The Ivy Asia Cardiff
If you're wandering through Cardiff and craving an unforgettable dining experience that fuses bold pan-Asian flavors with show-stopping interiors, The Ivy Asia Cardiff is one spot that deserves a stop. Nestled in the heart of the city at 45 The Hayes, St Davids Centre, this restaurant doesn't just serve food-it creates a full-blown sensory journey from the moment you step through the door.
Let’s start with the vibe. Think glowing cherry blossom trees, glistening green onyx floors, and gold-accented décor that screams opulence without feeling stuffy. It’s lively, elegant, and undeniably extra, yet still manages to welcome solo diners just as warmly as buzzing dinner groups. Whether you're popping in for a laid-back lunch or looking to turn your evening into a mini celebration, this spot knows how to elevate every occasion.
Now, the food. The Ivy Asia Cardiff has built a reputation around its Asian fusion small plates, where every dish is made for sharing-or not, we’re not judging. One of the undeniable stars here is the California Roll, tightly packed and delicately dressed, perfect for sushi lovers who crave balance in every bite. Alongside that, the Popcorn Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser: crunchy, lightly spicy, and perfect with a chilled glass of white wine from their expansive wine list.
If you're in the mood for something comforting with a touch of indulgence, don’t miss the Pork Belly-rich, tender, and served with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. Craving something more interactive? Try the Duck Pancakes. They come with all the trimmings, allowing you to wrap, roll, and dip to your heart’s content.
The Sesame Crusted Prawn Dumplings and Prawn Tempura both deliver on texture-light, crisp, and utterly moreish. And for those who like it rich and luxe, the Wagyu Beef melts like butter. Vegetarians aren't left behind either, thanks to standouts like the Shitake Gyoza, which pack serious umami in every mouthful.
Of course, it’s not all about the food. This place takes drinks just as seriously. From craft cocktails to rare Japanese whiskies, the menu here is curated for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, the house-made lemonades and tea selection are just as thoughtfully designed-ideal for pairing with the bold flavors of the menu.
What really sets The Ivy Asia Cardiff apart isn’t just its culinary offering or glamorous setting-it's the atmosphere. There’s live music on select evenings, which adds a dynamic layer to the already buzzing ambiance. Service is prompt, friendly, and attentive, with staff who know the menu well and are happy to recommend something offbeat or trending.
In terms of logistics, the restaurant does well on accessibility, offering wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms-although do note, there’s no wheelchair-accessible parking on-site. There’s also no takeaway or delivery, so this is a place best experienced in person. Luckily, outdoor seating is available for those who prefer a breezier vibe.
If you’re the kind of diner who values both aesthetics and culinary craft, The Ivy Asia Cardiff offers a dining experience that balances Instagram-worthy visuals with substance on the plate. It’s popular for lunch, dinner, and even works if you’re dining solo-a rare combo that not many places pull off this well.
From afternoon teas with an Asian twist to late-night food served with flair, this spot proves it’s not just another pretty face on the Cardiff dining scene. Whether you're here for the sushi, the wine, or simply to bask in the bold, atmospheric glow of it all, The Ivy Asia Cardiff is all about creating moments worth remembering.
Reviews
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ivy Asia in Cardiff, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious—each dish was bursting with flavour, beautifully presented, and carefully crafted to perfection. Every bite was a delight! Some dishes are also halal, which is a great option for those with dietary preferences. Our waiter, TJ, was fantastic—friendly, attentive, and extremely helpful. He made sure we had everything we needed and added to the overall great atmosphere of the restaurant. The entire staff were welcoming and professional, making us feel truly valued as guests. The décor inside is simply stunning. The vibrant colours, intricate details, and unique design make the whole space feel special and exciting. It’s an immersive experience that adds to the enjoyment of the meal. The cocktails were also exceptional—bursting with flavours and absolutely delicious. They complemented the meal perfectly and added an extra touch of indulgence to the experience. Overall, Ivy Asia Cardiff is a must-visit. Amazing food, excellent service, and a beautiful setting—highly recommended!
Visited the Ivy Asia 29th / June / 2025, I had a booking. When I arrived there was no one at reception. When she came I was greeted fine and showed to my table. Asked if I wanted my bag or jacket taken decided to keep it on me as I had an upgraded Macbook Pro Laptop worth about 3k in my bag and I've had a designer coat stolen once at another restaurant, so i'm scared for life by that experience. Overall great ambiance at the IVY ASIA and decor, the illuminated floor was special and the fake flowers were thankfully not dusty looking at this location. I ordered the set dinner menu £27 - 2 bottles of water came to £10 and £5 extra for desert also paid a service charge. came to about £47. I enjoyed my meal and was finishing off my water and relaxing, however when I adjusted the cushions and moved the many cushions to get comfortable and put my had down on the seat I felt a sharp pain in my finger almost like a pin prick, I looked at my finger and it was bleeding heavily, looking at the seat I noticed shards of thin glass, like from a broken wine glass. I went to inform reception. I went to the toilet to rinse off the blood and cut. I was not wearing glasses and found the warrior figure in the bathroom with head turned peeing at the urinals was random and weird decor. They gave me an anti-septic wipe and a plaster. When I returned the glass was still there, and had not been cleaned up and was not very noticeable, so could have cut myself again. With the waitress I moved the cushions and my bag which revealed quite a few small shards of glass under the cushions. The waiter that removed the glass and started cleaning the seat said that no one had broken a glass that day, which made me think the standards were not that great, as it means it was probably there for a long period. When the waiter cleaned the seat there was also a lot or dirt on the cloth from the seat and when I used part of the wipe they gave me to wipe up a drop of blood it was very filthy black with dirt on the leather type seat, which did not leave a good feeling of hygiene standards. The couple next to me said it was not very good and that I should sue. I said I would not sue over a small cut on my finger, but it was a bit worrying and would kind of put me off going again for a while. Whoever broke a glass should have informed them or they should have cleaned it properly and checked and cleaned under the cushions. Not too happy, while I did get an apology. It should not have really happened in the first place and was a bad and to an otherwise good meal.
Great food. Came out very fast and was hot. The service was amazing. We arrived 15 minutes before our booking and we were seated for a drink at the bar before we were seated at our table. Bar staff were very attentive and kind (it was incredibly busy as well). We were seated to our table and our server was Lauryn. She was amazing, offered to explain any details of the menu and was very helpful and happy which is lovely to see. The food was amazing no faults whatsoever. We couldn’t actually finish our food as we ordered too much but Lauryn packaged it into a takeaway box so we could enjoy later on in the day which was lovely of her. The atmosphere in the restaurant was great. They had a Dj playing subtle music, which was nice. The decor is outstanding, nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Highly recommend.
My friend and I decided to order from their dragon set lunch menu. Priced at £19.95pp for 2 courses, we thought that was excellent value for money. We added dessert for an additional £5 each. Our meal was absolutely delicious. I honestly can't fault a thing. The service was excellent. I just love the decor and general ambience. We ordered: Crispy fried tiger prawns with chilli lime & ginger dressing. King oyster & shiitake gyoza. Honey & sesame chicken. Keralan chickpea & shishito pepper curry, steamed rice & wok fried greens. Coconut pana cotta. It was my friends birthday, so they brought out complimentary mochi balls which was a lovely touch I would definitely take advantage of this lunchtime menu again!
This a great place to wine and dine yourself. I booked a table through OpenTable and even though we were running late it could be changed no problem. We waited only a little while, while having a bottle of wine at the bar and the barmen were very knowledgeable about the wines being offered. The food was an excellent feast for the taste buds and all was very greatly done. I ordered the little pork belly pieces and they were mouth watering and very elegantly presented when delivered to the table. Yes, the prices are at the higher end but I expected that and we wanted to be treated before going to the theatre. Also, worth mentioning the interior of the restaurant is very extravagant and the splendour can be seen everywhere. Would recommend if you are prepared to pay higher prices for the experience.