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The Ivy St. Helen’s Square

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square, 2 St. Helen's Square, York

4.5
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.5 out of 5 (733 Ratings)
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< 0.1 miles York Theatre Royal
About The Ivy St. Helen’s Square
The Spotlight on The Ivy St. Helen’s Square

Elegant British Fare in the Heart of York

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square is a stylish, all-day brasserie located in the heart of York, offering a refined yet approachable take on contemporary British cuisine. Housed in a stunning historic building just a short walk from many of York’s top concert venues, this restaurant blends classic charm with modern sophistication. Expect art deco interiors, plush seating, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s both upscale and inviting.

Why Concert-goers love it

The Ivy’s central location makes it a top pick for a pre-show dinner or post-performance drinks. The service is known for being efficient and friendly, which means you can enjoy a high-quality meal without worrying about making it to your seat on time. The lively but not overly noisy ambiance makes it a great place to get in the mood for a night of live music.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to add a touch of glamour to their concert night
  • Solo travelers after a relaxed yet stylish meal
  • Couples looking to pair a romantic dinner with a show
  • Fans seeking a vibrant, social atmosphere before heading to a gig
  • Budget-conscious music lovers – with fixed-price menus and small plates available

What People Say

Guests frequently praise the beautiful décor and the elegantly presented food. Many reviews mention the attentive service and how smoothly the staff accommodate pre-theatre diners. Signature dishes like the shepherd’s pie and tempura prawns come up often as must-tries. Diners also love the cocktail menu and the relaxed yet refined energy of the space.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests note that it can get busy during peak times, so reservations are highly recommended, especially before a show. A few reviews mention that prices are on the higher side, though most agree it’s worth it for the experience and location.

The Bottom Line

With its prime location, elegant setting, and consistently great service, The Ivy St. Helen’s Square is a top choice for concert-goers looking to elevate their evening in York.

Average Price
£26 to £40
Cuisine
Contemporary British
Opening Hours
Mon-Wed, Sun 08:30-22:00
Thu-Sat 08:30-22:30

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

The Ivy St. Helens Square is #238 of 1031 things to do in York

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Kerry R
Wed 9 Jul, 2025
l Loved it. Food was great and not over priced. Ambiance was good and comfortable venue where we sat and people watched as we ate. Emma our person looking after us was fun, friendly, knowledgeable...

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2 of 5 stars2 out of 5
By: Kilgetty, Monmouth, United Kingdom
Wed 25 Jun, 2025
l After reading a lot of reviews, we thought we'd try the Ivy, York. 1st Class service initially, meals arrived separately, and they forgot the chips. This was rectified quickly by the attentive...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Stimulatingmind48, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Tue 17 Jun, 2025
l Having visited once before I hoped it would be as good as last time and it was! Staff friendly and attentive. Food was amazing and the glass of Champagne made it extra special. Really lovely relaxed...

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The Ivy St. Helen’s Square 2 St. Helen's Square, York