Search

Joanna's

Book online

56 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX Full details & map

Brasserie: Modern European

Time Out says 2 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 3 2011

It's not the most conspicuous of restaurants (the bottle-blue frontage is easily overlooked amid Westow Hill's clutter of pubs and plumbing shops), but Joanna's has been bringing a slice of the high life to one of London's highest points since it opened as an American-style grill and piano bar in 1978 (a framed photo of Frank Sinatra hints at its raucous past).

And there remains a dash of Americana in the deco-style interior - walls replete with modern art of the Vettriano variety, long bar gleaming and ceiling fans whirring, wooden floor set with champagne buckets and patrolled by smart, black-shirted staff - but the laid-back vibe and brasserie menu is resolutely European.

Our starter of beetroot carpaccio with goat's cheese fritters was excellent, its earthiness contrasting wonderfully with the sweetness of a raisin, orange and pine nut dressing. Also superb was a main of spiced duck confit in a sweet citrus sauce with wilted chard and mash - the duck skin perfectly crisp, the meat melting off the bone. An Aberdeen Angus burger with cheese and bacon was juicy and generous, and suggests that the founders' affection for Stateside cuisine hasn't entirely been forgotten.

Book online

Tags: European, Modern European, Breakfast/brunch, Families & kids, South East, Crystal Palace, Mid-range, Restaurant, Brasserie

Comment 4 Tweet

Book now

Joanna's details

Address

Joanna's

56 Westow Hill SE19 1RX

Transport Crystal Palace or Gipsy Hill rail

Telephone

020 8670 4052

Joanna's website

Breakfast served 10am-noon daily. Meals served noon-11pm Mon-Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun

Main courses £11.75-£32.50. Set meal (lunch Mon-Sat; dinner Mon-Wed) £12.95 2 courses, £16.95 3 courses

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 3, pavement ), Babies and children welcome ( until 6pm: booster seats; children's menu; high chairs ), Booking advisable ( essential weekends )

Joanna's map

Expand the map

Restaurants & cafés near Joanna's

See all restaurants near Joanna's

Just drinking? See Bars & Pubs

Share your thoughts

Name (will appear on the site) *
Email (will not appear on the site) *
Add a star rating Min 1 star. Zero stars will be treated as unrated.
Enter text...
Tick to receive relevant updates from Time Out including news, events, offers and competitions.

* Mandatory fields for leaving a comment

Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By Ladywills - Oct 20 2011

5/5

Was passing from an appointment !!! So went I'n for a glass of something !!! I't was sooooooo welcoming !!! I treated myself to a glass of pink champagne !!! And another !! This place Devine !!! Even stayed for dinner !!! Was not planned !! Anyone going soon before. ( they told me new menu soon) have the belly of pork ! Apple sauce with a touch of ginger !!! Best I've ever had !!! And let me tell you I've never written a review I'n my life !! Excellent place --- will be back but will book if it's anytime after 7-30 as it gets real busy !!! Loved my time at Joannas xxxx

Report

By Matt - Oct 13 2011

4/5

As a Brixtonite, there are a lack of quality restaurants outside the Village so myself and my partner eat at Joanna's frequently

Terrific food and the informal atmosphere - it's nearly always busy without being uncomfortable - I enjoyed the review and had the beetroot carpaccio last time I went, very tasty indeed. Looking forward to my next visit.

Report

By Mike - Oct 13 2011

I have only had positive experiences at Joanna's, the best restaurant in the area and many friends of mine eat here regularly and love the cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent food.

Going on Sunday and looking forward to it!

Report

By Neil Gilbride - Jul 17 2010

Was highly disappointed- whilst the food was of a good standard, the service was dreadful.

On a Saturday afternoon with the restaurant 1/3 full, we did not expect to be waiting 20 minutes for a starter, then another 30 minutes afterwards for the main course! When we challenged this, we was accused of lying and that "actually it has been 20 minutes since your starter".

We eat out a fair bit, bot in and outside of London, and have never been so appalled at both the wait, but being accused of lying. We found being questioned by staff was highly inappropriate and unthoughtful.

I do not understand why such a high rating has been given to this place - this was massive disappointment. In general, the service (when we were actually served) was inattentive and over "pushy". The atmosphere felt dis-jointed, and the music incredibly loud for a quiet Saturday afternoon.

The food was good, but no where near good enough to make up for the poor service and had left a bitter taste.