When it comes to dining in London, few places deliver timeless elegance and culinary delight quite like The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea’s King’s Road, this beloved branch of The Ivy Collection is, without doubt, my favourite restaurant in London. From its picture-perfect garden terrace (a true alfresco dream), to the bar that could have been plucked straight from an Edward Hopper painting, The Ivy Chelsea Garden offers not just a meal – but a whole culinary immersive experience.
Service with a Star-Studded Smile
The team here sets the gold standard in hospitality. On our most recent visit, our charming waiter Carmine Valentino – who has served the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Marlon Wayans, and Chelsea and Fulham footballers – offered top-class, attentive service and advice on menu choices with the warmth and style you’d expect in an Italian family home. The staff, many of whom are Italian, bring an extra layer of charm and professionalism to the already impeccable Ivy experience.
An Ode to Flavour: Our Lunch Highlights
With 20 chefs in the kitchen upholding the Ivy’s legendary recipes, the food is nothing short of outstanding.
We began with:
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Truffle arancini – crisp, indulgent, and perfectly seasoned.
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Duck salad with crunchy cashews and juicy watermelon, lifted by a plum and soy dressing.
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A show-stopping whisky smoked salmon, theatrically smoked at the table and garnished with edible violet flowers – almost too beautiful to eat (but we managed!).
For mains:
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Linguini with aragosta (lobster) brought a rich, comforting twist to this classic Italian favourite. The crustaceous felt very fresh to the palate.
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The hearty Shepherd’s Pie reminded us why some traditions should never change.
We couldn’t resist the sides:
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Truffle chips – crisp and aromatic.
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Zucchini fritti, golden and addictive.
And of course, cocktails were a must. The Devil’s Margarita was bold and zesty, but the winner? The Chocolate Orange Martini – its glass rimmed with chocolate we cheekily spooned out like naughty children.
Desserts:
The Ivy Chocolate Bombe – Melting chocolate dome with vanilla ice cream, honeycomb and hot caramel sauce, deliriously yummy.
Apple tart fine – always my favourite at the Ivy. A huge portion which gets flambéed with Calvados at the table.
Coming Soon: Breakfast with Bunny – Easter Sunday Magic for Families
As much as The Ivy is a haven for grown-up indulgence, this Easter Sunday (20th April 2025), families can look forward to a truly egg-ceptional event: the Breakfast with Bunny experience.
Running from 9am to 12:30pm, little ones can tuck into delights like the Mini Full Breakfast, Buttermilk Pancakes, and even the Ivy’s own Smoked Salmon with crushed avocado. The Ivy Bunny will be making special appearances, handing out bunny ears and bow-ties, and joining in the fun of cookie decorating and chocolate treats. There will also be time for keepsake family photos with the star of the show.
Meanwhile, adults won’t be left out. With a curated breakfast menu featuring The Ivy Breakfast or Vegetarian Breakfast, pastries, smoothies, and a beautifully designed Easter egg tin filled with Belgian chocolates to take home, everyone will leave with a smile.
Booking Info
Tickets are £30.95 for adults and £18.95 for children – spaces are limited, so hop over to ivycollection.com/book-a-table to reserve your spot.
Whether you’re toasting with a Martini under the wisteria in the garden or enjoying a magical morning with your little ones this Easter, The Ivy Chelsea Garden continues to be the place where luxury meets comfort, and every guest leaves a little happier than when they arrived.
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