The Ivy Restaurant in London has been a mainstay of the West End dining scene for nearly 100 years. It was founded in 1917 by Abel Glandellini and his Maître d'Hôtel Mario Gallati as a modest café catering largely to the local theatre community. It has become a famed and iconic London eatery.

Its popularity and reputation means that reservations are a must; do plan in advance to make sure you can dine on the day of your choice.

The decor at The Ivy is dark and distinguished, uncluttered and perhaps a bit spare but with an elegant feel and old style charm from the polished wood and stained glass. The atmosphere is quite cheery and welcoming, more like a popular hang-out than an ultra-exclusive restaurant.

The servers at the restaurant have perfected the art of being there when you need them without hovering over you like vultures on their intended prey, and doing it in a way that is neither snooty and condescending nor effusive and overly familiar.

The restaurant is well-known as a place where celebrities come to dine, so you may see some while you are there but be aware that taking photographs is prohibited in the restaurant.

The food at The Ivy is the real draw, however. Many of the offerings are just simple British comfort foods like Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie, but the freshness of the ingredients and the innovative preparation sets them head and shoulders apart from versions of the dish you are likely to find elsewhere.

One popular dish is the Salmon Fishcake that comes with sautéed spinach and a creamy sorrel sauce; it is not only a lovely dish, but quite a substantial and filling meal. The Lobster Salad with fennel, avocado, and ruby grapefruit is another treat. Despite all the glamour and hype, prices here are fairly reasonable compared to many top restaurants.

The Ivy Restaurant in London is a gem that visiting diners should not miss.

Visiting The Ivy

Address: The Ivy, 1 West Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9NQ

Telephone: 0871 288 4951

Opening Times

Lunch: Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 15:00, Sundays 12:00 - 15:30, Dinner: Monday to Saturday 17:30 - 00:00, Sundays 17:30 - 23:00

Pricing

Main Courses £11.50 - £38.50

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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