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The Ivy St. Helen’s Square, York, ENG

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square

4.6 (13818)
£25 and under
British
2 St. Helen's Square, York, ENG YO1 8QP

Make a booking

A photo of The Ivy St. Helen’s Square restaurant

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square

4.6
£25 and under
British
York

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 137 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for brunch
In the heart of historic York, The Ivy St Helen’s Square brings relaxed all-day dining to one of the city’s most beautiful settings. Located on vibrant St Helen’s Square, just moments from York Minster and the Shambles, it’s an inviting York restaurant for everything from breakfast and weekend brunch to lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks. Step inside to discover striking interiors, timeless elegance and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch, pre-theatre dinner, race day dining or special celebration. The menu brings together much-loved Ivy classics, modern British dishes and seasonal favourites, alongside cocktails and an extensive wine list. Whether you’re exploring York’s historic streets, looking for brunch or afternoon tea in the city centre, or planning dinner with friends, The Ivy St Helen’s Square offers a memorable place to eat, drink and enjoy a little sense of occasion from morning until late.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    British, Breakfast
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 08:30–23:30 Fri, Sat 08:30–00:00
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Clinton Woodhouse
  • Private party facilities
    Within easy reach of the city’s most iconic sites, including York Minster and the National Railway Museum, our restaurant offers a luxurious haven for tourists and locals alike. We also have an elegant private dining room for special celebrations and big-occasion dining.
  • Private party contact
    The Events Team: 020 3727 6548
  • Area
    York
  • Parking Details
    NCP Car Park,Tanner Row, George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6JL (7 min walk from the car park)Piccadilly Yard Car Park, York, YO1 9NX (8 min walk from the car park)
  • Public transport
    York train station, Station Rd, York YO24 1AB (9 min walk from the station)
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Festive Set Menu

    GBP 55.00 per person

    1 - 5 people

    4 Nov 2026 - 29 Dec 2026
    Celebrate the magic of Christmas with our Festive Set Menu. Join us at The Ivy for a deliciously festive occasion, perfect for creating new holiday traditions. Our beautifully curated Festive Set Menu is available at £55 for two-courses and £65 for three-courses and includes an Ivy Christmas Cracker, a side, and mince pies with tea or coffee. The Festive set menu features seasonal favourites, indulgent treats, and a touch of Ivy sparkle to make your celebration truly special.
    Festive Set Menu photo
  • Festive Group Menu

    GBP 10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    6 - 50 people

    4 Nov 2026 - 29 Dec 2026
    £55 for two courses, £65 for three courses. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with our beautifully curated Festive Set Menu, complete with The Ivy Christmas cracker, a side, and tea or coffee — perfect for creating new holiday traditions. Join us at The Ivy for a deliciously festive occasion, where the Festive Set Menu features seasonal favourites, indulgent treats, and a touch of Ivy sparkle to make your celebration truly special. Bookings of 6+ must dine from this menu, and a deposit of £10 per person is required to confirm the booking — fully refundable up to 48 hours prior.
    Festive Group Menu photo
  • November Set Menu

    GBP 35.00 per person

    1 - 7 people

    4 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
    Enjoy a seasonal set menu at The Ivy this November, available from lunch through to early evening until 5.45pm. Bringing together warming seasonal flavours and much-loved Ivy favourites, the November Set Menu offers two courses for £25 or three courses for £34. *This menu is available when booked in advance.
    November Set Menu photo

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Ivy St. Helen’s Square.

4.6

4.6
(13818)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • North Yorkshire

    Great for creative cocktails

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Ivy St. Helen's Square offers a "lovely dining experience" with "excellent food and service," set in "beautiful surroundings" with a "great atmosphere." Notable for its friendly, attentive staff who "go above and beyond," it's a "fabulous choice for a special occasion" or a casual meal. While some guests note noise and pricing concerns, overall, it remains a "wonderful experience" that many "highly recommend."
13,818 Reviews
  1. Carol

    Yorkshire8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never disappoints! Perfect service, excellent food.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Linda

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The starter of scallops and prawns was the best I have ever had. The ambience was lovely even though it was quiet. The Xmas tree and lighting made it cosy and welcoming. Everything looked immaculately clean, bright and luxurious. My mum is 86 and this is her third visit this year. She only wants to come here now if eating out. As I always am with her, that suits me fine.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lee

    Yorkshire1 review

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Had to ask for coat to be hung up after sitting at the bar. We had shopping bags No plate and knife for the afternoon tea Hot chocolate did not arrive Wrong wine serves Pasta dish did not have burrata cheese on but a hard mozzarella

    Is this helpful?

  4. Daniel Gold

    Orange County26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had a delicious Ribeye Steak cooked in butter (deleting the mustard that's normal). My wife had a great Fish & Chips. Both entrees were excellent. The service was also excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Charles

    Cheshire3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb experience from the outset &!stepping inside. Excellent food & wine offer. Busy Halloween evening, but the service wasn’t compromised at all. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mel

    Yorkshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was here last night for a wonderful visit. The whole time we were very happy nothing was to much for them. Sevice amazing . The food was amazing and great price I would highly recommend to anyone . Will be back again for sure .

    Is this helpful?

  7. Barry

    Yorkshire2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Although we dine regularly at The Ivy Leeds this was our first visit to York and we were not disappointed. We will be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Phillip

    North Wales1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and excellent service. Slightly spoiled at the start by a very loud (and presumably half cut) group of ladies(?). We would definitely come back, hopefully next time for a less raucous experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jacqui

    Gloucestershire/Wiltshire1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovley food, shame not offered tap water , extortionate for a bottle of “Spring Water “ and £6 for a side of broccoli! Shepherds pie was delicious but a lot of money for the portion size £20 ! Mocktails were delicious

    Is this helpful?

  10. Tony

    Yorkshire1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 31 October 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very please with our visit on your Halloween special family day . See you soon .

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    British, Breakfast
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 08:30–23:30 Fri, Sat 08:30–00:00
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Clinton Woodhouse
  • Private party facilities
    Within easy reach of the city’s most iconic sites, including York Minster and the National Railway Museum, our restaurant offers a luxurious haven for tourists and locals alike. We also have an elegant private dining room for special celebrations and big-occasion dining.
  • Private party contact
    The Events Team: 020 3727 6548
  • Area
    York
  • Parking Details
    NCP Car Park,Tanner Row, George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6JL (7 min walk from the car park)Piccadilly Yard Car Park, York, YO1 9NX (8 min walk from the car park)
  • Public transport
    York train station, Station Rd, York YO24 1AB (9 min walk from the station)
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square is beautifully styled, reviewers praise its elegant, Art Deco‑inspired decor, plush seating and a lovely, welcoming interior; the atmosphere can feel spirited, with occasional live singing or music that some guests find a touch loud.

Smart casual is the guide at The Ivy St. Helen’s Square, aim for polished but relaxed clothing, and many guests note that people often dress up a little for anniversaries and special occasions.

Yes, The Ivy St. Helen’s Square regularly welcomes families: guests report visits with grandchildren (including a 19 month old) and a family of seven, and praise attentive, accommodating staff.

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square offers bar seating (including sofa-style seating), window tables and an upstairs overflow room alongside the main dining area, guests mention being shown to the bar, a "wonderful window table" or upstairs.

For a quieter visit, aim for just after opening or breakfast at The Ivy St. Helen’s Square, guests note it was “very quiet” then and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast watching St Helen’s Square come to life.

Yes, The Ivy St. Helen’s Square accepts private parties and can host private gatherings.

Yes, The Ivy St. Helen’s Square is often chosen for anniversaries and couples’ nights, with multiple guests praising attentive service and celebratory touches; smart‑casual dress fits the occasion.

Guests report the Heritage/1917 menu and sides are generous, several diners said the four‑course Heritage menu gave ‘plenty of food’, sides can ‘serve two’, and one visitor called the serving size “perfect.”

Sunday is a lovely choice, a reviewer specifically singled out a Sunday (23/4/25) visit as one of the finest meals they’ve had at The Ivy in York.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Yorkshire
  4. North Yorkshire
  5. York

Make a booking

A photo of The Ivy St. Helen’s Square restaurant

The Ivy St. Helen’s Square

4.6
£25 and under
British
York

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 137 times today
Experiences are available.
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