The Ivy Market Grill in City of London, Westminster

This is a lovely restaurant in a prime location, suitable for special occasions but also without it being too stuffy for something a little more casual. It’s popular, so you’ll need a reservation, but from the moment you arrive all the staff are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The menu isn’t huge but everything is of great quality and presented beautifully. The starter of scallops was exceptional and the blackened cod main equally impressive with the flavours. There’s a full bar and wide range of cocktails, with everything served professionally and wine proactively kept topped up throughout the meal. It was nice that the staff didn’t seem to mind that we wanted a more relaxing lunch and were happy to space out the courses, without making us feel rushed at any point. It’s certainly somewhere I’d recommend and will be returning.

Fabulous food, wonderful staff and so so helpful with my luggage prior to a flight out of Heathrow.. return customer impressed again with everything

I am not a fan of the Ivy Cafes as too much of the food is prepared off site. We were a group of 4 ladies and all enjoyed the food. 2 of us chose the sea bass which I really enjoyed and 2 ordered the black cod. Good selection of cocktails and wine

I don’t tend to complain but the service was absolutely appalling, extremely rude, please don’t bother ruining your day/evening attending here. Hopefully another ivy is more pleasant.

Our table of four loved absolutely everything we ordered. And we ordered it all- from starters to drinks, entrees to dessert. Already thinking about when I can visit again.

I went for a business lunch on a busy Saturday we hadn’t pre booked but the staff was helpful and swiftly seated us. There was one staff member who wasn’t too friendly she was working in the seating area downstairs. I had the lobster linguine and it was very underwhelming little to no flavour.

It's a decent Ivy, main thing going for it is the location. Otherwise the decor and atmosphere at other locations around London is generally better

Wonderful ambience, good location, good service. Food was reasonable, basic and not remarkable for the price.

The reputation of the Ivy restaurants is so good that I didn't even think twice before my husband booked a table for our anniversary. We had gone to the Ivy Kensington several times as well as the Ivy Glasgow and always had good feedback to give. So it is in good spirits and very looking forward to a lovely night that we went to the Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden. As soon as we came in, the atmosphere and settings were very promising. But ouch... wait for it... On arrival, no host was at the entrance and getting in the restaurant, it was difficult to see who we should speak too because everyone was busy. It happens - no stress. Eventually we were given our table and menus. The restaurant was reasonably busy but nothing so bad that it justified waiting 20min to place our drinks order along with some olives and sourdough bread. (Please note, the sourdough bread here is VERY important here). It took another 15min to get 2 warm and flat glasses of champagne - please not we didn't specify we like it chilled and bubbly... and the olives. Our waitress was busy - we totally appreciated it and didn't mind - and we had to wait another 15min to place our food order. We mentioned the flat and warm champagne but got a cold answer, vaguely mentioning she will tell the manager and our glasses will be replaced. They never did. I also mentioned the sourdough bread ordered 45min ago that we were still waiting for. At that point, it is 10pm. Wine arrives, delicious! Starters arrive - HURRAH! Bread? still baking... We hold on our starters. Finally the Dear Sourdough makes its Grand Entrance with 'double butter' (got 2 pieces of butter to make up for the 1h15 wait)... and you know what is the irony here? the bread was so hot, steaming from the middle that we could not even eat it! By that time, the hubby and I were just giggling on 'what could go wrong in a posh restaurant'. Starters done, onto the mains. Wait again. Thank God, the bread has cooled down!! and the butter - YUM! - so glad we were given 2 slices: it is DE-LI-CI-OUS!! Main courses: we ordered both the grilled tuna with sauce vierge. Plates on the table. Oh dear... we are cursed! We have a happy mariage! what did we do to get a carbonated cooked to death tuna in front of us?? Come on Ivy Chefs! we are in 2024 and grilled tuna is served blue in the middle! Don't you know the current trends?? So main courses are sent back to the kitchen to be done again - funnily when we mentioned the cooking of the tuna was not right, we were asked straight away if we wanted to have our dishes redone. Did someone think they would get away with a cardboard like tuna that evening? And here... the WAIT AGAIN.. like a pair of heavy shoes dragging on the wooden floor of the Ivy Market Grill, going around the empty tables with no purpose. But, here they are: the promising main courses... and they are DELIGHTFUL, SUPER TASTY, YUMMY. Tuna? Cooked to perfection. Melting in the mouth and perfectly seasoned. YUM! YUM! IVY CHEFS! YOU SEE?? OF COURSE YOU CAN DO IT! I KNEW IT!! Ouch... the sourdough bread and double butter is doing their jobs though: we are stuffed. Can't eat more than half of that delicious tuna. What a waste! and after-all-that-wait... Main courses cleared. It is 11.30pm - we are tired, stuffed with mostly bread and butter. We will pass on the puddings, let's ask for the bill. And you know what? here the beauty of the staff: they brought us a complimentary pudding. And not to apologize about the warm flat champagne, the 1h15 baked sourdough, the carbonated main courses but to celebrate our ANNIVERSARY. We were both so touched and feeling so grateful. THANK YOU IVY STAFF!!! because YOU made our night: Your kindness and attention, your smiles and good mood. But here to the MD's, the CEO's, COO's etc.... all those who are not in the field : we will feedback the FOH staff was outstanding, the chefs and bar staff should maintain their standards at all times as here, our experience with quality of food and drinks was very poor. Employ more staff and reward them - they will only work better, harder if they feel recognition.

Excellent food , Dani was really attentive and gave us amazing recommendations. highly recommended!

The most disappointing roast beef dinner I have ever been served at a restaurant. I asked of they could cook the beef well done, I did not mean leather. I was not the only person at my table to be very disappointed with the food order. Considering the price of £29.95, it was very poor value for money - even the vegetables were over cooked, with cold Yorkshire pudding. I like this Ivy venue and would probably return for an ordinary lunch but would never go again on a Sunday.

Review of a Celebration Dinner at The Ivy Our celebration dinner at The Ivy Market Grill was a huge disappointment, their lacklustre service ruined what should have been a memorable evening. I called ahead at 6:00pm to request a nice table, explaining it was a special occasion. Although I was told specific seating couldn’t be guaranteed, they assured me they’d take note that it was a celebration. However, upon arrival, we were seated at the worst table in the restaurant—three misaligned tables awkwardly pushed together, with one of them noticeably wobbly. When I went upstairs to speak to someone about the setup, I was told there was “nothing they could do” unless we wanted to wait longer. After 20 minutes without anyone even coming to take our drinks order, I had to go upstairs yet again. The maître d’ offered a quick apology and came down with a bottle of champagne. Unfortunately, even this attempt to make amends fell flat, as the waiter who poured it struggled embarrassingly to get it into the glass, spilling it everywhere without a word of apology. It didn’t end there. As the evening continued, the service remained terrible. Our dessert order was inexplicably delayed, and when it finally arrived, it came without the drinks we’d repeatedly asked for. The first maître d’ had told me to “let him know” if we faced any further issues, promising he’d handle it personally. But by the third time I had to go upstairs to complain, he was nowhere to be found—he’d apparently gone home, leaving us with a new maître d’ who offered a half-hearted apology, a bottle of wine on the house, and an excuse about it being a “busy night.” Adding to the insult, the tables around us were being stripped down and reset for the next day while we were still finishing our meal, making us feel rushed and disregarded. To top it all off, when the bill came, the £53 service charge remained, despite all the issues we had raised throughout the evening. This dining experience was nothing short of appalling. The Ivy Market Grill, a restaurant known for its reputation and supposedly high standards, delivered chaotic, inattentive service with zero accountability or effort to truly make amends. We left thoroughly disappointed. One of the worst dining experiences we’ve had in years.

Absolutely awesome… a wonderful experience from start to finish, couldn’t fault it, more expensive than some other London options but an experience to remember

Interesting place and very welcoming environment, good quality of food and positive service. Located in the central area of ​​London and easily accessible as there are also several bus stops nearby. I am satisfied with the experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy a good Brunch and relax in a beautiful English atmosphere.

Very good place to eat something outside of Covent Market. A very cozy place. We ate on the terrace, but it was very good (they have heaters and blankets). We ate steak tartare, fish & chips and drank a water and a Coca Cola. The bill was £50.96. Very good value for money for the location. Advisable!

Another perfect breakfast great food, service and the most helpful and friendly staff

Fabulous place. Have already recommended to lots of friends and will return with each of them!

Really enjoyed being here with my good friend Phil Trains were cancelled,so we were lucky to get here on time

We waited for 40 minutes till the first starters come. And we made reservations previously but they still gave us an outside table. 这家店补药徕，钛南痴了 姓嫁比非常不型 We ordered the medium steak, but what the restaurant provided is steak in totally full! We asked the waiter but he said this steak is medium for sure with very bad attitude. Actually every year we went to this restaurant for many times but this time is very disappointed. And the price increased to a great level. I suggest everyone don’t come again.

Great food and service. Too crowded though, having less tables next to each would bring a more calm atmosphere.

Good but not so special. Service was nice

As late walk ins with hungry and tired kids we were very well taken care of both at reception and by our waitress. My daughter lapped up the shepherds pie, my fish&chips was perfect, a fresh cod filet in super crispy batter, everything just yummie! Price for the quality more than worth it. Definite 'come again' place.

Only in London for the 2 days, and Ross was the best experience to eat at the bar with Samuel as our server/bartender. Personable, attentive, energizing and keeps you engaged in the whole dining experience. When you go … sit at the bar when Samuel is there. Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!

Lovely restaurant- great service and excellent food. Shame my daughters 18th birthday wasn’t treated as special 😢

Well what is there to say, after all it is The Ivy! 😁

Wish they would say what the fish is on the menu, cod or pollock etc

Fantastic pre-theatre meal. Set price menu was extraordinarily good value for Covent Garden, with a very attentive and charming wait person. Music was a little intrusive otherwise an ideal start to the evening.

Outstanding and service was amazing. Food was some of the best I have ever had. Definitely a high recommendation from me.

Early evening family meal that was lovely. Goes without saying that The Ivy is a legendary badge, so that in itself feels kind of special. However, the food too was very good, and the lively, bustling, busy and intimate experience was great.

Joined friends here for dinner. Our first time in London. They explained they are a bit of a chain. Atmosphere was nice. Reservations are highly suggested as we had a 4:30 dinner before a play. Great location in busy area. My wife ordered the shepherds pie which she was looking forward too. A bit disappointed as there was mostly beef and less veggies. She loved the creamed spinach. My fish and chips was OK, the bottom was a bit burnt but the fish was fresh and cooked correct. The chips were all small pieces, why? This is the second time in London I’ve received this. Our friends seem to enjoy their meals. Had to ask 3 times for a drink which was received after the meal.

Beautiful surroundings, lovely service and excellent value for money. Enjoyed a cream tea followed by a birthday surprise! Will definitely be back...

We visited for having dinner with my friends. Their service was top-notch and the staff was polite and helpful. All food we had were marvellous.

Nice restaurant with very good food and nice service

We were lucky to get a table for lunch on the terrace - great food (sea bass and duck curry) - we shared a Birthday Box dessert - Wow! Special thanks to our waiter, Nickel

We asked to be moved from a small and noisy table inside to an outside table where the table service and food were both very good. The issue arose when we tried to retrieve our bags in order to leave which took 5 requests to the lady on reception who appeared purely to be looking down at her computer but not servicing any customer. We only got our bags when I strongly complained to her yet 8 minutes had passed whilst we stood in the entrance waiting upon her. No apology (no comment at all except huffing) and we were clearly just a bloody nuisance. This was unacceptable and turned a good experience into something unpleasant. It is a shame that some staff in some London restaurants still feel they are more important than the customers and this was one of those moments- such a disappointing end to what had otherwise been overall a good experience

Mediocre. E.g. ordered some nibbles for the table, which arrived with the starters. Told by the waitress that this was standard. Certainly not the case at the Ivy in Guildford, York or Chichester.

Very nice waiters. They are amazing with kids

Delicious food and lovely staff - Samuel especially was super friendly!

I always eat at the bar and Sam is the best. Always greets you with a warm smile and is fantastic at his job. Really love visiting on my own or with friends.

Samy the most, we were with him at the bar and excellent service and wonderful treatment, thank you Samy you made our stay wonderful!

Went here few years ago like the food thought and thought it needed a revamp and it has and it doesn’t dissapointed, beautiful decor, beautiful food, beautiful service and even beautiful toilets , I have uploaded the toilet decor so beautiful .Well done The Ivy

Exceptional service. We were very well looked after by Silvio, who was helpful, attentive and very friendly.

Front of house.. fantastic, made us feel very welcome.. all serving staff were also great... this is one time I didn't object to the service charge.. Well worth a visit just to be treated as a valued customer

Lovely food, friendly staff, and interesting decor.

Had a really nice family lunch. Food was very good and service was very attentive and friendly. Decent brasserie with something for everyone. Cocktails very tasty

Waiting over half an hour for 1 course while people next to us had 2 courses and left before we had ours.

I was very excited to visit this place for an English breakfast but left with disappointment. I arrived about 11:20 and was sat at the bar. When I asked if I could get a table I was told they are all booed! The had most of the store empty and by the time I left around 12:20 still most tables were empty so I am not sure why they did not sit me at a table. Also their breakfast was mediocre at best. Won’t recommend this spot.

Beautiful food, great service, and a lovely setting.

Just popped in for coffee. Lovely place, great staff.

A London stable with a convivial and upscale vibe. Decor and atmospheric always outstanding. Sometimes the food is a miss because of quality or flavour profiles.

Our waiter was delightful informative and made us all smile The food was extremely tasty and well presented as you can see

Awful service at this Ivy restaurant. I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user and parked my chair near the entrance as instructed which was out of everyone’s way. Halfway through our meal the manager came to tell me that they had to move my wheelchair into the ‘cloakroom’, which was in fact a corridor out the back of the restaurant where I couldn’t keep an eye on it (it’s a custom made electric wheelchair) and staff had full access to it. When I asked why I couldn’t leave it where it was I was told that the space was for luggage. So apparently suitcases take priority over wheelchairs!! Extremely stressful and upsetting experience. Will never go to the Ivy chain again.

Rather disappointing experience. A wait to be seated, then a wait to take my drink order. A dirty martini that looked and tasted like it was made with the dregs of the olive jar (and with a distinct taste of anchovies). Buffalo mozzarella that had sat warming on the plate until it started going sloppy. Then a chicken breast that was over cooked and mashed potato that wallowed in gravy at the bottom of the bowl.

We came in late on saturday after being to the theatre show of the cursed child. We hadn’t had time to have desert (at the ivy soho) in the break of the show so we asked if we could get some now. We were welcomed kindly and seated at the bar, where Samuel was our bartender and did everything to give us an excellent ending to a great week in London. He made us some delicious cocktails and served our excellent desserts with a flair that made our night. We will definitely come back here!

Good food, clean,polite, attentive staff, and cheerful service.

The place is very cramped, crowded and hot Nuisance and noise The price is very high The food is substandard and there are many restaurants that are cheaper and tastier Overrated 🙃

Rush hour, the waiters are in a hurry and the contents of the order did not reach the kitchen completely. The tuna was also fried a little too much, compared to the requested doneness. That's nice.

Great service, atmosphere and food at lunch time. A classy restaurant in Coven Garden reasonably priced.

As in the private dining room with set menu for an event. Food was ok but not as good as the main restaurant above. Service was great.

God honors grace and does not leave anything behind Crowding and disturbance

What an amazing spot along this road. I was seated at the bar - the bar staff and waiter work hard and well together. The food was amazing, the service was friendly but also so professional. Will definitely be back

Yesterday I had the best experience at the bar, Sebastian has been excellent in every way, he left me speechless, all the knowledge and the experience. Thank you for everything.

This was a lovely experience with good food, service, and atmosphere. I will definitely go again.

Veronica was an excellent server! She recommended delicious cocktails and was just wonderful

Great fish and chips with great service from Veronica behind the bar.

We came in late at night after we’v had dinner at the Ivy in Soho. Because we had to get to the theatre we did not have time for desert so we decided to do that in Covent Garden. The staff was super kind and made us feel really welcome! At the bar Miguel really made our evening! with a great cocktail, the delicious chocolat bomb and birthday dessertbox and his lovely company we’ve had the best night in London!

Really lovely service and good food. Atmosphere was fun too, we sat outside and as it was a special meal for my daughter who had just been to see Six, the staff made a lovely fuss over her and she has insisted we go back to more Ivy restaurants (so as nice as this was it’s likely to cost me a fortune, so thanks… I think!)

Service was friendly, if not a touch disorganised. Very busy place so I get that. I felt rushed in there though. French onion soup was sort of melted into a ball, reckon that needs a rethink as a dish. Rump steak next, med/rare. Chewy, gristly and lack of flavour Unacceptable!! You have to pay for ANY veg to go with your dinner, so chips and green beans at extra cost. My biggest complaint was the Frozen chips...seriously?? Can't get over that. I'd say average at best overall. Value for money is not a consideration here. I'd actually compare it to a fast food outlet such as TGI Fridays. Sorry, but take a good look at yourselves!!

Had to queue despite having reservation, but food very good.and staff friendly. Heat location.

One of the best meals of our trip! Samuel 12/10 service - funny, attentive, personable - had the most wonderful time! Would recommend the steak tartare and truffle tagliolini.

Beautiful place with delicious food and great staff!

Pleasure to visit Sarvagya was such a pleasant member of your team. Highly recommend.

We popped in to enjoy an afternoon drink at the bar and I must say the staff were so welcoming and helpful, particularly Veronica. We will be back

Felt too busy and like we were in a thoroughfare. Food up to usual standard though

I’ve been here for dinner before and it’s lovely but I was a little disappointed with the brunch. The food options are quite limited and all the dishes come with chips, even though they just got wasted as none of us really wanted chips for breakfast. One of us had to ask three times where her drink was, service was quite slow and the coffee wasn’t very nice. I wouldn’t go back for brunch

The decor and location are both very good and the food is as expected. I was initially pleased that having booked a table for four, I had been shown to a cosy corner table out of the way of the main footfall. But when my son and daughter in law arrived with my grandson we were told to move as the area wasnt suitable for a buggy. I understand that this can be an issue in restaurants with waiters carrying plates of food, so we obliged. But I was disappointed that once we moved we were told that buggys weren't allowed anywhere on the restaurant floor and the table we had been moved to was on the main thoroughfare with people constantly walking by and I had to keep moving my chair to allow them to pass. This isn't easy when holding a 6 month old who is too small for a highchair. If buggy's aren't allowed anywhere in the restaurant, why couldn't we have stayed out of the way in the corner, which would have been more comfortable? It is a midrange chain restaurant group that doesn't seem to be family friendly. Food is OK, but my experience was made unnecessary stressful. Would I go again? Probably not!

Even though it was a very busy evening - last Thursday - a table for two was found. Lovely food and wine, excellent vibes and friendly, helpful service from our waitress. Recommended.

Myself and my partner are went in for a couple drinks after a meal at another Restaurant however the service from the bar Staff (Veronica, Sarvagya and Samuel) far surpassed the service in the prior establishment, I would by far recommend going in for Food and Drinks x WE WILL DEFINITELY BE GOING BACK

Really bad service !!! Ivy are most good not going to this one again the one in victoria is better

Absolute incredible atmosphere and service Highly recommend 👌

Ordered 2x Ivy Burger with 2x Farmhouse Chadder. The latter was not delivered / added but the bill had it added. Payed 5£ too much. Plus, they automatically added 14% service charge. Not 10% or 12,5%, 14%!!!

The Ivy Market Grill offers a wonderful dining experience in the heart of Covent Garden. The menu is diverse, with beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, and the service is attentive. Highly recommended!

Sat at the bar with my brother for brunch on a busy Saturday afternoon. Despite the busy atmosphere Veronica and Saruogya took perfect care of us. They made our experiance extra special by being attentive, caring and super kind! Very professional yet also warm, just the most perfect service one could ask for which is very rare nowadays in London!

Do not eat at the terrace, there were a bunch of little rats running around. Food was good and service as well.

We were served by Ella and had an amazing time. The food was great and Ella was so attentive. Lovely evening!

I had a couple of drinks by the bar and the service was excellent Veronica was really nice and she is the most beautiful girl I ever but no more than my wife !!

Dreadful pasta , no flavour , bland so politely asked for it to have some flavour added . It came back a minute later with a lug of white wine thrown over it . All I could taste was wet pasta swimming in wine . I tried adding Parmesan to soak up some of the wine but it made it worse . Just awful ! Imagine pasta in “ bin juice !” That’s the closest way to describe it . Surely it’s not difficult to make mushroom pasta with truffle oil at a renowned restaurant but they couldn’t get it right . When I complained again I was told I could have a dessert for free , I wanted lunch not dessert I was starving. I was offered no other alternative and had to pay for the revolting pasta which I barely touched. I bought a sandwich before retuning to work . Terrible customer service and they didn’t care one bit if I was a satisfied customer .Perhaps it’s Covent Garden and they don’t need to worry about repeat business . Let’s be honest it probably cost them £4 to make . I won’t be back nor recommend it .

We liked it except my beer glass came out dirty.

The Ivy had a great atmosphere, and the staff were very polite and helped accommodate our requests.

Great food, drink and service. Pretty crowded and noisy at lunchtime

Had a great chicken Milanese which was cooked very well. Service was great, Veronica was very attentive!

Sawwel is an exceptional bartender! His mixology skills are top-notch, crafting each drink with precision and flair. He takes the time to understand your preferences, making sure every drink suits your taste. Plus, his friendly and engaging personality adds to the overall great experience. Highly recommended

Lovely seating area outside with heaters overhead to keep you warm. Yummy 😋 food and good service. 2 course meal menu was really good value and we all enjoyed our food. I particularly enjoyed the vegan and cheese burger 🍔😋 not bad at all as far as Vegan burgers go 👍 Good spot just across from the Convent Garden Market. We didn't book, and managed to walk in and get a table for five. It was around 5pm, any later I'd say make a reservation. Thanks for hosting us ♥️

I don't think this place qualifies as an upscale restaurant where a dress code is required. We had visited The Ivy in Edinburgh and were quite satisfied with both the food and service, so we were looking forward to visiting the Market Grill location in London. However, the room was too small with far too many tables crammed together, and people were talking excessively loudly, making it difficult to focus on the meal. Our original plan was to order a full-course menu from appetizer to dessert, but due to the excessive noise and crowding, we ended up eating just enough to feel full and left the place quickly. The food and service were decent, but we won’t be visiting this location again. We would not recommend it to those who are particularly sensitive to noise.

Once again you did not disapoint especially at very short notice for one of my Best Friends birthday. Special recognition & thanks for your professionalism & overall passion for how you looked after our party has to go starting with Nicole, our server Sana & the very suave Maitre d Guilherme. The food as normal was brilliant. Thank you for also presenting Helen’s cake, it was much appreciated. Although I live in the Home Counties & I have access to nearer ‘Ivy’s I do prefer coming to the Covent Garden Market Grill Ivy. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

I came with my dad and had a beer woth lunch at the bar. We where attendes with Veronica which was awsome service and made the expirience awaome.

I was attended to by Veronica. Brilliant

Been to the Ivy in a few locations and this is up there with the best. Has a big ground floor room plus further tables downstairs in two other rooms. Very professional service, normal great menu full of classics and the taste…..fantastic. As a family go 3 we had a lovely time and a lot of food. It may be a bit special occasion for some based on price but you get good value for very good food. The tartare steak starter is a must!

Excellent pre-theatre dinner on terrace with heaters! Service was as good as always. Special thanks to Anderson for being so attentive, friendly and super efficient! The weekly set menu offers great value for money and good choices! Thanks guys see you soon! Kevin and Richard

The service was absolutely lovely! I was served by both El Hocine and Leo. Had a delicious meal with my daughters. I would defo recommend! Been here twice now x