The Ivy Cardiff, located in the heart of Cardiff's St David's Centre, offers a stylish all-day dining experience across two floors. The menu features British classics, Asian-inspired dishes, and vegan options, catering to a wide range of tastes. The restaurant's Art Deco-inspired interior includes a bronze Welsh dragon above the mirrored bar and botanical prints, creating a vibrant and elegant atmosphere. Open seven days a week, The Ivy Cardiff serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails, making it suitable for various occasions.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.5 12,817
- Google 4.4 1,899
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,100
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating to Special Occasions The Ivy is a great place to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Staff members often go the extra mile to acknowledge these events, such as providing complimentary desserts or drinks.
- Beautiful and Stunning Decor The Ivy boasts a visually appealing interior design, creating a luxurious and memorable atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor enhances the overall dining experience.
- Excellent Service from Specific Staff Certain staff members, such as Solomon, Pat, Mimi, Ammar, Oliver, and Chelsea, are frequently praised for their exceptional service. They are attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and go above and beyond to make the dining experience special.
- Good Gluten Free Options The menu has a fair amount of gluten free options available and the restaurant is understanding of Gluten Free needs.
- High-Quality Food Presentation and Taste Many reviewers rave about the food's delicious taste and beautiful presentation. Dishes are well-prepared, flavorful, and visually appealing, making for a delightful culinary experience.
Criticised
- High Prices for Average Food While the ambiance is beautiful, some diners find the food to be average and overpriced. The quality of the food doesn't always match the high prices, making it a less satisfying experience.
- Inconsistent Service Quality Service can be slow and inattentive at times, especially when busy. Some staff members may lack experience or attention to detail, leading to delays and a less polished dining experience.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can be quite echoey, making it difficult to have conversations, especially for those with hearing impairments. This can detract from the overall dining experience.
- Potential for Dietary Restriction Issues The menu's allergen labeling, particularly for gluten-free options, can be unclear and unreliable. This may cause concern for diners with specific dietary needs, requiring extra caution and communication with staff.
- Seating Discomfort Some tables, particularly fixed bench-style seating, can be cramped and uncomfortable, especially for larger groups. This can make it difficult for diners to move around and may impact overall enjoyment.
The longer read
The Ivy Cardiff receives high marks for its stunning decor and ambiance, creating a special and memorable dining experience. Many reviewers describe the restaurant as beautifully designed with a great atmosphere, making it a visually appealing destination. Several reviewers highlight the decor, calling it 'stunning' and a 'work of art'. The atmosphere is frequently described as 'lovely', 'relaxed', and 'special'.
Service quality appears to be a key differentiator, with numerous reviewers praising attentive, friendly, and professional staff. Specific staff members, like Solomon, Pat, Mimi, Ammar, Chelsea, Oliver, Eve, Chris and Janet are frequently mentioned for going above and beyond to make the experience memorable. The restaurant is noted for accommodating dietary restrictions, particularly gluten-free options, with staff demonstrating knowledge and understanding of allergies.
Food quality receives generally positive feedback, often described as delicious and well-presented. The menu offers a range of options, including set menus that some reviewers found to be good value. Portion sizes are generally considered adequate. Some specific dishes get repeated positive mentions, including scallops, fish and chips, and the afternoon tea (although some found the afternoon tea disappointing, others enjoyed the fish). The festive breakfast also received positive feedback.
However, some negative aspects emerge. Slow service is a recurring complaint. Several reviewers mentioned long wait times for food and drinks, with some feeling the restaurant was understaffed. A few reviewers found the service inattentive at times, needing to seek attention from waiters. Another recurring negative is the automatic service charge, with some reviewers expressing a preference for discretionary tipping based on their experience.
Inconsistent food quality was mentioned by a few reviewers. The steak received mixed reviews, with some finding it inedible. Also, the fries not being celiac safe. Some found the food to be average, particularly given the higher price point. Some reviewers felt that some dishes were overpriced for what they were.
Accessibility is also a concern. One reviewer noted difficulty navigating the many steps to the toilets, particularly with a broken lift, and suggested a need for a downstairs disabled toilet.
In summary, The Ivy Cardiff offers a visually stunning and generally enjoyable dining experience, particularly noted for its attentive service and accommodating staff. However, potential customers should be aware of possible slow service, the automatic service charge, and potential inconsistencies in food quality. Those with mobility issues should inquire about accessibility.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 029 2233 8940
- Website
- theivycardiff.com
| Mon | 9:00 - 23:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 23:30 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 23:30 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 23:30 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular dishes and specialties at The Ivy Cardiff?
- What is the dress code for dining at The Ivy Cardiff?
- Is it necessary to book a table in advance at The Ivy Cardiff, especially on weekends?
- What is the overall atmosphere and interior style of The Ivy Cardiff like?
- Is The Ivy Cardiff a good choice for group meals or special occasions?
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.