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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 #241 of 1037 things to do in York

4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Fiona C
Wed 6 Aug, 2025
l The food was good as ivy always is. The service was ok but not amazing. The location in York is excellent. Worth a visit but competition is high!

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Sally S, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Thu 17 Jul, 2025
l We enjoyed our afternoon tea with champagne. The sandwiches were delicious . My only criticism would be there was too much chocolate. It would have been nice to have a savoury treat. They were aware...

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3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: Daniella G, Mansfield, England, United Kingdom
Tue 15 Jul, 2025
l Was really looking forward to taking my mum and I was so disappointed, firstly we ordered a bottle of wine and the glasses were like lager glasses, everyone else had nice wine glasses, we had to...

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