Joanna’s Restaurant Review: Homeboy and I were exploring Crystal Palace and decided to stop at Joanna’s Restaurant for a bite to eat. Established in 1978, this family-owned independent restaurant is a sanctuary from the busy Crystal Palace Triangle shopping streets. If you’re looking for the best places to eat Saturday brunch in Crystal Palace, a romantic bistro in London SE19 or you love hamburgers; this is the place for you.
“Joanna’s is a classic bistro and Crystal Palace institution serving an English and American influenced menu. It’s the perfect place to relax at the weekend and enjoy a leisurely Saturday brunch. Take a break from your mobile phone and read the newspapers instead,” Homegirl London
Joanna’s Restaurant Crystal Palace Saturday Brunch Menu
The Saturday brunch menu is concise but well thought out. Start with a few nibbles like the Italian Bread Selection, Olives, Polenta Chips with Aioli and Parmesan or Padron Peppers. Treat yourself to a Grand Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Bellini or Bucks Fizz to liven up your Saturday!
Brunch Menu and Drinks List
Then you can move onto the main brunch dishes like Shakshuka, Poached Eggs with Avocado and Chilli on Toast, Pancakes with Crispy Bacon and Maple or Fish and Thick Cut Chips with Minted Peas. I tried the Veggie Breakfast, which was beautifully presented and very tasty. My plate consisted of two poached eggs, grilled halloumi, crushed avocado with chilli, roast tomatoes and mushroom, sauté potatoes and a small gravy boat filled with baked beans. The meat version included crispy bacon and Cumberland sausage with the option to add black pudding or grilled rump steak.
Vegetarian Breakfast
Aside from the brunch selection, you can try one of Joanna’s famous Hamburgers. Homeboy selected the vegetarian option, which was a Root Vegetable Bhaji Burger with mango chutney, coconut yoghurt and fries. I had a bite of the burger, and it was delicious, and those fries were perfect as well. Other options included a Beef Hamburger with crispy bacon, cheddar, club garnish and mayo presented in a glazed bun with coleslaw and fries. Fish fans may like to try the Prawn, Cod and Haddock Burger with hot scotch bonnet mayo, baby gem lettuce, red onion and fries.
Vegetarian Burger and Fries
I thought the prices were reasonable, considering the presentation and quality. Full English, Veggie Breakfast and Shakshuka are £9.75, Fish and Chips is £15, and Hamburgers are £14-16.
Joanna’s Restaurant Crystal Palace Interiors
Restaurant Interior
The original restaurant space expanded sideways. Today, you have a dining room on the right, on the left, you have the bar, kitchen towards the back and further dining tables. The décor is very much in keeping with a typical bistro. Walls have wood panelling which isn’t original but looks as though it is. The chairs and barstools have leather upholstery for added comfort. If you sit by the windows, you get terrific views of the City of London.
City of London Views
Joanna’s Restaurant Crystal Palace Information
Restaurant Exterior
To find out more, go to Joanna’s Website. The restaurant address is 56 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1RX. The nearest station is Crystal Palace. Saturday brunch is served 12 noon until 2 pm. Breakfast is served daily from 10 am until 11.45 am. The A La Carte Menu is served from 12.30 pm daily except Saturday when it is from 2 pm. Take advantage of the Lunch and Dinner Set Menus. Check the website for current opening times before you go. I’d advise you to book a table to avoid disappointment. Enjoy your meal! Read my Ten Things To Do In Crystal Palace article for information on the area and take a look at photographs at my Love Crystal Palace Pinterest Board.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy for joining me.
