Suzanne had been several times apparently, but I was an Ivy Asia newbie. She had raved about it, but I do like to make up my own mind.
It’s hard not to be struck by the interiors as soon as you approach the restaurant. Everywhere you look is an attack on the senses. The floor glows and there are two giant cherry blossom trees in the centre of the room set the scene for how you would imaging the famous cherry blossom displays in Asia to be.
We were greeted by a lovely lady and shown to our table. Throughout our time there, the staff regularly came over to replenish our water, ask if we needed a top up of wine and to generally make sure we were enjoying the experience.
I was particularly struck by the table setting. I expected chopsticks, given where we were but the napkin holders were exquisite. I’m not surprised that the waitress took them away when she placed our napkins on the table as I can see how someone unscrupulous might be tempted to pop one in their bag! There, I said it!
As I hadn’t been before or eaten Asian cuisine, I left the ordering up to Suzanne. Even though I found the menu a bit confusing, given that there were small dishes, large dishes and separate side, Suzanne made light work of it and chose two starters and two sides. When they came, they both looked amazing. They say you eat with your eyes and our eyes were wide open taking in all the colours.
What Suzanne enjoyed…
Prawn Tempura Roll (6) £9.50, Szechuan Glazed Chicken Skewers, pickled mouli and chives (3) £8.95, Agyu beef skewers, teriyaki spring onion and sesame (2) £10.95
What I had…
Dry aged beef sirloin (220gm 8oz)
The food all came out together (which is important and not always the case) and hot (again another top priority for me).
We had to get back for meeting, so we didn’t stay for dessert, even though the options of Samurai’ (£9.85) – a dark chocolate mousse that came with brownie pieces, vanilla ice cream and chocolate pearls and the ‘Green Lantern’ (£9.50), made up of white chocolate and Yuzu cheesecake, raspberry and chocolate pearls, and mango sauce sounded delicious and, looking over at other diners’ tables, as I did as their dishes arrived, theirs looked decent portions and, again, very attractive on the plate.
We ordered from the main menu so when you add up all the individual dishes, it can get a bit pricey but, if you’re watching the pennies, then at the time of writing, the Ivy Asia is offering a £22.50 All Day Two-Course menu so very affordable.
To sum up…
The Ivy Asia is a visual and taste attack on the senses and one that you have to try. You won’t regret it.
The Ivy Asia
45 The Hayes
St Davids Centre
Cardiff CF10 1GA
Nearest Car Park
St David’s Shopping Centre
Nearest Train Station
Cardiff Central
029 2280 6280
Follow on Facebook at The Ivy Asia
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