This review reflects an experience earlier this spring.The patio was lovely. We were quickly seated. It took 15 minutes to get drinks. We placed our food order and again, waited and waited. Three tables seated after us got their food well before us. One family ordered 20 minutes after we did had their food finished before we got ours.The pizza was great - excellent wood fired crust. The salad ok (not cherry tomatoes and clumsily plated and dressed - see photo). Nice to see fiddleheads on the menu.I could barely eat my risotto. It was so incredibly spicy hot. At this point I was so hungry I tried to eat it. After four bites I questioned the server. I couldn’t understand why this dish would have so much heat as it really destroyed any other taste.They went back to the kitchen and found out that the “chef” mistakenly used chili oil in the risotto.An apology was given and an offer made. They offered me a drink and I said no as I already had one and was driving. They offered me a dessert . I suggested that they remove the charge for the dish and that they refused. If I could separately write customer service I would give them a zero for this experience.
1. fried calamari as an app - 4/52. I got the Grouper as a main - 2/53. My wife got the Risotto - 2/54. Service - 3/5While I was regretting ordering my mains, looking around the pizzas looked fantastic (not sure on taste) - suggest trying. Also the vibe on the patio is nice vs sitting inside.
The food tastes fantastic and fresh. The ingredients and preparation was cleverly executed but you will be a little hungry when you leave unless you get more than just an entree. The pricing is a bit high but fits the setting. The patio is very loud, the sound gets trapped by the canopy I think. It's hard to have a simple.We did not luck out with a server. We felt like an ignored burden. It got awkward when we finished all the food and drinks but we're waiting 15 + minutes. Meanwhile our server was chatting with a friend the next table over.Not a family restaurant, no high chairs or kids menus.
Went to eat dinner with my family on the weekend. We sat on the patio since their was good weather. I would recommend sitting in the patio if you have a chance as the atmosphere and vibe was really nice. Food and service was both pretty good despite it being a busy Sunday.
Where to begin??? Very vibrant family restaurant serving the "best pizza in the GTA" as well as other delicious mouth watering offerings. Moreover, there is ample free and easy parking. More important, is the fact that it is obvious that the professional staff, and ownership are very proud of the quality of service provided to their eclectic clientele. This is definitely an easy "go to " relaxed destination eatery for our family and friends!!!
I would’ve loved to comment on the food but unfortunately cannot since my husband/ kids and I were very rudely turned away upon attempted entrance last Sunday at 3pm because apparently the restaurant closes from 3:30-5:30? So we went somewhere else on main and on our walk back, at not even 5pm and the patio was full with new tables that weren’t there before. Would love to try to make up an explanation but really can’t think of one other than they didn’t want to deal with us & our kids? Honestly don’t know!
Went on a very busy Sat night. Service was good, zucchini noodle dish with tomato and shrimp was delicious and a wonderful healthy option. I was VERY disappointed in the appetizer grilled calamari portion. Yes it's an appetizer but this was ridiculously small...I will not order again sadly even though it was tasty...it was not worth the $15 they charge. I let server know and she told me "it's always been that size"...not really a satisfactory answer. So for other newbies, be aware it's about a 5 bite app.
My wife and I have been to this location a few times and have had the same experience. While the food is worth the visit, what is lacking is a gracious welcome when you walk in the door. The entrance is not typical for a restaurant as it is very small and crowded if several people show up at the same time...there is no "host stand." Instead you're at the mercy of waiting for a server to seat you and they're typically running around looking after seated patrons. Last night we were asked by 4 servers if we had a reservation (we did), told a table would be available shortly, had one server who said, "Let me check upstairs and come back to you" who never did only to be seated upstairs 15 minutes later. What many restauranteurs don't recognize is the first impression, which sets the tone for the meal is when you walk in the door because we all know, good food is available at hundreds of restaurants of this nature.
Food 3/5Service 5/5Overall experience 2/5Went to Joia on Main to celebrate my 25th Birthday with my in-laws. They usually don’t take reservations but I saw on their website they were so we made a reservation a week in advance. When we arrived, you could tell our name had not made the reservation list (which is a piece of paper with names scribbled all over it) so the hostess went to speak with a manager. 5 adults were seated at a tiny table where we couldn’t all fit comfortably. We expressed our concerns and we’re told a manger would come speak with us. After 10/15 minutes of no one coming to the table, I proceeded to go downstairs and was spoken to very rudely by a staff member who told me - we’re full, to bad and that we obviously didn’t make a reservation. At this point I was ready to leave but sucked it up because it was a Saturday night and any other restaurant would now be fully booked last minute.On to the food. Appetizers came out quickly and we’re good. I would recommend the Joia bruschetta. For our mains we all ordered off the specials menu, again everything was good but nothing to write home about.The most frustrating part was the lack of management’s presence. We never had anyone visit our table to apologize for the mishap on their part. All in all that has me reluctant to return in the future
Went to Joia for a birthday dinner with the family. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy. Wait staff are extremely attentive, friendly, funny but unobtrusive. Strong knowledge of the main, specials, wine and cocktail menus. Very accommodating and informative. We had fried calamari (exceptional), an antipasti platter bursting with meat, cheese and grilled eggplant. We (a family) passed around our mains - the gnocchi is tender, seafood pasta packed with seafood (I think the pasta is house made), I was surprised to find the eggplant parm came with (delicious and fancy) mac and cheese. I couldn't eat dessert but tried a spoonful of the tiramisu rich with espresso. A really great meal and fantastic service. Don't take this the wrong way, but I was a little surprised to find such an amazing restaurant in Newmarket.