Joia Italian Restaurant And Bar in Glasgow City

A wonderful little restaurant that's well worth a visit. We don't go into town often and were concerned about parking but it's so easy to get to and loads of on street parking round about. The staff were super friendly, very attentive and made sure everything was perfect for us. The food was so delicious I even scraped the plate. I would recommend the tiramisu. The service was fast enough that you didn't feel forgotten about but leisurely enough that you could enjoy the meal. Would definitely recommend and will hopefully be back soon.

We were a larger group then planned (12 instead of 8) and the restaurant manger did a wonderful job in accommodating . They really know how tu handle large groups . The service was excellent . Food and wine were good and the ambience spot on .

A lovely Italian restaurant in the heart of Finnieston. The menu is full of delicious dishes, making it difficult to choose from, as you simply want everything. It changes seasonally, so there is always something exciting to look forward to. The staff was attentive and friendly. Thanks!

I won’t recommend it. The pasta I ordered was too chewy and salty ( I know it’s proper Italian way of cooking but it’s under cook to my tastes). The lasagne was ok. All in all, I won’t recommend it to a friend and I won’t go back.

First time trying here for food and was not disappointed. The set menu was fantastic and the food was fresh and delicious. We went early so was quiet at first but was getting busy as we left. Service was great but was almost too attentive.

Food is really well made, really nice flavours and a good choice of items. The only issue was the insane amount of cocoa powder on the Tiramisu. Made a couple of people at our table choke. Otherwise a beautiful meal. Staff really nice too.

Beautiful seafood cooked to perfection. Staff are delightful, very friendly and helpful. Polenta starter could have used a little salad maybe. Just being picky though. Will return very soon. Highly recommend.

Lasagna was fantastic, one of the best I’ve ever had. They made us GF meatballs fresh, staff was attentive and kind.

1st time my Partner tried Charcoal Pizza here Delicious 😋 Best Pizza Ever✔️

I have eaten here on several occasions, and have never been disappointed! Amazing food and very attentive staff, there is always a beautiful atmosphere

The food was good. The only thing I did not like was the starter, but it's just me. The service wasn't at the top. The restaurant wasn't busy, with only two other tables occupied. I had to remind the waiter about what we asked for. Apart from that, it is an excellent place, with okay prices. I definitely will be back.

First time at Joia... speechless!!! Excellent food and professional and friendly staff. Convenient with parking. The dessert "CUORE MORBIDO" is absolutely worth trying. A welcoming and colorful place. I recommend it and will definitely return. Thank you, Christina

Popped in out of the rain for a luxurious tirimasu and coffee, both of which were excellent. The staff were very friendly and made us feel special and welcome. I will definitely return here to try some more.

Second time we’ve dined here and it was excellent. The wine was excellent, the fish stew full of flavour and the tiramisu was delicious. Would highly recommend and can’t wait to go back.

Lovely wee place first time visiting. Will def return.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Food good and plentiful would definitely go back. Very reasonably priced. Visited early so was quiet

A quality restaurant when it comes to the variety, and quality of its food. Let’s be honest, that’s what you are here for after all! The service was excellent, with prices reasonable when considering the food served.

A must visit. This was my second time dining at Joia and it did not disappoint - perhaps the best Italian food around. The activated charcoal black sourdough pizza's are simply incredible, as are the truffle fries. The excellent food is complimented by lovely staff. If you are after formal, upmarket Italian dining for a reasonable price, this is the place.

We were going to a show at the SEC and picked Joia as our meal destination. We had choice of a la carte or valentine's menu. We went with the valentine's menu. A prosecco each, wine to share then hubby had mussels and gnocchi then parfait with an extra pudding wine and coffee and grappa to finish. I had Aranchini, pasta and chocolate mousse with pudding wine ending with coffee and sambucca. Lovely meal wine tad expensive. Food wasn't hot enough for us. Fab service and staff.

This restaurant is definitely worth a visit, our waitress was incredibly friendly and personable. The food was a 10 out of 10 so really delicious and the ambience invites you to relax.

Splendid food ; great menu and quick and friendly service . Busy bustling restaurant which is a very good sign as well . Will definitely return next time we are in Glasgow .

Menu wasn't what was was shown on website, poor selection,very small piece of chicken & two potatoes, not exactly filling!!!ripped off for a bottle of red wine ,service very slow . I'm afraid we wont be back😠

The food was outstandingly delicious and the location is perfect for attending a show at the OVO Hydro… like Strictly 💃🏻 for example 🥰

Visited this restaurant soon after it opened June 2021. First of all, nice to see a restaurant back in this space ( next to Tesco Express, Finnieston on Argyle Street). Previously the restaurant here was Pelligrini and before that Panevino. These were good restaurants and I was sad to see them go. This restaurant doesn't do much to cheer me up. This is, again, a modern Italian eaterie. They have basically retained all the furniture and setting of the previous restaurant. In my estimation the decor and ambience is too 'cafè'ish'. The room is too bright and when we were in there was a decent amount of patrons and it was noisey. If you are looking for a romantic setting for two, this isn't it. Furthermore, if you are Vegan or Vegetarian there is slim pickings here for you. Something that would help is to identify the vegan/veggie dishes on the menu, making them easier to spot. Would have saved me some time googling Italian foody words. There are some dishes for non meat eaters, but the menu pays scant regard to that preference. Fish eaters and carnivores are well catered for. I would have to say the food was adequate. The bread was hard and tough and possibly not being kept air-tight. The mozzarella starter was served like a lollipop, complete with stick... just silly. The pasta dishes for some reason were served in a copper pan with a handle. Why? I don't get this obsession. Just serve food in restaurants on clean, white crockery. All in all, very average for me. ***REVISIT*** I have returned to this restaurant April 2022. I have to confess some of my initial criticisms have been addressed. The Veggie/Vegan options are highlighted on the menu. The mozzarella is not now served like a lollipop ( and was excellent) and both our dishes came served on crockery. It was an extremely quiet evening, so no rowdiness but room still a tad bright for me. They should turn the lighting down a bit as the evening progresses. However, a much better experience and deffo worth a visit. Great pre-Hydro haunt. Happy to put the record straight(er)..... ****Another Revisit**** Went back Jan 24. This place just gets better. The room has been improved with all seating now matching. The vibe is more romantic. However, most importantly the menu has been improved no end. Now seasonal, updated 4 times a year the options are exceptional and more complex. Much more 'grown-up' and very well executed. The owner has listened to his patrons and made the changes needed. This shows a lack of ego on his part and this eatery deserves to be a success. In the heart of Finnieston and handy for The Hydro. Treat yourself.

Fabulous Italian restaurant. Had a starter and main, with a bottle of red to share. Very good value for money. Excellent food. Would recommend the spaghetti with prawns.

Had our New Year’s Eve meal here and it was just incredible! From the warm welcome and friendly surrounds to the delicious food I can’t recommend Joia enough. We chose this restaurant as had seen the charcoal pizzas and were intrigued. I had the lasagne which even having travelled Italy, I would say is one of the tastiest I’ve had… truly delicious. My partner had the pizzas with walnuts and honey which again was just amazing. The service was great and we had a fantastic evening. Thank you very much… we’ll be back next time visiting Glasgow

A picturesque setting for a nice dinner. The staff is very friendly and hospitable. Their desserts are to die for. My favorite is their pistachio lava cake! Definitely recommend a visit.

The food was amazing and service was very friendly, albeit a little slow towards the end of the night. Four of us went to dinner and made a reservation for 6:30. We were taken to our table straight upon arrival, even though we were a bit early. We had three different wait staff take our order or deliver food and drinks. They were all very kind and friendly. We ordered the ragu, the chicken thighs, lasagna, and steak. All the meals were 5 out of 5 stars and very delicious. Proper portions and well presented plates. Our drinks were also fantastic. One amaretto and coke, a Moretti, and two virgin drinks: mojito and melon me. Drinks were 5 out of 5 as well. The only draw back was that service was a bit slow when it came to the end of the meal and we had to be proactive about asking for take away containers and the bill. But overall, I highly recommend this place. Felt like it should have been busier with how good it was but ended up a nice quiet dinner. Reasonable 10% service charge and we left an additional tip for outstanding food.

Another great meal at Joia yesterday. Consistently great service and food. Staff are polite, friendly and attentive. The food is cooked with great skill and obviously with the best of produce . Creative dishes balanced well. Just love it in here. The menu changes seasonally and so many places sadly do not. The chefs obviously take please and pride in producing great menus. Cocktails are superb also. What more can you want.

Had a fantastic night of food and drinks with a group of friends. We were upstairs due to a large number of us but Rachel was never far away and was always ready to take a drinks order. Food was brilliant and lovely atmosphere

Food was great, best lasagne I have ever had. Very busy for a Monday night but after tasting the food I can see why! Went with my mum and daughter and both thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be back

We had a family day out and Joia was amazing, food and staff were really good. The only thing was the Pina Colada was not good. Apart from that will be back.

My husband and I have visited Joia on several occasions now and have to say that we have never been disappointed. The food is exceptional and is of a very high standard. All the staff are extremely friendly and the atmosphere is great. Thank you all so much for making us feel so welcome.

The place itself has a very warm, cozy and authentic atmosphere. Only Italians work there. The manager or owner is very attentive, so is most of the staff. It’s busy for a reason but it’s very sad that for that reason, the experience was sad for me. I can understand how much pressure it is to give 100% service while it’s this busy. However, I was placed at the bar since I was on my own and they didn’t had anymore seats. I was asked before and I agreed so. Little did I know that this was a seat that was just randomly instead also a full on experience. I felt that I didn’t get the service as you’d be expecting (the same as table). 1) all customers who were waiting were sitting beside, infront and behind me. It was SO suffocating. Everyone was just waiting around me and the staff did not realized how bad that would be for me. I was litterly squeezed with all those ppl with all their jackets on while I was taking myself out for a dinner and having a special time as a solo traveller. My heart bumped and I needed to go outside because I didn’t feel well. I told one of the staff and also that I rather not have all these ppl around me. The manager was soo nice and agreed. Then, another staff asked me to move my bags that I placed next to me for overcomming that ppl would sit with their wet jackets and their backs facing me (imagine me eating my food). I said that I didn’t want to and it would be too small for me. He then suggested me to move more to the door in front of all the sugar and different pots. 1) he did not realized before how bad of an experience this would be for me and 2) while realizing I did not feel well, he asked me to MOVE to what was like a corner with stuff for tables….. how dare he! And got into discussion that people needed to be seated while waiting. Ehmm yes? But maybe not like this? And what about me? I at least expected some apology, not a “joke” once the people left that I have all the space in the world now…….. My evening was supposed to be special for me but was ruined by this.

Bartender gal was great. Chefs did fantastic (activated charcoal black pizza a first for us). Cheery holiday atmosphere. Highly recommended from us lowly Americans.

Had the most wonderful meal tonight. Thank you to Flo for great service. Had the spaghetti with seafood my wife the lasagne. Enjoy folks it’s a delight and reasonable with it

Everything great, but tables packed in a little tight. Made it difficult to manoeuvre through to our table.

Group of 8 booked at the last minute, 2 of the mains were cold and had to be returned to be reheated. The Crème Brûlée was cold & did not taste good, waiter was uninterested. Then when the bill came found the wine we ordered was £37 a bottle not £23 our mistake, but overall an expensive experience which was under whelming. For the first time ever we did not leave a tip

Not the best Italian food I’ve tasted. Tables too close together profit over customer comfort, so that was a non starter for me. Starters bland, main meal delivered with no side which was ordered had to finally ask waiter he was very dismissive and annoyed that I had asked. Finally arrived by which time my husband’s lasange (defo not the best btw) was nearly finished. I ordered the seafood spaghetti it looked good with all the mussels and clams but when ready to eat most shells were empty and the contents were definitely not on the plate .. But suppose it looked good when coming from kitchen. Wouldn’t rush back not a good atmosphere if I’m paying for a meal I expect to feel relaxed and enjoy the experience. Dissapointed after reading the reviews

Impressive food, beautiful family restaurant and very professional service, a must if you are in Glasgow.

Absolutely fantastic place. The staff were lovely and they were very helpful too. Food absolutely delicious. Atmosphere is very friendly. Had a great night,will definitely be back.

Absolutely stunning soup, prawn spaghetti, and desert. Staff amazing. Will definitely go back

Really great Italian food with some great different options on the menu from the usual. Friendly staff that were very attentive

Quite possible the best Italian restaurant in Glasgow and it’s a 10 minute walk from the Hydro, perfect for a pre-show meal. The interior is tasteful and modern, and they have seating upstairs looking over Argyll Street, great for people watching. It’s a traditional Italian with a twist. Lasagna with an 8 hr slow cooked beef shin made it the best Lasagna i have ever tasted! They also have this black activated charcoal pizza that i want to try. Starters: Calamari in San Marzano Sugo & Bruschetta Mains: Enjoi a Lasagna & Gli Spaghetti Allo Scoglio Dessert: Tiramisu & Il Cremoso Alla Zucca Kids, King Prawn, tomato spaghetti. We loved our time here, hearing the staff all converse in Italian added to the authentic experience. We were invited here today, but we will be bringing our friends and family back here soon. See our channel, The Olive Tree Family for the full video on IG, TikTok, and Facebook.

Amazing service and food was fab.Never eat fish but had calamari and lobster. Sooo good. Hubby never leaves a tip but told me to add more… that in itself is beyond 10 stars. Thank you for s fab evening ❤️

Staff were very attentive to me! I was the first in the restaurant for their evening service and they catered to me so well. Food was tasty! I ate upstairs in a quieter part of the restaurant - downstairs definitely had a better atmosphere but the upstairs section was still lovely. I came here for a quick meal before a concert at the Hydro. I would eat here again

Everyone was so kind and fun. We had conversations with the waitstaff and owner. They made us feel like we were family. The food was outstanding! My friends and I hiked over 80 miles and ate at many restaurants but we unanimously agreed that this was the best.

Attended with work colleagues after a work conference. We had an Arancini starter each, which did not disappoint. It was delicious. We ordered a Fettuccine Ragu, Lasagne, Lobster Tortellini and truffle fries with soft drinks. Again we weren’t disappointed, the food tasted delicious. Fresh and authentic Italian food. Prices were reasonable and the staff were friendly and professional. Definitely recommend this lovely restaurant.

The restaurant was very nicely decorated. The food was delicious and staff were very attentive

Went for pre-gig dinner at the Hyrdo(5 minutes away). Incredibly friendly staff, lovely atmosphere and beautifully decorated. My friend is gluten/wheat intolerant and they could do any of the pasta dishes, except the lasagne, gf for them. Pizzas have activated black charcoal, hence the colour, and it was so tasty.

Excellent restaurant with a great atmosphere and friendly professional staff. Menu is a little different for an Italian restaurant but Excellent and was very tasty. I thought the pricing was very reasonable. Also try the house red fruity and delicious . Highly recommended.

Great Food , Great Service Absolutely Authentic Italian food cooked to perfection, I really had great Time , thanks Joia Restaurants team

Excellent Italian restaurant. Pizza was quite unique with a charcoal bread. Highly recommend (and reasonably priced with excellent service).

The food was magnificent, the tagliatelle with lobster and the spaghetti with seafood were a delight, you could feel the freshness of the product, not to mention the fried calamari and the black pizza, Simply magnificent All accompanied by attentive and very friendly service. then the decoration of the restaurant ensures that your experience is complete.I cannot wait to come back. Thanks to Cristiano and his team for Great experience.

Thank you for a lovely dinner and drinks , and for being so kind and accommodating some special dietary requirements of our group. This was my third visit and staff are always attentive.

Joia is not a cheap restaurant but I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ate there. I was with a vegan who struggled to find anything on the menu to accommodate her. Luckily they had gluten free pasta they could sub in and my partner was absolutely thrilled with his gluten free, vegetarian carbonara. I had ragu, it was delicious and generous. If there was more choice for vegans it would be easy five star.

First time here and what a really wonderful experience! The staff are incredibly welcoming and efficient. Beautiful restaurant with a relaxed vibe. The food was delicious and an excellent Prosecco rosé. I’ll be back.

What a wonderful dinner we had here prior to a show at the hydro. The staff couldn’t be nicer, very welcoming and efficient. Delicious menu, food was top class and the best Prosecco rosé I’ve had! I’m vegetarian but verging on vegan so when I...

I can’t be rude and say that the food it’s not good as long as I did not tried everything on the menu , but I can say for sure that the steak it’s horrible. I did ask for a medium rare , and it comes the driest steak I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t recommend to anyone.

Perfect diner. Food was delicious. Waiters were friendly. The music was perfect with the mood. If you want a nice italian meal then this place is perfect for.

Food was absolutely fantastic! Highly recommend the Rigatoni Salciccia Tartufo and Carbonara di Asparagi

Not usually a five star person, but the Rigatoni was superb, and the service was prompt and attentive.

Excellent dinner and service. I am raised with traditional Italian meals. Very authentic

The restaurant itself is stunning, pair this with very friendly and professional staff and the most delicious Italian food. Everything we had was so good, excellent flavours and well executed. I highly recommend the lasagne ( not your typical lasagne may I add) and the...

Have been multiple times - the food is delicious and the staff are so warm and amazing! Best pizza in Finnieston too!

Einer der wenigen schönen Orte in Glasgow - tolle Pizza, aufmerksamer Service & wunderschöne Location. Die Desserts (z.B. der Lava Cake) sind zwar nicht günstig und recht kleine Portionen, schmecken aber wirklich gut. Wir kommen gerne wieder :)

Excellent service with a smile 👍👌😀

Highly recommended: a fantastic discovery for the excellent dishes, cosy ambience and warm hospitality make Joia a top-notch place. A must try for true Italian flavours (coming from an Italian). During my summer stay in Glasgow I returned several times with pleasure.

We arrived at the restaurant two couples in the evening We received excellent service and delicious food Pizza from dough with charcoal we ate for the first time and it was very tasty and special

Amazing food and incredible service in this restaurant! I found a piece of my Italy here, thanks guys.

Restaurant de très grande qualité. Personnel très chaleureux et service irréprochable. Le repas était merveilleux, cuisine traditionnelle italienne: pâtes, pizzas, lasagnes,tiramisu.. Juste délicieux ! Fortement recommandé pour tous les amateurs de bonne cuisine.

Precioso restaurante italiano en Glasgow. Personal muy amable y detallista. Pizzas espectaculares de buenas!! Recomiendo la de Berengena. Postre Tiramisu muy TOP 🔝!! Muy recomendable este restaurante!!!

This place is so good. I came here twice and the foods are delicious. I love the pizza! The service was very attentive and helpfull with the choice

It was a rainy Thursday, 20th of July 2023, when I stumbled across this hidden gem of a restaurant. Dampened by the rain, and trying to satiate my hunger, I steadily made my way into what I expected to be another mediocre restaurant. I was...

Absolutely fantastic Italian restaurant, with excellent staff (with real Italian flair), where every dish is true to it's Italian roots: fresh, expertly made and loads of flavour without frills. For instance, the squid was cooked to perfection, and the pistachio lava cake is just out of this world. A true gem, and one of the best Italian restaurants in Glasgow and beyond!

Delicious food, neither of us could fault any course it was beautiful. I’m not usually a dessert person but the pistachio lava cake was incredible!!! Service was lovely and the interiors of the restaurant are great. Also a great price for the quality of the food. We will be back!

Gestori molto garbati e accoglienti.

La pizza avec la pâte noire est excellente!

I’ve never been to italy but this is the best Italian food i have ever eaten. The pasta was amazing as was the bread with the most delicious black garlic butter I had the seafood linguine my partner had lasagna and we were both blown...

Great place with an excellent atmosphere. The food is up there with the best i have tasted and still very reasonable. Cocktails were great to. Thank you.

First time in this restaurant and I was not disappointed. Nice decor and lovely, welcoming staff. Staff were also very attentive during our meal. Cocktails were tasty as was the wine. We had bruschetta to start followed by a seafood pasta and the lasagne. Both...

Skewer starter was a bit fatty, sitting on stone cold pureed sweet potatoe with a warm drizzle of gravy. Everyone in our group thought there meals were pretty bad. The worst was the slow cooked beef ragu which was mostly left. Would not recommend or be back.

Was really looking forward to dining here but wished I hadn’t bothered. Five of us dined out early Saturday evening. The service was good but the food was very mediocre. One of us didn’t finish his meal as the meat in the slow cooked ragu was still not melt in the mouth , it was actually tough. Really disappointing as the menu reads like it’s going to be great and the IG account looks great but completely mediocre. Won’t be back.

I found it just walking on my way to the Art museum. Had the Burrata, excellent. Then the Risotto which was perfect and to finish a home made tiramisu to die for. The owner is very attentive and friendly. I travel to Italy all the...

An absolutely fabulous restaurant! We’ve had a wonderful dinner, the service was amazing they made us feel so welcomed! The food is just something else really delicious and worth the prices, i really recommend the risotto and the smoked salmon dish :”).

What an amazing restaurant!! Walked in without a reservation and had the best meal in our 9 weeks away. The food was excellent, the service was personal and welcoming and the atmosphere perfect. My husband is raving about the pasta with truffle sauce and the...

What an amazing restaurant!! Walked in without a reservation and had the best meal in our 9 weeks away. The food was excellent, the service was personal and welcoming and the atmosphere perfect. My husband is raving about the pasta with truffle sauce and the lasagna was the best I have ever had. I would give a higher review if it was possible.

Delicious food and lovely restaurant experience. Great with children, just like in Italy. We'll be back! Thanks!

Really interesting menu. Absolutely torn over what to order. What we did order was all really excellent beautifully presented, tasty and perfectly cooked. Wines/beers also well curated. Service also excellent. Will definitely return.

Amazing place and service! Highly recommend

Outstanding service! Abundant food Excellent value for money

Visiting from Northern Ireland and in Glasgow for a concert at the Hydro. We found Joia with only an 8 min walk from the venue, and it was well worth the walk. Bright and airy with very welcoming staff. Food was beautiful and very tasty. Excellent value.

Second visit so time for a well deserved review. First time we went we had got stuck in traffic and missed a reservation elsewhere. This place rescued us and we ended up having an amazing meal. Charcoal pizzas are like nothing I've had before. The...

What a delightful and unexpected find on a business trip to Glasgow, Traditional but sophisticated Italian cuisine, with highly professional and attentive service in a pleasant setting. The charcoal-based pizza was simple but delicious and the poached pear with white chocolate and saffron ganache an...

Simply a piece of Italy in Glasgow.

Expensive food for what it's worth it. Small portions

This was my second time at Joia and we were not disappointed. The decor is beautiful and the food was very fresh and tasty. My husband particularly liked the chicken meatballs with carbonara sauce as a starter. Great service (especially the young lady with the...

Food was amazing and the staff were very freindly and attentive. Highly reccomend!

Calamari, pizzas and dessert all top notch! Service with a smile and very welcoming with a baby. Can’t wait to return and try the pasta next time.

Our 2nd night in Glascow brought us to Joia. Looked very nice from outside and the inside was very modern and clean. We ordered some wine along with a beet hummus which was good. We then ordered the Rigatoni with wild mushrooms and sausage and the Risotto dish. Both were very good although the risotto was overly salty. Only issue was our first waitress who was a little snooty and seemed inconvenienced to have to deal with us. Fortunately one of the supervisors or manager caught this and he and another waitress took over for the duration of our meal. This was a great decision. Overall we would definitely come back as the quality of the food was that good and there were items on the menu and several wines we would love to try.