Written by Lisa Baker
Last week my husband and I made our way to The Ivy in Cardiff to sample their new special Downton Abbey Menu – and enjoyed every moment.
The Ivy exudes glamour and elegance, so paired with this special menu, at a very reasonable price, we honestly couldn’t have had a more perfect evening, so when combined with the setting and stunning food, the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere combined a sense of timeless elegance with the vibrant buzz that makes The Ivy such a favourite.
We began with a selection of dishes for the table: freshly baked bread, courgette fritters, and indulgent truffle rice balls. Each was beautifully presented and packed with flavour. The courgette fritters were light and crisp, the bread warm and comforting, and the truffle rice balls—rich, velvety, and utterly decadent—were the star of the trio. A word of advice: the portions are very generous, so one between the table is more than enough – we found ourselves filled to the rafters before the starters even came. Thankfully we hadn’t eaten all day and the food was so stunning, somehow we managed to find room for the main event!
For starters, I opted for The Salade Du Verger, a refreshing and colourful dish with chicory, figs and pecans adding a delightful sweetness and crunch, and Mark chose the Severn & Wye Valley smoked salmon, a classic done to perfection with silky texture and a delicate, smoky flavour. The portions on both were again, generous and did not reflect the offer price in any way.
I normally never order a salad, but determined to try something new, I gave it a try and am so glad I did.
I’d say this starter was one of the nicest I’ve ever had in any restaurant, the silky feta sauce combined perfectly with the chicory, figs and pecans. It’s the first salad I’ve ever raved about and I’d have it for dinner every day if I could – truly, as visually beautiful as it tasted. I’m a definite fan and I hope it finds it’s way to the regular menu!
Moving on to mains, my husband thoroughly enjoyed his steak, cooked exactly to his liking and accompanied by all the finesse you’d expect from The Ivy. I chose the Classic Shepherd’s Pie, a hearty and comforting dish elevated with tender lamb and beef. We ordered a selection of the seasonal vegetables on offer. Both were presented spectacularly and fed the eyes before feeding the stomach. The whole meal provided the perfect balance of tradition and refinement, and every bite was warming and satisfying – and very filling!
So filling, in fact, that we truly struggled to eat dessert, so we opted to share a single Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a classic set vanilla custard with a caramelised sugar crust. Again, the portion was very generous and we saw other tables order the Orchard Apple Tart and the Ivy’s Tiramisu Cheesecake – again really good portions and both looked absolutely stunning.
Priced for 2 Courses £27.95 | 3 Courses £34.95, this really is a deal not to be missed, accompanied as ever by the perfect service and delicious wine list that the Ivy has built it’s reputation on – altogether a perfect night out for an extremely reasonable price that costs little more than two bar meals at our local pub.
The Downton Abbey menu at The Ivy Cardiff delivers on flavour, quality, and presentation, all while offering generous portions and a dining experience fit for an occasion at a fabulous price. Whether you’re a fan of Downton Abbey or simply looking for a memorable meal in the heart of Cardiff, this menu is available from 3 September – 14 October | 11:30am – Close.
A visit is highly recommended – but at this price, I’d recommend booking in advance!