It’s been a couple of years since I first dined at The Ivy Asia Leeds. The restaurant opened its doors in October 2022, following a spectacular star-studded opening party, and I was lucky enough to be among the first to experience everything the latest addition to The Ivy Collection had to offer.
I’d heard mixed reviews about The Ivy Asia brand. Visitors to other locations spoke highly of the impressive decor, and while some raved about the food, others were less complimentary.
My initial visit was an entirely positive experience. Of course, the brand’s signature agate flooring was a sight to behold, the service was impeccable and the food? Well, I still think about that lamb and aubergine dish to this day.
If you’d like to read about my first visit in 2022, you can read my original review of The Ivy Asia Leeds.
Revisiting The Ivy Asia Leeds: First Impressions and Atmosphere
I revisited The Ivy Asia Leeds a couple of weeks ago, curious to see whether the sense of theatre and luxury remained. From the moment I stepped inside, it was evident the restaurant hadn’t lost that “wow” factor I remembered so vividly. The glowing agate floor, the glimmering gold accents and the bold Asian-inspired artwork still make The Ivy Asia one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Leeds.
With the setting as glamorous as ever, it was time to see whether the food and drink still lived up to expectations.
Starters and Cocktails: Prawn Har Gow, Duck Spring Rolls, and Mango Sling
I began with the Mango Sling (£12.50) – a tropical mix of Ron Santiago de Cuba, coconut liqueur, Midori, pineapple, mango, lemongrass, lemon, and a light coconut espuma. Unlike the more theatrical cocktails I had during my previous visit, this one arrived without smoke or gimmicks, but it didn’t need them. Fruity without being sickly sweet, it was refreshing and well-balanced, with layers of tropical flavour. Proof that cocktails at The Ivy Asia Leeds don’t always need billowing smoke or flamboyant entrances to impress.
To start, I opted for the Prawn Har Gow Dumplings (£11.75). These light, sesame-crusted parcels were filled with juicy, well-seasoned prawns and sprinkled with chives, creating a delightful combination of textures and delicate flavours. My husband, who seems to order them whenever he can, went for the Crispy Duck Spring Rolls (£9.95). Golden and crisp, filled with tender duck, they were simple, familiar, and executed very well, with the accompanying hoisin sauce beautifully balancing the saltiness.
Main Courses: Robata Chicken Satay and Char Siu Pork Belly
For my main, I chose the Robata Chicken Satay (£24.50). This consisted of succulent, marinated chunks of chicken breast, served with a sauce on the side to dip or drizzle as desired ( I’m a dipper!). Chargrilled and infused with coconut, ginger, coriander, and lime, the chicken was tender and smoky, while the sauce was nutty, creamy, and perfectly spiced for my low tolerance to heat. It was indulgent yet balanced, vastly superior to many chicken satays I have tried before, and a satisfying step up from the delicate starters.
My husband, predictably choosing pork belly as usual, went for the Char Siu Barbecue Glazed Pork Belly (£25.50). This was outstanding. Rich and succulent, it melted in the mouth, with a perfect glaze complemented by toasted sesame, a hint of ichimi spice, and a smoky BBQ dressing. Simply put, it was everything you want pork belly to be.
Sides: Kimchi Fried Rice and What We Would Change
We didn’t choose our sides particularly well, not that there was anything wrong with them; we just underestimated the portion sizes. We went for two portions of the Kimchi Fried Rice (£7.50), which was delicious, packed with flavour, and not greasy in the slightest. In hindsight, one portion would have been more than enough. I think a better choice would have been one portion of the fried rice alongside some Wok-Fried Greens or Roasted Aubergine to balance things out.
Desserts: The Golden Dragon Sharing Selection
The dessert was the highlight of our experience. We had already enjoyed both our starters and mains, but we were not prepared for the sensational sharing dessert that arrived immaculately presented, complete with a touch of theatre from dry ice.
The dessert was the highlight of our meal. We went for the Golden Dragon (£38.00, V), a sharing selection that was as impressive as it was delicious. There was the Mini Samurai, a rich chocolate mousse-like dessert with a crunchy chocolate soil that gave Oreo vibes, and Passion Fruit Doughnuts with yoghurt dipping sauce, crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Coconut Sorbet came in a half coconut shell, adding a refreshing tropical note, and the Crème Brûlée had a perfectly torched sugar crust that cracked to reveal silky, creamy vanilla goodness. The huge serving of soft serve ice cream, drizzled with mango sauce, was ridiculously moreish. There was fresh pineapple and raspberries on the side, and the mochi were lovely, soft, chewy, and a fun textural contrast. Every element was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, making it a truly sensational way to end the meal.
Final Verdict: Is The Ivy Asia Leeds Still Worth a Visit?
Revisiting The Ivy Asia Leeds in 2025, it’s clear that the restaurant has retained all the flair, luxury, and attention to detail that made my first visit so memorable. From the buzzing, stylish atmosphere to the attentive service and, of course, the incredible food, it feels just as special as it did back in 2022. The starters and mains were delicious, the sides generous, and the desserts were an absolute showstopper, the kind of experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even left the table.
If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant in Leeds or simply want to enjoy an indulgent meal with friends or family, The Ivy Asia Leeds is still very much worth it. Book a table and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
