With Valentine’s Day here, if you’re on the hunt for a fancy, romantic spot to take your date, The Ivy Asia, Cardiff should definitely be on your radar.
For me, this was a long time coming. I’ve walked past The Ivy Asia countless times—always admiring how stunning it looks from the outside—but finally, I decided to experience it for myself. And so, in my best dress and with zero hesitation, I took myself out on a well-deserved solo date.
First Impressions—A Whole Other World
The moment I stepped inside, I knew this was going to be something special. The hostesses greeted me with the warmest smiles and led me to a table with the best view of the restaurant. But before I could even sit down, my eyes were already darting around, soaking in the sheer opulence of the place.
That dazzling green onyx floor? Unreal. It literally felt like stepping into another world—one that was lush, glamorous, and a little bit magical. Think Eden’s garden meets a high-end Asian dreamscape. The space is adorned with stunning antiques, striking artwork, and two massive cherry blossom trees that set the mood just right. Every inch of this place—from the painted ceilings to the intricate glasswork on the walls—is begging to be photographed. And trust me, I clicked away shamelessly.
The Drinks—A Pretty Cocktail
As I settled in, my waitress, Margaret, came over. She was an absolute gem. She made me feel instantly comfortable, poured me a glass of water, and ran me through their Lunar Samurai Set Dinner Menu, available Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. for £27.50. There’s also a Lunar Dragon Set Lunch Menu (Monday to Friday until 5 p.m. for £19.95), which has slightly smaller portions but the same line-up of dishes.
Then came the drinks menu with a whole booklet of options. I didn’t have to think twice. The Mango Sling cocktail had my attention the second I spotted its illustration on the menu. A mix of Ron Santiago de Cuba, Aluna Coconut, Midori, Pineapple, Mango, Lemongrass, and Lemon; it sounded like tropical heaven. While it was smooth and well-balanced, I personally wanted it to be a tad sweeter. Solid 7/10, but the way it was presented? A full 10/10—shoutout to the bartender for that artistic finesse.
The Food—Flavours That Delivered
Before the feast officially began, I was given Crispy Wontons with Szechuan Dip as nibbles. Perfectly crunchy, mildly spicy—just enough to get my appetite going.
Starters: Mushroom Dumplings I Wasn’t Willing to Share
For starters, I went with King Oyster & Shiitake Dumplings. Soft, flavorful, and topped with XO sauce, these dumplings were hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had. There were four perfectly sized pieces, and honestly? I was thrilled to be dining alone—no sharing required.
Mains: Sweet, Spicy and Absolutely Satisfying
For my main course, I chose Honey & Sesame Chicken, served with Steamed Rice and Wok-Fried Greens. The chicken was crispy, honey-glazed, and packed with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The rice was fluffy, and the greens—garnished with chili, ginger, and crispy shallots—added a fresh crunch. The portion was just right for one person, and every bite hit the spot.
Dessert—The Showstopper
By this point, I was full, and I still had half my cocktail left. But Margaret wasn’t going to let me leave without trying dessert. She recommended the Coconut Panna Cotta, calling it The Ivy’s best dessert. I took her word for it, and WOW—I would’ve regretted skipping this.
Served on a sizzling smoke plate, this dessert turned heads at the neighboring tables. A mix of pineapple, passion fruit, toasted coconut, and pandan, the panna cotta was light, silky, and perfectly balanced and topped with a vanilla biscuit. A chef’s kiss moment. If there’s one thing you order here, let it be this!
The Final Verdict—A Must-Visit Spot
Before leaving, I made a quick stop at the ladies’ room—and even that was Instagram-worthy. A full-size mirror, stunning decor—literally the perfect spot for a group photo. You better check it out!
Everything about my experience at The Ivy Asia was memorable—from the stunning ambiance to the impeccable service and, of course, the delicious food. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a girls’ night out, or even a solo treat, this place is worth every penny.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re celebrating love or self-love, do yourself a favour—book a table at The Ivy Asia, Cardiff, and indulge in an evening of pure decadence. You won’t regret it.
