Black Ivy opened it's doors just a couple of weeks ago in Bruntsfield, after a long renovation over the summer. Whether you're looking for a local lunch hangout or a new bar to try out, Black Ivy has got you covered. And with a complete overhaul of the space, menu, and overall vibe, you'll feel like you're in a hip, Newtown establishment- without the high price tag.
With bespoke decor, breathtaking art, and an ambiance that feels far more glam than anywhere else in the neighborhood, Black Ivy is striking from the moment you walk in. It couldn't be more different in feel than the drab local bar that used to be housed here (though I used to be a loyal patron). Expect royal purples, deep teal blues, gold accents, and marble. Lots of marble. The kind of marble that screams "I'm perfect for the 'gram." Seeing what the team at Black Ivy have done to revitalize this dining space makes me wonder what dreamy decor could be in the cards for upstairs (did I mention Black Ivy is also a boutique hotel?).
Such a lush backdrop calls for some equally fabulous cocktails. With a wide range of drinks from perfect gin serves garnished just right (it really is an art) to quirky mixes of unexpected liqueurs and juices that are aptly named- take Zombie Nation, with its lethal mixture of rum, triple sec, and absinthe. Now that sounds like a good story.
Seeing as it was noontime on a weekday, and my flatmate Paula and I weren't prepared to risk our afternoon productivity, we both went with a decidedly lighter cocktail. Aperol Spritz is always a favorite of mine, though largely absent from many cocktail menus. And since Paula had just spent the past semester in Italy, it seemed only fitting that we order a round of these pleasingly fluorescent orange drinks.
After a quick cin-cin (how European), we analyzed the expansive menu of lunchtime favorites and brunch-y treats. Even though we were both in more of a lunch mood, we were pleased to see that Black Ivy offers brunch every day. No Sunday-exclusive brunch menu here- you can get your fix whenever you have a craving for pancakes.
To start, we shared the bang bang chicken skewers which were recommended by our lovely waitress (who was vegetarian but was quick to recommend this customer favorite). While difficult to eat elegantly, these morsels of chicken had a slight hint of peanutty goodness and the right amount of spice. Paired with a rich, salty dipping sauce and a green salad, this dish was so simple, yet beautifully composed.
Onto our meaty mains. Seeing as I'm a student who doesn't have the budget for steak in my weekly shop, I sprung for a cheeky steak sandwich (you know, for afternoon study fuel). My medium-rare steak was served between two slices of chewy ciabatta with a sweet caramelized onion relish and a sprinkling of lettuce. I thought I might be missing out on having some cheese with this sandwich, but I was totally wrong. Served with the chunkiest, fluffiest chips I've possibly ever had, I'd say this was probably one of the best Thursday afternoon lunches I've ever had.
Paula went for the classic Black Ivy burger for her lunch. Served on a pretzel bun (swoon), and topped with the works (including bacon), this was truly the ultimate burger. Out of everything she had on her plate, I was most jealous of that smoked tomato chutney.
We were so full from our mains that we couldn't manage dessert, Though looking back, I wish we had just gone for it- those homemade cinnamon donuts with jam and peanut butter ice cream are definitely on my hit list.
So does that mean I'll be going back? No doubt about it. Black Ivy has certainly made an impression on me as a fabulous spot in my neighborhood to keep going back to. In fact, I think I'll be making any and every excuse to return- for girly weekend brunch, for drinks around the terrace firepits, for a round of table tennis, you name it! I think I've found myself a new local favorite.
Thank you to Black Ivy for hosting me! Our meal was given to us on a complimentary basis, but all opinions in this glowing review are my own. If you would like to learn more about Black Ivy and their bar, restaurant, and rooms, you can do so here.
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