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The Ivy St Helen's Square York

Restaurant | York | England | United Kingdom

Elegant brasserie in York

The restaurant "The Ivy St Helen's Square York" in York, England, is an elegant brasserie that belongs to the renowned Ivy Collection and is distinguished by its combination of stylish ambiance and elevated British cuisine. Located in the heart of the historic city, it offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists. The decor is truly eye-catching: with a design by Martin Brudnizki, the restaurant features art deco elements, such as a shiny marble bar, golden pendant lights, and comfortable orange leather banquettes that create a luxurious yet inviting mood. Artwork inspired by the region adds a personal touch to the space and emphasizes the connection to the city of York.

Modern british cuisine experience

Culinary-wise, "The Ivy St Helen's Square" represents a modern interpretation of British classics, served throughout the day—from breakfast to dinner. A highlight is the Shepherd’s Pie, a traditional dish made with juicy lamb mince, creamy mashed potatoes, and a spicy note that captures the essence of British comfort food. Also popular is the Blackened Cod, a perfectly grilled cod fillet with a smoky seasoning, served with delicate side dishes that showcase high-level brasserie cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, the Flourless Cappuccino Cake offers a delightful surprise—a chocolatey, caffeinated dessert that impresses with its light texture and intense flavors. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, such as the Roasted Butternut Squash, which delights with its sweet notes and crunchy components.

Afternoon tea experience York

The restaurant is not only known for its main courses but also for its afternoon tea experience, which is considered one of the best in York. This includes freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, delicate finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine cakes served on a classic three-tier stand. The option to complement the tea with a glass of champagne makes the occasion even more festive. The breakfast offerings, including a hearty full English breakfast or fresh smoothies, also attract many guests looking to start their day in style.

Luxurious dinner at restaurant

The atmosphere at "The Ivy St Helen's Square" is characterized by a lively elegance, amplified by the attentive and friendly staff. It is equally suitable for a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or a larger celebration—there is even a private dining room called "The Etty Room," which impresses with botanical prints and luxurious details like a marble floor. Guests appreciate the attention to detail, whether in the presentation of the dishes or the thoughtful gestures of the service, such as complimentary desserts for special occasions.

Local ingredients in gastronomy

"The Ivy St Helen's Square" places great importance on high-quality ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, and offers a drink menu that leaves no desire unfulfilled, featuring a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers. Seasonal adjustments to the menu ensure there is always something new to discover, while the classics remain a reliable constant. For those who wish to take the experience home, there is also a takeaway service that makes popular dishes accessible.

Contact details

Web

Phone
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Address
2 St. Helen’s Square
YO1 8QP York

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday8:30 - 0:00
Monday8:30 - 0:00
Tuesday8:30 - 0:00
Wednesday8:30 - 0:00
Thursday8:30 - 0:00
Friday8:30 - 0:00
Saturday8:30 - 0:00

Reviews

2943 Reviews

Darren Nico
09.03.2025

Nice place food nice quality little more would be nice 🙂 and the chocolate caramel bomb is a major go !
Codrut Iugulescu
08.03.2025

O locație plăcută pentru un cocktail
Clair Eades
07.03.2025

Seated opposite the stairs to the toilets, even though we had booked a table. Not asked what type of tea we wanted, given a dish water tea (pale even after 1/2 hour brewing). Given defrosted dairy free scones, half the size of the dairy version of scones, taste less. Noisy, bad taste in music, the music in toilets was a lot better! Definitely not worth the price of £33.00! Go to Betty’s instead.
Kath Warburton
04.03.2025

Great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Karen Kemp
02.03.2025

I had a beautiful birthday lunch here with my family on Saturday. Amazing food and the staff really looked after us. Special thanks to Eze for being so lovely and nothing was too much trouble.
john Goodson
02.03.2025

Very nice place
Denise Squires
02.03.2025

Great place to eat right in the centre of York Had to sit upstairs where the atmosphere isn’t a vibrant as downstairs The staff and service excellent
John Rosling
27.02.2025

Lovely lunch in quality surroundings and with great service.
Guy Phoenix
27.02.2025

Great food.
Shane Jackson
27.02.2025

Thankfully the reception staff managed to fit a family of four into the restaurant without making prior reservations, the lady at reception was very nice and accommodating. Our server, unfortunately, I didn’t get his name was really nice, helpful and smiley. Yes, this is what they get paid to do however it seemed like he liked to be there! Overall it cost £160 however this included a bottle of wine of £30 and a service charge of £17.50 the family all had a main meal and a dessert so in the big scheme of things not a bad price to be in a lovely restaurant
Michael Allsopp
25.02.2025

Loved the atmosphere in this place the food was great and the staff were very welcoming.
Norma Davies
24.02.2025

Lovely food, great service.
Russell Davies
24.02.2025

Highly recommended.
Melanie Francis
24.02.2025

The worst roast I have ever eaten — very dry chicken, a hard Yorkshire pudding, and barely any (watery) gravy. No one asked how the food was, and we had multiple different servers attending to us. I was left standing at the host stand for a while waiting for my coat, only to end up getting it myself as I had a train to catch — only then did a staff member hurry over to do it. No “thank you” or “goodbye” when we left. On a positive note, the cocktails were great, the restaurant was stunning and stylish, and they remembered that I mentioned it was my partner’s birthday. They even brought out a really nice cake — a lovely touch! A very ‘old money’ feel to the place.
Linda Paterson
21.02.2025

Nice restaurant nice atmosphere, service was good however we were promised 2 hours on the table yet were being asked to leave after 1.5 hours without even having seen a desert menu which made us feel unwelcome. Most of the food was lovely although the steak came rare when we asked for it medium and was very chewy.
Chris Way
20.02.2025

Our booking was yesterday evening and we were disappointed by the lady that “greeted” us. We merely wanted to confirm that our booking included the children’s main meal was included free of charge as per the offer on the app. She rolled her eyes and was unhelpful - clearly was her job as she was wearing the ivy jacket. The rest of the evening was lovely. Rose our sever was excellent, the food was good and the gentleman who served our desserts was friendly and helpful. Just work on the meet and greet as this lets you down and is not how customers want to be treated!
Alana Loughrey
17.02.2025

Went for a valentines meal on Friday straight away on arrival the main desk lady was gobbing off at another waitress in front of guest which wasn’t very professional at all, we ordered steaks which turned up cold the sauce was only warm, we also got overheard another couple returning a few plates back due to poor standard. Definitely not returning
Shaun Frew
16.02.2025

Pretty poor food I thought Been to Manchester ivy few times and been fine. Fillet steak was ok nowt special. Don’t know why I got charged more than online for Sunday steak
Cody
15.02.2025

To the manager We visited The Ivy York for Valentine’s yesterday 14.02.25 - 16.15pm, when we walked in we were sat down at our table and really from then the service was extremely poor. We order x2 Starters x2 Mains x Deserts as-well and Drinks, the starters came and were pleasant then the Mains came….steaks, after she put my plate down and left I realised that mine was a sirloin and I had ordered a Rare Ribeye. I tried to get the attention of the waiter to tell them about this issue not once did one member of staff come up to ask how our meal was during any of the 3 courses the plates were simply just taken away. When the waiter came to get our plates I told her I had ordered a ribeye which I got a frown and she said I’ll check. This waiter never came back to let me know I was right, around us 3 other people got there steaks all wrongly cooked or the wrong cut of meat, the deserts came again nothing mentioned. Out of a 3 course meal I couldn’t believe the level of service that we received, finally the bill came which they had removed my steak as I never ordered a sirloin which I accepted but then they had automatically added a £20 Service charge which I asked them to remove and I explain why I wanted it removing because in my eyes there was no service, others around us all agreed and the waiter just laughed at us took the payment and went discussed this with another member of staff then eyeballing us all night while we finished our drinks. Then 3 members of staff stood watching us waiting for us to leave as we were finishing our drinks/conversation I have never felt as uneasy in a restaurant. Travelling all over the world has allowed me to dine in some of the top restaurants and this is up there with the worse level of service. If you are always unhappy with the service don’t be afraid to get the service charge removed. This morning we went to Betty’s Tea Rooms right next door for breakfast blown away by the service of the waiters how efficient and welcoming they are, 3 times we were asked if eveything was okay and made feel welcomed, please get some lessons from next door and don’t be so rude to people and you might actually get a £60 tip like the staff at Betty’s received this morning. The member of staff who took payment is pictured below 0 Stars From us, after reading the other reviews seems The ivy has lost its touch and my partner has already said she will never dine again! You really need to look at your staff you are The Ivy for goodness sake you should have your service skills nailed. Through my business I dine alot of my clients and suppliers from Germany especially in this country and I can honestly say i would be embarrassed if I had gone to this restaurant with them I want to know what you will do about this and how you can rectify the problem as I want to try Ivy Asia in Leeds for a business meeting in May I would appreciate your reply,again to address these issues on the night would have been to upsetting for us to do on our Valentines night.
efi vs
10.02.2025

Highly recommend…

 

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