Some restaurants make you feel that you have to whisper, and then there are restaurants that loudly announce themselves. Ivy Asia Chelsea is firmly in the second camp. Vivid in colour, theatrical in presentation and unapologetically high-energy, it sits on the King’s Road like a lacquered jewel box thrown open to spill maximalism all over the pavement – it’s glossy, lit like a nightclub and deliberately excessive. Yum.
Set just steps from its more genteel sibling, The Ivy Chelsea Garden, this Asian-inspired offshoot feels like a knowing wink to its postcode. Chelsea has always liked its indulgences visible: fashion worn to be seen, restaurants that hum with conversation, evenings that feel choreographed rather than accidental. Ivy Asia Chelsea fits neatly into that rhythm, offering escapism with a capital E.
King’s Road thrives on contrasts: old money rubbing shoulders with influencer gloss, boutiques flanked by pubs that have seen decades roll by. Ivy Asia Chelsea leans into that eclectic confidence. From the outside, it promises glamour; inside, it commits fully.
The decor is maximalist Asian fantasy rather than a subtle homage. Jewel tones dominate, lacquered reds and luscious murals offset by gold detailing. Cherry blossom unfurls dramatically across the ceiling, creating the sensation of dining beneath an eternal spring. It’s immersive, slightly surreal, and intentionally over the top. The floor looks like slices of bright green geode have been used to make tiles, and the bathrooms have images inexplicably intruded upon by big red tentacles, reinforcing the sense that you’re stepping into a carefully designed world rather than simply a dining room.
The atmosphere matches the visuals. This is not a hushed, reverent space — it’s lively, chatty, buoyant with laughter and clinking glassware. Tables lean close, conversations overlap, and there’s a steady hum of celebration. Our waiter, Mo, navigated it all with ease: attentive without hovering, warm without rehearsed charm. In a room this busy, that balance matters.
The cocktail list at Ivy Asia Chelsea is as flamboyant as the surroundings, and it’s worth starting here. Our first round set the tone. The Citrus White Lady, built on Ki No Bi gin with yuzu triple sec and lemongrass, was sharp, aromatic and clean – citrus-forward without tipping into sourness. It cut through the sensory overload beautifully, acting almost as a palate reset.
Alongside it, the Sakura and Lychee Martini leaned softer and more perfumed. Ketel One vodka, Lillet Rosé, cherry blossom, lychee and lime combined into something gently floral and faintly sweet, without veering into novelty. It’s a dangerous kind of drink — elegant enough to disguise its strength.
Starters: Precision and Restraint (Mostly)
First courses arrived with a visual flourish but were largely delivered on flavour too. A Thai-style duck salad came dressed with hoisin and peppery mizuna. The balance was bright and satisfying, though the duck itself played a slightly supporting role – delicious, but sparse compared to the enthusiasm of the seasoning.
The sushi course, however, was faultless. A spicy tuna and sesame roll showcased exceptionally fresh, succulent fish. When the kitchen accidentally included cucumber – something we’d asked to avoid – the response was immediate and generous; our amazing waiter Mo, produced an entirely new set without fuss and without us even having mentioned the error. It’s a small thing, but at Ivy Asia Chelsea, that attention to detail reinforces the sense of polished hospitality beneath the spectacle.
By the second round of drinks, we leaned into spritz territory. The Pomelle Spritz, with Pomelle & Elderflower aperitif, Prosecco and soda, was light, floral and gently bitter – a perfect midpoint refresher. The Black Cherry and Lychee Spritz was fruitier but stayed balanced. Cherry liqueur, lychee cordial, Dreamsake and mint created something refreshing rather than cloying, designed for sipping rather than statement-making.
Mains: Richness Meets Restraint
Main courses at Ivy Asia Chelsea continue the theme of generosity — in portion size if not always depth. The lobster rendang arrived rich with lemongrass and curry leaves, studded with lychees and water chestnuts. It was indulgent and aromatic, though it lacked the deep, slow-burnished intensity that makes traditional beef rendang so compelling. Still, paired with rice, it was undeniably comforting.
The black cod miso was the standout. A substantial portion of Alaskan sablefish, slow-roasted after a 48-hour miso marinade, arrived glossy and yielding. Sweet, savoury and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that earns its place on the menu without relying on theatrics.
Sides were well-judged accompaniments rather than afterthoughts. Kimchi fried rice brought tang and gentle heat, cutting through richer elements on the table. The miso aubergine, topped with masago arare, leaned more towards sweet and sticky than umami-heavy — enjoyable, though perhaps less complex than expected.
A showstopping finale
Dessert at Ivy Asia Chelsea is not a quiet ending. The festive origami dessert – a seasonal showpiece easily big enough for two – was exuberant. Dark chocolate mousse, chunks of brownie, popping candy and sharp clementine sorbet collided in a riot of texture and temperature. The zingy sorbet sliced cleanly through the richness.
Seasonality clearly matters here. While we didn’t order it, the festive golden marinated duck for two made its presence felt across the room, arriving inside a life-size metal duck wearing a tiny straw hat. It’s gloriously absurd and entirely on brand. Look out for other seasonal menus, such as the Moon Festival Afternoon Tea.
Final Notes from Ivy Asia Chelsea
What this restaurant offers is not subtlety, nor does it pretend to. This is dining as spectacle, atmosphere as much as appetite. Some dishes shine brighter than others, but the overall experience is cohesive, confident and unashamedly fun.
For Chelsea, it feels exactly right: polished, performative, and just indulgent enough to feel like a night out rather than merely a meal. Whether you come for cocktails, celebration, or sheer visual drama, Ivy Asia Chelsea knows exactly what it is — and delivers it with a flourish.
The Ivy Asia Chelsea
King’s Road
London SW3 5ED
United Kingdom
