In the film Ratatouille (2007), the character of the food critic tastes the eponymous dish and is cast back to a simpler time in their childhood. I made this parallel when I tasted a dish at Joy that placed me in a lolly shop I used to visit after school, where I was fond of apple flavoured sour warheads. I could vividly recall who I was with, who stood behind the counter, and how I felt in that point in time. When I mentioned how delightful I found this to Sarah, who made the dish in front of us, she smiled and nodded like she had heard it 100 times. The name 'Joy' makes perfect sense when you're walking out after a full degustation. On the night of my wife's birthday we were welcomed by Sarah and Oliver, who cooked and served a full restaurant of 10 people like a well oiled machine. The food was incredible, the service was personal, professional, and par none. Booking a table here is hard because it is worth it. If you enjoy fine dining, you have to come to Joy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+

Took me 6 months to successfully book a table 4 months in advance. With all the hype and praise of Joy I heard, I had a very high expectation and it has certainly met my expectation, if not exceeded it. From Sarah and Maddie greeting us at the door of the restaurant, to sending us off 2.5 hours later, it’s certainly a one of the best dining experience you can have in Brisbane, maybe even in Australia. The menu, the beverage pairing, the service, even the decor of the restaurant and the placement of plates and everything, in my opinion, is a meticulously orchestrated dining experience which has executed perfectly by Sarah and Maddie. By watching Sarah preparing foods in front of us, you can tell she is an OCD person around the kitchen. I believe this is what makes her excel at what she is doing. It’s certainly won’t be the same without the impeccable service from Maddie. They are just very lovely people. I would give 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if I can.

As the name of the restaurant suggests, you will certainly feel 'joy' as you embark on the next 2ish hours of fine dining. The atmosphere and service are impeccable. The drinks and food are delicious. Stand out was definitely the Atlantic salmon in burnt butter. Each dish was thought out with care and love, and you can just tell Sarah and Oliver really care about what they're creating in this kitchen. The only thing I have to critique is that I still felt hungry after the 8 courses and was left wanting something else (which is probably not a good indication after spending $170++ on a dinner). Will I come here again? Probably not. However, it's certainly an experience. If you are religiously checking the website/IG for cancellations, keep at it and you can decide for yourself.
Price per person
$180–200
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We've done the fixed menu with matched wines before, with everything chosen by the chef. While we have always enjoyed it, Sarah and Tim take the concept that little bit further and it really is superb. We went with the long menu - 9 courses in sensible portion sizes all working together beautifully - with paired drinks matching each course. Some fascinating concepts, stretching the boundaries a bit but nothing too outrageous. Everything explained as it is served in a friendly, non-pretentious, non-intrusive way. Highly recommended. You can expect to get into conversation with the people on either side of you, it's that kind of atmosphere. One of our fellow diners told me some self-appointed food critic gave them a bad review recently. If you saw it, ignore it. Thanks to Sarah and Tim for a wonderful evening.

This was the most amazing food and tied for most enjoyable dining experience I have ever experienced in my life. (To be fair the only experi nice I've had which was close was O Noir where you eat in complete darkness and all of the staff are visually impaired so. Keep that in mind!) I've spent more money than I care to think about on similar degustations but this was beyond all expectations. To have food this amazing with a pair of chefs who were so utterly and completely humble, down to earth and normal was an experience. Being able to see and SMELL the creations in such a small intimate setting was incredible. I would leverage my soul to get another booking. Anyone who rates this as anything less than 5 stars is a fool, a liar, or just ... Wrong.

Took me about 8 months to get a booking here and it was definitely worth the wait. Hats off to Chef Sarah & Maddie! We had an amazing time and the food was just divine. Each course had intricate flavour and was beautifully presented. We opted for the beverage pairing Sarah made for her dishes - needless to say that every drink complimented its chosen dish very well. The Genmaishu in particular was excellent. My husband doesn’t eat beef, Sarah did a great job accommodating this as he didn’t feel like he missed out on anything. We both were beyond satisfied in the food and alcohol department when we left! Special mention to the Mont Blanc dessert sensational! Thank you both again! Can’t wait to visit again

The food was delicious, best degustation I've had in Brisbane and probably the second best ever. They know what they are doing and it shows in the courses they served. They seem comfortable catering to dietary needs and finding clever ways to fill the gaps (not that I got any substitutions but the vegans next to me seemed pleased) and listening to the chefs explain how and the reasons why they crafted these specific substitutions was fascinating. It's also not as awkward as i thought having the chefs right in front of you prepping your meal, they focus on what they need and let you enjoy your evening, but they were very friendly all the same if you had questions. Don't live with regret get the full course.

A very unique dining experience in Brisbane and one that should be on everyone's list to check off. Choosing between a short or long menu, Joy is a degustation only dining experience that is wonderful from the moment you sit down to when the chefs thank you at the end. Sitting on a long bar, the two chefs do everything from serving drinks, preparing and cooking the dishes to clearing the plates, Joy is an intimate and memorable dining experience that really has no peer at present. Different and unusual food pairings that work and flavours that tease and challenge your palate make for great memories. Thank you Tim and Sarah! PS. Go for the long menu.

Been trying to get in for over 18months! So yesterday scrolled through Instagram, Joy's story came up seats available, got in for Thursday, could not believe it! Fantastic dining experience, from the custom crockery that goes perfectly with each dish, to the wine on offer. The amount of time and effort that has to go into the preperation of each meal has to be acknowledged and applauded. Love your setup and what you've got going on, we wish you all the best for your future and hope that Joy stays on the wish list of many more, for many more years to come! R&R
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$180–200

Tim and Sarah are such lovely hosts and really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and ensure we had a great time. They were both attentive, and very generous with their time, all while still cooking our dinner! The food was inventive and imaginative, and delivered on taste and value for money. The beverage pairings were sometimes unusual but always great, and we were even given alternative options to try. Joy Restaurant is, pardon the pun, a joy and it's great to see such a unique concept (in Brisbane anyway) doing it so well. These guys are killing it, and if you should eat here asap. We will definitely be coming back.

Most accurately named restaurant I've ever been to. What is there to say other than this was the best dining experience I've ever had. Sarah and Tim are incredibly talented chefs, their personalised service is second to none and and their dishes are just mind blowing. I've never been so excited about a meal / dining experience I've just had. You can see the passion and attention to detail that has gone into this place. From being greeted at the door down to the cutlery and plateware - everything had been thought through to make the dining experience as good as it can get. Believe the hype - it absolutely will not disappoint!

Was so impressed by the night Food absolutely smashed We had so much fun Appreciate Sarah’s creativity and curating the entire menu The first bite I was like “that flavour really exploded in my mouth and this wasn’t even exaggerating” Everything was so amazing !! didn’t enjoy the chawanmushi as much for the crunchiness of the quinoa taking over the entire dish and taste. Dessert was quite sweet with even sweeter pairing drinks it was kinda a mismatch and was a bit hard to finish BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS PERFECT Overall the dinner was boom and 100% recommend everyone to try. The experience is worth waiting !!

I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. Sarah and Maddie's enthusiasm for everything they present carries across in the taste of the food and the overall atmosphere of Joy. Every dish served was impeccably plated and comprised of multiple elements which when paired together created beautiful flavour sensations. We paired the short drinks pairing with the meal and it was absolutely perfect with the drinks perfectly complementing the courses. It was amazing watching the team work together and we loved every moment of the experience. We would love to visit again someday.

Joy is appropriately named as that’s exactly what you feel throughout the whole experience. The food is unbelievably delicious and between a few different dietary requirements we all left feeling overwhelmingly satisfied. The pairing option is done brilliantly too if you choose that option. Tim and Sarah welcome you into what feels like their home and the intimacy of the restaurant and being able to interact with them was lovely. The whole experience is fantastic value for money. Thanks for opening this beautiful restaurant, it is hands down best dining experience in Brisbane!

Wow! This was certainly worth the wait. We've been trying to come here for the last year. When we were finally able to get a booking we were ecstatic. This lived up to our expectations plus more. Sarah and Oliver were amazing. The aesthetics were fantastic but the service and the food was out of this world. Sarah's attention to detail was superb. We couldn't fault any meal we had. The cocktails were brilliant as well. If you can't get a booking just keep trying. It's worth being persistent as this is one of Brisbane's best. Will definitely try to get back in again!

Amazing creative food! I want to keep it all a surprise from you because it was so inventive and delicious . Do the matching beverages. A intimate restaurant with all the beautiful trimmings. A little gem in a laneway. You must try when in Brisbane. Sarah and Oliver are fabulous. Go with an empty belly. Oh a cool tip, have a beverage whilst waiting for your sitting at the other little gem N.U.G next door. Their wine was delightful.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+

This delightful 10 seat degustation style restaurant was founded by chefs Tim and Sarah Scott late last year in order to create a unique style of service, space and menu that was truely unique to them, and allowed them to bring joy to not only their diners but also themselves! Such an intimate and joyful experience to sit in their kitchen, watch them create some truely sensational dishes and learn about the produce and wine they have discovered along their journey! Great food, wine and service!

Joy was such a beautiful intimate location that just oozed modern and creative. Each dish was so delicate and carefully prepared, the presentation was exquisite. The flavors were just as wonderful, my personal favourite was the first dessert. I got the short course drinks pairing and that was perfect to go with the dishes. Each dish and drink was explained as they were brought out. Could not recommend this highly enough for an immersive and incredible dining experience. Thanks Sarah and Maddy!

Phenomenal dining experience. Everything was simply wonderful. From the moment we walked in the door to when we left we experience excellence and brilliance with warm and personable interactions. The food was unbelievable and it was amazing watching the chefs create it in front of us and explain different elements. Would recommend going all in with the full courses and the beverage pairings, it creates and experience like no other. If I can book in again, I'll be back.

Eight courses of perfection. This is the place to take someone you want to impress. Sitting at the pass and watching the plate creations come to life while you sip on the expertly paired wines, what more could you ask for? The dining experience is exquisite, elegant and personal. It's without doubt one of the best in Australia, not just Brisbane. Don't skimp on this experience, spend the money and go the full course. You will not be disappointed.

Outstanding! I am not sure where to begin... The intimate dining experience that Tim and Sarah provide is unlike any other I have encountered! From the first greeting right through to how the bill is presented, the finer details sure did not go unnoticed. Phenomenal food and wine pairings, I would highly recommend to those who are interested in trying food you wouldn't usually cook at home and who appreciate the finer things! Well done guys!

"Something went wrong" - that's the message I've been getting at midnight in the last 4 months every time I was painstakingly trying to make a booking. So to be clear I haven't been to the restaurant yet, but so far my experience with Joy has been very negative. I think I'll give up trying to book it, it shouldn't be so difficult to make a booking. Also who decided that 12am would be a good time to release new bookings?

We had an amazing meal at Joy. Sarah and Oliver were delightful hosts and so professional to watch. The food was creative and thoughtful. The standout for me was salmon with cumin butter and pistachios. It was an explosion of texture and flavour. I recommend the paired drinks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$180–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had the very great pleasure of dining here recently where Sarah and Tim delivered one of our best Brisbane dining experiences ever. Lovely small setting with food brought together right in front of you. The food was fantastic clearly well thought out and constructed. Tim and Sarah were lovely and engaging adding to the evening. Give it a go everyone and thanks for an awesome night Tim and Sarah!

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Joy for our first wedding anniversary. Tim and Sarah have really created an amazing, unique, and intimate dining experience. We had the short menu with paired drinks and enjoyed every moment. We will be back on the next special occasion (and any opportunity after that). Thank you for such a great time, it was nice meeting you and being a part of Joy.

Tim and Sarah, congratulations. How do you manage to accomodate ten different palettes?.... but you do. Every dish,every single dish was delicious. Perfect portion size. I couldn’t get over watching Tim plate up, deeply intense love for his food. Loved the conversation, loved the space,the music, the food and the delicious French wine. I hope the hard work is worth it because you deserve it.

Went for my boyfriend's birthday and I'm so glad I managed to book 2 seats for us for dinner. The hosts and chefs Tim and Sarah were an absolute joy and the food were amazing. It was such a treat watching them behind the chef's table and my boyfriend and I loved the wine pairing as well. They are doing amazing for a new restaurant and no doubt will continue to do great in the future.

Thankyou Sarah and Oliver for an amazing dining experience. All the food was absolutely amazing. We really enjoyed the lamb steam buns and the ocean trout was divine. Of course the Joy mont blanc was incredible
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$160–180
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Joy Mont Blanc

I can’t say it was a remarkable experience as some of the dishes were quite average - especially if you’ve been waiting 3mth (extremely long for a brisbane standard) you’d expect to have your socks blown off. However, the seafood utilised in the dishes were extremely fresh, and some dishes were highly creative which I loved. The service provided by the two chefs were great as well.

Everyone should experience Joy! We had an incredible dinner last night which will be a memory not to be forgotten. As soon as Sarah and Tim welcome you into their restaurant you know its going to be amazing. The friendliness, atmosphere, mouth watering courses and outstanding hospitality make your experience top notch. We can't wait to go back!!!! Thank you Sarah & Tim

An unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to get in on opening night (not that you'd know based on the slick operation) after some other guests cancelled and I can't say enough nice things about the food and the service. This restaurant is a much needed entry on the Brisbane dining scene and is a Joy not just in name but in the experience that Tim and Sarah provide.

Stunning food but a very small restaurant that you must book
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Jack's Creek Wagyu Wasabi Leaf Sorrell Cabbage, Buckwheat Bread, Enoki Mushroom, Yellowfin Tuna, Wagyu with Tomato and Fried Capers

Not completely wowed as others have been in reviews posted more than a year ago, the flavours not always to my taste. Some were just way too salty, others a little bland. Probably just that I have a different palate, but this is my honest opinion. Would have been nice to see the menu beforehand rather than be given is as a ‘souvenir’ at the end.

One of the greatest restaurant experiences I have ever had. Tim and Sarah were simply amazing hosts, greeting us at the door and providing outstanding service all night. Between just 2 people they were front of house, chefs and sommeliers. The food was exceptional, the experience was intimate and I can't wait to come back, highly recommended.

My husband and I had an amazing time at Joy! We were so excited to get a reservation and the experience exceeded all expectations. The food and drinks were incredible and the warmth from both Sarah and Oliver made it such an enjoyable experience. Will be dreaming about some of those dishes for a long time - thank you so much for having us :)

Not only is the food amazing, the whole experience should be acknowledged and commended. The extra mile shown in their delivery, research and appreciation for all things food is nothing short of impressive. Their friendly demeanor makes every guest feel welcome and brings forward a feeling of having dinner with old friends.

Sarah and Oliver were fantastic hosts for the evening, only to be outdone by the quality of the food we got served during the dinner seating. The biscuits you receive at the end was a really nice touch, worth the trip, and worth the experience.
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Dropped by for a coffee before an appointment and was treated to an expertly made flat white and complimentary sparkling water. Service was professional and friendly. Background music blended perfectly with my outdoor table. What was initially going to be a quick coffee turned into a relaxed escape from reality.

Tried from 6 months out to get a booking, waited 2 months as recommended and still unable to book. Why can't you just take bookings from whenever like normal? It's not a hospital appointment it's a restaurant for goodness sake. Guess I'll never get to even try the food....fix your booking system it's terrible.

The website says they cater to dietary requirements but that’s just a funny joke. Include them in your booking notes if you like being ignored, and send a follow up email if you enjoy responses 3 days later that basically say “bad luck, we don’t care, someone else will take your spots if you don’t come”.

Gorgeous food, perhaps the best we've eaten from anywhere around the world. Overall an amazing experience that we can't wait to do again - if we can get a reservation!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I went when it was Sarah and Tim and managed to grab a spot again with Sarah and Maddy and it is still just as grand. The care and thought that goes into both the flavours and presentation of each dish is extraordinary. The entire dinner is an experience and we couldn’t recommend more highly.

Wonderful meal with a great wine list. Both Tim and Sarah were incredibly welcoming and very knowledgeable. Great storytelling with some unique and excellent flavour combinations. You can tell they have a real passion. It’s a 10 seater restaurant so book ahead!!

Joy is the only word to explain this Restaurant. I had been gone to the last night with my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday. A very remarkable experience in Brisbane. not only excellent food but good staff too. Last night was a gorgeous night!

It was very intimate, and I spent the evening trying to make sure the chef was not in a bad mood. An experience I would not want to have again. The food was really good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+

The booking process is absurd and demeaning, insisting that one must log in at midnight and rush the reservation page like American shoppers on Black Friday - this is not a dignified way to treat customers. I understand that the demand is a

Joy is not only a restaurant, it is first and foremost an experience to live once! Tim & Sarah succeeded to bring something new in Brisbane. From the food to the music, from the beverages pairing perfectly with the food, a show is happening

Really nice addition to Brisbane. Not your typical commercial kitchen where you feel like a number. The food and service are so personal it feels like Tim and Sarah are inviting you into their home. Hardworking individuals who truely have a

Beautiful, delicious and amazing. Sarah is in her element and has place so much thought into each dish. Maddie, also has such a great knowledge of spirits and both women give you a culinary experience you will never forget. We will be back.

The first thing you will realise stepping into Joy is that Tim and Sarah love what they do and it reflects in every aspect. From personally greeting you to carefully explaining the intricacies of each plate, they share an understanding of

The best dining experience I've had in Brisbane to date. The food tasted absolutely delicious and it was perfectly paired with the wines. Sarah and Tim are both very friendly, hospitable and top chefs. Everyone should experience Joy!

Last night was one of the best culinary experiences I have ever had, hands down. Well done to Tim and Sarah - truly a unique and amazing night! If you want to visit, make a booking and you absolutely must do the beverage pairings!!!

Not sure where my last review went …I did write one shortly after Joy opened. Overall great experience. Look forward to coming back soon to see how the restaurant has evolved.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Such a cool place from the moment you walk in the door. The experience starts from being personally welcomed in by the chefs to the amazing repertoire of dishes that are served before you. Will definitely be back.

Absolutely mesmerizing... if ever I get another reservation for two, I'm going by myself and eating both servings. Mark you calendars for 11:59 on the 1st of every month and get a reservation, don't miss out

Joy is the only word to describe this place. Go now or regret it forever. Actually can't wait to go back... I was in a very happy (albeit full) place after dining here. Pure joy. Thank you SO much!

If you love fine dining, if you love shows like master chef, then this intimate dining experience is like a chefs table at an exclusive restaurant, but you have the down to earth owners with you.

Still the best experience I have ever had in a restaurant. I’ve been twice now and blown away both times. Maddie is a great new addition to the team also - super knowledgeable.

Mixture of hit and miss. Some dishes were way too salty. Honestly desserts were better than starters and mains. Its okay to experience for one time but no second time for me.

Went there this week while Jayu was running and it was phenomenal. The food with wine pairing was beautiful, clever and delicious. Oliver and Mason absolutely nailed it!!!!

The wait to get a reservation here is well and truly worth it. Exceptional personalised service, and a 6 star culinary experience. The best in Brisbane!

Love every dishes at Joy. The ingredients are carefully selected and cared for. The only cons is the booking process as it’s hard to get a place. More

Perfect dinner. Couldn’t fault a thing. So nice to be able to chat to the chefs preparing your food and both Tim and Sarah are lovely!

Lovely ambiance and service. Personal and delicate. The wine pairing was perfect and the whole event was amazing. Highly recommend

One word: amazing :). If youve been trying too many fancy places and things youve lost your passion for eating out, think again.

Our 2nd visit, absolutely amazing!! It is worth the wait! Sarah and Dave are lovely!! The food is absolutely divine! More

Rich and bold flavours that worked. Generous servings, enjoyable experience seeing your dinner being prepped.

Great experience. Loved the atmosphere. Very rich in flavor.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Excellent food, really enjoyed our night and we look forward to coming back for the next menu change!

Such an amazing experience! Best one in brisbane! ❤️