Hi everyone,


I'm planning a weekend trip to Los Angeles and wondered if anyone had been to this restaurant in the Beverly Hills area? I'm from Southern California so I'm familiar with how to get there and all but I've read reviews and they are mixed. Anyone have first hand experience here? Thanks!

It's been some years since I ate there, but I used to go fairly often. It's pricey and used to be (and still may be) a place to be "seen." The food was pretty good. Evidently, they've opened a branch in Santa Monica. I had lunch their last week -- good food, but expensive, good service, nice environment.

Last summer my husband & I went for lunch and the food was actually very good, much better than I expected for a place that is famous because of the people watching - and the portions were very large, we could have shared an entree and both been full. It was expensive, and watch out when they ask you if you want water, we weren't paying attention and ended up with an enourmous bottle of Evian on the table, that brought the bill up a little! We did see others drinking regular ice water, oh well - you live, you learn. But overall, it was a fun experience and a good lunch. I strongly recommend making reservations, we did a few weeks in advance, and we requested a patio table which we would not have gotten if not requested, it was full except for our little table when we arrived.

Have a good time!

yes, patio is great on the one on robertson.

but the ivy at the shore in santa monica is worth checking out as well. Food slightly better.

I go a couple times a year for special occasions. My Mom loves the place. I have actually grown to really like the food there. Definately a place to see and be seen. Pretty much every time I have been there someone famous has been there. Suggestions, Fried Chicken (on menu) or the off menu Enchilada or Carne Asada. Delicious. Make sure you get dessert (thats what the place was orginally, desserts only). Try to sit outside, or in the room just to the right (facing the Maitre'D) of the Maitre'D station. If they go to sit you behind the Maitre'D or in the room behind the 1st room, wait for something better. You will see no one in those places and for an out of town visitor, that would pretty much negate eating there. Money always talks when getting a table. You could call in advance, find out who is on that night call that person and let them know how appreciative you will be for a good spot... If you don't mind doing that.

People actually go to the Ivy for the food?

I went to the Ivy in Beverly Hills last year with three friends. I had saut�ed calamari for an appetizer and an amazing grilled vegetable salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette dressing. My meal was great, it�s a little pricey though. For the four of us the meal came to around $400.

thank you everyone for your replies. I really appreciate it. I guess this is the place to go. It was either The Ivy or the clubhouse at the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes. I'll go with The Ivy this time!

Welcome to Flyertalk, jquero
The grilled vegetable salad is one of the best dishes on the menu. It can be ordered with grilled shrimp or chicken. One order can definitely feed two as an appetizer.

I've always been a big Ivy fan, especially of the one in Beverly Hills and highly recommend it. Yes, it's a place to be seen, and you'll always see a few paparazzi standing near the entrance, but the food is pretty dang good if you ask me. Smoked salmon pizza

I think the Ivy is a great choice for lunch. Definitely request the patio when you book.
I am very fond of the crabs--both softshells if they have them and cakes.