Ivy Asia Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

The Ivy Asia: Where Theatrical Dining Meets Cathedral Grandeur

A sophisticated insider's take on London's most Instagram-worthy Pan-Asian spectacle

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you're immediately transported into an opulent Pan-Asian fantasy. The glowing jade-green onyx floors catch the light beautifully, while cherry-blossom trees and gilded carvings create an almost otherworldly setting. But the real showstopper? Those floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of St Paul's Cathedral – honestly, it's hard to concentrate on conversation when you've got one of London's most iconic landmarks as your dinner companion. The energy here runs high (8.5/10 on the liveliness scale), with DJ sets creating a buzzing late-night atmosphere that transforms the space as evening progresses. It's undeniably Instagram-worthy – every corner seems designed for that perfect shot. The sophistication level is impressive (9/10), though the theatrical elements mean this isn't for those seeking intimate, quiet dining. Smart-casual dress code is enforced, which maintains the upscale vibe without being overly stuffy.

Food & Drink

The Pan-Asian menu spans Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese cuisines with some standout signature dishes. The miso-marinated black cod appears to be a crowd-pleaser, alongside wagyu beef and prawn har gau dumplings. For sushi lovers, the Volcano rolls offer both flavour and visual drama. The Instagram-famous Moon Dragon dessert is clearly designed as much for photos as taste. However, there's a caveat – reviews suggest some dishes can lean over-sweet, which might not suit all palates. The fusion approach means you're getting creative interpretations rather than traditional preparations. Weekend brunch and afternoon tea (£32.95) expand the offerings beyond dinner, while set menus ranging from £19.95 to £85 provide options across different budgets. The cocktail program deserves special mention for those theatrical dry-ice effects that have become the venue's calling card.

Service & Experience

Service quality appears to be somewhat inconsistent based on the available information. While the staff maintain the upscale standards you'd expect from a venue of this calibre, reviews indicate that service can occasionally feel rushed – perhaps a consequence of the high energy, high-turnover environment. The 15% service charge is automatically added to bills, which is worth noting upfront. The venue caters to business dining and special occasions, suggesting staff are equipped to handle corporate requirements and celebratory meals. Private dining options are available for those wanting a more controlled experience.

Value for Money

At price level 3 out of 4, The Ivy Asia sits firmly in the 'special occasion' category. You're paying premium prices, but the question is whether the theatrical experience and prime location justify the cost. The automatic 15% service charge plus already pricey portions can deliver some serious wallet shock. However, there's a smart way to approach this: the 3-5:30pm Sunset menu offers £5 plates and £4.50 cocktails, essentially providing access to the experience at a much more palatable price point. Set menus starting at £19.95 also offer better value than going à la carte. This is definitely business-expense-friendly territory and positioned as a city splurge rather than everyday dining.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Target that 3-5:30pm Sunset menu window for the best value, or book weekend brunch for a different energy. Evenings offer the full theatrical experience with DJ sets, but expect higher prices and busier atmosphere. Monday-Wednesday closes at midnight, Thursday-Saturday at 1am, and Sunday at 11pm.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the miso-marinated black cod and definitely order at least one of those dry-ice cocktails for the full experience. The Moon Dragon dessert is Instagram gold if you're into that. For better value, stick to the set menus rather than going à la carte.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book a window table specifically requesting cathedral views – the location is half the experience. The sunset menu (3-5:30pm) offers the same setting and quality at fraction of evening prices. Smart-casual dress code is enforced, so don't rock up in trainers and expect to get in.

The Final Verdict

The Ivy Asia delivers exactly what it advertises: a theatrical, Instagram-worthy dining experience with genuinely spectacular views. The sophistication and uniqueness scores (9/10 and 8.5/10 respectively) reflect a venue that's successfully carved out its own niche in London's competitive dining scene. Yes, some dishes can be over-sweet and service occasionally rushed, but you're not really coming here for subtle, traditional cuisine. You're coming for the spectacle, the views, and the undeniable buzz. The key is managing expectations and budget – this is experiential dining where the setting and atmosphere are as important as what's on your plate.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion diners seeking Instagram-worthy experiencesBusiness entertainment with impressive backdropDate night couples with healthy expense accounts

The Ivy Asia

The Ivy Asia

Christoff's Take

The Ivy Asia: Where Theatrical Dining Meets Cathedral Grandeur

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

Perfect For:

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The Ivy Asia

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