Ivy at the Shore — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Celebrities without the paparazzi. I live two blocks away. Met my well known actor friend there for a late lunch. Walking into the restaurant I feel light, breezy and priveledged. Am i in the Bahamas? That is the decor. Light and breezy. Wicker and flowered walls, a very light and bright feeling. As you walk in you are greeted by a smiling host offering you a glass of champagne on a tray. I sat comfortably there in a wicker high backed chair adjacent to the bar. Classy waiting area. My friend arrived and we were shown to a comfotable 2 top. My friend Curtis said "last time I was here it was with Bruce Willis when we were doing the series Moonlighting " We sat in the very same seats. Overall the feeling is once again light and breezy with a bit of importance because this restaurant and it's sister restaurant The Ivy on Robertson in Beverly Hills is frequented by celebrities. And well known for this being a celebrity favorite. Once walking by I talked with Rob Reiner waiting at the valet for his car. Very nice chat with a nice person. Celebrities know that paparazzi haunt the place (more so in Bev Hills location). Maybe they want to be seen. Most likey there is someone at the Ivy who alerts TMZ when celebs come in OR they may try to protect them from the Harvey Levin brigade if asked. Fact is they know they are going to be seen here. So if you're a celebrity hound there is no better place to go than the Ivy. I had a fresh fish plate (Sea Bass I think) and it looked and tasted fantastic. My friend's fish was even better. My entree was a little over $60 which is not in my price affordability. Wrapping up I felt special being there. Food, company, ambiance all famtastic. If you're comfortable spending 80+ dollars per person in a very nice airy place where you might be sitting next to a celebrity, the Ivy at the Shore is definitely the place. I felt special and priveledged to be there. I have nothing bad to say about The Ivy at the Shore. Afterwards you can cross Ocean Ave. and enjoy a walk in Palisade's Park overlooking PCH and the Ocean and pier. There are monuments and history to explore like a 27,000 pound cannon from the 1800s and armed forces standing tablets. There is a white marble fading monument to John Paul Jones in the shape of a high backed bench. Near the end of his life he would come every day to sit here and watch the ocean. You can feel...

We strolled by this place on a whim, and it turned into one of the most magical dinners we’ve ever had. From the moment you step into the cozy glass atrium filled with flowers, art, and soft golden light you’re transported. It’s romantic, colorful, and joyful, like dining inside a painting.

The service was flawless attentive, kind, and unhurried. We’re fast eaters by nature, but their rhythm between courses made us slow down and truly savor every bite.

We started with the guacamole and chips—chunky, bright with lemon, perfectly salted. As we ate, the sky turned sherbet orange over the ocean, the Ferris wheel lighting up the horizon.

Michael had the filet mignon, buttery soft and tender, with a rich steak sauce. I had the Jidori fried chicken, golden and crisp outside, juicy inside, with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted corn on the cob, and a mango chutney that hit the perfect sweet-tart balance.

Before dinner came warm rustic wheat bread dense yet airy, served with soft salted butter that tasted homemade. Every detail felt thoughtful and timeless.

And dessert? Absolute perfection. The waiter told us everything is made fresh in-house because The Ivy began as a dessert shop. We shared the Homemade Profiteroles with pistachio, vanilla & Stracciatella Ice Cream a homemade delicate pastry filled with silky vanilla ice cream laced with thin ribbons of chocolate, topped with warm fudge that melted right in. Heaven in every bite.

By the time the stars appeared through the glass ceiling and the jazz played softly in the background, we were just sitting there in awe full, happy, and completely in love with the moment.

The Ivy at the Shore isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Beautiful, soulful, and unforgettable. Our new favorite place in Santa Monica. ❤️ Sorry desert went quick no...

Shame on you, Ivy! Disrespectful. Unacceptable service. I walk w my Mom who has disability in Santa Monica and we decided to get lunch in Ivy. Walked in and got a small table for two outside. Ordered margarita and oysters ...did not like anything from the menu as a main dish and ordered coffee. The waitress said we must change the table, since we are not ordering main dish! He took us inside. Man I wish I would leave right away. He showed us where we need to sit. We sat. 5 min later another waitress came and asked what we are ordering. I answered that we are still waiting for our coffee. He said we cannot sit here. Seriously?!? I said that his colleague sat us here. Ok 15 min later another waitress approached us. Asked if we need water. I ordered a bottle of water and asked about our coffee. We got our coffee finally and the bottled water. My Mom wanted to use a restroom and since she is disabled I walked her in there. Upon return we saw that our table is clean, our bottle of water is gone and other people are sitting already at our table! I had to payout bill standing in the middle of the restaurant! How disrespectful! I left no tips for such unwelcomed visit Btw, while they were traveled us from table to table I noticed that people don't finish their food. 1/2 of the plates were taking away by waitresses. Their portions are not huge, so I guess their food is not that great anymore. Also, people were sitting with dirty and empty glasses. At the places of such level it is unacceptable! You will not see such service in Europe. I will post this to all social media I have. I remember celebrating my birthday at this place several years ago, when they were serving champagne to visitors while they were waiting for their table. Good times are gone! Never again! I...