Cardiff is blessed with some beautiful restaurants, but The Ivy Asia is one that remains firmly at the top of our list for both atmosphere and consistency. Our latest visit was to try the two-course Samurai Menu, priced at just £28.50 per person – and it proved once again why this is one of our favourite places to dine in the capital, because even on a budget, the food, the atmosphere and the service were all exceptional.
From the moment we arrived, the welcome was first class, warm, polished and effortlessly professional. The interior never fails to impress either – dramatic, opulent and unmistakably Ivy Asia. It feels like an occasion every time you step through the doors, with an array of bright, eastern colours, gold buddhas and a jewelled-like, abalone floor.
Starters Worth Sharing (Even If One of You Eats More!)
For starters, I chose the Barbeque Duck Salad, while my husband opted for the Spicy Tuna & Sesame Sushi Roll. In true us-style fashion, we shared both – although Mark definitely ate far more than me, given my significantly smaller appetite these days!
The duck salad was packed with flavour, beautifully balanced and fresh, while the sushi roll delivered just the right level of heat and texture. Every mouthful was a real treat – refined, generous and perfectly executed. It’s one of those places where everything works together, no matter what you choose.
We also have to mention the amazing alcohol-free cocktails which we sampled for the first time – and it definitely won’t be the last. It’s been some time since either of us drank-drank, but often the selection of alcohol free drinks can be boring.
Not here – not at all. Mark’s Cherry Lemonade was a very easy-to drink blend of Seedlip Spice 94, Cherry Chu Lo Soda, vanilla & passion fruit cordial and slid down effortlessly. A definite welcome change from ‘I’ll have a Coca Cola please’!
I indulged (and it felt VERY indulgent) in a ‘Dreams of Cherry Blossom’ and honestly, one of the nicest cocktails I have ever enjoyed, a lovely blend of Tanqueray 0.0%, cherry blossom, grape juice,
lychee, citric blend – so good, it was hard to miss the alcohol! (And so good I had to treat myself to a second one with my main!)
A Comforting, Generous Main
For our main course, we both chose the Makhani Chicken Curry – spice-marinated chicken in a rich, creamy, mildly spiced tomato curry sauce, served with fragrant jasmine rice.
It was beautiful. The sauce was luxuriously smooth, the chicken tender, and the portions far more generous than you might expect at this price point. It’s the kind of comforting, flavour-packed dish that leaves you thoroughly satisfied.
The Ice Cream We Didn’t Need – But Couldn’t Resist
Despite both being completely full, we remembered how much we love the Ivy Asia Soft Serve Ice Cream, served with a rich dark chocolate sauce. For just £5 extra, it felt impossible to say no, although there were plenty of other dessert options – all of which we have tried, tested and loved across our many visits to this, our favourite place to eat.
In hindsight, our eyes were definitely bigger than our bellies – we probably should have shared one – but it was every bit as indulgent and delicious as we remembered.
Exceptional Value in a Stunning Setting
As always, the food, service, staff and atmosphere were all first class. What makes the Samurai Menu particularly special is the value. At £28.50 for two courses, the quality is every bit as impressive as the main à la carte menu – but at a fraction of the usual spend.
If you haven’t tried The Ivy Asia in Cardiff yet, this offer is the perfect excuse. It’s refined dining without the hefty price tag – and in a setting that never fails to wow.
Will we be back?
At this price, try stopping us!!