Last Updated on February 10, 2025
City Dining with a View at The Ivy Asia
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
At London Unattached, we’ve been busy trying out some of the capital’s finest dining spots with a view – I went along to The Ivy Asia St Paul’s for Sunday lunch with a friend, it’s an undeniable showstopper. Just a short walk from Bank Station, this stunning restaurant is perched with a front-row seat to St Paul’s Cathedral – one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The Ivy has been a symbol of timeless London glamour since 1917, a place where theatre legends, A-listers, and in-the-know diners gather for classic British dishes served with effortless style. But if The Ivy is all old-school elegance, The Ivy Asia is its bold and dramatic sibling – a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Entering, we were instantly swept into a world of pure indulgence. This isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. The décor is pure theatre – a rich jade-green onyx floor glows beneath your feet, while cherry blossom trees add a soft, dreamlike touch. Gilded details, intricate wood carvings, and bold, vibrant artwork bring a sense of drama, but it’s all beautifully balanced with plush velvet seating and a bar that shimmers with polished brass and glass. And then there’s the view, floor-to-ceiling windows framing St Paul’s Cathedral in all its glory, a breathtaking contrast between old London grandeur and Ivy Asia’s bold, modern glamour.
We got a front-row seat by the window – definitely worth booking in advance. But with the wraparound windows, no matter where you sit, you’re pretty much guaranteed a magnificent view of this regal London landmark.
The service is efficient and friendly. We were looked after by Nickolai, who provided a lovely personal touch. We began with a bottle of Monte Zovo, Le Civaie ‘Terralbe’ Lugana, a beautifully versatile white wine with bright tropical and citrus fruits, and elegant mineral notes.
The A La Carte menu offers a good selection of pan-Asian dishes, divided into Snacks, Small Plates, Specialities, Large Plates and Sides. From the small plates, we tucked into a platter of spicy tuna and sesame rolls, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours, and some beautifully delicate steamed prawn har gau dumplings. Their silky, translucent wrappers revealed a steaming, flavour-packed filling – tender, juicy prawns infused with fragrant ponzu and chives, delivering the perfect balance of savoury and citrusy notes.
Moving on to the large plates, I chose the wok-fried lobster and duck rice, which was laced with generous chunks of aromatic duck and plump and velvety lobster, all infused with fragrant herbs and complemented by sweet bites of lychee and sambal.
My companion’s miso black cod was sublime – 48-hour miso-marinated and glazed Alaskan sablefish, slow-roasted to perfection, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and deep, rich umami.
On the side, the perfect Asian cucumber, peanut, and coriander salad added a refreshing crunch and balance to the rich, savoury dishes.
Finally, a real showstopper – the Golden Dragon offered a decadent selection of desserts made for sharing, perfect if you want to indulge and are ready to take a break from calorie counting!! A steaming grand dragon platter arrived stacked with passion fruit doughnuts with warm chocolate sauce, sesame crème brûlée, and a delightful mix of soft-serve ice cream and mochi, all paired with fresh pineapple and raspberries. An irresistible way to end the meal!
Some restaurants have that special something -an undeniable sense of occasion, and The Ivy Asia is a perfect example. With its breathtaking view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it’s hard to top!
For those looking to celebrate Valentine’s or Lunar New Year, The Ivy Asia has it all wrapped up.
The Ivy Asia is ready for Valentine’s with a special £65 set menu for couples, featuring shareable dishes and a Forever Rose for each—an everlasting keepsake of love.
Valentine’s Set Menu (£65) is available from 12th – 16th February 2025
Available at all sites excluding Manchester
Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th, Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th February – Dinner only
Friday 14th February – Available all day
The Ivy Asia celebrates Lunar New Year with a sensory feast to welcome the Year of the Snake. From 15th January to 28th February, guests can enjoy vibrant flavours and traditions in a luxurious, lively setting.
Lunar New Year Menus are available from 15th January – 28th February
Lunar Dragon Set Lunch Menu:
£19.95pp at Chelsea, Guildford, Leeds, Brighton, and Cardiff
£28.50pp at St Paul’s and Mayfair
Available Monday – Friday from 11.30am – 5pm at all sites excluding Manchester
Lunar Samurai Set Dinner Menu:
£27.50pp in Cardiff and Brighton (available Sunday – Thursday from 5pm-close)
£29.95pp at Chelsea, Guildford, and Leeds, £38pp at St Paul’s and Mayfair (available Sunday – Tuesday from 5pm to close)
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The Ivy St Paul’s
20 New Change, City of London, London EC4M 9AG
Phone: 020 3971 2600
Looking for a restaurant with a view on Bankside/Southbank? We recommend Wahaca Southbank
