JOEY Restaurants (DTLA)

I’ve probably been to Joey a few too many times. The one thing that keeps bringing me back is how the menu has enough options to accommodate different diets, which is great for larger groups. There is usually no wait, but you can also call ahead to reserve a table if you have a large party! When you arrive, the waiter will sometimes offer you complimentary champagne before walking you to your table. The restaurant is pretty spacious and I prefer their typical dinner table over their booths and tall tables! Having gone to Joey a few times, here is what I’ve tried so far, from my least favorite to favorite dish.


Small Plates

Truffle Parmesan Fries – grainy mustard aioli – Fries are always a popular appetizer. This is one of my go-to appetizers if I’m looking for an appetizer to share with others who are…less adventurous.
Korean Fried Cauliflower – sweet & spicy Korean chili miso paste, toasted sesame seeds – Yum…it’s the fried cauliflower that tastes like orange chicken again!
Hummus – tzatziki, dill, olives, crispy pita – I am usually not a big fan of hummus, but this is my favorite small plate! The crispy pita is seasoned very well and tastes delicious with the hummus and olives. I just wish that this appetizer comes with more crispy pita!


Mains

Baja Fish Tacos – two tacos, shrimp & cod, guacamole, valentina’s, fries – Tacos are probably not the first thing you would think to order when you’re at a restaurant. While the tacos are just okay, I really like the fries that come with this dish! Next time, I’ll just get a side of fries instead of ordering this entree.

Baja Fish Tacos $23

Mediterranean Bowl – harissa grilled chicken, marinated chickpeas, grilled artichokes, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, gem tomatoes, jasmine rice, hummus, tzatziki – I wanted to try something different, so I tried the Mediterranean Bowl this time. Overall, the bowl is good and tastes healthy, but for this price, I’d rather order other things on the menu.

Mediterranean Bowl $28

Steak Frites – 5 oz cut, garlic butter, rocket greens, preserved cherry tomatoes, fries – If I am not too hungry, the steak frites is a good option. The 5 oz cut is a bit small, but with the salad and fries, it’s a pretty balanced meal!

Steak Frites $32

Bollywood Butter Chicken – aromatic basmati rice, papadum, grilled naan – Mmm…the butter chicken sauce is so good! I love the sauce combined with the rice. I am actually not a big fan of the chicken, so maybe I’ll try the tofu option instead next time.

Bollywood Butter Chicken $28

Steak & Ravioli Bianco – sliced grilled sirloin, shrimp, crispy onions, grana padano, truffle beurre blanc sauce – When I am craving something a bit fancier, I get the Steak & Ravioli Bianco. It’s not enough food to make me full, but I do like the ravioli!

Steak & Ravioli Bianco $38

Chicken Parmesan – spaghetti pomodoro, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil – Carbs, carbs, carbs! This dish will definitely fill you up. Not only is there a big portion of spaghetti, but the chicken also comes in a big piece! As good as this is, I can’t have this all the time – it’s way too much food for me. You can also add on a tasty slice of garlic bread to go with this dish!

Chicken Parmesan $33

Steak & Sushi – tataki-style steak, ponzu sauce, seared salmon sushi or tuna & avocado crunch roll – Yes, the sushi is not amazing, but it’s good enough to satisfy your sushi cravings! I definitely like the seared salmon sushi a lot more than the tuna & avocado crunch roll. Be careful when you order the steak – they might try to sneakily upgrade you to a 7 oz steak without telling you! Surprisingly (or not), I’ve probably ordered this dish the most – I leave the restaurant feeling quite satisfied and not hungry!

Herb Crush Salmon – truffle beurre blanc, preserved tomatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, snap peas + asparagus – This is the latest dish I’ve tried, and it instantly became a favorite. I love the mashed potatoes and the salmon. The tomatoes also add some juiciness to the dish. I’ll definitely be ordering this dish again!

Herb Crush Salmon $39

Aside from being charged more for the steak without being told, I’ve had a pretty good experience with Joey. They are also pretty accommodating if you would like to switch to another table (we did that once to avoid the sun). It can get busy during lunch time sometimes, so try to get there early or call ahead for a reservation!

Should I try something new next time or get one of the dishes on my list?