Joel Antunes LLC

I took my wife to Joel again this week-end, and the term 'disappointing' definitely comes to mind. The place was half the size, and while cozier, the change came as quite a shock.
I guess maybe they just aren't getting the business.
If there were any specials, and I suspect there were, we weren't told about them. The food was well prepared, but $39 for the lamb, and side dishes extra was a bit steep.
Then we are told the had run out of souffle. How do you run out of something on a Saturday night, especially since we are 'early diners'. Their claim to fame, the wine list was wide ranging, but again pricey. $138 for Justin Isoscelles(sp) is over the top.
If you have this much money to spend on dinner go to Quinonnes,
for a few bucks more you'll have 3+ hours of wining and dining.

Posted 11/16/08

Don't bother with the new Joel!
I was visiting Atlanta and my friends raved about Joel. I ordered a simple meal that included a Caesar salad as my first course. The salad came using the tough ends of romaine, poorly dressed and in a tiny bowl. That was followed by a plate with John Dory - fish that was obviously previously frozen. The dessert was the only redeeming part of the meal. My three friends had similar mishaps. And the restaurant was so noisy that we had trouble carrying on dinnertime conversation. The bill came and I was shocked to see how pricey it was for a lousy bistro meal. Don't waste your hard-earned cash!

Posted 11/08/08

The food was incredible, as was the atmosphere. However, the service was dismal. for the extensive wine list, both our server and so-called "sommelier" were both very uninformed and unknowledgeable about the wine. Food came out wrong, and the server had little to no knowledge of the menu. I went with my boyfriend, and our bill was close to $400. For the money, the service was appalling and did not compensate for the food, no matter how great it was.

Posted 08/25/08

There was a time before Joel closed for renovationt that friends and I were a fixture to the bar lounge two, maybe three times a week. Polished, low key and attententive service. At one time they had an excellent bar manager, Pam, wonderful service and an occassional live jazz band. I recently visited Joel's because I hadn't been in some time and felt way turned off by an attitude of indifference on the part of someone in the wait staff. He was snobbish to the point that I felt like I'd be darned if I spent any of my money there which is sad because there is nothing negative that I could have said about Joel's prior to this. Unfortunately, your staff is a reflection of your entire business, even if you don't uphold that type of behavior. I can spend my time and money elsewhere.

Pros: True Fine Dining, Bar Atmosphere

Cons: Snotty Attitude

Posted 02/24/08

Went a couple of times and had a great experience every time. Menu has a very good variety of food to choose from. The appitizers are to die for, plus they have great deserts. Would reccomend making reservations and bring a bunch of money, but it is well worth the price.

Pros: Very good ambience, great food and wine

Cons: Very expensive

Posted 11/27/07

In 2007 Joel was reduced to about 1/3 of its original size as it was rarely filled and had an enormous bar area that stayed empty. The new space is cozier but you have to exit the restaurant for restrooms located in the office building lobby, which is a bit odd for a pricey French restaurant. The cuisine does not stand up to the high rating given by the Atlanta paper's dining critic. The place is a bit expensive and overall not near the value of food to price that is readily available all over Atlanta. They do have a $39 fixed price menu but you must be seated and have the order in before 6:30. Our dinner for two (one each drink, app, entree, dessert, and no wine) plus tax and tip was $180 for the two of us. Valet Parking.

Pros: One of few Atlanta restaurant serving mostly French cuisine

Cons: Pricey, restrooms down the hall outside of the restaurant

Posted 11/18/07

We had finished our errands early and showed up 1 hr early for our resvr. Said we could sit at the bar but they promptly sat us. Server was very eager to explain the menu and get us our drinks.
We had the lentil soup and the mushroom, riziotto pastry. Both were like nothing you ever tasted before, excellent.
Next we had the skirt steak and scallops. Everything just melted in your mouth. Interesting flavors and the best quality ingreidents.
Would go again in a second. I do recommend though if you are a couple to ask for a booth when making your resvr. We were seated on the long bench and you couldn't help but to hear the conversations of the people next to you they were so close.

Pros: Food

Cons: Price

Posted 11/14/07

Probably my next favorite restaurant after Bacchanalia. The key draw for me is the wine. There are few restaurants in the country that have two sommeliers on staff each shift. I describe the wine experience I am looking for (body, character, etc) and I encourage them to surprise me with something new. I have only been disappointed once out of about 20 occasions. I have never paid over $60 for a bottle and I have enjoyed some fabulous wines. Their wine list is impressive, probably one of, if not THE most comprehensive in Atlanta, but rarely have I actually used it to order. Many of the sommelier suggestions have been off-list. Oh, yes, the food. A mark of a great kitchen (and Chef) is the willingness to "tailor" their dishes to your needs. This they do very well. I usually order a "bowl of rice" as another reviewer phrased it, risotto with Porcini mushrooms and black truffles if available. Delicious. Not on menu. Service has been varied over the years from tardy to perfect, but always friendly and courteous, despite my pretentiousness. Ask for a tour of the kitchen after the dinner and if it is quiet enough, your waiter will give you a tour of one of the most capital intensive, multi-station kitchens in the country. Eat at this restaurant with an open mindset rather than a formalaic one and you will be happy you made the effort.

Posted 04/12/07

I am a Francophone, not a true Frenchie. That is only to say that my adoration of Joel is purely from an American standpoint. I am amused by some reviews - you have to know why you are coming here. Come here to enjoy in the ambiance, revel in the experience which is far from hurried, but how could you want anything less from a true French gem? I have experienced Joel with a friend of his so we had the full tasting menu and also from a regular patron on a special occasion. Loved both evenings. I felt well taken care of, the servers did not bother us, but were attentive, and the cuisine was incredible. This place is not for everyone, but for that I am glad. I think it is for the gourmet-minded who want to really enjoy the experience of dining and taste the flavors and richness, not the quantity. If you want huge portions and rushed, quick service, go somewhere else, but if you want quality, flavor, texture and a satisfied palate, then "amusez-vous bien chez Joel" - have a good time at Joel's.

Posted 04/01/07

During the holiday season, I brought an out of town friend to Joel?s for dinner. I am sad to say how embarrassing the entire experience was for me.

We arrived for an early dinner at 6:00 pm and were informed the Wine Steward was late coming to work, so we would be required to wait to order our wine until he arrived. We waited over 50 minutes for him to arrive to work. We were informed that nobody else, including the management, could serve the wine. Once our tardy Wine Steward came to work, we were able to proceed. There were 3 of us in our party and we ordered appetizers and entrees. The appetizers came in a timely manner; however the entrees came over a staggered period of 45 minutes. Thus, the food was cold once all entrees had been received. After the entrees, we ordered our deserts. 2 of the 3 deserts never came to our table.

After this experience we asked to speak with the manager. After 20 minutes of waiting we asked to speak with the manager again. 10 minutes later he finally came over to the table and after we explained our experience asked ?What do you expect me to do about it?? and then asked ?I suppose you expect something for free??.

I was very surprised and embarrassed (in front of my guest) to receive such a rude response from the management. Additionally, the meal was only fair in quality. This level of performance would be unacceptable for a more economical restaurant, but was shocking for a restaurant of Joel?s supposed level.

I have dined at restaurants all over the world, but the Joel?s experience must rate as one of the worst dining experiences I have encountered.

Additionally, I found a review of this restaurant by ?I?m confused...? posted by nikki24 on 03/12/2007 to be inappropriate as that individual had not yet dined at Joel?s.

Pros: Ambience, Wine List, Trendy Scene

Cons: Service, Overall Dining Experience

Posted 03/20/07

I look forward to my first dining experience at Joel's this weekend. I am confused by the negative remarks. Is it because you are uneducated speakers that your words have no tact? Or is it that you wanted to sound more classy than what you are. I find it baffling to read comments from individuals who lack decorum. I've heard nothing but greatness about this restaurant, and look forward to the entire dining experience.

Posted 03/11/07

With the demise of Brasserie La Coze at Lenox Square, and the closing of Seeger's, Joel is firmly at the head of fine dining royalty in Atlanta. Located in a beautiful condo, at the intersection of West Paces/Northside Dr., it has a presence all it's own. Chef Joel's menu was outstanding. Starting with a divine Fois Gras w/pear chutney, and Peeky Toe Crab Cakes w/lemon aioli, set the buds to throbbing! My entree was Roasted Duck w/cabbage and cider jus. Pure heaven. My partner had Braised Beef Short Ribs w/artichokes, and red wine sauce. I reached across the table for a bite, and it just melted away. The pairing of the French wines, was right on target, as well as the super professional service. This is strickly Five Stars! Special occasion or not! Chef Joel also offers a $39.00. Spa Menu, that changes weekly! And for really up-town after five drinks, come to the bar, and treat yourself to one great martini. Very nice Buckhead crowd!

Pros: Award Winning French Cuisine! Beautiful Service & Interiors!

Cons: Wish We Could Afford To Eat Here Everynight!

Posted 01/22/07

I went to JOEL on Nov. of 2006
This place is amazing!!!
Especially if you are a food and wine lover.
If you are in no rush at all, you will have an incredible experience.
The service was excellent. The sommelier was very, very, knowledgeableand helpfull.
They both added to the amazing experience.
Food was done incredebly well and innovative.
Absolutelly nothing wrong with it.
The wine list was incredible.
And I can honestly say that the best two wines I have ever had
where from there. Just a little tip: Stay with the French wine.
I hate to categorize this as a special occasion only place,
simply because I don't feel that an excellent restaurant should only
be visited on special ocassions.
If you have a little extra money, and would like to enjoy a few
hours surrounded by amazing food and wine,
this IS YOUR PLACE.
I will defenitelly be going back.
Hopefully very soon.

Pros: Food,wine,service...everything.

Cons: Location...just a little.

Posted 11/20/06

I just love this place!! The restaurant itself is cool, and the food is great!! I love that the portions are not disgustingly huge so you don't feel sick later. The food is great and very beautifully presented. The wine selection is great and the sommelier is very helpful and knowledgeable. Great service, amazing food!! Great ambience!!!

Pros: Great food!!!! Elegant

Cons: there are no cons, except if you are on a budget

Posted 07/25/06

I've been to Joel several times (usually for special occasions) and I never left disappointed. The food was always excellent and so is the service. The restaurant is located in a gorgeous building. I admit the serving size is smaller than what you would normally get in America but it was the perfect size for me in order to have 3 course dinner.

Pros: food, location, service

Cons: serving size

Posted 05/17/06

I went to Joel for the first time with a group of 7 people for a get together celebration. everyone was impressed by the asmosphere, but i was not so impressed with the food. First off I felt the food was so mediocure. The flavor was not there and you actually needed a magnifying glass to see the food on your plate. I am not a big eater, but i was actually hungry after my last course( dessert). The wine was great, but that had to do with the person who ordered it. There was a vegetarian in the group and he was given a bowl of rice for his main course(yellow squash risotto) The best part of the whole night was the bathroom. You must see the ladies room at Joel. Amazing!!!

Pros: ladies room, atmosphere, lounge

Cons: food, serving size, food

Posted 05/15/06

I have been to almost every single top-rated restaurant in each major city of the country...and nothing compares to JOEL. The food fits in your mouth like a jigsaw puzzle. Mustard ice cream? Who would have thought it would be the best ice cream experience ever(it was so good it was on the Today Show - which is how I found it)?

It is unfortunate that past reviewers had a bad customer service experience. I had really good customer service - the waiter was upfront, honest, and told us exactly what the guests said about each dish.

But the most important thing is that everyone agreed that the FOOD was amazing. We go to restaurants to EAT, not to be served. Choosing a restaurant based on service is like choosing a car based on the salesperson. It just doesn't work that way.

This place is mind-blowing. You won't be sorry.

Pros: Food, Service, Wine list

Cons: Hard to find, Everywhere else seems, not as good anymore.

Posted 03/23/06

My birthday and daughter's 18th birthday was tainted. 5 minute delay, water served. Waiter suggested Mai Tai for Mom. Abruptly walked away without asking for other table guest's drink order. Fifteen minutes elapsed. I had to leave our table to request service. Inaction I would not expect from restaurant selling $2000.00 bottles of wine. Staaff attitude flippant and detached. Mother wasn't informed they were unable to create Mai Tai until AFTER I lodged my displeasure. Meal was delicious but damage was done. This chronic restaurant diner with huge amounts of disposable income will never dine at this restaurant establishment again. Food quality speaks volumes about abilities in the kitchen. Personnel and environment speak volumes of inability to run a high class restaurant operation. Business partner that understands what goes on outside the kitchen needed to clean disorganized mess up. Mobile restaurant guide would have a ball with this restaurant.

Pros: food quality, food presentation, food variety

Cons: lacks seamless staff, indifferent employees, terrible service

Posted 02/19/06

Joel seems very trendy and fancy. The decor is lovely and the menu even has a 5 course tasting menu and wine pairing. But the staff is very clueless when it comes to any of the 5 courses, and the wine expert is not so much an expert but nothing more than a french guy in a nice suit. If a restaurant like Joel is supposed to be one of the best in Atlanta, than hire the best staff and educate them on the menu. If you are going to be a fine dining restaurant, than be a fine dining restaurant and not an imitation of one. Pretentious and nothing more. Save your $200 for a better one.

Cons: Service

Posted 06/17/05

The service was unbelievably bad considering the high expectations I had for Joel. It took 10 minutes for the servers to find menus. The sommelier did not listen very well. When we asked what wine would pair with the beef and the ribs, he suggested "red." We were obviously on our own with the wine list. Water glasses went empty and we were totally ignored after dessert was served. We waited 15 minutes with empty plates before we had to ask the server for the bill. We waited another 10 before asking the host to get it for us. We were seated right next to the service station! The host gave us "Free Entree" coupons if we came back and bought another entree. No apology or explanation from the wait staff. Truly horrible!

Pros: Food, Atmosphere

Cons: Poor Service

Posted 05/22/05

...totally forgotten about or worse ignored, once seated, orig. waiter disappeared. 20 minutes later different waiter took orders, sommelier finally came by, told us that paired wine tasting would be tiny. The attitude/tone of the sommelier made it clear to skip wine altogether and have drinks instead.

Mailed chef/owner letter since it fell way short of my expectations and never heard back. Slow inadequate table service, along with unpleasant attitude and pretentiousness greatly tarnished the night. Left the restaurant to find lengthy line at the restaurants valet. Told everyone we had a mediocre experience at the restaurant. It was not the special memorable night I had so wanted.

I was extremely dissatisfied with the service we received. Overall experience was unfortunately bad. It simply did not measure up to what one should reasonably expect at a restaurant run by a chef of his talent.

Pros: Send people u hate!, Bathroom is well lit., Good high ceilings.

Cons: poor service, bad attitude, they don't care!

Posted 04/27/05

Looking for the "typical" American dining experience (order within 5 minutes, leave in less than 1/2 hour) - dont go there. Want a great dining experience like in France of Italy - yes, make a reservation!!!

Food: well prepared, tasty, flavors fresh and appealing. Summer menu excellent value for money.

Wine List: Impressive wine list. Excellent selection of wines you don't find everythere (e.g. gems from South Africa). Some half bottles. Highly knowledgable, still not arrogant Sommelier.
Some of the bottles attractively priced, others obviously too high (for those primarily focusing on prestige of wine).

Bar: great selection of Aperitives (they even know what Dry Sherry is) and Digestives. Impressive selection Single Malts from Scotland.

Overall dining experience: very relaxing. It is not about getting your stomach filled quickly, but enjoying the flavors in a nice, relaxing environment, and having great conversation in the meantime.

Overall: highly recommendable!!!

Pros: Food+Wine List, Atmosphere, Attitude

Cons: Wine prices (some)

Posted 09/15/03

from the moment you enter this restaurant the service is excellent and very warm atmosphere unlike some larger restaurants. The bar is beautifully laid out so it was sad to see it empty however it was only lunch time. When you only have good things to say, that kind of says it all. I would definately recommend Joel.

Pros: food, service, wine list

Cons: hidden location

Posted 08/20/03

We dined at Joel's about 1 month ago and it was the BEST dining experience we have ever had. Our waiter was a bit new with the French food terms and pronunications but he tried his best. The one appetizer, 2 entrees and 2 desserts were very good to GREAT. I usualy like big portions but the food quality and favors were so good, I was satisfied. I agree with another poster = the wine list was very over-priced so we bought wines by the glass and the young sommelier picked out excellent pairings with the foods.

Pros: Favorful food

Posted 11/08/02

I have eaten in the best restaurants around the world, and have to say that Joel is my favorite. The food is unique and perfectly prepared. The service was exceptional. Great atmosphere for a date, or to meet friends for drinks. I couldn't think of a negative thing to say about this place, even if I tried.

Posted 10/23/02

We have been there a few times and were never disappointed : great food, attentive service, very nice bar, a place to recommend to anybody who wants to spend a special night.

Posted 09/26/02

The Power House of ultra hip Atlanta Restaurants. The best of New York and San Francisco can be found at this super fabulous restaurant. The bar is wonderful, the lighting is superb, and the food is always amazing... Perfect for friends, dates, or corpoate outings..... If you want amazing food with a well heeled crowd.. this is your destination.

Posted 09/17/02

just one word... Incredible!!!
I hope Atlantans appreciate what Joel has offered to us. The same cuisine and service would cost twice the amount in San Francisco or New York. Bravo to Chef Joel for staying in Atlanta and giving us this treat.

Posted 08/18/02