The Ivy Café Marylebone is a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining spot in the heart of Marylebone. The menu features modern British cuisine, café-style classics, and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. The interior boasts Art Deco elements, including an antique pewter-top bar, vintage red leather banquettes, and outdoor Parisian-style seating. The café holds back 50% of its tables for walk-in guests, accommodating both reservations and spontaneous visits.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.4 5,792
- Google Places 4.5 3,272
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Charming Ambiance The restaurant boasts a stylish and cozy atmosphere, described as a hidden gem with a warm and inviting vibe. The decor contributes to a delightful dining experience.
- Convenient Location Situated in the heart of Marylebone, it's a short distance from Oxford Street but offers a more relaxed dining experience. The proximity to boutique shops adds to its appeal.
- Excellent Service The Ivy Cafe Marylebone is known for its attentive and friendly staff, making diners feel welcomed and cared for throughout their meal. Servers are often mentioned by name for their exceptional service.
- Good Value Options The Sunday Steak Supper is often cited as an excellent deal, offering a high-quality steak with wine and a side for a reasonable price. There are also good value set menu options.
- High-Quality Food Many reviewers praise the food quality, with dishes like the shepherd's pie, steak, and eggs royale receiving high marks. Fresh ingredients and well-presented meals are frequently mentioned.
Criticised
- Coffee Quality A few reviewers have noted that the coffee can be underwhelming, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Coffee preparation is reported as old fashioned style and not great.
- Cramped Seating The restaurant can be very crowded, leading to a cramped dining experience. Some diners have reported being bumped into by staff due to the limited space between tables.
- Inconsistent Service While many praise the service, some reviewers have experienced slow or inattentive service, particularly during busy periods. New or inexperienced staff can sometimes cause issues.
- Overrated Food A few reviewers found the food to be overrated, with some dishes lacking flavor or not meeting expectations. Some dishes, like the Zucchini Fritti, can be too greasy.
- Potential for Billing Issues Some customers have reported issues with the bill, such as being charged for items they didn't receive or not receiving promised items included in a set menu. Careful review of the bill is advised.
The longer read
The Ivy Cafe Marylebone is a popular and stylish restaurant noted for its ambiance, attentive service, and generally good food, though some find it pricey for the quality. Its location in a charming area near boutique shops adds to its appeal, making it a convenient and pleasant dining destination. The interior design is frequently described as glamorous and maximalist, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the attentive and friendly staff, with several mentioning specific staff members by name who provided excellent service. The restaurant can accommodate allergies with care and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The Ivy Cafe Marylebone is often busy, and advance booking is highly recommended. While most reviewers praise the food, some have found certain dishes underwhelming or inconsistent in quality. The breakfast and brunch options, particularly the eggs royale and omelettes, receive positive feedback. The Sunday Steak Supper is also frequently mentioned as a good value. Some reviewers have reported issues with slow service, especially during peak hours, while others experienced prompt and efficient service. A few reviewers mentioned problems with orders being incorrect or incomplete, and some felt the restaurant was too crowded. Despite these occasional drawbacks, many customers express a desire to return, citing the enjoyable atmosphere and friendly service as primary reasons. The restaurant's festive decorations and live music contribute to a vibrant and enjoyable experience, especially during the Christmas season. However, a few reviewers noted that the festive offerings were not always delivered as expected. The restaurant is well-regarded for its presentation of meals and attention to detail, creating a memorable dining experience for many. Its location near Oxford Street makes it a convenient escape from the bustling shopping area. While some find the prices high, others believe the overall experience justifies the cost. The Ivy Cafe Marylebone is often described as a reliable and enjoyable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 020 3301 0400
- Website
- theivycafemarylebone.com
| Mon | 7:45 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 7:45 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 7:45 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 7:45 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 7:45 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 8:30 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.4 across the 70 places to eat we hold for Marylebone, where the most-reviewed is Carlotta.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are some signature dishes or drinks to try at The Ivy Cafe Marylebone?
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- How far in advance should you book a table at The Ivy Cafe Marylebone, especially for evenings or weekends?
- What is the overall atmosphere like at The Ivy Cafe Marylebone and is it suitable for special occasions?
- What interesting places or activities are located near The Ivy Cafe Marylebone to visit before or after dining?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.