The Ivy — Restaurant in Edinburgh

You can find The Ivy on the Square in central Edinburgh at 12-14 The Square. This Category B listed Edwardian townhouse dates from 1917 and retains original period details while offering an elegant British interior with warm, dim lighting. It's known for its crisp duck breast dish served as part of a formal table d'oeuvre presentation. People come here primarily for evening dinners during winter months when the mezzanine glows warmly under soft light, adding to the venue’s upscale feel in Edinburgh’s historic heart.

About The Venue

The Ivy on the Square is an Edwardian townhouse from 1917 with Category B listed status. Originally a private residence, it now operates as a high-end restaurant in central Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square neighbourhood. The building preserves original features like wood paneling, chandeliers, and vintage artwork across its refined interiors. Lighting remains warm and dim throughout the dining room to match artsy botanical themed decor described as an elegant British interior. A striking mezzanine spans two levels with ornate detailing visible from below. Guests experience a moderately crowded atmosphere during peak times due to well-spaced tables in an upscale setting where service is deliberate but can be slow.

Typical Experiences

The Ivy on the Square is used mainly by business professionals and couples for special occasions dinners or evening drinks in central Edinburgh’s City Centre. The venue offers high-end dining with a focus on British cuisine given modern twists, including crisply presented duck breast with black pudding and apple compote. With wine lists featuring over 300 selections curated by expert sommeliers, guests often spend long evenings enjoying the drink offering while seated indoors or at their terrace overlooking historic St Andrew Square. The experience reflects a formal service style with full table d'oeuvre presentations that elevate even weekday meals into memorable events for locals and visitors alike.

Notable Features

  • Edwardian architecture with original period details
  • Extensive wine list curated by expert sommeliers
  • Dinner service with full table d'oeuvre presentation
  • Terrace overlooking St Andrew Square
  • Striking mezzanine
  • Artsy botanical themed decor
  • Breakfast set menu
  • Long wait times for service
  • Elegant atmosphere
  • Refined setting
  • British cuisine with a modern twist
  • Indoor and outdoor seating

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.