JOIA: Playful Design Meets Culinary Mastery
Photography by Matt Russell
JOIA is located on the 15th floor of the Jaime Hayon-designed four-star Art'otel in the revitalized Battersea development. The experience of walking into the lobby is surreal and a great first impression — Hayon’s recognizable style of merging bold color and large-scale art feels almost Wonderland-ish, transporting you to a vibrant and dynamic environment.
As I stepped out of the elevator and entered the restaurant, I was immediately taken in by the cinematic views of London’s skyline and the power station’s chimneys. JOIA, designed by Russell Sage Studio, draws upon the aesthetic of the Art'otel, effortlessly harmonizing modern playfulness with classic elegance. The restaurant was whimsical yet full of sophistication, with a layout that lent itself to the curves of the interior architecture, accented by textiles in soft greens and pinks.
Photography by Rebecca Hope
The space is cleverly choreographed to capitalize on its breathtaking views and curved floor-to-ceiling windows. Intimate two-top tables are arranged so twosomes can sit side-by-side, facing the striking view — a perfect setup for a memorable date night. Live music and a chic crowd added to the evening’s atmosphere.
JOIA marks the debut London venture of renowned Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, celebrated for his two-Michelin-starred Alma in Lisbon. Sá Pessoa infuses his culinary mastery into a menu that reimagines traditional Iberian recipes with inventive touches.
Photography by Matt Russell
We chose the Chef's Menu, a curated selection showcasing JOIA's signature dishes. The meal began with a succulent Iberico ham — a timeless classic executed to perfection. This was followed by a smoky octopus salad, artfully balanced with red pepper, potato, and smoked paprika. A true highlight was the glazed aubergine, its deep smokiness beautifully offset by black olive tapenade and walnuts.
The Arroz de Marisco, a zesty bomba rice dish dotted with red prawns, mussels, and clams, perfectly illustrates how Sá Pessoa elevates traditional recipes. The star of the evening was undoubtedly the txuleton—a 30-day-aged Salamancan black Angus sirloin, cooked to medium-rare perfection. My guest and I agreed it was the best steak we had in London — no joke, as steak-loving Americans, we don’t say that lightly. A close runner-up was the torrija, a decadent caramelized brioche topped with almonds, raspberries, and Madeira ice cream — a true indulgence.
Photography by Matt Russell
What impressed me most about JOIA was not just the food, and not just the design or the view, but the pacing of the dining experience. The meal was delivered thoughtfully, with just the right amount of time between courses, allowing us to fully appreciate both the flavors and the ambiance. In a fast-paced city, the luxury of a leisurely meal feels especially indulgent.
JOIA is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, admirers of great views and great design, or anyone seeking a memorable night out in London. It’s a true gem in Battersea, offering a taste of Iberia with the added bonus of a stunning London skyline.
Photography by Matt Russell