Last updated: January 7, 2024
Everyone’s heard of The Ivy – it has to be one of the most famous restaurants in London! But if you’re looking for something slightly more low-key, then you just have to try the newly opened The Ivy Cafe in Marylebone – Caprice Holdings latest offering.
Hidden away down a side street, had you not heard about this little bistro, you’d feel like you’d stumbled across a real find. Bright, bustling and buzzing with conversation between friends, the big antique bar with its high red leather stools was the perfect place to chill while we waited for our table. (Half the tables are reserved for walk-ins, while the other half have to be booked in advance.) Making our way down the cocktail list, past The Ivy Cafe Royale, we found a Negroni tasting set for just £9. It’s absolutely delicious and each one tastes better than the last – all served on a quaint silver tray!
What I really loved about this place though, was the varied clientele – my friend and I got chatting to a couple at the bar… Then we got lost in conversation with the bartender / mixologist who was so knowledgable when it came to the drinks. He even gave us a shot of his favourite vodka to try – Chase Smoked Vodka which is produced here in the UK – a spirit he uses in lots of his cocktails on the menu. It’s got a really distinctive taste and was apparently inspired by the distiller’s love for smoked salmon.
The tables at the back of the restaurant were quite close together – again giving off the cosy cafe-esque vibe which I really liked. Again we got talking to some guys next to us and by the end of dinner, one had even offered my friend a pretty awesome job in the States! Talk about networking!
The Ivy Cafe definitely has that ‘Ivy’ feel to it, while the mosaic tiled floor and the huge panelled mirrors, along with the quirky posters, paintings and photographs on the walls (all focusing on Marylebone’s past) give this particular Ivy that all-day, relaxed, worn in feel to it. A truly versatile space, you could come chill out for brunch (the truffled egg sounds amazing), meet for quick lunch, high tea in the afternoon, or dress up a little and make a night out of it for supper (which we did).
Along with a very tasty bottle of 2014 Gavi, I went for the seared scallops to start. Being a huge fan of truffle and parmesan, this jumped straight out at me from the menu. I absolutely loved this dish – the truffle creamed potato was simple divine. My friend went for the Severn and Wye smoked salmon – a huge plateful with a dollop of beautiful crab with dill cream in the centre. While the menu offers up a number of the ‘Ivy’ classics like the Shepherd’s Pie and Steak, Egg and Chips, we opted for something a little different for our mains. I went for the duck curry with its aromatic flavours and thick creamy sauce. Although I could taste the lemongrass, lime (and the chilis – I had one of these by mistake but soon knew about it), the main ingredient was definitely the coconut, which was quite overpowering, but exactly how I like it. Steamed jasmine rice came on the side and I felt there was more than enough duck in the dish – a generous portion. My friend went for the Lobster Risotto which was served with Arborio rice, fennel, tomato and basil. Meaty and mild-flavoured, it was a faultless main, although perhaps a little too mild for me in flavour after my taste buds had become accustomed to the powerful duck dish.
I’d heard on the grapevine that the only thing to go for on the dessert menu was the Chocolate Bombe – a chocolate ball which melts into the milk foam it’s floating in when the sauce is poured on. Of course, to any chocoholic, this sounds absolutely amazing, but I was way to full to try it! We opted instead for some delicious Espresso Martinis and a small serving of chocolate truffles. Probably not the best night-cap, the caffeine kicked in around 2am! Worth every sip though – a perfectly mixed Martini!
On the way out, we again got chatting to another group of guys on a large table – I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant where I didn’t know anyone, only to get talking to everyone! A testament to vibe at The Ivy Cafe – my new favourite hangout! I’ll definitely be back… and I’ll leave room for the Chocolate Bombe next time!
