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Tartu

Europe

Estonia

Located at Riia tn 2 in Tartu, Estonia, JOYCE is a distinguished restaurant and bar that has earned its place as one of the only two Michelin-guide restaurants in the city. This culinary gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for food lovers seeking an exceptional dining experience. With a focus on meticulously prepared dishes, JOYCE is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in fine dining in Tartu.

At JOYCE, diners can expect a diverse menu that highlights both European and Asian fusion dishes. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and artistic presentations. Here are some highlights of the dining experience at JOYCE:

Business lunch menu featuring dishes like entrecote and pork belly.

A selection of desserts including the acclaimed Meekook (honey cake) and chocolate brownie.

An extensive wine and cocktail menu to complement your meal.

Situated in the heart of Tartu, JOYCE is conveniently located near several notable attractions, making it an ideal stop for both locals and tourists. Visitors can explore the vibrant cultural scene of Tartu, including the University of Tartu and the Tartu Art Museum, both just a short walk away. The restaurant's proximity to these landmarks enhances its appeal as a dining destination.

Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, JOYCE offers a unique dining experience that combines exquisite food with a charming atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to savor the culinary delights at this exceptional restaurant in Tartu.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuN1p2Q3RnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_8PnV94260YRTtRLDEmH3pE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuN1p2Q3RnRRAB

As one of only two Michelin-guide restaurants in Tartu, this place truly stands out. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Each dish is meticulously prepared with attention to detail. If you're in Tartu, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers seeking something truly special.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIaDV6MVNREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_8PnV94260YRTtRLDEmH3pE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIaDV6MVNREAE

We ordered from the business lunch menu. I had pork belly which looked nice from the outside but was uneatable because of all the tough fat. My partner had portobello which lacked taste.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCMjYtSjBBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_8PnV94260YRTtRLDEmH3pE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCMjYtSjBBRRAB

EDIT 2024: Wow this was a bad experience this year!
Joyce is a Michelin recommended restaurant but this visit felt like a cheap diner!
At first everything seemed okay, we were seated on the "second floor" and ordered our food. We were recommended the fresh bread selection. Three different breads and spreads.
And then the saga began....our fresh bread slices were heated up in the microwave NEXT TO US. The microwave was 40cm from us and every other waitress used the same microwave to do the same for other clients....
No one informed us that we would be seated next to microwave! Very romantic dinner when microwave keeps whirring next to you :)
The spreads were pretty good but those breads did not feel fresh. We have been to different restaurants many times, so we kind of know what feels fresh and what doesn't.
So 7 euros for bread selection was not a good deal. Oh and we were not informed that those breads cost 7 euros, I was under the impression that the waitress was talking about the usual bread they serve before dinner.
We ordered entrecote and venison.
Both meats were beautifully cooked, nice medium-rare as they should be.
Sauce and jus worked really nicely with meats.
Parsley root next to the entrecote was well made and tasted good with beef. But those onion "baskets" with half cut raw tomatoes inside were little bit confusing and in my opinion didn't work great with other things on the plate (but that's just my opinion).
Everything on the venison plate made better sense and worked well with each other.
Sadly we didn't want to stay for dessert this time because of the microwave noise.
We informed the waitress about the microwave noise afterwards and didn't get any remorse or apology from her....just "thanks for the feedback".
PS! We were offered to choose between two tables on arrival. One on the second floor where we were meant to be seated and the second option was to be seated on the first floor but with time limit. But NO MENTION about the microwave!

2023 VISIT: Very cozy and warm place. Service was really nice.
We ordered beef ribs and lamb.
Lamb was really nicely cooked and all other components worked on that plate.
Beef ribs were super soft and the sauce suited very well. To my surprise even the shallots were really tasty (and I usually don't like shallots!)
Desserts were really tasty also.
We had crumble and chocolate tartlette.
Raspberry sorbet was spot on on that tartlette plate!

Yes, the place is a little bit expensive and main dish sizes are not very big but you have to remember that this is a little bit high end place and you come to enjoy food here :)

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkaDRQa1RBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_8PnV94260YRTtRLDEmH3pE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkaDRQa1RBEAE

The business lunch offered us an opportunity to try the food at Joyce at short notice. The restaurant located at the lobby of V Spa hotel has an exquisite setting and the service is personable and polished.

Coming in for a late lunch, we almost had the entire place to ourselves except for another group.

FOOD:
There are some hits and misses. The European dishes shine while the Asian fusion dishes are best forgotten.

🔸️ DARK RYE BREAD
⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔸️ ENTRECOTE
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Found also on the dinner menu, this was a good cut of beef. Evenly grilled, tasty and a satisfying plating with roasted potatoes, marinated cabbage and fragrant juniper sauce.

🔸️DESSERTS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent MEEKOOK (Honey cake) and SOOKOLAADI BROWNIE (Chocolate). The ice cream and sobert were great too.

🔸️LANSON CHAMPAGNE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Semi dry, rich flavours.

🔸️ EARL GREY TEA
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔸️RAMEN with shiitake, kimchi, pak choi and pork belly
⭐⭐
Too much salty shouyu and an unbalanced broth with noodles that didn't taste like they paired well with the soup. Has the looks but it is expensive dish that did not satisfy.

🔸️ BAO with smoky pork belly, kimchi, hoisin sauce
⭐
Extremely hard, dry pork belly that is jerky-like. The use of kimchi and hoisin sauce with the steamed bao seems to be chasing popular ingredients. This is a dish of salt and spiciness overload with flavours that are each running in separate directions. The small serving also leaves one hungry.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3aW9hVUVREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ_8PnV94260YRTtRLDEmH3pE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3aW9hVUVREAE

Very good place, there to go to eat. All food are done high level.

Michelin-Recommended JOYCE Restaurant in Tartu, Estonia

Dine In

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Good for Groups

Good for Children

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Breakfast

Serves Coffee

Reservable

A culinary gem tucked away at Riia tn 2, JOYCE beckons you to indulge in a sensory adventure that embodies the spirit of Tartu, Estonia’s vibrant second city. This charming restaurant and bar exudes an inviting warmth, where the elegant decor seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with a touch of rustic charm. Here, every corner holds the promise of delightful discoveries, enticing travelers and locals alike to pause and savor a moment. With a focus on innovative cuisine, JOYCE crafts a menu that celebrates both local flavors and international influences, offering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Seasonal ingredients take center stage, creating a dynamic array of flavors that evolve with the harvest, ensuring every visit is a fresh experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a light snack, the culinary offerings are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds, complemented by a carefully curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and local brews. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, perfect for an evening out with friends or a romantic dinner for two. As the sun sets over Tartu, the ambient lighting casts a warm glow, inviting guests to linger longer and engage in spirited conversations. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s cultural delights, including the stunning Tartu University and the serene Emajõgi River, JOYCE serves as an ideal stop for those looking to embrace the local food scene or unwind after a day of exploration. In the heart of Tartu, JOYCE is not merely a place to eat; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry and community, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

JOYCE

Live Music

Allows Dogs

Serves Cocktails

Indulge at JOYCE in Tartu, Estonia! Savor exquisite dishes and vibrant drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Experience culinary delight today!

Michelin-Recommended JOYCE Restaurant in Tartu, Estonia

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions