I'm very, very, very fond of Unthank Road. I lived on Dover Street for two years as a student and still think of Unthank as being one of the best parts of the city for students. Despite this, apart from the trusty fish and chip shop, I never actually ate in Unthank Road despite a broad offering, including Blue Joanna.
The restaurant is small but packs a punch with a completely gluten and dairy free menu, described as 'Asian style street food and cool cocktails' - both of which we were treated to on our visit.
The fun, bubbly environment compliments the laid-back food, which is all tied together by the presentation, which is attractive but casual, served in plastic tubs.
We started the evening off with a beer and a cocktail, Sidecar Limon (£8.50), which was deliciously sour and the perfect refresher. We ordered five dishes for our mains and they arrived all together in record time.
The beef tacos (£8 for two) were wolfed down. The meat was delicious and paired simply but effectively with slaw, sriracha lime dressing, and pickled cucumber - sweet and salty.
I am morally obliged to order crispy squid (£6) in any variety when it's available to me, and I was not disappointed. For some reason, the photo I took makes them look a bit anaemic, which is untrue to the real thing.
Ed would have liked them to be a bit crispier, but the seafood was super and my eternal craving for squid in some form of batter was fully satiated.
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We also got the chicken wings (£7) and the pork belly (£8). The chicken wings were a jerk sauce variation of the usual korean bbq sauce. I shredded them with my fork and had them with a side of sesame fried rice (£4) and the combination was delicious.
The pork belly with pickled cucumber and a soy & chilli dip was great. One or two parts were too gristly for me to chew through, but the softer meat was delicious.
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We managed to find some space for some puddings. I went for the black forest chocolate pot (£5) and Ed the crispy panko-style bananas with miso caramel (£5). The forest pot was like a really fancy Gü pot (and they're already pretty fancy), with layers of chocolate, fruit, and biscuit. The bananas were like nothing either of us had ever had before - a strange but enjoyable combination of different textures and flavours.
Setting
The venue is unpretentious and cosy, with a small patio out the front which I remember being rammed throughout the warm months. Live music is a big part of Blue Joanna's brand, and though there wasn't a band playing when we went, it was still upbeat and energetic inside, with great music playing throughout our meal.
Value
Very good. We ordered enough food to both be very full by the time we got home and spent just over £50 without tip.
Drinks
We only had one cocktail but the menu is extensive with 12 different options, all priced very fairly between £8 and £8.5. There's plenty of choice for beers and wines, including low-alcohol and mocktail options.
Toilets
Clean and comfortable.
Accessibility
The entire restaraunt is step-free and the space indoors is definitely big enough for a wheelchair to fit. However, the doorway is a bit narrow so I would recommend calling ahead if you are thinking of visiting and have accessibility requirements.
Service
All of the staff were very friendly and welcoming when we first arrived. They were knowledgable of the menu and helpful in tie-breaker scenarios when an indecisive guest (me) couldn't pick between two plates. The food came surpisingly quickly and was piping hot.
Highlight
The tacos and the fried chicken.
In summary
Unassuming and unfussy, Blue Joanna delivers simple, easy, delicious street food which is true to its roots and very satisfying.
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