The Ivy Asia Brighton: great food in a stunning setting

The hype around the restaurants is well known and when it was announced we were getting one in the city I was just as excited as everyone else. 

Rave reviews have always followed The Ivy brasserie chain and the site in Ship Street is no different, but how would its new Asia-themed neighbour compare? 

I was lucky enough to be invited to The Ivy Asia to see the new location and try some of its dinner offering, just over a month after it opened. 

As soon as we entered the building we were greeted by smiling staff in the foyer and the gentle thumping of music. 

The Argus (Image: The Argus)

The restaurant, considering it was mid-week dinner time, was packed, with tables filled on both floors. 

A DJ booth sits by the entrance and looks out to the beautifully decorated space. 

From top to bottom it is fitted with colourful artwork, Asian fabrics, wallpapers, and antiques. The green onyx floor tiles glow in the sleek nightclub-like restaurant. 

As we had arrived early, my guest and I were seated at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready. 

We opted for two of the Asian-inspired cocktails on the menu. 

The Argus (Image: The Argus)

The K-Pop Passion (£14.75) immediately drew our attention but after only glancing at the description before we ordered, we were completely taken back when the bartender proceeded to set the passion fruit shells alight. It was certainly a sight as it glowed atop the martini glass. 

The drink itself was Absolut Vanilla Vodka, passion fruit purée, orange juice, kumquat liqueur and a Bottega Gold Prosecco shot on the side - it was The Ivy Asia’s answer to a Pornstar Martini and was delicious. 

Not long after that we were taken to our table, which was stylishly decorated in-keeping with the green and blue jewell colour scheme. 

The table setting at The Ivy Asia (Image: The Argus)

The Food

When we were given our menus I was pretty impressed with the huge variety of dishes available to us, a decent mix of meat, vegetarian, fish and vegan options. 

I opted for the prawn tempura sushi rolls (£10.25) of which there were six. Overall it was delicious and very nicely presented, the rolls each have a chunk of prawn and of avocado which complement each other well.

It was a good introduction to the vast array of sushi and sashimi dishes on offer. 

My guest, who is vegetarian, chose the vegetable tempura (8.50) and was equally as impressed, especially with the generous portion size. 

Left: vegetable tempura. Right: prawn tempura sushi (Image: The Argus)

The main courses were delivered promptly and in beautifully prepared dishes.

I chose the salt and pepper fillet with lime (31.95) which was succulent and delicious, especially when dipped in the salt and pepper dip. Mine was accompanied by the kimchi egg fried rice (5.00) which was equally as tasty with a spicy kick to it. 

However, this was a stark reminder that my chopsticks skills leave something to be desired… we both had to admit defeat and request a knife and fork.

Main meals and side dishes (Image: The Argus)

Roast aubergine (£9.25) was my guest’s main of choice and she was just as pleased with her decision. She also chose steamed broccoli (£5.25) which she said was lovely with the toasted sesame dressing. 

The final course, the dessert, was truly spectacular as it came out steaming. The red dragon (£22.50) assortment of puddings was incredible, with a mountain of soft serve ice cream, cinnamon sugared doughnuts, banana, berries and honeycomb pieces. Various toppings and chocolate sauce were also provided which meant that the combinations were endless.

The red dragon assortment of puddings (Image: The Argus)

Each course was delivered in a speedy fashion and every waiter we encountered was pleasant and friendly, adhering to our every need.

By the time we were preparing to leave we had full and very satisfied stomachs following a lovely evening.