The Ivy: Dress Code, Reviews & More - Everything You Need To Know
Is a meal at The Ivy in Los Angeles, or its Santa Monica counterpart, a culinary experience to be savored, or merely a backdrop for the city's perpetual performance? The Ivy, a Los Angeles institution, promises not just a meal, but an immersion into a world of floral extravagance and celebrity allure.
Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood and with a sister location at the shore in Santa Monica, The Ivy presents itself as a bastion of classic American and Italian cuisine, draped in a romantic ambiance with a generous helping of patio dining. The Ivy, with its location at 113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, a cross street of Beverly Hills, is lauded as a Los Angeles icon, celebrated for its phenomenal ambiance and amazing food. Guests frequently rave about the excellent service, delicious meals, and charming, elegant atmosphere, filled with fresh flowers. However, the passage of time and the rise of competing venues in Los Angeles's vibrant food scene prompt a closer look: is The Ivy still holding court?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (West Hollywood) & Ivy at the Shore, Santa Monica |
| Cuisine | Classic American and Italian |
| Ambiance | Romantic, elegant, with patio dining and floral decorations. |
| Dress Code | Upscale casual (collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts). Smart casual attire is also acceptable. Dress shorts and a collared shirt may be suitable for lunch. The waitstaff typically wears button-down shirts and ties for dinner. |
| Reservations | Highly recommended, especially on weekends. |
| Notable Features | Celebrity hotspot, known for its ambiance and fresh flowers. Includes The Ivy Bakery. |
| Reviews | Generally positive, though some reviews suggest the food and service may not always match the hype. Reviews on TripAdvisor show an average rating of 4.2/5 stars. |
| Price Range | Expensive, as suggested by menu prices like $72 for fresh eastern lobster with homemade tagliatelle. |
| Key Dishes | Fresh Eastern Lobster with Homemade Tagliatelle and the Ivy Pink Sauce, Lobster Ravioli with the Ivy Pink Sauce, Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fusilli with Bufala Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce. |
| The Ivy Bakery | Located at 2869 South Robertson, offering a shortened version of the Ivy menu. |
| Other Locations | Multiple branches in the UK, including London (Chelsea, Mayfair and St Paul's), Cardiff, Brighton, and Leeds. |
| Controversy | Some reviews suggest a decline in food quality or service over time. |
| Dog Policy | Unknown |
| Reference | TripAdvisor - The Ivy Reviews |
The Ivy's aesthetic, as repeatedly mentioned, is undeniable. Beautiful floral decorations adorn the space, contributing to an atmosphere that is both charming and elegant. The rooms, even the one at the beach, are often filled with roses, creating a polished experience. However, the question of whether The Ivy has maintained its culinary prowess alongside its visual appeal warrants attention. While the ambiance and the potential for celebrity sightings undoubtedly contribute to its allure, a restaurant's longevity hinges on more than just its glamorous faade. Several reviews suggest that while the scene and energy remain strong, the food and service may not always meet expectations.
The dress code, as it often is with establishments of this caliber, is an important factor to consider. The style is described as upscale casual, encouraging neat and presentable attire. Collared shirts, blouses, slacks, or skirts are considered appropriate. Some sources suggest smart casual attire would also be suitable, and dress shorts with a collared shirt may be fine for lunch. This suggests that the establishment values a certain level of sophistication in its patrons' appearance, in line with the polished atmosphere. The waitstaff's attire, including button-down shirts and ties for dinner service, reinforces this expectation.
The menu, as one might expect from a classic American and Italian restaurant, includes a selection of iconic dishes. Fresh eastern lobster with homemade tagliatelle and the ivy pink sauce, lobster ravioli with the ivy pink sauce, classic spaghetti and meatballs, and fusilli with bufala mozzarella and tomato sauce are just a few examples. These dishes provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, while the pricessuch as $72.00 for the lobster dishindicate a premium dining experience. The existence of The Ivy Bakery, which has a location in the city, adds another dimension to the establishment, providing a place to sample a shortened version of the menu, including classics such as crab cakes, chopped salad, and chocolate chip cookies, as well as sandwiches, pastries, seasonal gelato, coffee and juices.
Beyond Los Angeles, The Ivy has expanded internationally, with multiple branches now present in the United Kingdom. The original Ivy Asia restaurant launched in May 2021 in the Ivy Manchester Spinningfields branch. The expansion to locations such as Cardiff, Brighton, London (Chelsea, Mayfair and St Paul's) and Leeds suggests a successful concept with a broad appeal. However, this expansion also raises questions about consistency across locations and whether each branch maintains the standards of the original.
The allure of The Ivy transcends mere culinary experience; it's about the overall package: the ambiance, the potential for celebrity sightings, and the reputation. Dining at The Ivy represents an immersion into a world of luxury. However, those seeking a purely exceptional dining experience may find that other venues have surpassed The Ivy, at least in terms of food and service. The reviews, both good and bad, point towards a complex picture, suggesting a place that continues to thrive on its iconic status and glamorous reputation, even if it is not always consistent.
It's also vital to consider the evolution of the dining landscape, especially in a city like Los Angeles, which is known for its vibrant food scene. In the competitive arena of celebrity hot spots, The Ivy faces constant competition from new restaurants. The question remains: can The Ivy, a Los Angeles institution that opened in 1983, adapt to the changing expectations of diners, maintaining its appeal while delivering a truly outstanding culinary experience?
While the food may not always be the most talked-about aspect, the overall experience continues to draw crowds. The emphasis on the "scene," and the energy of the place, are undeniable. The recommendation to reserve a table, especially on weekends, further emphasizes the restaurant's popularity and the desire of patrons to experience its unique charm.
For those seeking a taste of Hollywood glamour, a romantic dining experience, or simply a beautiful setting filled with fresh flowers, The Ivy is worth considering. However, manage your expectations based on reviews, remember to book, and prepare to step into a world that prioritizes style as much as substance. Be ready for the possibility that the food itself may not always be the main event, but be assured that The Ivy offers a memorable experience.
