The Ivy

Name: The Ivy
Address: 1-5 West Street, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9NQ
Telephone: 020 7836 4751
Price range: £41 and over
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1690 Reviews

£41 and over

Modern European

Top tags:

The Ivy restaurant has been a firm fixture on London’s dining and social scene since 1917. The restaurant and private room upstairs are the epitome of real glamour. A shimmering central dining bar in the restaurant draws admiring attention, and the signature harlequin stained-glass windows, oak panelling and striking contemporary art collection ensure the longevity of this very British of dining institutions. Executive Chef Gary Lee creates balanced seasonal menus, featuring Ivy classics, but accounting for today’s tastes, incorporating more Asian dishes, salads and vegetables, and the advent of a “sea and shells” section. Director Fernando Peire leads a strong and experienced team to deliver the unfaltering service for which The Ivy has become well known over the years. The Ivy welcomes customers without reservations at the central dining bar, where the A La Carte and Set menus are both served.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

28 Jun 2022

19:00

Booked 210 times today

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Modern European, Contemporary British
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 12:00–21:00 Sat, Sun 11:30–21:00
Phone number
020 7836 4751
Website
http://www.the-ivy.co.uk/
Payment Options
MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
Established in the heart of Theatre Land in London’s Covent Garden, The Ivy’s restaurant and private dining room are the epitome of glamour with iconic shimmering Central Dining Bar, signature harlequin stained-glass windows, oak panelling and striking contemporary art collection.
Private party contact
Philippa Wright: 020 7307 5783

Location
1-5 West Street London, WC2H 9NQ
Area
Covent Garden
Parking Details
Our nearest parking is the Q-Park, Chinatown on Newport Place. WC2H 7PU (3 minutes’ walk from the restaurant).
Public Transit
The nearest tube station is Leicester Square. Leave by Exit 3 and turn right. Walk up Charing Cross Road and take the 2nd turning on your right into Litchfield Street. The entrance to the restaurant is around the left hand corner on West Street, opposite St Martin's Theatre.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,690 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

West End London
Modern European
West End London
Most Booked

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B
dtsBob
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience4
We were rushed through our meal. Starters came immediately after our drinks, and entrees were served as soon as starter plates were cleared. Please.... give us some time to breathe and enjoy our meal!
ML
MLAD
London
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall1food1service2ambience1
The items ordered - cod and prawns were oily. The cod so much so that I assumed it was a sauce and upon tasting realised it was oil saturated and oil all over the plate. My friend had the veal, the crumbs on the outside were soft and the veal was so chewy she had a few bites and then didn’t eat the rest. The person that served us asked how it was and when my friend said it was a chewy so not appealing, he then said maybe you don’t know what veal is supposed to taste like. It was upsetting and made our experience lack lustre when it was supposed to be a special occasion. They took the cod off the bill, but didn’t take the veal off. Sad that a place that I have frequented at has gone so downhill.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful visit, thanks to your waiter he was excellent
v
vs13
London
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food3service2ambience3
Poor service: wine glasses empty and water not topped up. Food ok, but poor value for money - it certainly wasn’t exceptional. Beware the £2/head cover charge in addition to the ‘optional’ 12.5% service charge. Apparently to cover the cost of washing the tablecloths. All felt a bit tired and grubby. Would not recommend or return.
ST
SteveT
London
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Ivy still delivers a great overall experience, great food in an excellent setting. Impeccable service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 June 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Trip to the theatre meal absolutely fantastic lovely atmosphere great staff
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
Birthday dinner. All good except they spilt a full glass of champagne over us and didn’t offer anything off the bill.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
12 reviews
vip
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall2food3service2ambience3
Very average given its reputation. Sloppy service, missed side orders, rock hard bread rolls, poor attention to detail by staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 12 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just perfect! Absolutely perfect.
FH
FionaH
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Ivy never disappoints, beautiful restaurant, delicious food & excellent staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Yorkshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food in an atmospheric historic venue - great food good staff - will be back
AG
AndyG
Bristol
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service superb food great reception team congratulations
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 June 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
It’s was very good and the staff are nice as well
A
Andrew
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 8 June 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Not cheap - but food and overall experience was outstanding. Used to eat here often, haven’t been here for years. Will definitely be back again soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 June 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
I really enjoy going to the Ivy , there is no better restaurant in terms of ambience. The waiters here are very attentive and the service excellent. The simple menu is sensible, and allows for all food lovers. What is particularly nice is that you don’t need to think too much about what kind of wine should go with which food, they are better than you do!
SL
SandiL
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff and service was excellent with great attention to detail. The food was fabulous and was served in a timely fashion. We enjoyed it very much.
PG
PaulG
London
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on 5 June 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
The unique Ivy experience that used to be is no longer. The service was very standard and not very special or anything that stood out from a local chain. The food is nice, but again, nothing special. We’ve certainly had better food at much cheaper prices. None of the staff look very happy at all(which is a huge shame). The service felt like a process and we were a bother. We certainly wouldn’t return. In fact, the whole Ivy venture has become a very disappointing and underwhelming experience.
F
Fullyphiled
Derbyshire
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A real must visit when in London and want dine in a fine restaurant. From start to finish the service and food was excellent. This was a special occasion and did the IVY make it special. A big thank you to all at the IVY.
H
Hullcitytigeress
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dining experience, when in Covent Garden please visit, it’s just lovely.
JF
JoernF
Hamburg Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
tasty food, except the starter-salmon...too salty and uninspired - smashing service - in a lovely atmosphere
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 3 June 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
We had lunch at the restaurant and the food was delicious with perfect portions. The staff were attentive and the service really good. We’ll be back…
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was lovely to be in the calm of the restaurant yesterday away from the London crowds. The food as always was excellent and we will be back as there are more things to try on the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
9 reviews
vip
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on 1 June 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
This was one of my favourite restaurants. It was the restaurant I took my Mother too with my first salary. I got engaged there and I have also held events in there with my Firm. I am so utterly gobsmacked at how horrendous it is now. It’s nothing like The Ivy I knew and loved. Something has changed with decor. The counter wasn’t dressed as it normally is. Looked lacklustre with no real bar presence. We were rushed to order. Starter came almost immediately. We had to ask for bread. Prawn cocktail was dressed badly; nothing appetising about it. I’d eaten in the Ivy on Marylebone Lane the previous lunchtime and that at least came with a prawn on the top. Main course. Dover sole was brought to me, then it was taken away and then it came back and was filleted on the bar counter where I couldn’t see it. It was obviously cold by then. Vegetables overcooked and grey. Our glasses ran dry and we were not offered another drink. Empty glasses sitting there. Guy came over and lifted our then empty glasses back on to the Ivy mats? I asked whether bottle was empty. Just got a nod and then he walked away. Then I asked for a drink then I asked for the desert menu and was handed 2 and had to give one to my husband. Then I asked to order. All a little bit but boring and unnecessary. Meanwhile… a lovely American lady and her daughter were sitting at the side of us. She was served her main course and her daughters salmon came after she had furnished her complete plate and her vegetables were stone cold. They had been recommended The Ivy and were visibility shocked. Their glasses sat empty. It’s appalling really. My husband and I were embarrassed and apologised to them. There was no apology made at all. No one cares. Lots of staff but really lacklustre! I hope the rest of their trip is nice for them and they get to see some real decent London service. Poor show guys.
JU
JoeU
Central Coast
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 1 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super as always. Great service as always
NA
NicoleA
Las Vegas
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 1 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great lunch… what a treat
w
whoseyourchef
Indiana
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall3food3service1ambience4
We had a reservation for 8:15pm on a Saturday. We had made a reservation for counter seating (bar). This actually turned out to be a highlight because we met a lovely couple from Manchester and chatted for several hours. The food was average. I had the beet salad (delicious) and steak tartare, which was a bit bland. My wife had the cheese soufflé, excellent, and the sea bass. The bass tasted excellent but still had bones in it. For £20+ it should have been deboned. We both ordered the sticky toffee pudding for desert, it was good but completely inferior to the one at Hawksmoor. Our dinner mates had a similar experience with their food, good but not excellent. By far the the biggest problem was the exceptionally slow service and inattentive waiter. He seemed confused every time food showed up to the bar and never asked us if we wanted additional drinks, the desert menu, etc…
G
Goldie
London
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 27 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal, fantastic service
p
penelope
London
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on 27 May 2022
overall4food4service2ambience3
Service was terrible, so bad I almost asked for it to be removed from the bill
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall2food3service2ambience4
Incredibly rude doorman, hostess, and the bartender was inattentive
BN
BillN
Washington DC
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
The server (female) was terrible. Aloof, bordering on rude. In a hurry. If she worked for me, She would not have a job
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great, lovely food, good service reasonably priced, thanks
CE
CarE
London
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on 23 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent. The food is simple and very well done. The soufflé was outstanding and the Shepherd’s pie out of this world. The waitress was just awesome. In fact, we spoke a lot to the waitress, who was full of pleasant recommendations and easy small talk. Some loud chatter, but not enough to drown out our conversation. Will be back
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Meeting a dear friend
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
Beautiful place,but unfortunately the food is not very good.
M
Michelle
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall3food4service2ambience2
For an upmarket restaurant the service was poor . We weren’t offered the fixed menu , had to wait a long time to order drinks initially and when we ordered second round waited even longer !! So much so we had almost finished our food !! Disappointing
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 May 2022
overall3food4service4ambience4
Booked counter service and found staff very attentive. Food was good quality in taste and flavour
JK
JKMayfair
London
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on 19 May 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
First time back in a while. But happy to find out that it is as good as I remembered it. Service is top notch
m
miket
Bristol
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on 17 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently good food and friendly service. Nice decor and good choice of wine.
B
Barryboy
London
49 reviews
vip
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on 15 May 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food is good without being amazing but we really like the restaurant especially the seats at the bar. Will be returning again

FAQs

The Ivy is rated 4.5 stars by 1690 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

28 Jun 2022

19:00

Booked 210 times today

1-5 West Street London, WC2H 9NQ

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Covent Garden
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 12:00–21:00 Sat, Sun 11:30–21:00
Cuisines
Modern European, Contemporary British
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Our nearest parking is the Q-Park, Chinatown on Newport Place. WC2H 7PU (3 minutes’ walk from the restaurant).
Public Transit
The nearest tube station is Leicester Square. Leave by Exit 3 and turn right. Walk up Charing Cross Road and take the 2nd turning on your right into Litchfield Street. The entrance to the restaurant is around the left hand corner on West Street, opposite St Martin's Theatre.
Payment Options
MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.the-ivy.co.uk/
Phone number
020 7836 4751
Private party facilities
Established in the heart of Theatre Land in London’s Covent Garden, The Ivy’s restaurant and private dining room are the epitome of glamour with iconic shimmering Central Dining Bar, signature harlequin stained-glass windows, oak panelling and striking contemporary art collection.
Private party contact
Philippa Wright: 020 7307 5783

The Ivy

Make a booking

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Popular dishes

Steak Tartare

Shepherd's Pie

Dover Sole

Menu

What 1,690 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is The Ivy restaurant rated?

Is The Ivy currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information