Ivo & Lulu
(212) 226-4399
558 Broome St
New York,
NY
10013
40.7245
-74.0054
Neighborhoods: SoHo, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Ivo & Lulu
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
It's difficult not to become a regular at this dimly-lit sliver of a storefront restaurant. The owners (who cook, serve and bus) are sincere schmoozers who cultivate a dinner-party vibe in their narrow, art-lined dining room. Like perfect hosts, they make introductions between the closely-arranged tables, then politely excuse themselves to the cubbyhole kitchen to prepare your meal.
The Food
The seasonal menu is inventive, thoughtfully prepared and entirely organic--and nothing costs more than $15. Everything's a hit on this seven-item international menu. There are blue cheese and honey-slathered roasted pears and a chunky pheasant terrine casserole, with a whiff of truffle oil under a baked brie crust. For main dishes, try gingery rabbit sausages with mustard or succulent, mango-glazed jerk duck leg confit. Order market-inspired specials: A recent riff on cassoulet yielded wild mushrooms, burstingly sweet beans and gamy merguez in an aromatic roux.
User Reviews
AlexSef
December 10, 2008
We went there on a Friday night with 3 friends. It took a little while for us to get our table, but that was expected. We were able to open our bottle of wine (BYOB) in waiting. The staff were curtious & friendly. The food was amaizing, highly recomment the Duck Breast! Can't wait to go back & try a couple of the other dishes.
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ThePalateKnife
November 16, 2008
I really wanted to like this place. It's charming, albeit cramped & has the feel of a hidden gem. Sadly, I find myself wishing there were a half star rating to serve up here. My friend confirmed reservations for our party 48 hours prior to our arrival, only to be met with blank stares of incredulity. " No. Nothing here under that name. I'll seat you as soon as I can." "As soon as I can" translated to almost an hour wait. A wait in which we watched with utter dismay as our host seated his friends who had audibly "just popped by" at a table he had only moments before nodded toward and said, "he'd have ready for us shortly." Once finally seated at a cramped alternate table, we were informed that of the 7 apps on the menu ,a scant 3 were available. "Ok, the food must be really good," I thought. More bad news. There was 1 entree from the menu to be had & 1 special of merguez w/ cous cous. After ordering what we could, we were informed that of the 3 app choices, they were now "down to two," & "sorry, dessert's on the house." Of the apps left the alleged "terrine de faisant," which, when it finally arrived, tasted suspiciously like ground pork. I grew up eating pheasant almost weekly, so my tongue was primed but I found myself dabbing at the little clumps of meat masked in gooey brie & wondering... The chicken was scant & a bit dry but pleasant. I ate my partner's few remaining bites as I was still starving. We opened our 2nd bottle of wine, meant to be a gift, just to put something in our bellies. Our host/waiter came blithely by , visibly drunk, offering us the check instead of our promised dessert. Upon my inquiry as to what there was for sweets, I was told to "pay no attention to what was on the menu." He begrudgingly brought 2 unremarkable mango mousse for the 3 of us & staggered away. We left- hungry & dismayed.
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NYCEat
September 03, 2008
I used to be a big fan of Ivo and Lulu but after tonight?s experience I will never go back. I made a reservation over a week ago for a party of four. When I got there tonight not only was there no record of my reservation but the waitress/hostess was absolutely rude and inconsiderate. Although half the restaurant was empty she said she was too busy (understaffed?) and told us to wait. After 45 minutes I asked for my bottle of wine back (which she had placed in the freezer) and then she continued to chat with the chef. After another 20 minutes we left, and she followed us out to scold us for leaving. Her behavior was unacceptable and uncalled for, and the experience was an overall disappointment. A truly unremarkable and upsetting visit to a once fantastic restaurant.
read full reviewThe Details on Ivo & Lulu
What to Drink:
BYOB is the rule here. With rich and lusty fare like this, consider spicy, medium-bodied reds from Southern France, like Cotes du Rhone or Languedoc Roussillon. If you arrive empty handed, the owners will guide you to the nearest liquor store.
Know Before You Go:
Ivo and Lulu are two artists that the owner met while traveling. Their modern art lines the walls.
