1 West Street, London WC2
Type of cuisine: Modern European
Average price: £40.00 Nearest tube: Leicester Square
When owner Abel Glandellini and Maitre d'Hotel Mario Gallati joined forces in 1917, their modest café 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. “Don't worry, we will always come to see you, we will cling together like the Ivy,” said actress Alice Delysia, quoting a popular song of the day, when she overheard an apology from Abel Glandellini for his building works and his desire to create one of London's finest dining rooms – the name stuck. Mario Gallati was to continue his success story when he opened Le Caprice in 1947, and another legend was born. Re-launched by Caprice Holdings Ltd in 1990, following an extensive refurbishment, the restaurant was restored to its former glory. Currently owned by Richard Caring, The Ivy once again boasts its position as London's favorite theatre restaurant. But it's really its consistency is what keeps the Ivy restaurant on the top notch....and some great simple, yet extremely effective classic dishes. The menu confidently spans continents & cuisines, so there are British classics of roast partridge with bread sauce, shepherd's pie & fish & chips, or Far Eastern dishes of sashimi & Thai fishcakes, via European risottos, stunning slamon fishcakes & more robust dishes such as roast poulet des landes with Madeira jus. Oak panels, soft lighting and 1920s stained glass windows all lend an air of clubbiness to this enduringly popular restaurant. Service is polite and attentive and everyone is welcomed at The Ivy restaurant with the same enthusiasm. As London restaurant critic AA Gill once said “A table at The Ivy is one of the most sought-after pieces of furniture in London.” *Please note that The Ivy only make their diary available to us 1 month in advance, so please check back within this period.
Opening times
Mon-Sat 12pm-11.30pm Sun 12pm-10.30pm
Customer reviews for The Ivy
13 Jul 10
I took my wife to the Ivy for our 10th Wedding Anniversary as a pre theatre treat and I have to say that it was superb. We were shown to our table upon arrival and served like we were film stars. The waiting staff were very attentive and pleasant. We each had a 3 course meal and drinks, could'nt believe my bill was under £100. I do have to be a little critical of the Ivy's booking system. I was not allowed to book more than 8 weeks in advance, which I think is a nonsense, but still a very enjoyable experience.
Ralph Anderson
11 Sep 08
Great to see The Ivy on Best London Restaurants as it makes booking this usually impossible to book restaurant very easy. As usual, a lovely meal with relaxed, friendly service.
Graham Jones
25 Jul 08
Myself and 4 girlfriends booked The Ivy for lunch last week as a special treat, and we were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived and the door opened for us we knew we had arrived, or at least we felt we had! The food, wine, staff, ambience and decor all add to make this a memorable experience, along with the subtle celeb watching of course! All 5 of us had 3 courses a bottle of wine and several bottles of water, we paid £60 each which we felt was very good value. If you have the chance and are able to book do so you won't regret it, in fact I can almost certainly guarantee you'll love it.
M Hull
31 Jan 08
I go to The Ivy about once a month & I love it. The food is fab and the atmosphere is great. I love the ice cream.....yumm
Anon
16 Nov 07
Went to The Ivy with friends. It was wonderful, both the food and service were magnificent. Fantastic choice and the honeycomb ice cream to die for. Will definately go again.
Kim Rogerson
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