordered the crumpet with a delicious concoction of marmite, honey and butter (as an American, this is the way to eat marmite!). The crumpet was delicious with the right amount of crunch and soft, chewy batter goodness. At the waiters recommendation
