Joys Basel — Restaurant in Basel

Joys is a very special little restaurant tucked away in Old Klein Basel.

The owner, Anina, is a lovely Basler full of joie de vivre and when I asked about the name of the restaurant she explained that she is also a fan of the writer Joyce so for her it was a nice blend.

Food: The new chef, Timo, is excellent and he brings to Anina's brasserie his Michelin pedigree and refinement. It shows in the food quality, the food cookery and, most importantly, the seasoning. Working in a ghastly small kitchen he is literally making magic happen. You don't want to miss this!

Drink: They have a delightful selection of moderately priced wines, some of which are very very good. The cocktail menu is limited as there is no bartender, but we tried the cocktails and what they can make is made well. This is an important sign because they don't try to pretend where they don't know. They stick to excellence.

Ambiance: It's a funky place being in Klein Basel. the clientele is mixed and you've got people from all walks of life. Personally, I find it delightful that on one table you've got fine dining and the next a cauldron of bubbling cheese and a glass of beer.

Service: It's top notch. It's small it's busy, but they're attentive and they're good. For example, Timo served our fish masterfully at the tableside. The ladies working there don't like empty glasses so they keep them properly filled and, what else can I say really? They clearly love what they're doing there so you can feel their warmth from the...

Just coming for an easy afterwork beer… but after talking to the new chef Timo I wanted to try the fish soup as liquid dinner… It was a fantastic symphony of great fresh food flavors that mixes you multiple climax flash backs of all your international happy cuisine moments on top of this world where your fantasy is constantly exploring the level of passion for great taste & high level cooking know how on top of your spoon… Not talking yet about the light but very tasty moelleux au cocolat (with warm liquid chocolate core & fresh fruit slices in a creamy bath) which is giving you a happy ending with no chance for not returning back soon again with your best wine lover friends who will get your intentions to the next level tasting the liquid choices on the fantastic & incredible wine menu… :-) do not miss this place for food, wine, drinks as well as sounding atmosphere because of the very charming host Annina who is, with her warm heart & personal commitment, making you feel cosy@home. This is a joyable trendy spot that should be on top of your MustHaveBeen & MustGoSoonAgain Going Out...

My favourite restaurant in Basel. The food is locally sourced and tastes exceptionally fresh and flavoursome; the quality of the food speaks for itself, so it doesn't need to be overly seasoned (I had a traditional Swiss pork chop and pasta, but there are many other options). The wine by the glass is good value given how high the quality is; I had a superb glass of Austrian white (chardonnay from memory), a delicious Spanish rioja and an unusual but delicious Italian sparkling (made the traditional method and not prosecco). I was dining alone with a book, and the hostess made me feel very welcome; the interior is decorated beautifully and there are some stunning pieces of art on the walls. I would recommend booking a reservation in advance as this restaurant is unsurprisingly popular with locals. Without doubt, I will eat here again when I am...