Enter into The Ivy’s signature oak-paneled doors and delight in an intimate dimly-lit interior complete with harlequin stained glass windows and contemporary artwork aligning the walls. The London restaurant was designed by Martin Brudnizki who sought to recreate the restaurant’s West Street original in Covent Garden within new surroundings- the spot of the former Scarlett’s. This sophisticated abode serves lunch and dinner with a brasserie-style menu featuring signature Ivy dishes. 
The The Ivy’s arrival has hit the Dubai social scene with a bang. Already known as a London celebrity-haunt, word was out that the Dubai restaurant already had a waiting list in just the first few weeks of opening. It’s not hard to see why; exquisite British culinary creations are served elegantly by knowledgeable staff and in an interior which is perfectly slated for the arty crowd. 
The restaurant’s spacious interior can seat up to 40 guests in the bar and lounge area while the main restaurant can accommodate up to 90 heads and the outdoor terrace placed in the interior of The Boulevard another 60. There is also a private dining room with room for 16. The Executive Chef is none other than Colin Clague formerly of Zuma. While the menu is predominantly British and European, every so often you’ll catch a slight Japanese twist.
My guest and I sat down on a quiet evening; mid-summer was upon us and most Dubai residents were dissipating from the country until cooler months. We began our meal with a tasty starter of Artichoke Salad featuring an artichoke heart marinated in truffle dressing coupled by a glass of 2009 Pinot Grigio ‘Riff’ Alois Lageder from Venezie IGT, Italy. For the entree I chose an exquisite Pan-Fried John Dory accompanied by roasted tomatoes, chickpeas, and octopus. My guest opted for the Thai-baked Seabass with fragrant rice. Both were immediate hits and greatly enhanced by the light slightly fruity taste of the Pinot Grigio. A descriptive dessert and pudding list made it difficult to choose a sweet to end the meal. We selected a Crème Brûlée; the light vanilla custard was smooth and creamy while the burnt sugar on top was perfectly crisp creating the tart-like consistency the dessert is renowned for.
The Ivy is a sure hit and merits many returns.
The Ivy
The Boulevard, Ground Level, Jumeirah Emirates Towers +971 43198767 www.theivy.ae
News
August 5, 2011An Architectural Gemstone: The Yas Hotel
