Step off the street in Guildford and into pure theatre. Tucked within Tunsgate Quarter, The Ivy Asia transforms lunch and dinner into spectacle - where glowing floors, cherry blossoms and bold pan-Asian flavours set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Visit Surrey’s Matthew Williams explores

Photos: Matthew Williams

 

The opulent decor at The Ivy Asia in Guildford, Surrey

REVIEW: Let’s face it - there aren’t many places in Surrey where you can step off the street into theatrical opulence, be guided upstairs and suddenly find yourself dining beneath the sweeping branches of a cherry tree.

One of the flagship attractions of the stylish Tunsgate Quarter, between Guildford Castle Grounds and the iconic clock on the High Street, The Ivy Asia invites diners into a vivid world of pan-Asian spectacle.

Where its sibling, The Ivy Castle View, channels classic London glamour with a scenic twist, this sister venue leans fully into drama - a riot of colour and atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.

And then, upstairs, the floor stretches out to the tables like a fluorescent emerald carpet that's almost Disney-like in its stagecraft. This clearly isn't the average dining experience. 

The décor is unabashedly lavish: ornate details, saturated colours and statement touches that make the space feel like an adventure in its own right.

 

Expect theatre at The Ivy Asia in Guildford, Surrey

 

Even during an early evening sitting, the restaurant quickly fills with energy. Staff move with polished efficiency while the room hums with conversations, celebrations and catch-ups.

Part of the appeal of visiting for us was introducing our K-pop mad kid to a few new and more exotic flavours, while also indulging a nostalgic nod to my family's connections with Japan.

It is possible to push the boat out at The Ivy Asia and order sakura platters, aromatic half duck, salt and pepper beef fillet and much more à la carte, but they also offer set menus as a more affordable gateway. 

Much as we were tempted to sample everything, we decided to keep things simple with the Samurai dinner set. It's available Sunday to Friday from 5pm to close - and priced at £28.50 per person.

Crispy wonton pastry and poppadoms arrive swiftly with a fiery Szechuan dip. With a glass of Viognier in hand - and a Rose of the Orient "mocktail" for our youngest guest - the artwork and glowing interiors provide constant visual distraction between bites.

 

Delicious pan-Asian flavours at The Ivy Asia in Guildford, Surrey

 

To start, we shared pork and kimchi gyoza, a spicy tuna roll and barbecue duck salad. Each dish delivered, but the gyoza stood out: crisp-bottomed, silky-topped, and lifted by the bright tang of kimchi. The duck salad was equally well judged and balanced.

For the mains, we travelled far and wide with the tiger prawn rendang, salmon teriyaki and makhani chicken curry - and all were flavourful and enjoyable dishes coupled with the shared sides of steamed rice and wok-fried greens. 

Desserts are an additional cost. We plumped for the passion fruit and coconut doughnuts with yoghurt dipping sauce - and a surprise kick of popping candy. A fun and tasty dessert but we probably could have shared one, to be honest, as the portions were very decent. 

A theatrical experience 

While I tend to gravitate towards family-run independents, any initial hesitation soon gave way - and we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Ivy Asia. The experience here delivers exactly what it promises: imagination, theatre and indulgence.

It's very clearly also extremely popular. The restaurant packed out very early on in the evening - a mix of date nights, celebrations and impromptu visits - and new diners were still arriving by the time we collected our coats to head back out into the evening. 

If you’re seeking a lively, visually striking dining experience with bold flavours and real sense of occasion, The Ivy Asia delivers in style.

  • The Ivy Asia, 23 Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3QY. For more information, visit their website here.
  • Set menus: Dragon Lunch (Sunday to Friday, 11.30am to 5pm, £19.95 per person), Samurai Dinner (Sunday to Friday, 5pm to close, £28.50 per person) and Experience (available all day, £60 per person)
  • Private dining: Opulent and striking, The Sumosan Room blends pink fossil flooring, a glowing onyx bar and gilded walls with sumptuous fabrics and elegant furniture for a truly immersive experience.

 

 

Share your favourite Surrey hotels, pubs and restaurants with us on social media at @visitsurrey and @foodchatmatt

 

 

What we ate

Samurai Dinner Set Menu
Available Sunday to Friday, 5pm to close.
Priced at £28.50 

For The Table 
Crispy Wonton Pastry & Poppadoms with Szechuan Dip 

Starters 
Pork & Kimchi Gyoza - Steamed & Seared Dumplings, Kimchi, Spring Onion & Coriander 
Spicy Tuna Roll - Pink Sesame & Spicy Chilli Mayonnaise 
Barbeque Duck Salad - Hoisin, mango, mizuna & kaffir lime

Mains 
Tiger Prawn Rendang - Indonesian spiced curry, turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, chilli & jasmine rice 
Makhani Chicken Curry - Creamy Tomato Curry, Jasmine Rice 
Salmon Teriyaki - Sweet Soy Glaze, Pickled Radish & Lime

Side to Share 
Steamed Rice & Wok Fried Greens - Chilli, ginger & crispy shallots

Desserts
Add dessert for additional £5 
Doughnuts - Warm passion fruit & coconut doughnuts with yoghurt dipping sauce 

 

 

 

Guildford Castle and Grounds in Spring - image credit Dan Hannington

While you're there

Visit Guildford