JOYA

Nestled in the central stretch of Boat Avenue, Cherngtalay, JOYA offers an enticing dining experience in its newly refurbished space. The ambiance is intimate, with soft, dim lighting accentuating on-trend crystal lights, distressed mirrors and a bottle-green tiled bar area. Deep red and green velvet seating adds to the warmth, while the décor is both modern and inviting. The bar itself is a unique focal point, with books overhead adding a whimsical touch. Overseen by a knowledgeable bar manager, the bar staff are efficient and professional, whipping up playful, custom drinks to start your evening off.

After sitting at the bar area taking our evening in, we moved to our table, though the option to dine al fresco in the fanned outdoor area was also tempting. From here, you can enjoy people-watching while listening to smooth music that adds to the relaxed vibe. The manager was attentive and suggested we try a few starters to share and highlighted some of JOYA's signature main dishes.

To begin, we had a generous portion of the smoky Baba Ganoush, served with fresh yoghurt and warm roti; an innovative twist that lent a new dimension to this classic dip. The rich, deep flavours paired well with the lightness of the yoghurt, creating a balanced and memorable bite. My personal favourite from the starters was the Anchovy Toast with Roasted Peppers, served on perfectly crisp sourdough. The punchy flavours were definitely bold, yet still delicate; they made a lasting impression. Lastly, we tried the Beef Tartare topped with a generous shaving of parmesan and enhanced by earthy truffle notes. Another substantial and enjoyable dish.

For the mains, we indulged in the hearty Lamb Ragout, served with pearl barley. Unusually, it was a warming and wintery dish, but it actually worked well, and we understood why this was one of their signatures as the lamb practically melted under my knife it was so tender. Combined with the intense flavours, it was something different and homely on offer. For the second main course, we selected the Grilled Duck Breast, which came beautifully presented along with a sweet, tangy sauce and smooth pumpkin purée. The slices of duck revealed a tender interior with a slight blush of pink, a good sign of skilled cooking.  

To end, we shared the No-Bake Cheesecake served with mango. A fresh and deconstructed take on dessert that was light, refreshing and the perfect ending to our meal. Although it is not something we typically highlight, on this one occasion it is really worth mentioning: A trip to the dramatic, all-black washroom added a unique and unexpected touch to the evening, so make an excuse to retouch your makeup! 

Within the bustling Boat Avenue area, JOYA is a delightful option for dining with friends or on a romantic night out. It stands apart from some of the other eateries in the area with its inventive twists on classic dishes, a thoughtful and sometimes homely menu with generous portions and friendly management. With trendy, modern décor and the option to dine indoors or out, it turned out to be a great spot to enjoy an evening in the heart of Cherngtalay.