The Ivy in Los Angeles is the consummate celebrity institution. It is the first in the string of "celebrity restaurants," meaning the stars flock to the Ivy knowing all too well that paparazzi stalk the place with a vengeance.
It is hard to get a reservation if you are not Winona’s or Brad's agent, or you aren't actually them, but it's worth a shot. I had the pleasure of going for my 23rd birthday dinner with my boyfriend and family. We sorta felt like they stuck us in the back, but that was okay. We didn't mind too much.
The feel of The Ivy is best described as shabby-chic. There is a white picket fence missing some paint, antique French chairs on the patio, flowery tablecloths, and the menus covered in cloth. It's a perfect brunch spot, and it is not hard to see why it's so famous for luring the see and be-seen crowd.
We were told to order the fried chicken. Three of us did, while two of us ventured for other things. Among the other culinary adventures was fresh lobster pasta priced at a whopping $60. We didn't know that was the price until the meal was over, as the pasta was a special not on the menu. The fried chicken was overcooked, not all that, and priced at its somewhat respectable $35 dollars. The crab cakes were very good and the lobster pasta was excellent but not nearly worth its price. We ordered their take on a banana split, which was rich, gooey, and sort of strange. If I were to go again, I would not order the chicken or that dessert. The cocktails were about $14 each, and the service was okay.
Looking back, I would have been happier with my meal somewhere else. Although the place is worth a look, I don't know if it's worth the price it cost us. Our meal came close to $450 five people. The other thing is, I didn’t get to see one famous person, which, really, was the whole point.