The Ivy adds another famous name to Dubai restaurants

London West End’s favorite theatre district restaurant, The Ivy, has opened in Dubai. In London this restaurant is as famous for the celebrities who eat there as the food, although that has a very good reputation too.

Intrigued ArabianMoney summoned up an old friend and went to find out if anything has been lost in the translation to Dubai. The anticipation reminded us of Gordon Ramsey’s arrival in the city nine years ago (click here). Well, it is a bit quiet in summer and we don’t get out as much as we used to!

Location, location

The location is rather different to the original. The Ivy Dubai has replaced Scarlett’s in the shopping arcade between the twin Emirates Towers, and is franchised by the Jumeirah hotel chain. But this is very central for downtown Dubai and the financial zone.

Inside the Ivy is a faithful copy of the London interior with cosy green leather alcoves and harlequin lattice windows as well as some rather monstrous chandaliers. There is also a smattering of modern art on the walls.

We only saw one of Dubai’s beautiful people, Eileen Wallis with some lady friends or colleagues, and also a few wealthy looking men in white. Sadly Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow were not in town.

My friend’s kedgeree was pronounced delicious and seemed a good choice for a light, fishy lunch. I went for the signature shepherd’s pie made with both lamb and beef, according to the Foodiva review (click here).

It was very tasty and a reminder that not all traditional British food is awful. The same could be said of the nicely baked gooseberry tarte to follow, although I was seduced by a perfectly runny slice of gorgonzola cheese served with sun dried tomatoes.

Pricey wine

The wine list is extensive but you can’t find a glass for less than AED50 which is a bit steep, although typical of Jumeirah wine pricing. Clearly a substantial expense account is a requisite if you have a big deal to celebrate here.

We liked the slick and unobtrusive service but noted that like any new restaurant in Dubai there seem to be far too many staff, something that usually changes after the first six months.

Actually a quick lunch was not really doing The Ivy justice. There is a very long dessert menu and a lot of hearty main courses that really demand more serious attention. Still that is something to come back for and maybe we will spot a film star next time!