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The Ivy
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Ivy
8.7
The Ivy is a celebrity-favorite Robertson Boulevard landmark where a flower-filled front patio turns outdoor dining into a full-blown scene. Classic California-Italian plates, strong cocktails, and see-and-be-seen energy make it a destination for celebrations and out-of-towners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Pasta with Ivy Pink Sauce, Grilled Vegetable Chopped Salad, Crab Cakes
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A flower-draped patio and celebrity energy that define LA outdoor dining.
Who should go: Visitors and locals craving a classic LA patio moment.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner for peak patio buzz.
What to order: Lobster pasta, crab cakes, grilled vegetable chopped salad.
Insider tip: Reserve well in advance and request the front patio for the most iconic experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is the primary option along Robertson and typically runs around the standard Beverly Grove rate; limited meter parking exists on side streets but fills quickly, especially during brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; polished outfits fit the scene, and many guests elevate with blazers, dresses, or upscale daytime wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively on the patio; still manageable for conversation but expect ambient buzz, especially during brunch and prime dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect 45–75 minutes or to be turned away during peak periods.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait if you arrive before 1pm; after that, the patio may require a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, pastas, and starters fit well, with the kitchen willing to adjust some dishes on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of salads and vegetable-forward plates can be modified, but dedicated vegan entrées are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several dishes can be prepared gluten-free, including select salads and grilled proteins; alert your server for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio setting has a cinematic, romantic atmosphere without feeling overly formal. It works best if you want to impress with classic LA charm and a lively scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Walk-ins are sometimes seated quickly on slower weekdays, but weekends and evenings almost always require a reservation to secure a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the patio is welcoming and staff are accommodating, but the scene skews adult and celebratory. Best for older kids or family outings where children can handle a longer, more upscale meal.
Best For
Better for: Iconic LA patio dining, people-watching, celebratory meals, and upscale California-Italian comfort dishes in a highly photogenic setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal; prefer modern, cutting-edge cuisine; or need extensive vegan or allergy-sensitive options.
The Ivy
8.8
The Ivy turns its flower-lined Robertson patio into one of LA’s most iconic places to linger with a dog at your feet. California-Italian plates, cocktails, and celebrity people-watching make it a splurgey but memorable pet-friendly outing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster pasta, Crab cakes, Grilled vegetable chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: An iconic white-picket-fence patio where upscale dining and dog-friendly service overlap.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners who want glam, pet-accompanied meals
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden-hour dinners on the patio
What to order: Lobster pasta, crab cakes, grilled vegetable chopped salad
Insider tip: Request a patio table along the fence line for maximum people-watching and pup space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available on Robertson and typically runs on the higher end; meter and street parking are possible but scarce during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Upscale casual trending dressy; polished outfits fit the room, but nice jeans with a sharp top are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on the hour; conversations are doable but expect a bustling patio atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to moderate waits, though patio tables can still fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of composed salads, vegetable starters, and a few mains that skew naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; the kitchen can modify several salads and vegetable dishes upon request.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly dishes available, and many pasta or salad items can be adapted with substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio’s flowers, white linens, and buzz create an instant sense of occasion. It’s ideal if you want impressive ambiance rather than a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but timing is key. Arrive early or be flexible about indoor versus patio seating. Peak hours often require a reservation for minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? It can work for older kids who enjoy dining out, but the setting is polished and celebratory rather than casual. Strollers can be tricky on busy patio days.
Best For
Better for: High-energy patio dining with strong celebrity spotting, polished service, and a glamorous pet-friendly atmosphere.
Skip if: You prefer quiet meals, budget-friendly pricing, or minimalist spaces without the scene-driven energy.