

Ivy at the Shore brings the charm of its legendary sister restaurant, The Ivy, to the picturesque setting of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, right across from the Santa Monica Pier. Since 1985, this elegant yet relaxed beachside gem offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its breezy front patio and lush bungalow. Guests can savor signature dishes such as Ricky’s Fried Chicken, Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Vegetable Salad, and delectable house-made desserts including the celebrated Ivy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Red Velvet Cake. Infused with vibrant tropical décor, Ivy at the Shore captures a festive yet laid-back ambiance ideal for leisurely brunches, sunset dinners, or celebrity spotting.
Flower-adorned spot frequented by celebrities serving inventive drinks & Californian cuisine.
Hours
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 393-3113
Website: http://www.theivyrestaurants.com/ivy-at-the-shore/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Ivy at the Shore | The Ivy Restaurants, Santa Monica, CA
Ivy at the Shore Restaurant – Santa Monica, CA | OpenTable
index.html – The Ivy Restaurants in Los Angeles & Santa Monica
Reviews
I stumbled into this lovely spot at 1PM because I thought it was a different restaurant that I had entered into my GPS. At that point it was too late to turn back so I asked for a solo table on the outdoor patio. The atmosphere outside was fantastic; I loved the fresh flowers and vintage artwork.
It took almost 10 minutes before I was given a food menu and a then another 10 minutes before I was given an opportunity to order. I noticed groups around me who had been seated when I arrived had still not had an opportunity to order their food. I even overheard a table next to me expressing great dissatisfaction with the service. Even more surprising, it was a full 20 minutes from seating before I got the complimentary bread delivered to my table. Albeit, this was the first indication that the food here was on another level of delicious.
I ordered the lobster sandwich for lunch and was thoroughly impressed. The bread was fantastic, lobster fresh and juicy, and the dressings top notch; This was among the best lobster sandwiches I can remember having. The side of chips were clearly homemade, and perfectly fried to a satisfying crisp. Additionally, the Gimlet I ordered was superb, with plenty of fresh mint. The food here is truly delicious, which is to be expected for the price and history of the venue.
Frankly, the service I got was not all bad. In fact, I had received and finished my food before many of the tables around me had even received their entrees, despite being seated before me. I got the feeling the waitstaff may have been offering me preferential treatment.
This experience was nice, and I always appreciate dining so close to the ocean. However, the service was clearly not up to par, perhaps they were down a server today.
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.
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 ♀️
However, the food didn’t quite live up to the atmosphere. The pasta was noticeably under-seasoned and lacking in sauce, and overall, the prices felt steep for what was served. It’s a nice spot if you’re going for the ambiance, but the food could use some improvement to match the vibe and cost.
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.