The Ivory Club — Restaurant in Frankfurt

Updated review from 27.11.2024

Disappointing Service Spoiled Our Special Day

I have been a loyal customer of the Ivory Club for several years, visiting for special occasions and bringing clients from work for dinner. The food has always been delicious, and the ambiance is lovely. However, the service during my recent visit for our 10th wedding anniversary was shockingly disappointing and has changed my perception of this restaurant.

We visited with my husband and 8-year-old daughter and were attended by a waiter whose behavior was rude and unprofessional. He seemed displeased to see Indian guests in the restaurant, which was quite surprising and disheartening.

We ordered drinks, a water bottle, two starters, and two main courses, which we thought was sufficient for two adults and a child. However, the waiter repeatedly pressured us to order more, seemingly irritated by our choice. When the main dishes were delayed, we politely asked if one of them could be brought out sooner as our child was hungry. His response was curt and dismissive, and his tone was unnecessarily harsh.

Thankfully, another server, a polite and friendly lady, took over and attended to us for the remainder of our meal. However, the damage was done, and the rudeness of the initial waiter had already spoiled our special day.

While the food was as excellent as always, service is just as important as food and ambiance in a fine dining experience. Unfortunately, the lack of respect and warmth we experienced this time has left us deeply disappointed.

I cannot recommend this place anymore, especially given similar experiences shared by our friends. Restaurants need to value all their patrons equally, irrespective of their background. Sadly, it seems that Ivory Club does not uphold...

Booked this restaurant for a special dinner. Made a reservation for 8.30pm which was confirmed. Got to the restaurant at 8.30 and was told table wasn't ready and could have a drink at bar. No problem we said , so my husband ordered a beer and I wanted wine so deferred to wait till we got table to choose bottle. So 15 min goes by and as nothing was happening , I approach the man in charge to ask when our table will be ready ? he says the table would be another 15 min or so or I could take a table at the back . So given this was already late and we were hungry we agreed. So the table they gave us was right at the back , beside end of bar and very soon we noticed that it was right beside where the bar staff load and unload the dishwasher. All we could hear was clinking glasses and staff working. Not really in line with the romantic dinner I thought we were going to have when I booked it one week in advance . So I approached the man again and complained. His attitude was terrible and basically said that he did have a table available for our reservation ( referring to the dishwasher table ) and that he had offered us a better table just at the side of where the entrance to the kitchen was ( which he did not ) . I explained again how I had a reservation for 8.30 and this was not acceptable customer service. He didn't give a damn and there was no apology for any inconvenience, just an attitude to me basically that we were over reacting. So we left . In short , The service and attitude of the staff was terrible and not something we are used to in our country so it was a very disappointing night...

The one best thing is Ambience, old royal interiors fully with elephants, peacocks, pictures of royal things. Tables are very small, place is crowdy, staff is neutral, not so welcoming. Food is quite okay. Being a north indian vegetarian, we first ordered veg appetizers (pani puri- overpriced) but had fantastic near to authentic north indian taste, seems like satisfaction to my taste buds. In the main course, there are not much options for people like me( vegan), just limited to 3-4. One indian bread (naan/garlic-naan mediocre price) is sufficient for mid-size-diet of 2 people as it was very thick and cold without butter too. Although we did not ask for butter seperately. One main course veg (palak paneer- overpriced) was okay in taste, had a creamy and sweet taste and non-spicy. We did not ask for spicy one, so can't comment if they make it or not. Every main course veggie comes with complementary rice bowl. Only bottled Water is available. For wine /alcohol, you may order on table or have it in thr the bar. The highlight is that in Germany, for the first time in my experience, they asked for a tip which is surprising for me. While giving the bill, they ask for it, as if forcing to pay. Doesn't matter if the bill is close to 100 Euros. So, under pressure we also paid for the tip even after having medium tasting food for double price. Can be visited once....