When it comes to restaurants in Brighton, there is probably no other that is both as visually appealing and glamorous as The Ivy, found on Ship Street.
We went along recently to try their Autumn menu, which was beyond spectacular. Every bite was tastier than the last. Also, if you’re more into Asian food, then you just need to pop next door to Ivy Asia.
Known for refined elegance and a menu that balances classic British comfort with a modern twist, The Ivy provided a memorable meal that captured all the warmth and indulgence of the Autumn season.
Starters
The Truffle Tagliolini made for an indulgent start, with its al dente durum wheat pasta bathing in a rich, cheesy sauce. The black truffle was generously grated, infusing the dish with an earthy aroma and elevating each bite to creamy, savory perfection.
The dish managed to balance decadence with simplicity, letting the truffle’s rich depth shine without overpowering. Paired with a light glass of wine, it was a beautifully satisfying introduction to the meal.
I am a sucker for a pasta dish and this certainly lived up to expectations!
The Main
There’s something deeply comforting about a shepherd’s pie (maybe it’s because I grew up eating it at home), and The Ivy’s version did not disappoint. Their Classic Shepherd’s Pie featured a mix of slow-braised lamb and beef (making it a bit of a cottage pie and shepherd’s pie combo), layered with a red wine and rosemary-infused sauce that had simmered to rich, savory perfection.
The cheddar mash on top was smooth and golden, adding a hint of sharpness that balanced the depth of the meat beneath. Each bite felt like a tribute to the changing of the season, providing a filling, warm, and incredibly tasty dish.
Dessert
For dessert, I went for the Sticky Toffee Pudding, a quintessentially British treat made even more indulgent here.
The warm, sticky dates combined with a salted caramel sauce provided a beautifully rich sweetness, with clotted cream on the side adding a cool, creamy contrast. And the final flourish, a hint of gold flakes, made this dessert feel extra special, both in flavour and presentation.
I didn’t realise I liked sticky toffee pudding until about 1 year ago, so I have a lot of making up to do and plan on eating it a lot over the next year!
The Drinks
The Ivy actually produces their own range of wine, while I was captivated by the prosecco, which was a little sweet and went down so easily! Seriously, we need to find the vineyard and visit some time as it was delightful.
We also had some Singleton Whisky to accompany our dishes, which went down very smoothly and definitely left us feeling pretty merry!
Would I Go Back Again?
In a heartbeat! This is easily one of my favourite restaurants in Brighton and I’d strongly recommend visiting. They have a number of restaurants across the country, especially in London, so if you’re not close to Brighton then you might want to have a look for your nearest one.