Ivy at the Shore

Service is great food is mostly real good. The steak however was dry and too fatty and unseasoned and not good quality cut. For 350 for a steak I would expect close the most excellent experience. Wil return again for everything else.

The food, atmosphere and quality of service is far above what one would normally expect. If a delicious meal mixed with a fine dining experience is what you are after, it’s to be found here. I can highly recommended any item from the menu, my favorite is the chilaquiles. I have never had this dish prepared so perfectly outside of Mexico, my wife had an omelette that was packed with fresh vegetables it could have been mistaken for a garden salad. Bottom line, it’s a bit pricey, however, every dish that is brought to the table reflects the care that goes into the preparation of every item.

Amazing find. We were heading to the Santa Monica pier and our Lyft driver stopped right in front of this spot. We looked inside and could not resist having lunch there. It is an amazing place, a feel like a kick from the 1960s Cuba, rustic elegance with superb service. Definitely a relic from a different time that rises above all of the kitsch of Santa Monica pier. Don’t eat on the pier, spend the bucks and eat here. The food is unexpectedly simple and elegant. Not food you will find in other places. And the staff is gracious, patient, accommodating, and grateful. They have been trained extraordinarily well, and everyone knows their job and does it without prompting. The decor is fascinating, vibrant, engaging, entertaining. Fresh roses at every table. A place one could sit and appreciate for hours. Never been to a place like this. Music was a bit odd - recording of female vocalist doing anything from Billy Joel to Carole King to Deep Purple. That’s the only thing that didn’t quite fit. On the other hand, maybe it’s just the quirk this fabulous spot needs. This is a place you DO NOT want to pass up. Worth every penny and the time spent.

During an early morning stroll along the Santa Monica promenade, we started to feel peckish. So, we decided to stop in at the very unique and quaint Ivy at the Shore restaurant. It was a beautiful and comfortable place to sit and eat breakfast while enjoying a view of the ocean shore. The staff who were very attentive greeted us warmly and Carlos helped us with suggestions on what to order. I had the scrumptious breakfast pizza topped with a poached egg and washed down with incredibly fresh squeezed orange juice; my wife had the French toast, and my daughter had the crab benedict. Then when it came to dessert time, I ordered the blackberry apple crumble, my wife ordered the heavenly key lime pie, and my daughter ordered the cup of berries. I had a great conversation with the staff about the history of the restaurant, as well as its beautiful and comfortable atmosphere. This place is definitely worth visiting when you're in the area.

Place was very crowded around the time I came.. Had a reservation but got seated 10-15 minutes later. The presentation of food was great but the taste… Everything I had including the salad was bland. This was very disappointing because you would think if the food was expensive, it would at least be good. The only thing I would recommend is the fried calamari, fresh pineapple juice, and passion fruit tangerine sorbet. I would not go back, but it is a cute restaurant just for the aesthetic.

I just got one cocktail and it was good. [Watermelon Margarita] Could have been slightly more balanced. Trying the Arugula salad with peach burrata and tomato. Very good. Same with the Fish & chips. It's more of a variety platter of squid, fish, and baby octopus. Very flavorful and not overly heavy for fried food. [I'm broke so I can't speak on the prices. But it's pricey*]

We had an amazing experience!!! The food was amazing and the service was impeccable.

This is an awesome restaurant to gather for great food and service. The fresh cut hardy 🌹 roses on each table are beautiful touch. The decor is inviting as well beautiful. Cloth tablecloth is a perfect touch for this ocean view restaurant. Perfect date restaurant. There are three dinning areas. There is a heated patio area in the front of the restaurant, a main dining area and a heat lanai. The Crab cakes are seasoned with a burst of flavor. I enjoy my Main course shrimp salad with large chunks of avocado. (DELICIOUS 😋). The drink menu is vask in selection. There was soft music playing throughout the restaurant. Juan and Jesus were our waiters, and I enjoyed every minute with them. We had fresh bread with warm soft butter. Our 🍷 wine was a perfect touch with our meal. Valet parking is available.

I love the Ivy for all the reasons people should love it. Not the fact that Gwyneth Paltrow or other trendy celebs dig it, but because it has been a tried and true mainstay in Santa Monica that never disappoints. Really? Where do they get the long-stem roses that have scent? The color of the restaurant and the integrity of the staff. The Ivy Gimlet says, "Wooooza! Yo! Maybe we nap after brunch?"

I came here for my nana's 92nd birthday dinner and was underwhelmed. I had heard such great things about the ivy and I didn't get to experience that. The decor is adorable and I loved the set up! I will start off by saying my drink was FANTASTIC! I got the black pearl and it was delicious. Also the crab cakes were some of the best I have had. I ordered the tuna tartar which was subpar at best. It lacked flavor and was overpowered by onion and avocado with very little tuna. Then I ordered the scallops which were good but the mashed potatoes were not great. For $58 I was left wanting more. I know we were a big party of 11 but the service was awful. They were also out of a lot of items and even out of cake and cookies so the only dessert was ice cream. I wish my experience was better but that's ok.

Horrified by the $21 tab to valet park at this restaurant. The breakdown was explained as follows: $17 with restaurant validation (already exorbitant), $3 "tax" (18%???), $1 credit card fee (we have to pay your 'price of doing business' expenses???). Even if their valet parking is subcontracted out, the restaurant is ultimately responsible for this offensive parking fee. Service was excellent as usual but food was mid, even the French fries were very mediocre at best. Won't return. Between my lunch companion and myself we paid $42 to valet park. Hard no.

I had a great experience at the Ivy in Santa Monica. The restaurant was beautifully decorated. I loved the table we were sat at. The food was delicious! I recently had to contact them about their delicious cookies and surprisingly heard back from them within the hour. Very personable and friendly! I can't wait to come back!

James is the best!!!! Ivy gimlet, salad and pecan dessert r my go to and his pleasant attitude always makes the meal more enjoyable

Had lunch here on a beautiful weekday afternoon. While visiting the Santa Monica Pier, one must check out the highly talked about Ivy on the Shore. Fair warning, it's not for an inexpensive date. The food isn't the best you'll ever have but it's crafted with a lot of TLC. Service is above average for sure as all wait staff support one another in managing all tables. The space is thoughtfully decorated, and projects a very bright and warm welcome into the restaurant. Valet parking available because as y'all know -- the Santa Monica Pier can be an impossible strip to navigate through for parking.

My husband and I had one of our first dates here back in the fall of 2000 and to this day (Nov. 2024) it's still so special for so many reasons! The food, (the warm vegetable salad is my favorite and I've tried replicating it at home but never quite capture it as perfectly as they do it.), the ambience, (during lunch or brunch you can see the pink Boganvilla through the patio windows looking out onto Ocean Ave), the service, (many of the servers have worked here over 30 years and are always so happy, polite and kind), the decor is light and bright and it's a little less crowded then it's sister restaurant in Beverly Hills. Highly recommend!

The ambiance is great. The food is awful. I had branzino with shrimp and beans. They fried the shrimp and fish in so much oil. The oil tasted really bad. Couldn't eat the beans because it was too hard. It was not cooked enough. When I told the waiter, he said the beans are al dente. Didn't try to change or substitute with something else. The rest of our party didn't enjoy their food and couldn't eat it.

Forget about how amazing the food and the service is, but you also get the most unbelievable view of Santa Monica bay. Their menu has so many terrific items that it's hard to find just one thing to order. My wife and I shared the guacamole and a crab salad. Our friend ordered lobster tagliatelle. We tried an espresso martini, apple tartan and a sundae. James is an awesome waiter.

Went to an amazing private event today at this wonderful place! It's been a favorite of mine for years. The food was amazing, huge portions! The waiters were super polite and professional. The location is unmatched! Seaside with snacks was just what the doctor ordered!

A classic LA restaurant- fabulous decor, amazing ambiance and delicious food! I've been here so many times, and loved each visit to The Ivy! I arrived with a large party for a special birthday lunch - we were seated immediately. Food- never fails, crab cakes were delicious, Caesar salad was a little over dressed, and the wonderful brown bread was served at the end after they brought out the food- 4 stars Ambiance- I love the roses in the vases- so gorgeous with the floral plates. The room had a beachy island vibe.. Service - the servers were very prompt and the food came out rather quickly, which is okay since my entire table ordered the grilled vegetable salad (need to order the combo with the shrimp and chicken!). This was a Very Expensive Lunch! they charge $5 per entree for splitting the entrees, and we brought cupcakes and they charged us $6 per person to put our cupcakes on a plate with a candle ($48!) and called it a cutting fee! which is excessive in my opinion!!! Valet - $17 with validation.

So much better than the one on Robertson cuz you get a view! Love the Caesar salad! It's a wonderful corn chowder too! Omg love the plates and decor.

The food is awesome here the service is so fast and the workers are so nice. The ambiance is the best I have ever been to and chill. I have been going here for years and will never stop going!

Seemed overrated but I genuinely thought this by the shore location would have been better than an original one! Carlos was my server for the very first time and he had elevated the audience and services to another level!!

I have a wonderful experience at this restaurant with its awesome view of the Pacific Ocean. This is a great date restaurant as well gathering with friends. Juan and Jesus wear my waiters and I enjoyed their service. I never had to ask them for anything, they were ready to serve us. Our food was superb. I enjoyed my crab cakes with a burst of flavor. My main course salad was fresh with vegetables, shrimp and avocado. The vast variety of drinks gave us great options to our meals. This is a very beautiful restaurant with hardy bouquet of roses on each of the cloth tables. This restaurant has three beautiful dining areas, the front heated patio, main dining area and a heated lanai. There was music playing in the background that was wasn't loud. I enjoyed my experience here.

I slipped in just at 11 and they were gracious enough to serve me breakfast! OMGelicious Crab Cakes Benedict. It came so fast I wasn't able to fullly enjoy the cracked wheat (nom nom) roll. However, I'm fully enjoying it as well. The potatoes are cut, seasoned, and seasoned perfectly. Just the right crispness, too! The service is impeccable and the setting is a bit old- fashioned yet dreamy! One does not find fresh-cut flowers at a table, and the roses were an absolute delight for a Valentine's Day! Come for lunch! Reserve your dinner if you haven't already! If the breakfast is any indicator, I doubt you'll be disappointed!

I wish I could say that this place is overrated, but truly it is not. It's beautiful on the inside, the service is amazing, and the food and drinks are absolutely delicious. I asked my waiter what he would recommend I order for my lunch entree, and he suggested the shrimp tacos and I was not disappointed. My husband ordered the fried chicken and he said it was one of the best he's ever had. We love coming here for a cute and fun dining experience, and I recommend that you stop by and check it out as well.

I recently had lunch with a friend at Ivy at the shore and loved the experience. The food, service, and ambience was amazing and I totally made my first time experience here unforgettable. I ordered from the daily special menu and got the Tagliatelle past dish and brussel sprouts. Additionally I ordered a passion fruit mocktail that looked beautiful and was delicious. Our server was very polite and helpful, and customized my order as I don't eat pork. The beautiful flowers and decor makes you forget that you are sitting right across the ocean on a busy street. It was absolutely amazing and I added this place to my favorites!

The ambiance of Ivy is its best feature, as the meal was underwhelming, the crab cakes and steak did not make the grade, and the presentation of the bill to my date (she) was a shocker.

The ambience and the service is really great. Our waiter was really kind and very accommodating. We were there for breakfast, and I would say that the food is definitely expensive for the type of quality it was. We ordered the lobster omelette and the French toast. I really enjoyed the scone biscuits that were free, I could tell that they were homemade. In regard to the omelette, it was really just a regular omelette with chunks of lobster in it. Overall, the food wasn't bad, I am aware that all of the restaurants in Santa Monica are really expensive due to tourism, but I actually would come back to this place again for the ambience and the kind of treatment from the staff. I bet it's really beautiful at night. So the only reason why I would give it three stars out of five is just the food but overall I would give four out of five for the ambience and service. I would say check out this place for yourself.

It was easy to get a table for four at 6:30 pm only a day before. When we arrived, the restaurant was fairly empty - but by the time we left it was fairly full. There were a lot of tourists (which is obvious, given the location) and the spot is pretty cute -- visually interesting interior design that is also comfortable. The service was quick and attentive. The food was just okay. The tagliatelle with veal ragu bolognese was extremely watery. I was pretty surprised that this is one of their more well known dishes, because I definitely make it better at home following the NYT cooking recipe by Marcella Hazan. Overall, it's a place to come with tourists from out of town to show a good vibe and to enjoy the oceanfront. But don't come too hungry, because the food isn't great.

This beautiful restaurant is a landmark! Still here after at least 40 years! What a beautiful menu! I'm writing this as a vegan diner. I wanted to share that they were accommodating, and my party and I were able to enjoy the food, service, and atmosphere. Full menu. I had the vegetable salad and a cheese less pizza. Everything made fresh. The other diners in my party were so happy: best pasta ever and the salmon "came straight from the ocean"!

We go for the ambience more than the food, but what a mistake. The night we went the music being played was awful and the singer was clearly off key. We asked if there was a live band or something, as It was horrible. After several requests to change the music or maybe turn down the horrible music, we finally were told that the "owner" controls the music from her house and she was the one singing!!! We left after our drink and appetizer and went to Mon Ami to finish our meal. Fabulous music, ambience and food! We do not mind high prices for drink and food, even if average food, but only if the overall ambience is fantastic.

Come by here at-least once a month for lunch and i have tried a couple different dishes, lobster ravioli, fish n chips, enchiladas, indias burger, etc The place is nice, a little dated but its nice. The waiters are really cool, they never let your drinks get to the half way point and they are helpful and friendly. The food is consistent thats what i like about this place. My go to dish is the enchiladas, i always add an extra enchilada because i don't get full with the portion they offer, and tbh i would like them more if they made them with a green sauce instead of the red but thats just me being biased. The rice isn't to my liking but it's okay, it lacks flavor and the same goes for the beans i would appreciate them more if they were refried and tasted more traditional. Overall this place is consistent and a nice place to visit if you're in the area. Decent prices and amazing waiters.

My Goddaughter treated me to a birthday lunch here today the food was amazing, service was great and the ambiance was beautiful.

the food is very nice. We order the taco ， taste perfect. Near the Santa Monica pier, the atmosphere is cosy .

Huge let down! Saw this spot on instagram and was super pumped for the onion rings. The video I saw showed them served with multiple dipping sauces but these only came with ketchup.. maybe the other location has more sauces? Also ridiculously priced. I understand it's by the beach but lunch should not cost $300 for a salad, sandwich, onion rings and diet cokes. Service was also very fussy - like the wait staff acts like you're stupid if you ask for something specific. They also charged us $3.50 for a side of ketchup! Just not a great experience and food was not good either. Turkey tasted old.

Ambiance was great. The problem was the cold seafood platter for 85 bucks. I got two small shrimp three small oysters very small a little pile of tuna tartare and about a finger of lobster. It was quite a rip off. we ordered a glass of pineapple juice and the pineapple juice was $14 $2 less than the pizza which we ordered which was really bad as far as Margarita pizzas. the busboy was whistling when he came up to our table which I thought was quite unhygienic . I don't recommend this restaurant for anyone unless you just want to sit there and drink water

Breakfast pizza was delicious. Choice of Chorizo and cheese was sublime. Tad pricey, but worth it

Inside is a beautiful place with views of the pacific. The room is painted pink with various pictures. Not sure why it's not rated higher but the food here was delicious. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. Their blood Orange Margarita was great. Staff was super friendly and helpful, even got a plastic straw for me on request. Highly recommend.

The Ivy on Ocean Beach The environment was almost perfect (see below). We got there at 5p so it very quiet as we sat on the indoor patio watching the sunset. It did get a bit louder and noisier by 6:30p when we left. The service was beyond impeccable: very attentive but not hovering. I can't imagine better anywhere. The food was delicious. My wife had the lobster ravioli and I had the spaghetti with seafood. Both were perfectly done and delicious. My only disappointment was the minuscule serving of vanilla gelato in my affogato for dessert. There is only one reason why this establishment is getting 4 Stars, not 5. The background singing is apparently one of the owners of the restaurant. Her voice is nice, but not exceptional. The BIG problem was, because it's a recording we heard the SAME SONG SIX TIMES: it was "Hearts" by the late Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane founder in 1965, later with Jefferson Starship (think "Miracles"), finally with a solo career.) Now I've loved his voice and lyrics from the beginning. His songs have always touched my heart. But to hear the owner sing it 6 times was unbearable. I finally had to ask one of the staff to turn it off, which they graciously did. If you are the owner reading this: please let your ego get out of the way of your amazing and wonderful establishment. If you have to sing, create a tape of 30-40 songs to run the evening, and not the same ones over and over. Your guests will be thankful.

We had a great experience at the Ivy in Santa Monica. Service was great so was the food that we ordered a salmon pizza, breakfast pizza and the mozzarella egg white omelette. The ambiance was cozy outside and a beautiful ocean view.

I have been to the Beverly Hills location a few times and would say I prefer there over this Santa Monica location even though it's been open since 1985. In my opinion they have the best Red Velvet Cake I have ever had but it is overall the meal is overpriced for what you get. Also parking in this area is a lot trickier, your best option will be valet or one of the pay lots next-door for $15 for two hours. Our server was polite, although very busy tonight. This is a bit of a tourist trap in my opinion but still there are some good dishes. I started off with the Crab Cakes and they were pretty good although not great. I think they are overly expensive for $25 for three small cakes so I would not recommend ordering it. For my entrée I had the special for the evening: the Branzino & Shrimp. The Branzino was very tasty, although the shrimp was the tiny piece shrimp that you get in a regular shrimp salad. Wish it was prawns or something larger. The cannelloni beans on the side was a strange choice in my opinion, I would've much rather had a small salad, or even a type of rice. For dessert I got what I always get when I go to any Ivy location and it's the old-fashioned Red Velvet Cake. As mentioned, it's the best Red Velvet Cake I've ever had and would highly recommend it. I would honestly go there just for the cake. Overall, I know this is a famous LA restaurant that's been open since 1985, but I honestly would not recommend it over many other locations in town. It's not bad but it's definitely not great. Also, this is more of a casual place to go with friends or family. I would not suggest it as a business dinner or a date spot.

We were recently in LA for the first time and had a laundry list of food spots we wanted to try. The Ivy was on our list and knocked our socks off in every way. Service was beyond exceptional, the outdoor patio area was so quaint and comfortable and fun, and everything we ordered was fabulous -- there was not a crumb left of any dish. To start, we ordered the "best" crab cakes ($22); three lump cakes came in the order on a beautiful painted plate with a creamy and delicious aioli. For entrees, we had the lobster ravioli ($42) and the fish and chips ($32). Both dishes were phenomenal! The sauce on the ravioli was creamy, like a mix of marinara and alfredo, and paired so well with the lobster stuffed pastas. Our server informed us that the pasta was made in-house and filled that day; you could taste the freshness. My husband's fish and chips plate was huge and the fish was of hefty portion. There was no skimping at all with this dish. It was accompanied with fries and onion rings, he was thrilled. Our server also brought out a complimentary dessert for my hubs' birthday -- their famous "red cake" with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a big sparkler. Such a nice touch to end our lunch. This was by far our best meal of our trip, we loved the Ivy. Total for appetizer and two entrees was $105 before tip. Well deserved.

Not the worst ever, but for $100 solo at lunch, no alcohol no apps, I shouldn't have any complaints...let alone dirty facilities. Service is 5/5 -- outstanding Food is 3/5 -- kitchen doesn't try but doesn't fail Ambiance is 2/5 -- basic cleaning people! Facilities are not well maintained, let alone updated. They coast on legacy, and don't bother to do the minimum such as maintain restrooms. If you are a tourist who must have an Instagram pic here, fine, but for any local avoid! I'm sure they will keep making money on reputation and location, but it's fundamentally not a good spot anymore. Go across the street to the lobster.

This is my second time coming here! My first time we stopped here on a whim and it was great, I had the fish tacos! Let's start with the restaurant itself, ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Everything is pink and floral, amazing location for a a girls brunch or a pink drink. The service is impressive as well, we were taken care of by everyone who came in contact with us. Drinks were served in a timely manner, and while you waited they had these delicious traditional scones with salted butter and home made jam. The menu is very large!! And price point is high but realistically standard when you consider the location. They do not offer bottomless drinks so keep that in mind for my brunch eaters, nor do they offer alternative meats like veggie or turkey sausage. 10/10 would completely recommend!

Excellent service Somewhat pricy Good food - nothing to write home (or a review) about

Phenomenal lunch at the Ivy with our server Rick! The food and drinks were excellent, but the service set it over the top. Definitely would return, and it was worth every penny!

We had such a enjoyable experience. Food was delicious. People were pleasant and attentive. Restaurant was clean. $$$$ But the music. Holy smokes. Apparently, the owner actually sings on EVERY TRACK! Like bad karaoke. Don't wish to be mean. But man. Florence Foster Jenkins comes to mind.

beautiful restaurant but food quality has never been worse, everything was bland and sad (re: hot seafood platter, squash blossoms, fish and chips, seafood pasta) especially for price. service is also so slow. drinks are good but expensive, but you pay for the ambiance i guess. would not return to this location although other ones are still strong. ps. squash blossoms came with 3 tiny blossoms and 2 1.5in zucchini slices for $26

Cutest restaurant! Great food, great drinks and great service! Definitely recommend!

Super cute place, I wasn't expecting food was good but I they overcome my expectations. I ordered Classic Chilaquiles they were absolutely DELICIOUS and the Mocha Latte was the best quality coffe!

It was the best hospitality I have ever seen in my life. The waiters help you with their real smiles. The mushrooms in the risotto were fresh and the butter was good too. The ambiance is wonderful, a true California dream.

Came for brunch n the meal was ehhh. Service was good however the food was mediocre. You're paying to have roses on the table , be by the water n be entertained by ur waiter basically

When we walked in this place, we were instantly greeted by the host and sat almost immediately. The view from the patio was amazing, and you could see the beach from the windows, I'm guessing the price already includes the view you get from the patio which was very worth it. The food itself was amazing, I ordered a burger and the meat was cooked to perfection, fries were freshly made and overall tasted amazing and were crunchy without being dry. Service was great! Our server checked on us consistently, and brought bread for our table. When I'm in LA again I will definitely visit them again.

Beautiful decor. Pretty flowers, nice picture frames. Service was A+. Everyone was attentive and helpful. We had stoped by here after a long day at the universal studios. It was one of the few places that was able to seat us right away. We ordered caprese salad, meatballs and spaghetti, gosh tacos that came with rice and beans (big portion) and Cajun style swordfish. The best part was the caprese salad. The rest of the dishes were just okay. Service was impeccable !!!

Had such a wonderful time at the Ivy! The food and service was amazing and the drinks were some of the best I've had in LA! Highly reccomend here. Especially if you're coming with a group or for a business dinner.

Three stars only for the great service and cute decor. I've been here twice, once during brunch and once for lunch/dinner. Brunch is a lot better! The lunch/dinner food was really bad, and the drinks were very basic for the price. Everything is extremely overpriced for the most basic, nasty food. It's one thing to have expensive basic good food because of the location and ambiance but the food was horrible. The salad was a weird temperature, I thought it was going to be a cold salad but it came out lukewarm with shrimp. I don't know, it was really not good and for sure not worth the price. the risotto was not cooked all the way and it was like eating half-cooked rice with ketchup. I would not go back unless it was brunch.

Saturday night dinner at Ivy at the Shore and my favorite host/server, Ricardo took great care of me. Talked a little finance, traded info on hot stocks, caught up on life then it was time to order a drink. The bartender follows what I like to the letter. Ordered the Fish platter, everything was cooked to perfection! A great combination of fish, shrimp, scallops and calamari and a good helping of fries and of course, their bread! A great night and very energetic vibe, very busy and I'm not supposed to say, but there was a Dr. Dre sighting on the patio... since I was buy the door leading out he was sighted walking right by me but don't tell anyone! Of the many times I've been, Ivy at the Shore no matter what time of day doesn't disappoint. See you all again soon!