Review of The Ivy Asia
17th October 2023
Author EditorPosted on Categories Lifestyle
An invite to the Ivy Asia is not one that goes unnoticed. We had heard the hype but not visited before, so we were very keen to try it. Having been to the Ivy, just next door, we had high expectations of this restaurant, and I can promise you it did not disappoint.
You cannot fail to mention the visual extravaganza that greets you upon entry to this stunning venue. One look at the website would give you a titillating glimpse of the décor, but I cannot overstate just how overwhelmingly audacious it is. Packed with deep reds, pink hues and bright blue/turquoise furniture, not to mention the underfloor lighting and spectacular lanterns, I challenge anyone not to walk through the door to this restaurant and not feel like you’ve made it in life. It inspires not just a comment but an entire uplift in mood and I would go so far as to say it helps the entire experience feel more indulgent and classy. Take plenty of selfies and videos – this is a Tik Tokker’s dream background.
We were seated quickly in a very cosy corner space which gave us a nosy view of the whole restaurant. We were surprised to see, on a rainy Wednesday night, a very dapper DJ playing Ibiza inspired chill out mood tunes which somehow perfectly matched the tone. A well dressed, trendy crowd suited the music and atmosphere well.
Our server, Maria, introduced herself to us. Impeccably dressed, all the staff were smiley and friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. Maria recommended the Ivy Experience Menu. Lucky enough not to have any allergies, we were treated to an absolute feast for the eyes and the mouth. To match with our food, we chose a bottle of the Roseblood, D’estoublon rose wine which perfectly complemented all of the dishes on the menu.
The dishes come out in a bunch at a time, served with a dramatic dry ice smoke and some glamourous bowls and plates. First up, we had flamed edamame with spicy dip, literally the most tasty and moreish sauce I have ever tried. I genuinely asked if they sold it by the bottle -I would have bought it then and there. Added to this were some other mixed sushi starters including beef tataki with tosazu, yellowtail, cucumber and takuan maki roll, seared salmon nigiri and the divine truffle miso and wasabi salsa. These were all, without exception, an assault on the senses, and mixed with the wine, a mouthwatering delight which made us so ready for the next course.
We next tasted the prawn tempura with chill and lime. Quite a common dish, of course, but somehow the Ivy Asia version had the edge, perhaps slightly more lime, or perhaps that alongside the pork and kimchi dumplings made it a match made in heaven. It was the perfect amount, not too much to ruin the final course.
We next had what we both thought was the absolute favourite part of the menu. I fell in love with the salt and pepper beef. Cooked to perfection, the sauce was mouth-wateringly good, the only disappointing part was that I had nothing to use to mop up every last trace of it in the dish. My partner also fell for the miso black cod, so it is fair to say we were both full and extremely happy with the meal.
As a final hurrah, we still surprisingly managed to wolf down the ‘red dragon’ ice cream with cinnamon donuts, again flawless in its presentation and texture – a sublime way to end the meal.
I cannot leave a review for the Ivy without mentioning the restrooms. Shared with its sister restaurant next door, the restrooms at Ivy Asia are simply amazing. You could spend 20 minutes there just filling your phone with dramatic selfies in the individual booths which is another spectacular visual stimulation.
What I think the Ivy Asia excels at, in comparison to other restaurants, is making your visit an experience rather than a simple meal. From the very start the décor makes you feel revitalised and excited. This continues with a journey through Asia, and it feels that everything from the presentation of the plates, the dry ice, the fragrant food and the mouth-watering dishes, you cannot help but leave completely satisfied and immediately wanting to return. Whether you are looking to visit with a group or partner you are trying to impress, to take your family on a wondrous treat experience, or even just to celebrate dining alone for a self-care gift, I struggle to see how any party could leave here disappointed.
The service was impeccable, our waitress Maria and all of the friendly serving staff bringing the food describing the dishes and recommending their favourites. A special mention to the friendly and chatty Sophie, who seemed to personally delight in our enjoyment of the dishes. Dare I say, this was the best meal and experience I have ever had in Brighton?
I have already re-booked and this is, for now, my absolute top go-to recommended Brighton venue.