The Original Ivy

There are many reasons why The Original Ivy has become such a London classic, surviving wars, socio-political upheavals, shifting fashions and countless gastronomic trends. What began as a humble Italian café in 1917 grew into a favourite haunt for West End performers and, in time, the iconic establishment we know today. With its stained-glass windows, wood panelling and signature “Ivy green” upholstery, there are few restaurants in the capital are as instantly recognisable as The Original Ivy.

With so many fine dining options in central London, The Original Ivy offers the reassurance of a restaurant that has been tried, tested and loved for over a century. Executive Chef Gary Lee balances classic British staples with modern, seasonal and international influences, proving that creativity is very much alive in the kitchen. Front of house, the team works like a finely tuned orchestra under the direction of General Manager Héctor Hernández, delivering consistently impeccable service.

I recently visited with a friend on a weekday. The place was buzzing, the tables filled with a combination of business diners, discerning tourists and loyal locals.

The harlequin stained-glass windows at The Original Ivy echo the restaurant’s century-old charm and theatrical heritage.

A glass of The Ivy’s own champagne (produced by Bernard Remy) set the tone while we browsed the menu. The Caviar and Crisps starter immediately caught my eye. A tin of Imperial caviar came served with sour cream and perfectly golden Parmesan-dusted crisps scattered with chives. Recently added to the menu, it is a decadent and unexpectedly playful way to being a meal – even better, in my view, than the classic baked potato pairing.  

For mains, we kept things traditional. My companion chose the Veal Holstein, prepared exactly as it should be, with a fried egg, capers and anchovies. One can’t get it wrong with this dish, which is probably the reason why it has been on the menu for as long as anyone can remember. I opted for the Steak Tartare, another house favourite. Prepare table-side, our waiter expertly folded the finely chopped beef with egg yolk, capers, cornichons and shallots, adding a touch of tabasco and Dijon mustard to bring brightness, heat and depth to the richness of the dish.

A trio of festive delights from The Original Ivy’s Christmas menu, each one crafted with seasonal flair,
theatrical presentation and unmistakable Ivy charm.

We paired our choices with Finca San Martín Crianza from Rioja Alavesa. Its bright acidity and juicy red-fruit profile cut through the richness of the Veal Holstein, while its soft tannins and gentle oak spice complemented the Steak Tartare without overwhelming its delicate texture.

Dessert brought seasonal cheer. The Ivy Santa, a playful vanilla parfait with milk mousse and white chocolate blondie, delivered festive indulgence. The Classic Christmas pudding, flambéed with brandy and served with pecans, almonds, candied orange and vanilla cream offered a nostalgic finish.

More than a century after it first opened, The Original Ivy remains a benchmark for London dining. Its combination of tradition, seasonality and polished hospitality proves that true classics never fall out of style. 

The Original Ivy
1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ
Tel. 020 7836 4751
Online bookings, HERE.

Author: Julia Pasarón

Other fine-dining restaurants in London you may like to try and have been recently reviewed by I-M Inquisitive Minds include Zima Notting Hill, Shanghai Me and Papermoon at the OWO.