A Night of Colour, Flavour and Theatre at The Ivy Asia Chelsea – There are some restaurants that feel like an occasion the moment you step through the door and The Ivy Asia Chelsea is very much one of them. Sitting proudly on the ever-buzzy King’s Road, it promises a journey inspired by the rich and vibrant flavours of Asia, and from the second we arrived, it delivered.
The décor is unapologetically bold and wonderfully theatrical. Jewel tones, dramatic lighting, rich textures and intricate details create a space that feels luxurious without being intimidating. It’s vibrant, opulent and a little bit playful, the kind of setting that instantly lifts the mood and makes the evening feel special.
The warm welcome set the tone straight away. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive without hovering, making the whole experience feel relaxed and unrushed, something that can’t be underestimated when you’re settling in for a proper evening of food and conversation.
Cocktails That Set the Scene
We began with cocktails, and they were every bit as theatrical as the surroundings.
The Mango Sling was tropical and indulgent, blending Ron Santiago de Cuba Blanca with coconut liqueur, Midori, pineapple and mango, lifted with lemongrass, lemon and finished with a delicate coconut espuma. It felt like sunshine in a glass playful, balanced and perfect for easing into the evening.
Alongside it, the Yuzu & Passion offered a lighter, fizz-forward contrast. Made with Forgotten Yuzu, pineapple and passion fruit cordial, Dreamsake, Prosecco and Fever-Tree soda, it was bright, refreshing and beautifully aromatic — ideal if you prefer something crisp with a subtle exotic edge.
Small Plates Worth Sharing (and Savouring)
We chose to dine à la carte, allowing us to explore a wide selection of dishes, though there are also set menus available if you’re after a more curated experience.
The starters were a real highlight.
The Sesame Prawn Toast arrived crisp and golden, with a satisfying crunch and a gentle kick from sriracha and lime — comforting yet elevated. The Popcorn Shrimp, crispy fried tiger prawns served with spicy mayo and lime, were dangerously moreish and ideal for sharing.
Another standout was the Ebi Prawn Tempura Nahm Jim — crunchy king prawns paired with fragrant chilli, ginger, coriander and palm sugar. The balance of heat, sweetness and freshness was spot on, making this one of those dishes you keep thinking about long after the plates are cleared.
Mains That Deliver on Drama and Depth
For mains, we leaned into some of the restaurant’s signature flavours.
The Salmon Teriyaki was beautifully chargrilled, glazed in sweet soy and served with pickled radish and lime, adding freshness that cut perfectly through the richness of the fish.
The undeniable star of the table, however, was the “Black Cod” Miso — slow-roasted Alaskan sablefish, marinated for 48 hours and glazed to perfection. It was silky, deeply flavoured and effortlessly indulgent, the kind of dish that justifies its reputation bite after bite.
We added a Cucumber Salad on the side, tossed with peanut, chilli and coriander, which brought a welcome crunch and freshness to the table, balancing the richer flavours beautifully.
A Dessert Finale Made for Sharing
Dessert came in the form of The Golden Dragon, a generous selection of desserts designed to be shared. It felt like a fitting finale, playful, indulgent and perfect for lingering over while soaking up the atmosphere just a little longer.
The Verdict
The Ivy Asia Chelsea manages to strike that elusive balance between polished and fun. It’s a place that works just as well for celebrations as it does for long-overdue catch-ups, offering not just food, but a full sensory experience.
From the unique décor and friendly service to a menu that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully put together, it’s a restaurant that makes an evening feel like an event. Stepping back out onto the King’s Road afterwards, it was clear this was one of those meals that stays with you — not just for what you ate, but for how it made you feel.
If you’re looking for somewhere glamorous, immersive and full of flavour, The Ivy Asia Chelsea is well worth adding to your list.
Poppy Watt