The Ivy, York – Restaurant Review

By Kirsty Reid, November 2025

A midweek day off feels like the perfect excuse for a little indulgence, so I decide to visit The Ivy in York.

Nestled in St Helen’s Square, just a short stroll from York Minster and The Shambles, The Ivy offers an inviting haven amidst the city’s bustle.

As we step inside, we’re greeted with a warm welcome and the offer to check our coats. Already the place feels fancy.

Arriving at noon, a handful of diners are already seated – a group of friends catching up over brunch and a couple on a date. The Ivy caters for a range of diners – it’s elegant, yet relaxed enough that you wouldn’t feel out of place in jeans and trainers.

“Candle-like glow”

We’re shown to a cosy corner table that offers both privacy and a clear view of the bar – the best of both worlds.

The space is elegantly styled, with wooden floors leading to crisp white tablecloths, plush green chairs adorned with leaf motifs, and pendant lights that cast a warm, candle-like glow. It’s effortlessly grand.

We have two menus to choose from. The two-course Heritage Menu (£20.95) or à la carte. We decide to indulge and opt for the latter – ordering drinks and sharing dishes to start.

Drinks arrive swiftly. My lemonade (£3.50) is refreshing, while Kyle is impressed by his Vanilla Shakerato (£5.25) – espresso shaken with ice and served in a martini glass.

Our appetisers – Truffle Arancini Balls (£7.25) and Salt-Crusted Sourdough Bread (£5.95) – closely follow.

“Finesse”

Designed for sharing, the crispy bite-sized rice balls are divine. A dipping sauce wouldn’t have gone amiss, but they are delicious nonetheless.

The sourdough is generously portioned and incredibly moreish. We have to stop ourselves eating too much of it before our main.

Kyle chooses The Ivy 1917 Cured Smoked Salmon (£15.50) for his starter. The delicately smoked fish is topped with black pepper and served with slices of rye bread. The light dish is accompanied by a lemon wedge in a small mesh bag – a thoughtful touch that keeps the pips at bay and adds a hint of finesse.

My fish main is equally flavoursome – tender, melt-in-your-mouth flakes wrapped in a crispy, golden batter. The Traditional Fish and Chips (£20.50) is served with chunky chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. It’s a dish I usually reserve for seaside visits, but The Ivy’s version is comfort food at its finest.

“Service doesn’t falter”

Kyle’s Massaman Duck Curry (£23.95) is beautifully presented. The spicy curry sauce has subtle sweet notes, complementing the slow-braised duck. The dish features sweet potato, spinach, tomatoes, lemongrass and coconut milk, and comes with fragrant rice.

As we look over the dessert menu, I notice how full the restaurant has got. Almost every table is now taken, yet the staff remain just as attentive, and the service doesn’t falter.

Kyle settles on the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£10.50) almost immediately, while I’m torn between The Ivy Chocolate Bombe (£12.25) and the Apple Tart Fine (£12.25). After much deliberation, I opt for the tart.

The menu notes a cooking time of 14 minutes for my sweet – something our server kindly reminds us of when taking the order. This gives us a chance to rest our bellies and catch up over drinks – a Macchiato (£4.50) for Kyle, and The Ivy 1917 Breakfast Tea (£4.25) for me.

“Attention to detail”

My Apple Tart Fine is drizzled with Calvados flambé – French brandy carefully ignited at the table, adding a touch of theatre to the experience. The warm caramelised apple, paired with soft vanilla ice cream makes for the perfect autumnal dessert.

When Kyle’s dessert arrives, I notice how our server carefully positions the dish so The Ivy logo faces him – a subtle touch that reflects the restaurant’s attention to detail.

The indulgent pudding is topped with salted caramel sauce, its sponge soft and sweet without feeling too heavy. It’s served with a scoop of clotted cream – a pairing neither of us had tried before, but one that works beautifully.

If you’re after à la carte dining that feels special without being pretentious, The Ivy is the place to be. And with the two-course Heritage Menu at £20.95, there’s something to suit every budget.

The Ivy, St Helens Square, York
Opening hours

8.30am-midnight, Sun-Fri
8.30-00.30 Sat

ivycollection.com

Kirsty Reid

Kirsty has spent nearly 20 years grappling words, first in arts and events, then as a sub-editor for national magazines and newspapers. Now working in communications, she crafts messages that cut through the noise. She satisfies her creative appetite by writing about food, theatre and travel, sometimes accompanied by her trusty whippet, Willow.

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FAQs – The Ivy, St Helen’s Square, York

Where is The Ivy York?

The Ivy is in St Helen’s Square, a short walk from York Minster, The Shambles and the National Railway Museum.

What are the opening hours?

Sunday to Friday: 8.30am–midnight. Saturday: 8.30am–12.30am.

Do guests need to dress up?

Smart-casual fits the setting. It is elegant yet relaxed – jeans and trainers will not feel out of place.

Is booking required?

Advance reservations are recommended, especially at peak times. Walk-ins are welcomed when tables are available.

What menus are available?

À la carte is served daily. A two-course Heritage Menu is also offered at £20.95.

Which dishes are recommended?

Favourites from this visit included Truffle Arancini Balls, The Ivy 1917 Cured Smoked Salmon, Traditional Fish & Chips, Massaman Duck Curry, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple Tart Fine.

How are the drinks?

Expect well-made classics and coffees. Highlights noted were the Vanilla Shakerato, a refreshing lemonade and a traditional breakfast tea.

Is The Ivy York family-friendly?

Yes. The welcoming service and relaxed atmosphere suit celebratory lunches, date nights and family meals.

Is the restaurant accessible?

The main restaurant and bathroom are fully accessible. The private dining room is not accessible.

Is there Wi-Fi and baby changing?

Yes – free Wi-Fi is available and there are baby-changing facilities.

How long do desserts take?

Some puddings, such as Apple Tart Fine, have a stated cooking time (around 14 minutes). Staff advise when ordering.

Where can guests park?

NCP Car Park, Tanner Row, York YO1 6JL, is the nearest parking.

How far is the nearest train station?

York Station is roughly a ten-minute walk.

Does The Ivy suit pre-theatre or race-day dining?

Yes – the central location and attentive service make it ideal for pre-theatre, race days and special occasions.

Where can guests check the latest menus and book?

Visit ivycollection.com and select The Ivy St Helen’s Square, York, for current menus, availability and reservations.