Joia

Joia Review

At this haute-cuisine vegetarian restaurant near Piazza della Repubblica, delicious dishes are artistically prepared by chef Pietro Leemann. Vegetarians, who often get short shrift in Italy, will marvel at the variety of culinary traditions—Asian and European—and artistry offered here. The ever-changing menu offers dishes in unusual formats: tiny glasses of creamed cabbage with ginger, spheres of crunchy vegetables that roll across the plate. Fish also makes an appearance. Joia's restful dining room has been refurbished, another room added, and its kitchen enlarged. The fixed-price lunch "box" is a good value (€17 and €35), but be sure to reserve ahead. Multicourse menus in the evening range from €50 to €100, excluding wine.