Dishoom or The Ivy Asia?

[JustHereForTheShitsAndGiggles]

Have you been to either and if so what did you think? Food, service, atmosphere, value for money.

It’s for a big birthday. I can’t decide!

Neither. Why not the authentic real Indian/ Chinese / Thai rather than a chain.

We go to Dishoom in Edinburgh and love it, never had a bad experience. Probably depends on which one you go to though?

I love Ivy Asia, it always feel really special, but I prefer Asian food to Indian

I liked Dishoom the first time I went but not the second as the menu had shrunk significantly. I liked Ivy Asia. Service was great in both places as was the atmosphere.

It depends what you’re after, if you want western good they’re both okay, most things in the ivy are ready made. If you want asian food don’t go to either, as they don’t serve it.

@Fiddlesticks1 @Simonjt - can you recommend somewhere authentic with a similar atmosphere in the London area please?

Where in London? Dishoom is better food, Ivy Asia feels more luxurious.

What sort of Asian food, so country and region?

Namak Mandi (tooting bec) do really good Pakistani and Afghan food, Lahori Nihaari in Upton Park does really great Pakistani food. Lahore in Marlybone is good.

There are far better places. Similar but better would be Gymkhana, Brigadiers or Ambassadors Clubhouse.

Instead of Ivy Asia there are so many options in London! Or do you want the mix of Asian cuisines in one place?

The Dishoom at Shoreditch or Battersea power station are nicely styled, and the food is always enjoyable too.
Also in London and of an Asian style - Kolumba or Brigadiers. Gymkhana is great but pricey - the Ambassadors Club was atrocious (but maybe I was unlucky).

Our real go to’s are the local Pakistani / Afghani places but these aren’t really for dressing up at (in fact, need elasticities waistbands!)

Ivy Asia is better for a special occasion ,amazing service and stunning restairants.
Dishoom was nice but didn't feel special in anyway.

Not been to the other higher end places mentioned

I've only suggested The Ivy Asia and Dishoom because I've heard of them and heard good things. I don't have a massive budget and they seem affordable too. I'm checking out suggestions on TripAdvisor.

As an Indian I would say that Dishoom is far superior to any of the above

I know the founders, not sure if it’s still in the same hands, fabulous family!

🙄🙄

I've been to both. I liked the food in both places, but Dishoom just shades it for me food wise.

I haven't been to the Ivy Asia but I've been to several of the regular Ivy chain restaurants. They are okay but nothing amazing. Dishoom is fantastic. Go there.

The Cinnamon Club is very good and has a lovely atmosphere. Basement cocktail bar and then the main restaurant is in an old library with huge ceilings. The food is a lot better than Dishoom imo.

@Karmakamelion
I agree.

There are set menu options at Kolumba (2-3 course, £25-35 Inc Saturday lunch), Brigadiers (similar but weekday only).
Gunpowder is delicious but the restaurant itself is a bit small so depends on your group size. I also liked cinnamon kitchen by Liverpool St.
And wherever you pick, hope it’s a lovely celebration!

I agree, Dishoom is really lovely food, The Ivy just always feels a bit of a Larry let down to me.

Definitely Ivy Asia for a celebration. The food is great at Dishoom but it’s more of a casual place than somewhere special.

I did private dining at Ivy Asia and it was exceptional. I love Dishom, it's better than many curries but not trully exceptional.

The Ivy Asia restaurant feels wonderful - very spectacular setting. Went there for a special birthday celebration and was v impressed. Food v good too - I’ve had just as good and some better in other places, but I really enjoyed the setting and decor in there - they really put the effort in!

Dishoom's awkward enforced tipping ruins it for me. I'm an adult, I want to tip (or not) in my own way! Also it's very casual and not a dressing up type place.