The Ivy

European Restaurant in Covent Garden
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7 / 10 from 5 reviews
Address
1-5 West Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9NE
Map
Telephone
020 7836 4751
Cuisine
European
Other Branches
Caprice Holdings
Region
Covent Garden
Nearest Station
Leicester Square
0.12 miles
Opening Summary
Monday to Wednesday
12 noon to 11.30pm
Thursday to Saturday
12 noon to 12 midnight
Sunday
12 noon to 10.30pm
Restaurant Facilities

Children Welcome

Credit Cards Accepted

Private Area

Booking Advisable

The Ivy restaurant has been a firm fixture on London’s dining and social scene since its foundation in 1917. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the restaurant and private room upstairs are the epitome of glamour, serving seasonal menus featuring Ivy classics alongside modern British dishes.

Best For

London's top celebrity spotting restaurants picture

London's top celebrity spotting restaurants

If you want to dine amongst the stars, we'll give you your best chance...

It opened in 1916 in the heart of Theatreland, and has been hosting celebrities pretty much ever since. From Laurence Olivier and Marlene Dietrich to Kate Moss and Brad Pitt today, it’s remarkable that its status as a celeb favourite hasn’t waned.

User Reviews

Anonymous

Mar 30, 2009

Went their on 22/3/09 and thought it was Excellent! My starter, Main Course, Desert and Champange were all well up to the mark of near perfection. The price is exactly what you should expect, going to a well known establishment in Londons West End. The staff are very fiendly, but if you act like "Elton John" or Naomi Campbell, when your not. Then don't be shocked if they don't want to come over to your desk as frequently as you'd like. Must mention "Beata" who's communications skills with members of the public is excellent.

If you have never been, then go and judge for yourself. The cuisine on my night was only beaten by restaurants in Dubai. My 6 year old (well behaved) daughter loved the meal and colouring in sheets.
Anonymous

Jul 30, 2008

Funny how so many people must visit the place, yet here are only 4 reviews prior to mine, two of which basically say go to McDonalds as it's better food. Clearly, a sign then, that most people really only post "reviews" when they have something negative to say.

I, on the other hand, have eaten there recently, and put simply, it was simply fantastic. Great atmosphere, polite staff, tasty food, interesting mix of the rich and not-so-rich! I'd be lying if I said it was the best food I've ever eaten, and I'd also be lying if I said it was great value for money (does depend on what you order I guess). However, what you do get for you money is one hell of a dining experience. I fear that's what most people forget about when eating at places like this - they go there expecting the best food in the world. Actually, it's just damn good food, but served in a place that's somewhat exclusive. You pay for the privilege of eating there, so yes, you pay for the name. Isn't that why most people go there?! Slating it for that is like buying a pair of designer jeans and then whining because all they do is look and feel the same as that cheap pair you can buy down the road...ludicrous.

Sure, it might have its off-days, and some individuals may truly not like the place, but the fact is this - you don't get a restaurant with such a reputation for nothing.

We'll definitely be going again next year.
Emma F

Jan 23, 2008

I read some good reviews about this restaurant but this place has finally really turned me off for life. Do not even try and make a reservation as the restaurant managers are very rude over the phone- so much snobbism (it's funny when this place is not even classified as the 'creme de la creme' and you see staff with this attitude).

After finally getting the chance to dine the food was absolutely plain average with an awful service (a lot of food delays) and not suprisingly the staff were again very rude. It's just amazing to see how popular this place even is when the service they provide is not properly in place.

Do not waste your time and money. My recommendation would be for y
MICHELE

Nov 25, 2005

I highly recommend the Ivy as a treat and it is well worth the 3 month wait, I can't wait to go again the service and food were excellent and seeing some celeb's made it even better!
Smithy

Jun 22, 2005

A beautiful resturant with a menu to suit everyone from vegans to dedicated carnivores.

The food is wonderful, service excellent (is a little slow sometimes) and it's well worth booking well in advance.

Highly reccommended!
Ranu

Jan 20, 2005

The wait is better than the actual food.

The service is not very good and only if you like raw Chicken would I dare to go back. I can guarantee that you can actually get better food at the nearest McD's or the nearest greasy spoon round the corner. out of 10 - 3/10
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