The background

Battersea Power Station’s transformation has meant a wave of exciting new dining destinations, and among them is Joia, the first London venture from acclaimed Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. Sitting high on the 14th and 15th floors of Art’otel Battersea, the restaurant offers a fresh take on Iberian cuisine, marrying the bold flavours of Portugal and Spain with the best of British produce. With three Michelin stars to his name, Sá Pessoa’s expertise shines through in every plate, delivering a refined yet approachable dining experience with a focus on heritage and seasonality.

The space

Joia makes an impression before you even take your seat. The journey starts in a sleek, design-led lobby of the Art’otel, where the hallway leading to the lift is perfumed and feels as though you’ve walked into a cloud of cologne. After ascending to the 15th floor, the restaurant itself is a feast for the eyes. Warm lighting, soft pastels and striking Art Deco details set the scene, with mid-century influences reflected in sculptural lighting and brass accents.

But it’s the view that really steals the show. One side looks onto the towering chimneys of the power station, a striking contrast to the open, airy feel of the restaurant. The other offers a sweeping panorama of west London, making this one of the most impressive views of the city.

The menu

Seated at our table, by the floor-to-ceiling windows, we quickly realised that the extensive menus might require their own dining space. Thankfully, the waiters were helpful when it came to deciphering the selection on offer, providing guidance on how much food would be enough for two. Small plates start with classics such as crisp and indulgent Ibérico croquetas, and bright and zesty seabass ceviche.

One standout was the bacalhau à Brás. As our waiter placed it down, he grinned and remarked, ‘This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s favourite dish, you know,’ much to the delight of my football-loving dinner guest. A Portuguese take on fish and chips, the delicate strands of salted cod were folded through soft potato matchsticks and topped with rich egg yolk, creating a dish that felt both comforting and elegant. Another highlight was the red mullet fideuà, a seafood-rich dish packed with depth and warmth, complemented with dollops of aioli to round off the flavours.

A meal at Joia isn’t complete without dessert, and the Basque cheesecake is a standout. Light yet creamy, with a perfectly caramelised top and a touch of sharp quince compote, it’s a fitting end to the menu.

As we lingered over our final bites, we became aware of the light tinkling of familiar music covers floating through the space. Peering over the mezzanine, we spotted a live band playing below to a small crowd, swaying gently with cocktails in hand. A scene that felt effortlessly cool, much like the restaurant itself.

The bill

A three-course meal with drinks for two comes to just over £150.

The verdict

With an exceptional menu, striking interiors and some of the best views in the city, Joia brings a welcome dose of Iberian flair to the London dining scene. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner, cocktails at the bar or simply an excuse to admire Battersea from above, this rooftop gem is well worth a visit.

1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ; joiabattersea.co.uk