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The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh, SCT

The Ivy on the Square

4.3
4.3
12401 Reviews
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, The Ivy on the Square is an all-day British brasserie serving modern British and international Ivy-inspired classics.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 129 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British, British, Breakfast
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 8:30 am–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 8:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 8:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    0131 526 4777
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Sean Burbidge
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town
  • Parking details
    Nearest parking is situated at Edinburgh Waverley train station.
  • Public transit
    Edinburgh Waverley station, 5 min walk from the station.
  • Additional
    Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Festive Breakfast Set Menu

    Nov 14, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
    The perfect way to start your day. Elevate your morning with our Breakfast Festive Set Menu, crafted to capture the magic of the season. Discover a selection of smoothies and breakfast classics, available for £16.95 per person.
    Festive Breakfast Set Menu Photo
  • Evening Festive Set Menu

    Nov 20, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
    ** Tables of 7 + must book the Festive Menu. The menu is priced at £55 per person. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas with our Festive Set Menu, crafted to capture the magic of the season. Dine from our three-course menu and delight in our show-stopping festive dishes, selection of fine wines and seasonal cocktails.
    Evening Festive Set Menu Photo
  • Daytime Festive Set Menu

    Nov 20, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
    ** Tables of 7 + must book the Festive Menu. The menu is priced at £50 for two courses or £55 for three-courses. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas with our Festive Set Menu, crafted to capture the magic of the season. Dine from our two or three-course menu and delight in our show-stopping festive dishes, selection of fine wines and seasonal cocktails.
    Daytime Festive Set Menu Photo

What 12,401 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Edinburgh/Midlothian

    Most Booked

  • Edinburgh

    Most Booked

12,401 Reviews
  1. DavidM

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall2Food2Service1Ambience3
    - Had to wait outside in the cold before they took out reservation - Staff were too busy to take orders - Food was really average - Red served in beakers - Large glasses of Red wine were actually small

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  2. MatthewW

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall3Food5Service1Ambience3
    Food was great. Service was poor. Had to wait 40 mins to get first drink, had to ask for order to be taken. Wasn’t offered dessert. Really let down our experience.

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  3. JaneM

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fantastic first experience at the Ivy on the square. Food was delicious as was the service with a special mention to Katie who could not have been any more attentive.

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  4. DonnaM

    Inverness

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    From the minute you enter The Ivy you are greeted by a cheery member if staff. Once seated our waiterJason came over to see what drunks we would like and gave us tine to peruse the menu. Once we had decided what we were having we waited only a short time till our first course arrived. The food was well presented and every course was excellent. The atmosphere is nice and would highly recommend

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  5. AlexH

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall3Food3Service2Ambience3
    Wasn't all impressed with my time at the Ivy, we opted for a festive 3 course meal. However we did not receive the added extras such as mince pies or Christmas crackers. Although the food was nice, the time it took for them to ask our order was very long. Service for drinks was very slow also, even with a bar on the 2nd floor. A flickering light above our table made it a challenge to sit through the meal, but we don't like putting up a fuss as it's a busy place. A couple next to us complained about their service time and received a subtle refund. Overall experience wasn't impressive, considering the cost of our meal. Won't be rushing back there. Thanks

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  6. Annc

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall2Food2Service3Ambience2
    I visited The Ivy, Edinburgh on Thur 7th Dec. On arrival we were seated upstairs near the window where it was extremely cold and the air con was on. On three occasions we asked different waiters/waitresses if it could be turned down. On each occasion we were told it would be, to no avail so we sat for the whole meal very cold and uncomfortable. My friend ordered the chicken with fried egg for the main course. On arrival it was extremely burnt and dry and to be honest was extremely disappointing considering the price of it. I’m sure a better offering would have been delivered at McDonalds! For a restaurant as prestigious as The Ivy we were surprised to be seated next to a table where 2 young mothers were breastfeeding very young babies and two toddlers at the same table were up and down continuously being pursued by their fathers. Not quite what we expected for such a high class establishment, All in all we were not impressed and would find it hard to return to your restaurant. To say our meal, myself and another friend had the duck curry, was disappointing is putting it mildly. Your feedback would be appreciated. Ann Connell

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  7. DerekT

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall1Food1Service4Ambience2
    Chicken was raw, scallops undercooked, steak undercooked, very over priced for what it is had far better meals at half the price. Service was only saving grace our waiter Jason was first class but the food very poor and as before said overpriced greatly

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  8. belindae

    East Sussex

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall3Food4Service2Ambience3
    Service poor, had to ask 3 times for vegetarian menu and drinks cane after we had finished our meal. Has to ask 3 times for mayonnaise. We waited 30 mins for our bill. This was my daughter birthday celebration and spoilt the celebration. Food was good but lacking attention to detail with us.

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  9. ConnieC

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We had the most amazing afternoon tea with champagne! Service was 2nd to none and the food was just delicious! Can't fault the waiters or service, everything was splendid and just what we needed. Thank you - we will be back!

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  10. AnneS

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our party vey much enjoyed lunch as is reflected in the scores I have provided.

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  11. HazelH

    Angus

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    We had a wonderful festive lunch and cocktail. Our host was brilliant from start to finish, great experience when looking for something a little more special, lovely food and good value

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  12. Cara

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall2Food2Service2Ambience4
    Unfortunately a poor experience tonight at the Ivy. We ordered starters and mains. The starter took 25 mins to arrive and literally about 90 seconds later after it was set down in front of us, our mains arrived so we hadn’t even got the chance to start eating the starters by the time the mains arrived. The mushy peas were cold and the fish was undercooked. I sent the peas back to be reheated and they never came back. Service was incredibly slow all round and the food was a let down. Shame as I normally have a nice meal here.

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  13. Dianec

    London

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall1Food1Service2Ambience2
    First time for taking my man to the Ivy in Edinburgh, lady on reception was very pleasant. We were upstairs , again not a problem. Our server was not great , not a lot of personality or cheer. We were so disappointed with the food, starters of prawn lobster cocktail, lobster was very limited. Fish and chips, all frozen , waste of money . My mam said she would never go back .

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  14. IainP

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall3Food2Service3Ambience4
    This review is for afternoon tea, not for lunch or dinner. I do not think my experience was good value for money. The salmon sandwich did not "feel" very fresh (the bread was soggy), the salmon was very, very thin. I could not have the chicken with mayonnaise as there was truffle in the mayonnaise which I do not like but there was not an option to have non truffle mayonnaise. Four scones (for the two of us) but the jam provided was barely sufficient for one scone. The piece of cake provided was very sweet (sugary) and very small. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this experience which is in contrast with that of having lunch / dinner in The Ivy.

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  15. LorraineA

    Roxburghshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    great afternoon tea, lots to eat. I had a voucher given as a present which was great until I had to pay for 2 drinks value £15.00 which is not the issue but be wary a service charge is put on the bill of at least £9.00 which we could have refused but the service was good. Dont know if this is stated when you get a voucher that you have service charge to pay.

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  16. Margot

    Angus

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall1Food2Service1Ambience2
    Waited 45 minutes for main course to arrive. Drinks were also forgotton. Manager apologised but ruined my anniversary meal. Will not be back

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  17. IainF

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Excellent venue,food and service no complaints from our party.

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  18. Margaret

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall4Food5Service5Ambience5
    Had a lovely table upstairs. A bit disappointed we didn’t get the little birthday candle… I had mentioned birthday on my booking. My guest and my 75 th birthday celebration. Otherwise excellent as always

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  19. NicolaF

    Cumbria

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience4
    Good excellent as always. Room was cold though. Very quiet.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall3Food4Service3Ambience1
    Food was good, but heating not working and was not told. Waiter told us everyone has been complaining. Not good for business.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Yorkshire

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall2Food2Service4Ambience2
    The venue was excellent, with a good vibe. Food was mediocre and very overpriced. Our first visit, will definitely be the last.

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  22. NatalieC

    Derbyshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We had amazing experience Everything was outstanding from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left was just perfect! We felt welcome and looked after not to mention delicious food beautiful served. Highly recommend to everyone Thank you

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall3Food2Service4Ambience3
    Very expensive for what is is. Good was average. Staff was pleasant

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience5
    We enjoyed a very delicious lunch but felt that being rushed to settle the Bill at 1 hour and 15mins was rather short for the price we were paying This should be highlighted at the point of booking

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    Felt food was average but quite expensive! Service was ok but no real checking if everything was ok ! Was December so busy but still should be bit more interaction

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    Overall3Food4Service3Ambience3
    We chose the Ivy as a special place to have lunch whilst Christmas shopping but were disappointed to find out they had run out of Prosecco. We asked if anything else bubbly could be served by the glass but they said no. This was a real shame and id have thought they would be more accommodating.

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  27. Alexander

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Good food (we had fish) and very attentive service.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience5
    The food and ambience were great, the waiting staff were attentive but front of house should hide their frustrations of customers arriving earlier than their booked time. Overall the experience was good.

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  29. KirstyC

    Glasgow

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Enjoyed our festive dinner although we had booked a set menu which didn’t seem to be available on the day. Nevertheless, the food was delicious. It was exceptionally noisy in the restaurant upstairs! Did have to shout a bit to be heard by my fellow diner. Festive drinks were also amazing!

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Perthshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    First time visitor and I would definitely return - food was amazing and staff were very attentive! surroundings were decadent and beautiful!

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    My mum and I thoroughly enjoyed our Afternoon tea. Good was terrific and the service was excellent. The only thing I would suggest is instead of 4 currant scones make 2 plain and 2 current as everyone doesn't like the current ones. Otherwise excellent.

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  32. GraceB

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fabulous waiter service and exceptional food . Can’t wait to come back . Thank you all

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience4
    The food was lovely though I like my crème brûlée to be crisp on top otherwise it was very good. A little noisy but on the whole did enjoy my visit.

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  34. Kazza

    Edinburgh

    14 reviews

    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall2Food3Service1Ambience3
    A bit disappointing tbh. Not up to usual standard. There was a mix up over our starters (between the waiter and the manager). When we explained what had happened the manager wasn’t really interested. Spoiled our Xmas lunch.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Amazing service, fabulous food. A really great experience for breakfast!

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  36. MaxineJ

    Buckinghamshire

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Excellent food. Excellent and friendly service. 5* all round. Thanks.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    Overall2Food2Service5Ambience2
    Our experience was poor as 2 of the party got wrong starter and we only realised this later the mains , one was too spicy even though it was made clear to server she couldn’t tolerate spicy food, so sauce had to be changed at a cost to us,, the service charge was too much and explanation for this was inadequate, premises was cold and not much Christmas atmosphere.

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  38. Christabelle54

    Hampshire

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    Overall4Food4Service3Ambience4
    Been a few times when we visit Edinburgh. Food is always lovely. Sadly there appeared to be a issue getting the drinks. Almost through our first course before they turned up after repeated asking?? The white wine my OH ordered for the Salmon first course arrived in time for the end of the meal. The hot sauce to go over my pudding turned out to be the one for my OH, so the "ball" didn't melt, got it right second go but both sauces made it very sweet. They did take a %off the bill, but not the normal standard expected from this chain. The staff I hasten to add charming but something was wrong.

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  39. caroliner

    Bath

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience5
    Nice Xmas atmosphere, food was okay not special (chicken a bit dry)

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  40. Guesty

    London

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    Overall1Food1Service2Ambience2
    Not recommended at all. Food very poor, service mediocre and ambiance lacking. Very disappointed and won’t be going back.

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FAQs

The Ivy on the Square is rated 4.3 stars by 12401 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 129 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Ivy on the Square

6 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, SCT EH2 2BD

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Old Town
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 8:30 am–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 8:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 8:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British, British, Breakfast
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Nearest parking is situated at Edinburgh Waverley train station.
  • Public transit
    Edinburgh Waverley station, 5 min walk from the station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Sean Burbidge
  • Additional
    Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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