Living in the UAE, we’re accustomed to an alternative weekend, so it’s little wonder that The Ivy have created a traditional Sunday lunch and rolled it out on a Saturday. Mirroring its sister restaurant in London, with panelled walls and plush seating, you could easily imagine yourself stepping off a cobbled street on a cold Sunday afternoon and entering a slick West End restaurant for an impromptu lunch with friends. The UAE venue is exactly what you’d expect from a name renowned for its celeb fan base.
DÉCOR
The interior nods to retro London but with a modern edge. Everything from the leather seats to the whiter-than-white tablecloths and miniature lamps exudes classic British charm, but refreshingly, there’s a Middle Eastern influence with paintings from local artists on every wall.
FOOD
Seeing as we were there for a Sunday roast, it goes without saying that we had a roast. However, instead of being a simple meat, two veg and roasties ensemble a la Grandma, there’s a slick sophistication to each dish that even the most culinary-proficient nana couldn’t match.
The delectable twice-baked cheese soufflé is well worth the calories, but if you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, the shrimp cocktail with Marie Rose sauce is the perfect choice. For the main event we highly recommend the traditional roast beef with all the trimmings – indulgent but not fussy, it’s the Rolls Royce of roasts.
Desert is a dieters nightmare, but we can confirm that the banana sticky toffee pudding and apple and blackberry crumble justify an off-day.
AMBIENCE
Being a name that’s synonymous with celebrities, you’d think The Ivy would be OTT, but it’s quite the opposite. The waiting staff are attentive but not overly so, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet not pretentious, and the overall focus is on stripped back quality.
WHY BOTHER?
This place is a bit of a treat, without being a blowout. The three-course lunch menu is fantastic value, and it allows you to have a real Sunday roast minus the hassle of cooking.
GO FOR
Impeccable service, wonderful food and suave décor.
THE DETAILS
The Ivy | The Boulevard, Ground Level, Jumeirah Emirates Towers | (04) 3198767
