Ivy at the Shore: A Culinary Gem on Santa Monica’s Coastline

The Ivy by the Shore is a sister restaurant to the original Ivy, and it upholds the same high standards beautifully. The food, service, and atmosphere were all perfection. I have dietary restrictions and did not want to feel rushed. I was taken care of impeccably on all fronts. I was seated on the terrace overlooking the shore, which made the experience even more special. The food was delicious, and the service was as lovely as the setting. From the valet and the host to the servers and even the bus staff, everything was handled flawlessly. In a part of town where the boardwalk can feel chaotic, with vendors and the occasional wandering passerby, The Ivy offers a true respite a place of good taste, care, and calm. My Americano was perfectly prepared, and the tuna tartare was excellent. An absolute gem in Santa Monica.

This establishment has been in the area for over 40 years. The decor reminded me of places you'd see in Palm Beach. We ordered takeout today, the service at the bar was great, the food was outstanding! We couldn't recommend Ivy at the Shore highly enough. It's expensive, but the experience is awesome!

Located on Ocean Drive in Santa Monica, directly across from the pier, this restaurant features Parisian and European-style decor and offers a variety of seafood along with classic American dishes. We ordered the swordfish, mussels in curry, and soft shell crab with Cajun seasoning. Each dish was cooked to perfection, with the seafood being tender and juicy. Oh, and the profiteroles with house-made gelatos were delicious as well. While the prices are on the higher end, this is to be expected given the location, exceptional service, and inviting ambiance.

The Ivy in Santa Monica is a wonderful spot, especially if you can sit on the patio with a view of the pier and sunset. The crab cakes are easily top three I have ever had, rich, fresh and full of flavor. The oysters were fresh and tasty, the lobster ravioli with Ivy pink sauce was creamy and delicious, and the sea bass with ginger coconut curry was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The service was warm and attentive, making the whole experience even better. I highly recommend it for both the food and the view.

We strolled by this place on a whim, and it turned into one of the most magical dinners we’ve ever had. From the moment you step into the cozy glass atrium filled with flowers, art, and soft golden light you’re transported. It’s romantic, colorful, and joyful, like dining inside a painting. The service was flawless attentive, kind, and unhurried. We’re fast eaters by nature, but their rhythm between courses made us slow down and truly savor every bite. We started with the guacamole and chips—chunky, bright with lemon, perfectly salted. As we ate, the sky turned sherbet orange over the ocean, the Ferris wheel lighting up the horizon. Michael had the filet mignon, buttery soft and tender, with a rich steak sauce. I had the Jidori fried chicken, golden and crisp outside, juicy inside, with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted corn on the cob, and a mango chutney that hit the perfect sweet-tart balance. Before dinner came warm rustic wheat bread dense yet airy, served with soft salted butter that tasted homemade. Every detail felt thoughtful and timeless. And dessert? Absolute perfection. The waiter told us everything is made fresh in-house because The Ivy began as a dessert shop. We shared the Homemade Profiteroles with pistachio, vanilla & Stracciatella Ice Cream a homemade delicate pastry filled with silky vanilla ice cream laced with thin ribbons of chocolate, topped with warm fudge that melted right in. Heaven in every bite. By the time the stars appeared through the glass ceiling and the jazz played softly in the background, we were just sitting there in awe full, happy, and completely in love with the moment. The Ivy at the Shore isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Beautiful, soulful, and unforgettable. Our new favorite place in Santa Monica. Sorry desert went quick no pics

Guys if you want an iconic restaurant in Los Angeles look no further than The Ivy (they have two locations. Believe original location is on Robertson in Beverly Hills where I have seen celebs and local staple ). Note it is a higher price point but every dish I have had at both locations consistently for years has been 5 stars. They are known for their service as well.

A few years ago, my mom brought me to this restaurant as a special treat. It was my first birthday since my dad's sudden and difficult passing. My mom was fragile, and after collapsing on the way to the facilities, was helped up by a member of the waitstaff. My mom told them she was trying very hard to give me a special day, but it was our first time out without my dad, and she felt like she was failing me. The restaurant owner, Lynn von Kersting, heard about this and introduced herself to my mom. She made up a special table for us, sat with us, introduced us to her husband, arranged special drinks, and brought two copies of her coffee table book for us to take home as presents. She told my mom she was a most elegant lady, which meant a lot to my mom, as she was struggling at the time. My mom and I were surprised and very touched that Ms. von Kersting took the time to help us. The conversation with her was the first time either of us had felt like normal people since losing my dad. It goes without saying that the experience was beyond anything we ever could have expected. We will always remember the visit.

We went for a Christmas Eve Dinner. It was full. Everything was really great! We had Cesar salad, oysters, seafood spaghetti, pork ribs, Marry Mimosa & Amaretto sour - everything was just perfect.