Description: In 2004, the Ivy was voted the most popular restaurant in London. It means you need to get a reservation well in advance. The Ivy is also reputed to be a good spot for celebrity spotting but when we were there, we did not recognize anyone, but then, how many British celebrities do we know?
The Ivy is located in Covent Garden making it very convenient for a pre or post theatre meal. When we went, it was obvious it is very popular. The restaurant, which is reasonably large, was very crowded with a well lighted, busy, noisy atmosphere. A lot of tables with large groups and a number of them with children.
The staff seemed to be moving very quickly and service was very efficient and attentive.
The menu has to be the most eclectic one I have seen anywhere. Starters ranged from sushi to foie gras. Main courses range from British traditional, to Italian, to east Asian. The menu seems to have something for everyone. We had a vegetarian soup, duck and watercress salad, bang bang chicken and spinach salad to start. For mains, we had shepherd's pie, gnocchi, hamburger and chicken masala. Given the wide range of cuisine, everything is quite good although not brilliant. For sweets, crème brulée, rhubarb pudding and chocolate truffles were all very good. The wine selection is extensive just like the menu.
The place is obviously a crowd pleaser and I can see why it is so popular - lots of good food for every different kind of preference. The main courses are between £10 - 15, fairly reasonable for the quality and service.
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