What can you tell us about Joe's?
Smack bang in the middle of the ritzy Brompton Cross area, there's every chance you might walk by Joe's without noticing it at first glance. A breezy bar takes up most of it's front, making it almost indistinguishable from the other bistros that dotted around this expensive shopping area.
On closer look, a stylish and cosy restaurant is revealed with its nooks and crannies thoughtfully studded with vintage books and magazines as well as framed rock & roll portraits. We felt instantly at home. From the natural unrushed style of service to the warmly lit and spacious interior, it felt like a slick and contemporary nest in the middle of Chelsea.
Where is it?
Joe's takes up enviable real estate in the middle of an expensive shopping area - but without too many other standout restaurants within spitting distance. Ladies who lunch are big money here, and the restaurant provides an ideal place to top off a day's shopping - or a chic nightspot for dinner.
Who's it suitable for?
Joe's is roomy enough for family-sized groups - we were next to an enthusiastic French family - but ideal for couples.
Where should I meet my fellow diners for a pre-dinner drink?
The bars and pubs of Brompton Road are within staggering distance, but to work up a true appetite we'd suggest an afternoon combining a glass of wine with culture at the V&A or Natural History/Science Museums - all within 5 minutes walk. Failing that, Joe's bar spills out onto the pavement for an enjoyable pre-dinner drink and some pavement people watching.
What would you recommend ordering?
Chef Maria Elia draws strongly on her Greek-Cypriot roots with emphasis on fresh, eclectic and vegetable-heavy pairings. However, there's a streak of playfulness that runs through the menu, which can probably be attributed to her stints at Delfina and El Bulli, amongst others.
We started with the creamy caulifower soup - rich, but not overwhelming with Madeira onions and baby gem - and a perfectly cooked pan-fried pigeon, paired with a greengage tart tatin and agresto sauce. For main courses, the duck with globe artichoke, pear and watercress came close to the much-celebrated 'fat duck' at Heston's Dinner in flavour, while a Mediterranean staple dish of spiced lamb with dates, chickpeas and minted yoghurt was presented leaf-wrapped and moist.
Unsurprisingly for a chef whose 'Modern Vegetarian' cookbook was named one of the top ten of the year by the Sunday Times, a pulse/grain of the day was on offer - on this day, a fresh minted quinoa.
For dessert, the salted chocolate custard with shortbread and chocolate dirt leaps off the menu - but the surprise favourite was the raspberry souffle with muscarvado jelly and milk ice cream. It's flavours were familiar, but perfectly balanced and the ideal refreshing end to the meal.
Is bread included?
Yes - an addictively salty flatbread is placed in the middle of the table like a bouquet. We dare you not to shatter the whole thing and scoff it by the end of your meal.
What's the cheapest wine I could get away with?
White wines start at a reasonable £21 per bottle, with reds at £19. For those in a celebratory post-shopping mood, Prosecco begins at £27 per bottle.
Overall thoughts?
Joe's was a revelation - a genuinely relaxing and delicious spot in one of London's most elite postcodes. Not unreasonably priced for its area (the most expensive fish on the menu came in at 17.95), it's somehow a perfect date spot and a chic family brunch contender at the same time. It deserves to be at the top of your list for South Kensington and beyond.
Joes - 126 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AH - Find out more
Photos by Joseph Guercio
Hot Dinners were invited to eat at Joe's. Prices are correct at time of writing.
