40 years running and still going strong, Joanna’s in Crystal Palace is celebrating its four decades of delicious dining by showcasing some of its original and locally preferred dishes.
From now until 22 April, the restaurant is offering a Vintage Specials menu alongside its seasonal a la carte selection.
I dropped by for a lunchtime look a couple of weeks back. Before I even sat down to go through the menu, I was enchanted. Wood paneling, charming little reception booth and private dining nook, a long wooden bar running the length of the room: beautiful, old timey stuff with a neighborhood feel and touch of Americana about it.
The charm lingered as I leafed through the menu, settling for a taste of old school classics. Tasty dishes I’m happy to recommend (and am now licking my lips while remembering them include a classic prawn cocktail (£7); baby back ribs in BBQ sauce (£13.50 with coleslaw and fries); and one of the best burgers I’ve had in London (beef patty, smoked bacon, mature Cheddar, club garnish and mayo on a glazed bun, £16 with coleslaw and fries). Room for dessert? You’d be wise to save some space for banoffee pancakes with toasted almonds, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream (£6.50).
I was there midweek during working hours and, thus, refrained from drinking. But the cocktails and wine lists appeared to my liking and I’d have loved to hang there all day enjoying a Dark & Stormy or two.
Service was friendly and fast.
Joanna’s is located at 56 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX. Find out more at joannas.uk.com.
