- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Joyeaux Cafe & Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Vietnamese Restaurants Sandwiches Vietnamese, Sandwiches [Edit]
551 Howe StVancouver, BC V6C 2C2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 681-9168
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
46 reviews for Joyeaux Cafe & Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The food and beef brisket pho is to die and go to heaven..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Lemon grass chicken here rocks."
(in 4 reviews)
"...you work around their crazy lunch rush from noon to 1pm."
(in 5 reviews)
Loading...
46 reviews in English
-
Review from Rodger B.
Victoria, BC
2/5/2012
Bustling, authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Great place for lunch.
We were visiting Vancouver and craving Vietnamese food, and we found Joyeaux through Yelp. I'm writing a review because it only has a 3.5 star rating and deserves at least a 4.
Atmosphere: Typically Vietnamese. Not much decor, cramped, and full of diners at 2pm on a Saturday.
Food: Very authentic. We haven't had Vietnamese food like this since we were in Vietnam.
Service: Attentive. All the servers work together to ensure you're taken care of. We had to ask for our bill, but that's typically Vietnamese, so no real surprise.
We'll definitely be back to Joyeaux next time we're in Vancouver. -
Review from Joshua N.
1/21/2012
The soup is good!
But the service is bad. Our server seemed not to like my date for some reason.
The soup was absolutely packed with stuff - all kinds of meat, noodles, etc., which is good!
It's at least $1 more expensive than similar soup at most other places, which is bad.
Good location, not a lot of good pho downtown... good!
The table was sticky and the sauce dispensers were not clean. No way I was going to use them. Bad.
They have a whole bunch of non-Vietnamese breakfast items on the menu... I'm not sure if this is good or bad, I didn't order any of them. -
Review from gretchen c.
Vancouver, BC
1/17/2012 15 Check-ins Here
so i can't really write an accurate review on all the food because i keep going back to the same dish each time... the pho with meat wontons. what i can tell you is that particular dish is absolutely DELICIOUS!
but i'm sure the other food is decent too.
the portions are huge - big enough to share and still be satisfied. when i eat the entire thing, i definitely put myself in a food coma.
it gets reeeeeally packed during lunch rush-hour, and almost impossible to find a table (i have gotten fairly lucky with that though). i try and avoid this place around that time if i can, and either go before or after lunch rush-hour. -
Review from Cheryl T.
Vancouver, BC
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
After an errand downtown, we searched Yelp for Vietnamese food close to our train station. We lucked out with other Yelpers' advice! The spring rolls and pho were very good, and prices reasonable. I imagine this place is packed during the work week, but our late, weekend lunch was quiet and the service speedy. We will definitely visit again when we find ourselves downtown and hungry.
-
Review from Niko D.
Vancouver, BC
12/31/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Ok, ... Super Broth Heaven... At first I looked at the place and thought...hmmm hole in the wall..I could possibly get sick but... It looks intriguing.
We ordered the Rare Beef soup with spicy broth,lemongrass chicken with rice and spicy prawns
The Spicy prawns were tempura goodness! They were cooked with a very light batter that was crunchy and not oily! The spicy dipping sauce is very tasty..The portion size was very good, about 15 medium sized prawns. The two of us ate and were wondering where we would put the rest of the meal ha ha.
Rare Beef soup with spicy broth...I can't begin to fully describe and appreciate the depth of flavours in this sultry dish... I will however attempt to.
The lean yet flavourful beef broth is complimented by the crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked noodles and ever so slight spice..It is not an overbearing spice yet a lingering sweetness, sourness and tang that overwhelms your palette and brings you to a state of nirvana.... Literally...a slight moan escapes my mouth every time I finish a bite.... Ok....Maybe that was a little over dramatic..but none the less..quite amazing!
The Lemongrass chicken is cooked to perfection. The leg/thigh has the skin left on but it is cooked crisply and little to no fat is left on it. The flavours in the chicken work with the steamed rice and fish sauce nicely. A well put together dish!
A side note... I find the pho broth is especially tastier in the evenings..when the juices have had a bit more time to sit and stew...
A great place to eat...Im craving it right now as I write about it!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Megan S.
Vancouver, BC
1/3/2012
My brain short-circuits every time I walk in here. I fully intend to order some awesome homemade-style Vietnamese dish, and sometimes I'll go as far as to choose one from the giant wall menu...however, as soon as I walk up to the cashier and open my mouth to speak, this comes out:
"Small wonton soup with an avocado and shrimp sandwich, please."
I can't seem to help myself, it's simply the most perfect soup and sandwich combo ever on the face of the earth (OK, except for the offerings at Soup Plus, but that's a long way from here).
Perhaps I need to come here for dinner; the later hour might push my desire for lemongrass chicken and noodles just past the tipping point and I might actually follow though with my intentions.
Until then...I'll be enjoying my wonton soup and avocado and shrimp sandwich. -
Review from Byron R.
12/9/2011
We are visiting from Portland Oregon and stopped in here for some lunch...Very good food. The lemongrass chicken vermicelli is great! The only thing I would improve on is the sauce that comes with on the side- it was sweet and I like it a little more tangy. Otherwise wouldn't change anything!
My boyfriend had the hot and sour soup and he said it was amazing!
The atmosphere was very pleasant and it had a cute outdoor seating patio thing. And the service was very nice as well. Our waitress tended to us politely without being overbearing :)
We will definitely come back next time we visit! -
Review from Rich B.
1/1/2012
If you want Sushi for lunch in this part of Downtown, you're spoiled for choice. However, good Vietnamese is thin on the ground. Fortunately, Joyeaux is really good. I stick with their pho - the broth is tasty and well flavoured and the noodles and beef are always good. Do be prepared for a crush between noon and 1pm, though.
-
Review from Ellen L.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
A really popular place for lunch Downtown. At 11:30 this place starts to fill up and quick too! So if you want to score a table, make sure to come early.
Last time I tried their beef brisket soup (#3). Don't expect regular pho with this one. The broth is darker and more hearty. With the large chunks of soft mushy carrots and daikon radish, it was like a soupy stew. Really quite perfect for a cold rainy Vancouver day! Boyfriend has always enjoyed coming here. I had a taste of his lemongrass chicken vermicelli, not bad either. Price is pretty reasonable for the Downtown core.
You line up to place your order. All menu items have pictures on the wall. If you're eating in, servers will bring food to your table. It's self-serve for water. I do wish they would turn up the heat though. It gets really chilly and I have to eat with my jacket on.
FYI - they have a machine service charge for using debit/credit cards. So bring cash! -
Review from Annie W.
9/25/2011
Solid place for lunch downtown, with really tasty fare and prices that are the same, if not cheaper, than what you'll get in a food court. Arrive before 11:45am for your best chance to secure a seat for lunch, otherwise you're in for a bit of a wait.
I always order their Beef Brisket Pho or the Spicy Beef, Pork with Thick Noodle Vermicelli. On a hot day there's nothing better than a Vietnamese iced coffee to go with your meal! Their Bhan Mi Sandwiches are also great for a cheap take-away lunch. -
Review from Dee B.
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beef brisket soup, deep fried chicken wings and lemon grass chicken.
Lunch is a total disaster in this place, but it's worth the wait and the price is right.
As far as Vietnamese goes in downtown Vancouver, you're not going to find much better. -
Review from Lisa T.
Vancouver, BC
12/25/2011
definitely not your everyday vietnamese chain noodle joint.
this is homemade food. sooo good! my coworkers and i got here right at 11:30am and the line up had already started!! by the time we ordered (in 10 min) and sat ourselves down, the line up was literally past the door.
even with the busy crowds, the waiters/waitresses are attentive to the people lining up and recognize their needs by letting them know about how long the waiting time should be, or if they preferred to pack and bring back to their offices if they didn't have enough time.
i tried their spicy pork noodle in soup and am looking forward to try the beef brisket noodle that my coworker's raving about. -
Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's really hard to find a fantastic bowl of Pho in the downtown core that doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money. They're really nice there too.
I've been coming here for years and they've never disappointed. Their soup base for their Pho is one of the best in the entire city (get the #2 Special Beef Soup). Flavourful and satisfying, just thinking about it makes me want to go for a bowl right now!
Just make sure you work around their crazy lunch rush from noon to 1pm. The line up goes out the door.
Other yummy dishes include:
-Beef Brisket Noodle (#3)
-Shrimp Salad Roll
-Deep Fried Chicken WingsListed in: I HEART Food!
-
Review from Eat F.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2011
Don't come here if you're craving the regular Special Beef Ball Noodle Soup, at every Vietnamese restaurant, it's "Special". This is the place to go if you're looking for the real deal flavorful Vietnamese mamma cooked meal! There are only a couple of restaurants that serve this Shredded Crab meat and Shrimp Noodle Soup. To describe this dish, it's not in the normal boiled water and oil chicken broth, it's in a tasty tomato based broth. This broth is extremely rich and flavorful and trumps that normal water and oil chicken broth. The other aspect is the Crab meat. When my mom makes this at home she slaves over taking out the crab meat from the shell. This is extremely time consuming and you cannot substitute real crab meat with imitation crab meat because every mamma wants the best for their growing kids. And it's not the same! Here they actually use real crab meat, the way it should be and this is what makes it so good. The foodie experience is not just the food but also the service. They could some improvements in this area which is why it's not a perfect 5. You can always tip a bit less for the service, but the food is definitely worth eating here. Trust me, come here for the Shredded Crab meat and Noodle Soup!
Ambiance: Simple and Basic
Seating/Wait time: Lunch Hour, extremely busy! Best to do take-out!
Dress Code: No shoes, no shirt, no service!
Crowd: Anyone
Meal:
Shredded Crab meat and Shrimp Noodle Soup $7.69
Value: 5/5 -
Review from Chris C.
8/9/2011
This place is always packed for lunch so come early or be prepared to wait a little while for a seat. The pho and the lemon grass chicken are my usual fare when stopping here for lunch.
Overall Joyeux cafe is a quick place to stop for lunch (if you get a seat right away) that isn't too pricey and decent vietnamese food. -
Review from Stephene C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Re-reviewing this place because this time around the service was atrocious. Granted it was quite busy today, but to forget/ lose people's orders is a huge NO NO.
Don't get me wrong the food is still amazing, very tasty and satisfying. So if you are looking for just good food and don't care about the service then this place is just for you!
Today I had ordered a viet sub, a bowl of beef brisket pho and a spring role. The viet sub came fairly fast and it tasted pretty good, but definitly not the best I've had. After the sub, service went down hill. It took an extremely long time for them to give us our bowls of pho and they all came at different intervals far from eachother, even though we all ordered the same pho at the same time. People that ordered a while after us were getting their food before us. It was extremely irritating to say the least. They didn't even bring me the spring roll I ordered. I had to tell three different people that I had yet to get the spring role. The one good thing about the crappy service was that instead of giving me the one spring roll I orderd, they gave me their regular three. I don't know whether they did that because they realized their service was bad or if they just forgot that I had ordered only one. But regardless I only paid $1.90 for three spring rolls! Score :)
I will still come back to this place for sure! The food and beef brisket pho is to die and go to heaven for!
St3fin1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/5/2011
Ok I LOVE this place. I've been here a total of two times but it was my second trip that supplanted… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jordan K.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2011
Spend too much for these few days?? Or are u also a college kids who have no income yet. But you still wanna try something quick and decent, perhaps a place to just sit down and fill your stomach up.
Then this is the right choice lah! not a great place to get ultimate good food, but the food here is good enough and fresh enough to get you a good mood, and prob some spared time to do your work.
So, give it a shoot, it really pretty good for a busy day! -
Review from Joe L.
Vancouver, BC
It is a gem of a well run ethnic restaurant in the core of the financial district. They open early in the morning so you can have your fix of eggs and toasts but most patrons come here for lunch for their traditional Vietnamese faire. I had walked by it so many times and had never gone with the common belief of how could a Vietnamese restaurant downtown be any good.
After hearing good things about it from different sources, my partner and I finally went there for a late lunch on New Year's Eve and was I ever wrong. My pho was authentic, tasty and bountiful with meat and noodle. My partner's vermicelli bowl looked delicious also. My greatest pleasure was the omelette with bean sprouts, shrimp and squid. It looked just like the one Anthony Boudin had on the streets of Saigon on his show No Reservation. It was perfectly crispy and I was glad they did not pad away the grease like many crazy healthy restaurants do.
We came in the morning of New Year's Eve for an early lunch so there was no line whatsoever. However, if you come here for lunch during the week, either come EARLY or make sure you have time to wait in line. The restaurant opens 7 days a week so if you live downtown, I would encourage you to come on the weekends to enjoy your meals leisurely. -
Review from Kuishinbo E.
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pho has slowly become my go-to hangover cure. So while staying at the Met up the block, I was enthused to see a Vietnamese cafe just a block away. I read that Vancouver is supposed to have great Vietnamese food and maybe that heightened my expectations. I never ventured out to Richmond so I'm assuming their Pho would best downtown's.
I was able to order Pho Tai (rare steak) even though it wasn't on the menu, and my brother was able to add tripe (but not tendon) also not on the menu, so that was a plus.
Price was normal, ~$8 and the soup came out fast. However, the broth was a little bland, definitely nothing to write home about, and the basil and bean sprouts were not fresh at all. Noodles were okay.
All in all, being from San Francisco where the Pho is tasty, plentiful and cheap, Joyeaux's Pho doesn't hold a candle. Maybe you'll have better luck trying a rice plate or sandwich. -
Review from Vincent N.
Vancouver, BC
Considering that this place is located downtown, and that there isn't a lot of choice for Vietnamese food, this place is great value for the dollar paid.
There aren't a lot of places where you can get main dishes for around $8 dollars that is not Fast Food, and completely unhealthy for you, is delicious.
I have easily been going to Joyeaux Cafe for the last 2 years, and have probably had a disappointing eat with the noodles for 2 experiences. This is after eating there for about 60 times. (I used to go there at least 4 times a week for about half a year)
The place can be packed between the hours of 11:30-1:30. Good luck trying to find a seat during this time, you're going to have to wait. That's how many people like this place.
There isn't much in terms of service, it's pretty much going up to the counter and paying. And you seat yourself afterwards, but be prepared to sit next to someone you don't know. Not very western, but for Chinese it's not unusual to sit next to strangers while eating.
Also they have two tv's you can watch. You can change the channel if no one else is watching, or you can request it. But remember to ask nicely.
I can't speak for the breakfast, but the noodles, I definitely can.
Lemon grass chicken here rocks! It's so good, that I once bought five of my coworkers number 17 and they all won't eat anything else now. Everytime I order for my staff, they always want to eat the lemon grass chicken.
If you're starting off, I would recommend getting Number 2 Soup to start off. This is simple and is filled with beef and meat.
For something a more varied, with different meats, then try out number 6 soup which is filled with pork, shrimp and shrimp cake. The shrimp cake is chewy in a good way, and the soup is tasty, but may dry your throat a little later.
Number 5 is all seafood, and my newest favourite noodle dish. It's all shrimp, wonton, and shrimp/fish cake. This is a great eat to have if you need to eat quick and to get out.
Lastly if you're more daring, and want to try something that was more hearty then try out the number 3 soup noodle. They have white carrot, carrots and beef brisket. Each one is stewed for hours to have a soft tenderness to it. And the carrots breathe nothing but a sweet caramel taste. I have yet to have a friend that is disapointed with this dish. Only trouble is that it can get oily at times.
But I love Annie's service and cooking. And will no doubt continue to eat here as long as I work downtown. -
Review from Amy T.
12/2/2010
Joyeaux Cafe. Doesn't sound like a Vietnamese restaurant at all.
I was pleasantly surprised when I ordered the seafood dry noodle. It was delicious! Their pho are pretty good too. They also serve breakfast type foods such as grilled cheese sandwich, breakfast platter and etc... I thought it was odd at first, but the items actually tasted good. Even though, I usually just stick to the Vietnamese dishes.
If you decide to grab some lunch here, make sure to grab some food before 12PM or after 2PM. Or else, you'll have 15mins to eat your lunch. It gets insanely busy here during the week days.Listed in: Lunchin' Downtown, Pho-nomenal!
-
Review from Edward L.
3/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
It's nice to be able to have pho downtown. There are only a couple of places I can think of, and the other ones aren't good. The only reason I know it exists is because a coworker once pointed it out. It's way too easy to walk right by.
Parking is non-existent, but if you're downtown already, it's a short walk away from Waterfront or Pacific Centre.
During lunch hour, this place is packed, as with most other places in the area.
I've had the pho bo (beef pho) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) here, and both aren't bad. The price is a buck or two more than other places outside downtown, but this isn't surprising. The bowls are big, and the food tastes good.
Service is quick. They give you a number, then bring you the food. Groups are doable here, but don't try during lunch hour on a business day.
My only gripe is that during the rainy months the place fogs up pretty badly, to the point where condensation sometimes even forms on the tables (kinda gross). Just something to keep in mind. That's more of the fault of the building design though, not the restaurant.
Come by and check it out~ -
Review from Ed P.
Vancouver, BC
8/5/2010
It took me a while to actually try this place, as from the outside it looks like a French café-type establishment. I should have figured out by the "Joyeaux" though (is it Joyeux? Is it Gateaux? Je ne sais wtf.) that it is not.
Firstly, the place is craaaamped. Sucks, but it is what it is. Grab a menu and phone ahead for take-out next time.
I don't know why people are saying it's hard to order as you're faced with the big-ass menu while you're waiting in line. The worst part is standing around like an idiot waiting while tiny people carrying large soups swarm around you bringing out orders.
I've had a few crappy experiences where they've seemingly forgotten my food, but mostly the service has been fine. The overall food quality is good, but I'm not a fan of their Pho. I stick to the lemongrass fish or pork with vermicelli, or the shanghai noodles, or the soup and sandwich combo.
I haven't found a viet sub in Vancouver that compares to the ones I used to get in Calgary, but Joyeauxeuxeuse's are pretty good. I recommend the shrimp wonton to go with it.
There aren't many vietnameseish choices in this part of the core (Vina's in PC, and the new one in the International Food Court), so coming here is pretty much a sure bet if you've got a craving. -
Review from namit m.
10/27/2010 3 Check-ins Here
So randomly met some family here for lunch. The big surprise was that this place is hopping - it was BUSY.
Ordered some noodles with beef and pork in a spicy broth and damn they were good. The noodles had great texture and the broth was very flavourful. Ordered a side of gyoza and they were really good.
Get here before noon or after 2.30 as this place get crazy busy. The line does move fast, but it is a struggle to find seating.
Definitely going back soon. -
Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
7/6/2010
After driving by this little place a million times and not giving it much thought I decided to give it a try.
Wow! It's not completely authentic Vietnamese but it sure was tasty! I ordered the lotus root salad and the shredded crab noodle. I didn't know Vietnamese food this good was available in downtown.
It's a touch pricier than the average Kingsway joint but the staff is friendly and the place seemed very clean. I'm excited to have this meal option close by from now on.
Only negative would be craptastic downtown parking esp during peak hours. -
Review from Louise G.
4/18/2010 3 photos
Got here on a weekend, moderately busy, and had a great experience.
We're probably a little spoiled for Vietnamese, but found this really nice.
Had a sub, an avocado and bacon sandwich and wonton soup. All were generous, tasty, and well presented. The service is also friendly and efficient.
It's a great space with high ceilings, looks like it was taken over from a French restaurant, which is somehow fitting. Definitely gets on the list of downtown oases. -
Review from Simon W.
Surrey, BC
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Surprisingly good. The Pho was delicious (great broth) and the lemongrass chicken was also very good. Definitely a good lunch spot I'll hit again.
-
Review from Rick C.
9/17/2010
I really wasn't that impressed with the Vietnamese food at this downtown cafeteria style diner. It wasn't bad either and I admit I have high standards.
The prices were decent and I liked the location. The crab style noodles I had tasted a little flat. I don't like how they put in boot sprouts in automatically instead of customarily having them out on the table.
I do appreciate all the pictures for easy ordering and the portions were generous. And generally, everything else looked good and tasty. Maybe, I have to give it another change, but it just didn't do it for me on my first go round. -
Review from Adelina W.
Richmond, BC
7/15/2010
Lunch time at Joyeaux during the weekdays are a gong show. We got there a little after 12:15 and the line was long, but somehow they managed to move it along quite quickly. Trying to read the menu was confusing as it is spread across three boards. I like that they had some veggie friendly options too aside from the typical meat heavy dishes. They have a lot of the typical Vietnamese dishes, but they also have subs, sandwiches and other more western type dishes.
I ordered the grilled pork and spring roll on vermicelli (#21) and it was delicious. It was a bit pricier than other places on Kingsway, but it was still good nonetheless.
I also ordered the stir fry vermicelli with fried tofu and veggies but this took a ridiculously long time to come. It wasn't until I had finished eating my dish and went back up to the counter to ask for it, did I get it. The first couple times I went up they kept assuring me that it would be coming, that making the stir fry is usually longer. Every time I asked, they all seemed really confused as if they didn't even know about the order. They have a number system for those eating in, but no number system for those getting take out. I was expecting to at least get a receipt or something, but nothing.
The dish itself was okay. I was expecting a sauce that was soy based, but instead the noodles were cooked Singaporean style. I'm not sure if this was a mistake or if that is how it was really intended. I didn't bother to go and ask - they were just too busy.
Trying to get a table was interesting. There was one employee going around trying to reserve tables for those in line, but we were there right when all the larger tables were already filled. We got ours to go, but thankfully managed to find a table.
If you're downtown, or working nearby, this is a great place to grab a bite at less than $10. My only word of advice? Don't go right at 12 noon, aim for a bit later. -
Review from Phil S.
Vancouver, BC
5/20/2009
Oh no, my first negative review but I am always nice but not right now cuz I write this with a splitting headache from the MSG in the broth I had here today. First, the long lineup is not because of how good the food tastes its because there are no other Vietnamese place in the hood, otherwise, they'd be swatting flies here non?
I walked in despite the lineup cuz I wanted something brothy, like a noodle soup, like Pho. The line moved fast and after getting my number, I found a seat by the door. This was not an easy feat as the entire restaurant was full. I ordered the noodle soup with beef and also the rice cake dish as I was clearly famished and emancipated but the dishes were delivered about half hour apart from each other. And the whole time while eating that bowl of pho, I kept wanting to drink water and thought, 'wow this soup is so sweet'. And right now I've got a massive headache. The rice cake I had were tasteless, nothing like the ones at Pho Thai Son, not even close.
I recall when I went there with my colleagues a year ago, one of us did not get our food till after everyone else was done and ready to head back to floss our teeth. So she had to get it to go cuz our lunch time was over and the staff there had no apologies.
Well once bitten twice shy. I keep my distance. -
Review from Jenny l.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2011
This place is cool! $4.25 breakfast all day and the omelette looked yummy! My friend had that and I had their beef brisket Pho which was really flavourful! One of the best I've had. They have a huge range of food on their menu. Took off 1 star b/c they are slightly pricier than most pho probably because of the location, but the the quality makes up for it.
-
Review from Sue C.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2010
Actually 4-stars for the food but only 3 stars for the cramped restaurant.
This place can get PACKED at lunchtime and depending on where you find a seat (first come first serve) it can either be a pleasant experience or a awkward one. There are many tables by the food order lineup and I hate sitting next to a long lineup of people.
The food itself is very good. I quite like the beef noodle soup (#2) and the lemon grass chicken.
Service itself can only be described as efficient but I'm ok with that. As mentioned before, it can get crazy busy but the hosts here do their best to find you a seat which is very helpful. (I just curse them when they put me by the lineup ;) ) -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2008
Okay, my biggest secret revealed: I am terrible at naming cuisines.
I have eaten lunch here twice, I'm still not 100% sure what to call this spot. I've read Vietnamese, but my inkling is that there are a few more regional influences at play here.
I've had a prawn soup here as well as a stirfry dish. The prices are reasonable -- expect to pay under $8 for lunch. Head to the counter and order from the menu posted on a number of boards. Despite ordering with the specific number I don't think I ended up with what I ordered on my first visit. But it was still tasty and I was happy.
Café Joyeaux does take out and also eat in. If you're staying at one of the cute tables have a friend snag a seat then order for you both. Service is the old game of match the numbers.
Definitely more personality than the food court and the slew of regulars is a good reference to the fact that the food here is fast and consistent. -
Review from Thu N.
North York, ON
1/16/2010
I agree with Jordan, I can't believe all the negative reviews for this place! My friend works around the corner from here and judging by how busy it is at lunch, there's plenty of people that like this place :) Personally, if given the choice and unlimited time, I'd head to Kingsway or Main St for cheaper and less crowded Vietnamese food :) But given the location and time constraint, this place is pretty good!!
I ordered the lemongrass fish with rice which I've never actually had before! It was deep fried cod with a batter of lemongrass! AWESOME. The fish was really tender and delicious and the lemongrass made it a Vietnamese dish!
It is definitely tough to find a table and to squeeze up to the front to get water. I would definitely come back and avoid the lunch rush by going a little later. -
Review from Nick M.
Vancouver, BC
5/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a person who has eaten pho many times, this place is not bad. So far this is the first pho restaurant I've been to in Vancouver. Like a few places. This restaurant follows the same rule. Plenty of broth, less meat, and not enough noodles. I'm used to most pho restaurants giving you a side plate of mint parsley leaves, beat sprouts, lime, and jalapeños. I'm not too sure if Vancouver does it differently. Overall, quality was ok.
-
Review from Karra B.
Burnaby, BC
8/25/2010
I can't tell you how long I've searched high and low for a great Vietnamese place downtown. It's like trying to find a corner without a Starbucks on it- nearly impossible.When I finally found Joyeaux it was like the heavens had opened up- literally. The day we went turned out to be the only hot day in June and it was raining sunshine all over the place.
Joyeaux is easy to dismiss because it looks like a French cafe from the outside, and when you step in, you're first instinct is to think you're at a Mexican place by mistake. Just let your nose guide you and you'll catch an unmistakable whiff of fish sauce and Asian spice goodness.
It gets super busy during the weekdays, especially when the lunch crowd comes in. We came at 12pm on a Friday, and only waited a few minutes for a table to open up. To order, you have to line up and pick your dishes from the menu/pictures on the wall. Then, when you get to the counter, you're given a number and your food gets delivered to your table.
I got a #17- Lemongrass Chicken with Rice. It came with a simple salad. The chicken was amazing. The lemon flavor was subtle, but definitely there. Since it wasn't a strong flavor, there was a nice sweetness that was coming out- possibly from whatever else it was marinated with. I'd love to come here again, but probably at a less busy time...if my stomach can hold out that long. And since it never does, there'll always be the take out option to tide me over. -
Review from Jordan H.
11/5/2009
So sad to see the negative reviews here. I love Joyeaux. It's kinda Vietnamese, kinda Western... it's weird, but it's delicious. It's dirt cheap (everything is under $10) and the food is always hot & fresh.
It's hard to judge a place for using MSG... (it's East Asian under $10. Come on.), or for being so busy that all the tables are full... (that's a good thing!). I've also received exactly what I ordered every single time, and I've probably been here about 40 times in the last year. I work right around the corner.
Some of my favourites:
Prawn, Fishball and Beef Noodle soup (#6)
Lemongrass Chicken on Rice
Singapore Fried Rice -
Review from Alex D.
Vancouver, BC
2/24/2010
There is not a huge amount of great places to grab a quick, cheap lunch in this part of town. Joyeaux provides a good range of Vietnamese inspired dishes that are cheap, half decent and come out quickly.
No this place is not authentic Vietnamese at all and yes, it is crowded but the turnover is quick. Yes, the menu boards are confusing and the meals for groups don't come out together.
However for under $10 for a good sized serving within two blocks of my work there is little that can compete.
I wouldn't go here for a nice weekend lunch but for a quick bite on your lunch break it is a great little spot. I would give this place 2 stars if I wanted a tasty Authentic Vietnames Pho but 3 stars if I wanted a nice quick sit down lunch in this area. -
Review from john h.
Mississauga, ON
4/20/2010 2 photos
Went in around 3pm on a weekday and it was empty. Was prepared for a fight after reading the reviews, but food was quick and tasty, service was friendly.
Definitely heading back to try some other things. Had the beef brisket soup which was great though a little sweet for my tastes. -
Review from Ramon V.
9/28/2010 5 Check-ins Here
As busy as this place is, I don't think I really noticed until recently. Located in an area of downtown where you wouldn't expect a cheap, fast Vietnamese restaurant, it comes full of surprises. Firstly, they serve all-day breakfast. And not just eggs and toast. They have a decent breakfast menu. But enough about that. I had a craving for Vietnamese, and we arrived as a large group, smack dab in the middle of the lunch rush. By some work of magic, they were calm and accommodated us within 10 minutes of arriving. When I sat down I was overwhelmed by the options available to me. A full menu, as well and lots of menu items on the wall, and a large chalk board with lots to read. Almost too much to read. I THOUGHT I knew what I wanted until I saw the myriad of other combinations. I had the daily special - lemongrass chicken on rice, with salad and a salad roll. $8.99. I was happy at the speed at which it arrived, and the size. The chicken was well prepared too. A great lunch.
On my second trip to Joyeaux, I tried the rare beef pho, one of many pho options. It was a very large portion, but I wished I had ordered a side to go with it, to give some diversity to the taste. I also noticed that the daily special was, once again, the same. The broth was very good. The beef was ample.
On my latest trip, I noticed that the daily special had not changed, so I assume that's a standard offering. Whatever works.
My one qualm is that most menu items are full-sized, meaning that I had trouble finding perhaps a smaller pho, so that I could also get a sub or spring/salad rolls, or another combination. Maybe they had that option. I just couldn't find it.
