Right around the corner from the Four Seasons Atlanta, Joia Restaurant and Lounge conveys a similar feeling of luxury, but without such a heavy price tag attached to it. Created by Marco Betti of the acclaimed Antica Posta in Buckhead, Joia is a spacious rectangular spot on Crescent Avenue that has been converted into an aesthetically pleasing—and always welcoming—place to drink and dine. With a Tuscan-influenced contemporary American menu and an opulent decor, Joia has proven popular with the 20s and 30s set.
The atmosphere: The space is characterized by hardwood floors, large windows and lengthy banquettes that seem to elongate it. Muted gold and blue cushions complement navy walls with gold molding on them, and red seats throughout the center of the restaurant add some spice to its look. Chandeliers create a rich touch without being too ornate, while white gauzy curtains frame floor-to-ceiling windows and provide a glimpse of the busy world of Midtown outside. The sizeable bar also offers a great place for socializing.
The menu: Joia is open for lunch and dinner and has late-night hours, as well. The menu is fairly simple, but includes a variety of offerings for all taste preferences—and price points. Prepared by Chef Brett Maddox, options include salads, burgers, paninis, pastas, meat and fish. Meals begin with a basket of warm bread that includes a fluffy rosemary focaccia and slightly sweetened rolls.
Appetizers include crispy crab cakes with napa slaw and orange saffron aioli or flash-fried calamari with fresh jalapeno peppers, carrot julienne and spicy tomato sauce. Chef Brett’s signature salad—Belgian endive, baby arugula and pear with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice—is large enough to share, but light enough for summer. A salad of fresh buffalo-milk Italian mozzarella and cherry tomato is also available.
For lunch or a smaller dinner, options include a panini with smoked salmon, served on house-made focaccia with baby spinach, and the black truffle burger of certified Angus beef that is topped with black truffle mayonnaise and fontina cheese. The burger is served with a choice of fries or salad. Another possibility is the gemelli (pasta with proscuitto, green peas and fresh cream) and there’s always classic spaghetti with tomato sauce, too.
As for the entrees, the braised short rib with seasonal vegetables is a tender dish that tastes like a homemade brisket. The flounder, another signature dish, is lightly breaded and flavored with a barely detectable lemon caper sauce, but is quite tasty in its own right. For dessert, a simple chocolate mousse is served with strawberries and whipped cream.
The drinks: Patrons can order from a wide selections of wines or the full bar. In the later hours, Joia dims the lights and pumps up the music from its DJ booth, cleverly hidden toward the back of the restaurant. Tables and chairs can be pushed away, but there’s also a sizeable area toward the front where guests can sip cocktails and mingle in a less formal setting.
The verdict: Between the attractive decor, appealing menu and affordable prices, Joia is sure to garner a large following of repeat customers.
