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Sometimes London’s longest serving eateries are the safest bets, and so it proves with this New York speakeasy-styled brasserie founded by the Ellner family in 1978. The dark wood panelling, ceiling fans, wall mirrors, nicotine-tinted interior and 1950s diva soundtrack may be somewhat stagey, but the entire operation rarely falters. The affable, cosmopolitan staff, crisp tablecloths and atmosphere of relaxed sophistication place Joanna’s beyond the norm for a suburban eaterie – as does the food. A chicken satay starter was chargrilled to perfection; caramelised onion and parmesan pie had the lightest, crisp pastry casing with a tangy filling; a fish pie main course was a fragrant slab of creamy, piscine goo, studded with garden peas and crowned with crisped potato. Desserts proved a hit with the sweet-toothed. A six-year-old in our party declared herself ‘in love’ with the sticky toffee pudding, so heavenly was the combination of dense, warm sponge, treacly caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream. Wines are well-chosen, with a French bias. Crystal Palace may seem an odd place to find a slice of the Lower East Side, but not a single bum note was struck.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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Joanna's still retains its ambience,& its a really pleasant place to unwind with friends.
However,i have to take serious exception to the now miniscule size of the food portions.Yes its all good quality,but what's the point when a main course is smaller than a typical starter?
I am a local & its a convenient & pleasant place to go with my friends.By now i've tried most of the dishes on the menu hoping to find one that will at least fill me up so that i can have a reason to return,but each time,i have been disappointed.
The last time i was there,in desparation i asked the waitress to persuade the chef for a decent sized portion,but no,i just got the usual delicately served Lilliputian morsel,as though it comes off some rigid conveyor belt.When i mentioned this,the waitress suggested an extra sausage which i thought a decent gesture,but then on the bill, i found they had added on that sausage!
Been going to Joanna's for many years now and it's still great - food is as delicious as any "fine dining" London restaurant and very reasonably priced. Service is second to none - very attentive and well trained staff (sometimes hard to find these days!), so well done Joanna's. It's well worth the trip to Crystal Palace - GO, it won't dissapoint you!
fantastic restaurant, great food and ambiance