Wow! This is a truly wonderful dining experience unlike any other. The Ivy Asia Guildford exceeded our expectations and is definitely the place to see and be seen in the beautiful town of Guildford. With sublime food, great service, cool cocktails and out of this world décor. The Ivy Asia Guildford is fitted beautifully with stunning artwork, Asian fabrics, colourful wallpaper and antiques, the first floor is designed to be an elegant yet vibrant space to dine and enjoy.
OUR EXPERIENCE
On arrival we were shown to the bar to order pre-dinner cocktails by the lovely front of house Jake; who was chatty, friendly and informative about our upcoming Ivy Asia experience, even posing for pictures in his traditional Asian attire.
The first thing you notice about The Ivy Asia is the amazing décor and illuminated onyx flooring, stunning artwork, colourful wallpaper and antiques. The first floor is an elegant yet vibrant space to dine and enjoy – with a DJ playing most nights. Alongside the main restaurant and bar, guests are able to enjoy sushi bar seating too for a more relaxed vibe.
We ordered 2 cocktails from the extensive list that came highly recommended, ‘Matcha Smash’ with Kyoto Gin shaken with yuzu, ginger and matcha green tea syrup and a ‘Lavandula Martini’ with Haku Japanese Vodka, cherry blossom, lavender, lychee and lime juice.
And here is why Ivy Asia is so different and wonderful – the flavoursome drinks were unlike anything we have ever tasted before! No predictable Sex on the Beach or Pina Coladas in sight… new, interesting and tasty drinks packed full of flavour – and with the Matcha Smash flashing green light drinks coasters and the beautiful and sweet floral, purple haze of the Martini – these are cocktails for all the senses.
2-2-2
We were enthralled by the menu and new way of ordering, where we were recommended to try 2 from the first page, 2 from the second and 2 from the third by Imogen, our attentive and wonderful waitress for the evening. The dishes turn up as and when they are ready so there is always something delightful to eat at any one time. No extra rice or sides were recommended to order – and this was brilliant advice as we were not full up or overloaded on carbs.
We went for Edamame, Wagyu Beef Rolls, Chicken Teriyaki Skewers and Tempura Prawns from what I suppose would be the entrée/starter section of a traditional menu. The Wagyu Beef in the rolls was cooked medium rare, being so soft and tender it literally melted in the mouth. The Chicken Skewers were succulent and cooked with a slight crisp which was lovely, and the accompanying Teriyaki sauce was sweet, sticky and flavoursome but not too overpowering, so the flavour of the chicken came through as well.
The Tempura Prawns were delicious, the batter was light and crispy with no hint of grease. Much to our delight they were also huge and five of them. Although with two eating we did argue over the fifth one… a sign they were that good!
Next up was the Mains (or the third section of the menu that is like Mains)
I ordered the Miso Black Cod, and my guest ordered the Chicken Avocado Salad. Both were great but the standout dish of the evening was definitely the Black Cod. Having eaten at Nobu, Tamagan and Buddakan in NYC; considered among the best Asian inspired restaurants in the world – this was by far and away the best black cod we have ever tasted. It literally slipped away in chunks as the fork touched the fish and the Miso Sauce was divine.
This was the most varied menu too – although we didn’t end up ordering the dishes that come with smoke, huge oversized presentation platters and monkeys or ducks but have pictured it here for your perusal! The Ivy Asia Guildford is a tremendous experience and one that must be sampled – great for parties/groups, special occasions or a night out with friends.
CONTACT
To book a table:
Tel: 01483 958880
Web: www.theivyasiaguildford.com
