I decided to book this restaurant after years of almost's buts and maybes for a Thursday night heading into a long bank holiday weekend. The staff were super friendly and helpful with the menu and took time to explain the specials to us. The decor feels classic American, and the food exceptional for the price point. We spent roughly £100 between two people for starters, mains and a bottle of wine. We ordered a broccoli and goats cheese dish for starter - it was sensational, also a wood pigeon dish which was cooked and seasoned very well. For mains we had a mackerel rillette and a steak with fries. The steak had perfectly rendered fat which was properly flamed, this gave it a nice crispy texture. Most places don't get this right. I'd most definitely return to this venue and am disappointed in myself for taking so long to visit - shame on me! read more

See all

I had the opportunity to dine here earlier this year and I'm still salivating over the meal. Simple yet delicious! I had perfectly cooked fish, sea bass paired with an excellent selection of cocktails. The staff was accommodating and unpretentious. I can't wait to return. read more

Amazing place! We often go here for breakfast on a Sunday, and it is always really scrummy. (We also go for lunch and supper too!) The restaurant is gorgeous - lots of wood, very airy and beautifully set tables with white table cloths and 'proper' napkins! The service is impeccable, absolutely first rate. Friendly without being cloying, and extremely professional. The food is what keeps us coming back though. Imagine the absolute most fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection and served beautifully. The menu is pretty large and very varied, but everything is wonderful. I try loads of different things there because I have absolute faith that whatever I choose will be delicious. So, coming back to breakfast... the bacon is gorgeous, the mushrooms really tasty and the tomatoes are heaven. The bread is home made and the tea and coffee are lovely. It's also surprisingly reasonable, you definitely don't pay top prices, but you get top price service and food. Top tip - there is a small parking lot behind the restaurant with a barrier. Go in and park and they will give you a code to get out again after your meal. read more

One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in the UK. The service was impeccable, you really know a places is good when the staff always fold a person's napkin if they ever leave the table. The Pork Loin was very tasty and the vegetables were fresh. I liked that when we bought a bottle of wine the bottle was kept in a bucket near the table and that the staff made sure our glasses were never empty. They also made sure that we never run out of water. The prices can range from £30 to £50 per person depending on whether you get an appetiser and the type of wine you buy. Definitely a place to go for a nice occasion and I highly recommend making a reservation since the place was very busy the night I went. It also seems to be a good place for group dinners (a group of 10 were celebrating a birthday). read more

See all

I have only ever come here for dinner and have done so now on a few occasions. Joanna is a restaurant which seems to have stood the test of time. There are many places to eat in the Crystal Palace Triangle and many have come and gone over the years but, Joannas has been here for some time. Upmarket decor with proper linen on the table and napkins. Service is of a high standard also with the majority of them being polite and patient. I've sampled a variety of meals here but don't think I've had the same one twice which shows that they keep there menus refreshed. Wine is served by the glass, pot or bottle a rare choice in this neck of the woods! Came here last to catch up with an old friend. They were patient as we chatted, as you do and forget about ordering. Then, because of chatting take too long to finish. With a bit more chatting delaying the ordering of the dessert. But, did not show annoyance by us and just continued with what they had to do until we were ready. I found out a very little known fact that this restaurant has its own car park!!! I know, its OWN car park round the back. I have yet to use it but, apparently it is there info given by my companion who has used it! All in all a good meal service and venue. Good dessert, both were well made (yes I tried 2) and of a decent serving yumm. Long lasting Joanna's, I will be back to try more! read more

See all

I love eating here. Joanna's is a local favourite. Fantastic affordable food, friendly, experienced service and great atmosphere. Make sure to order a Grasshopper or two. Yum. But don't forget to make a reservation for brunch at weekends. read more

Joanna's - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

Great local restaurant that's been around for ages and still delivers. Lovely food - usually simple, but well done. Good service and reasonably priced. A good night out or a great venue for relaxing weekend breakfast/brunch. read more

I'm glad Joanna's is in South London while I live in North London. If I had this on my doorstep, I'd probably pledge all earnings to them and just move in. It's just a great local. After some excellent cocktails - which I really wasn't expecting to find around Crystal Palace, being a complete snob - the food was crowd pleasing stuff, but set apart from the masses by the sheer quality of the ingredients and a chef who really knows his onions. Pork belly was exemplary, my lithe companion packed away a huge, perfectly cooked steak, puddings were comfort food of the highest order. Every area should have one. read more

Yep, I like Joannas. Like people say, it's a good reliable and fairly safe bet. Nothing cutting edge, not too fancy, just well above-average food with good service. As someone else said, would take the folks there happily - can't see how anyone could not like the food as there's something for everyone, and it's not too poncy either. Does get busy, and if you get one of the last tables you can get stuck in the 'rat run', so best to book. read more

Absolutely love Joanna's been one of my favourite near by restaurants for years. My first time I went here was on a date. Both the food and service was great. More recently I've taken to going for brunch and the service is just as splendid as the dining experience. My favourite brunch has got to be the Eggs Royale ... superb. read more

Absolutely flawless meal. The fish burger was perfect. The flavours were so good and the whole fish worked perfectly. Desert wasn't great. Still doubting on wether the baked cheesecake was actually baked. Starter was great as well. I had the goats cheese tempura, fried to perfection. Only big problem is that the people on the lovely booth were way too loud and we could hear ourselves over them. Great service! read more

Joanna's deserves it's good reputation. I went for a meal with the in-laws and the food was lovely. Not fancy, not over-complicated, just simple dishes well done. The restaurant was completely full when I went and they still delivered perfectly cooked food to all of us in a timely, friendly fashion. Can't wait to go back!! read more

I recently went there for my birthday, quite minimalistic portions, but very well presented...This place goes with a 'Quality over Quantity' policy, so if your a big eater, have your credit card at the ready. The food was top notch, and service was good...The type of place you'd go for a romantic meal, or a first date to impress. read more

Joannas serves the food I really want to eat, in an atmosphere which is genteel (starched tablecloths, old-fashioned champagne buckets on the bar) but instantly welcoming. I could spend a lot of time there. I'm looking for any excuse to have a go in the little private booth which seats a snug 6. The mid-week supper set menu is great value, and if you're celebrating something you could do a lot worse than pushing the boat out at the weekend. The confit of duck I once had with braised red cabbage and mash was a bit pricy, but so, so, so worth it. read more

I have been to Joannas on two occasions, one for breakfast and the other for dinner. I took my mum here for a mothers day breakfast, or should i say bite! Thats literally what was served a bite! I had scrambled eggs on buttered toast which was probably made of 1 egg and the toast was not even a hand size! My mum had the same but with smoked salmon, a tight mean slice of smoked salmon. We both left the restaurant still hungry so would not recommend going for breakfast! I have also been for a family dinner last november and it was very pleasant. Absoloutely loved my starter the chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche! amazing! For main i had the chicken leg which was also really tasty and well presented. Nice wine selection. Staff very attentive. It is probably the best quality of food in crystal palace. However only go for dinner and avoid the posh breakfast that leaves you unsatisfied. I like a full belly and for the price I think you would agree. read more

Excellent service and tasty food (fish burger in particular!!) will make your day (or night) And the view from windows is amazing read more

Joanna's - Wine - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

See all

The best quality eating establishment in the Crystal Palace area, IMHO. It's pricey but a real treat for a special occasion. Excellent service, wonderful old wood panel decor, and a very good early bird deal mid week! read more

I've eaten out a lot in crystal palace this last year and this place is one of the best for sure! Food is great, service is exemplary - everyone was happy with the food. Will definitely be back again read more

Absolutely great place for breakfast. I had the full english and a side of buttermilk pancakes. Eggs were perfect!! Pancakes delicious! I asked them to change a few things on my plate and they were more than happy to do so. The service is impeccable, very high standard and extremely courteous. The staff will do all they can to make you feel at home and have a great food experience. I come several times for breakfast or late Saturday brunch. Recently i went for dinner and i has the pork belly, which was nice but nothing amazing. If you want a private dinning experience they have a private secluded booth which i had a birthday dinner in and was very nice. read more

Really sad to have to say this but...ate there last Wednesday and was very disappointed with the service. Arrived at 8.20 for booked table in a very busy restaurant at 8.30, ushered to seat and immediately became completely invisible for half an hour. No menu, no drink, nothing. Short of waving arms about, tripping a waitress or letting off fireworks I was wondering what to do when eventually someone became curious about why we were sitting there becoming cross and looking around. The service was like a Bulgarian tourist restaurant in the bad old days: a long wait between every single contact with the waitress who was always on a mission to somewhere else. Not even sure who our waitress was: the slim blonde one or the shorter black one? Did they not get on??? Contrary to what another reviewer says, this should not be the place for a first date until they employ enough staff. It shouldn't be like ths. The main course, when it eventually came, was excellent but we avoided starters and puddings because otherwise we'd still be there now. The whole experience for 2, with the cheapest wine and two coffees: £50. Not happy but because girlfriend liked her salmon so much I will give them one more chance. Next time I will wave a flag or something. Get some more staff in! read more

Brilliant restaurant. Does everything a restaurant should do, with a good helping of classic style. Lovely food, great service, wonderful times had by all. read more

Joanna's is a traditional restaurant,serving european food (mainly British,though 'modern',& here lies the rub),has a good quiet & exclusive 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 what i would define as 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! Its 'sunday roast' Jim,but not as we know it. This is a real pity,as traditional restaurants with dark wood panelling,unobtrusive jazz music,& an almost French sense of style are rare. So, 2 stars for its style & atmosphere.Quelle dommage! This restaurant could so easily be a real corker,there is so much potential,but its let down by its meanness,which spoils the whole place. read more

My favourite restaurant in this area of London. Great food and service!!! My only suggestion could be that they add some new dishes to their menu more often . Probably best Sunday Roast in Crystal Palace. read more

When the parents are in town this is where we go. Great food (always), window table or the private booth if we're lucky. The luchtime menu is also great and good value, nice for business lunches. read more

Excellent food and service. Great atmosphere. Friendly staff, delicious food, great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Best burgers in South London. read more

I've been going to Joanna's with my husband for five years now and it's my favourite local restaurant. I'm very surprised at the previous reviewer as I've only ever managed to eat a starter and main - I've always been too stuffed for a pudding. I'm sure their portion sizes are typical of restaurants in Crystal Palace, but I guess everyone has different sized tummies! What did you eat, master-bates? I'm wondering if you ordered off their 'light lunch' menu, which serves smaller portions at cheaper prices, because it's a 'light lunch' option I guess. So the roast on that menu is cheaper and smaller than their typical Sunday Roast, which has loads of roast beef, vegetables, roast potatoes (so many I always leave at least two) and a HUGE yorkshire pudding. Yum! I've definitely never been left hungry and I'd certainly recommend this place to anyone visiting the area. read more

Joanna's has been on my to do list for some time. I was recommended by a friend, and not disappointed. Menu if fairly simple, and the no nonsense approach makes it a nice dining experience. Above average, and worth a visit. read more

I have been dining there since you first opened and I am in "Culianry Ecstasy" every time I dine there. Thanks for always making my dining expereince so memorable. Barbara N. Winch read more

The quality of the food is superb, pricey but of a high standard but as with most reviews my issues have been with the inconsistant standards of service, which range from fantastic to damn right rude, as a result I bailed ship and now frequent The Exhibition Rooms. read more

A really great restaurant for a romantic dinner out. Food is delicious and staff and friendly and helpful. It's on the pricey side but for a treat it's well worth it. read more

The food was very good. The service was excellent. However, it was slightly overpriced for what was on offer.

What is there not to like! We have been going to this restaurant regularly for 25years and it never fails to please. Excellent food and service and without doubt the best burger in London. A decent and varied menu to appeal to all tastes to include a vegetarian selection. Highly recommended. read more

This is by far my favourite restaurant in London. It may be set in the slightly inauspicious surroundings of Crystal Palace, but the food in this French bistro is absolutely top notch, the service stunning (top class without being intrusive) and the atmosphere delightful. I've taken my three-year-old son here several times adn even though it's a white tablecloth and best cutlery sort of place they accomodate him without batting their eyelids (as well they should). Can I just say here, for the record, that there is not a finer piece of Pork Belly in London than this place. I recently ate some at St Alban (famed for its pork belly) to compare and it was nowhere near as good. The chef at Joanna's manages to make it simultaneously crisp and light, not sticky, and the meat meltingly tender. It's making my mouth water just thinkng about it Anyway. I'm almost loathe to bring this place to people's attention as I don't want it full every time I book.. this has been Crystal Palace's secret for 25 years, I urge you to try it out. read more

I love Joanna's! Have been coming here for over two years now, and have always found the service to be exceptional and the food is great. Portion sizes seem just about right to me (do I sound like goldilocks?), I just wish they still did the peach trifle that was on the menu in 2006! It is nearly always busy, and you definitely have to book on fridays and saturdays. They do a really good kir royale at the bar, and it is nice that you get offered a drink at the bar before your meal whatever time you turn up and however busy they appear to be. read more

Fantastic local restaurant. I wouldn't say it's a destination place, but if you live locally, a great plce for simple but brilliantly cooked food and a fair wine list. Service ha always been faultless. read more

A lovely French bistro feel makes for a great setting. Food was tasty and well cooked, and the fixed menu at twenty pounds was a great deal. Definitely come back here, nice to have this as a great local. read more

Better than the wolsley. Great value, Food is perfect every time. I'm in love with their scallops and cannot wait till my next visit. Highly recommended. read more