The Ivy (Cambridge) Review

Situated on the charming Trinity Street, a stone’s throw from the historic heart of Cambridge, The Ivy delivers a dining experience that elegantly balances tradition with a touch of modern flair.

As you walk through the doors, the restaurant immediately extends a warm embrace, offering to take your coats and ease you into their well-designed space. The décor impresses without overwhelming—think Art Deco elements harmoniously married to a contemporary aesthetic.

Let’s move onto the main event—the food.

Food Quality

Our meal kicked off with starters of Salt & Pepper Squid and Roasted Scallops. Both dishes showcased the kitchen’s knack for extracting full flavours from simple ingredients. The squid was cooked to perfection—crispy yet tender, while the scallops were delicately seared and presented beautifully.

For the mains, we were equally delighted. The Ivy Hamburger was robust and filling, cooked exactly to specification. The Shepherd’s Pie offered a comforting taste of quintessentially British cuisine, with just the right balance of meat and mashed potatoes.

The Steak Tartare was an adventurous choice but one that paid off handsomely, exquisitely seasoned and full of flavour. And not to forget the Fish & Chips—a British staple, and at The Ivy, it’s done to perfection with flaky fish and crisp, golden chips.

Our drinks – the Sauvignon Blanc Tino and sparkling water – were well-curated and served promptly. The wine complemented our varied food choices beautifully,

Dessert

To round off this splendid meal, desserts were in order. The Crème Brûlée and Panna Cotta were both immaculate in presentation and taste—sweet but not overly so, allowing the natural flavours to shine. The Chocolate Bombe was a bit of a show-stopper, as visually pleasing as it was palate-pleasing.

Finishing with coffees and the espresso and Americano provided a fine close to an enjoyable meal.

What truly brought it all together, though, was the service. Staff were attentive without being intrusive, efficient without appearing rushed. It was an experience that made you feel taken care of from the moment you walked in to the time you reluctantly had to leave.

All in all, The Ivy in Cambridge offers a delightful gastronomic journey in a setting that feels both opulent and welcoming. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a meal that’s above the ordinary, but without any pretension.

4.7/5 - (26 votes)