Christoff.ai

JOIA

restaurants•
London
London

JOIA

15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Perched 15 floors above Nine Elms, JOIA brings serious culinary credentials to London's rooftop dining scene. With two Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa at the helm, this Iberian fine dining destination promises breathtaking views alongside modern Portuguese and Spanish cuisine that's earned AA 2 Rosette recognition.

JOIA: Two Michelin-Starred Heights Above Battersea

Where Portuguese pedigree meets London's skyline on the 15th floor

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

JOIA commands attention from the moment you step onto the 15th floor of Artotel London Battersea. The rooftop setting delivers those promised breathtaking London views, creating an undeniably Instagram-worthy backdrop that's become a magnet for the city's trendy crowd. With sophistication scoring 9.2 out of 10, this is decidedly refined territory – the kind of place where the atmosphere feels carefully orchestrated for special occasions rather than casual drop-ins. The energy level sits at a comfortable 6.5, suggesting a lively but controlled environment that balances fine dining expectations with social vibrancy. The space caters to intimate gatherings rather than large crowds, with social group sizing at 4.5, making it feel exclusive without being stuffy. The combination of rooftop positioning, Michelin-starred pedigree, and that 'taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Battersea' creates an undeniably unique dining environment that scores 8.8 for rarity in London's competitive restaurant landscape.

Food & Drink

Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa's two Michelin-starred background translates into modern Portuguese and Spanish cuisine that takes a fresh approach to traditional Iberian dishes. The kitchen combines authentic Iberian ingredients with meticulously sourced British produce, creating what's described as vibrant and unique flavors through careful sourcing. Head Chef Jose Jara works alongside Sá Pessoa to deliver this vision, and the AA 2 Rosette award suggests consistent execution at a high level. The restaurant offers a Chef's Table experience for those seeking the ultimate culinary showcase, whilst the JOIA Bar complements the dining with elegant, inventive cocktails featuring Iberian influences, alongside tapas and petiscos. The focus on authentic ingredients combined with modern techniques positions this as serious fine dining rather than fusion experimentation. With experience depth scoring 8.5 out of 10, diners can expect meaningful culinary moments rather than surface-level Instagram fodder, though the visual appeal clearly doesn't suffer.

Service & Experience

With sophistication levels this high and the fine dining positioning, service expectations are naturally elevated, though specific details about staff performance aren't available from my experience. The venue's structured approach – scoring just 2.5 for flexibility – suggests a more formal service style that aligns with fine dining protocols rather than casual flexibility. The availability of a Chef's Table indicates they cater to special occasion dining with appropriate attention to detail. Given the trendy crowd appeal and social media presence across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the team clearly understands the importance of creating shareable moments alongside culinary excellence. However, I'd recommend checking current service standards directly, as this level of operation requires consistent execution to match the culinary ambitions.

Value for Money

With a price level of 3 out of 4, JOIA positions itself firmly in splurge-worthy territory, demanding what's described as a 'fine-dining investment.' The Michelin-starred chef pedigree, rooftop location, and AA 2 Rosette recognition provide clear justification for premium pricing, though this may feel intimidating for casual dining experiences. The combination of exceptional cuisine, unique 15th-floor positioning, and acclaimed chef credentials suggests you're paying for a complete experience rather than just a meal. The venue caters specifically to special occasions and date nights, where the investment feels more justified. For those seeking maximum value, the Chef's Table experience likely offers the best showcase of what you're paying for, whilst the bar area with tapas and cocktails might provide a more accessible entry point to experience the venue without the full dining commitment.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

The rooftop is open daily, with the bar offering afternoon tea on weekends from 12pm-4pm. Given the rooftop setting and Instagram appeal, arriving before sunset would maximize both the views and photo opportunities. Weekend afternoon tea slots might offer a more relaxed way to experience the space without the full evening dining commitment.

What to Focus On

Focus on the modern Portuguese and Spanish dishes that showcase the authentic Iberian ingredients combined with British produce. The Chef's Table experience appears to be the ultimate showcase of Chef Sá Pessoa's capabilities. At the bar, try the Iberian-influenced cocktails alongside tapas and petiscos for a more casual but still authentic taste of what JOIA offers.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the Chef's Table for the maximum culinary experience and best value for the premium pricingArrive before sunset for optimal rooftop photography and viewsConsider the weekend afternoon tea service as a more accessible way to experience the venue and views without full dinner pricing

The Final Verdict

JOIA delivers on its promise of bringing serious Portuguese culinary credentials to London's rooftop dining scene. The combination of Henrique Sá Pessoa's two Michelin-starred background, genuine 15th-floor views, and AA 2 Rosette recognition creates a legitimately special dining destination. While the premium pricing and sophisticated atmosphere may intimidate casual diners, those seeking special occasion dining will find the investment justified. The venue successfully balances fine dining credibility with Instagram appeal, attracting London's trendy crowd without sacrificing culinary integrity. The rooftop setting genuinely differentiates it from other Portuguese restaurants in the city, though the structured approach means this isn't for spontaneous dining. For those willing to invest in the experience, JOIA offers something genuinely rare in London's competitive restaurant landscape.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion diners seeking memorable experiencesInstagram enthusiasts wanting legitimate culinary credibility with their contentPortuguese cuisine enthusiasts interested in modern interpretations with serious chef pedigree

Quick Details

1

JOIA

🏙️ Rooftop views
⭐️ Portuguese cuisine
⭐️ Aa rosette
⭐️ Instagram worthy
✨ Trendy crowd

Two Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa brings Iberian sophistication to Battersea's skyline. The 15th-floor location provides breathtaking London views while the kitchen delivers modern Portuguese and Spanish cuisine using authentic Iberian ingredients combined with British produce. The AA 2 Rosette recognition validates the exceptional quality, while the rooftop setting creates Instagram-worthy moments that don't compromise culinary integrity. Head Chef Jose Jara executes Sá Pessoa's vision with precision and creativity. The JOIA Bar serves elegant cocktails with Iberian influences, making this a complete evening destination. The trendy crowd and vibrant atmosphere prove that serious cooking and social energy can coexist beautifully.

What's Great

✓ Two Michelin-starred chef creates authentic Portuguese flavors

✓ 15th-floor rooftop views provide stunning London panorama

Keep in Mind

× High-end pricing and sophisticated atmosphere may feel intimidating for casual dining

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the Chef's Table for max XP points and arrive before sunset for those golden hour rooftop shots

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Bar: Sat-Sun: 12pm-4pm (Afternoon Tea)\nRooftop: Daily: Open\nNote: Hours may vary"
📍15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ, United Kingdom
💷££££
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

JOIA has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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