© Thomas Vauchel - Jérôme Mauchamp - Nicolas Buisson
Joy is in the air! Seven years ago, two-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze opened Jòia, her laid-back yet stylish dining spot on Rue des Jeûneurs. A smashing success. Time passed, and we found ourselves missing this charming pink-and-red velvet-clad restaurant. So, we went back for lunch to see what’s changed (or not). Verdict? We should never have waited this long…
A Feel-Good Place to Dine
Jòia means “joy” in Occitan, and that’s exactly what this place is all about. Designed for fun and good company, the restaurant features large communal tables and an open kitchen facing 60 seats on the ground floor—ideal for lively get-togethers. Hélène Darroze has crafted a menu full of her favorite ingredients, childhood memories, and travel inspirations, all at accessible prices. Upstairs, the vibe shifts to a cozy boudoir with a library, fireplace, plush sofas, and soft carpets. Whether downstairs or upstairs, the food is a delight.
Indulgent Dishes for Food Lovers
The chef has created a sharing-friendly menu with tapas-style starters, perfect for sampling. Think lobster rolls (€18), crispy fried chicken with cumin mousseline (€14), and the already-Instagram-famous DIY guacamole, served in a mortar (€12).
For starters, we fell in love with the gravlax-style fish of the day, beautifully enhanced with Timut pepper and Comice pear (€15), as well as the traditional duck foie gras terrine from Les Landes (€22).
Mains are just as tempting: pumpkin gnocchi with vegetable jus, chestnuts, and fresh sheep’s cheese (€28), or golden-seared scallops with endives and orange reduction (€36).
Don’t miss the incredible lunch menu (€34 or €39), offering two entrée and main course options. The highlight of our visit? A dreamy rice pudding with caramelized popcorn that we’re still thinking about. We also hear great things about Jòia’s €48 Sunday brunch…
Open daily from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM.
© Thomas Vauchel - Nicolas Buisson
Last-Minute Scoop
Psst! A little insider tip: Hélène Darroze has just launched Maison Michodière (16 Rue de la Michodière, Paris 9th), a chic private dining space, also open to the public by reservation on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Food lovers, take note!
Also read: 3 sunny new restaurants you’ll love & the best croque-monsieur and croque-madame in Paris.
