Joey’s Java – The best Tapas Restaurant in Essex
I visited Joey’s Java Tapas Restaurant in Fobbing, Essex. Rated as the number one restaurant in Thurrock on Trip Advisor. It is easy to see why, it is quite easily the best Tapas Restaurant in Essex. It is such a unique restaurant, which originally started out as a food truck and is now permanently located at Gables Farm, Waterworks Lane, Fobbing, Essex, SS17 9HX. The restaurant is alfresco in style with natural woods, green foliage and waterfall water features, all under a canopy of twinkling lights. There is even a lobster tank. The marquee is heated in the winter and during the summer is opened up for alfresco dining. This creates a wonderful atmosphere and ambience, perfect for a romantic date night in Essex or enjoying a meal with friends or family.
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It is one of the only restaurants with a food truck as the kitchen. It is incredible how Joey (the chef and owner) creates such amazing food in such a small space.
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The best tapas restaurant in Essex and everything you need to know about visiting Joey’s Java.
The Food
The food really is outstanding at Joey’s Java. Only the finest ingredients are used, with fresh fish specials coming direct from nearby Leigh-on-Sea, the salt marsh lamb and other meat sourced from the local butchers and the fruit & vegetables come from the onsite farm shop.
The menu at Joey’s Java includes all your favourite Spanish tapas dishes including: lobster, prawns, squid, lamb cutlets, pork belly, chicken wings, Spanish meatballs, stuffed peppers, Spanish omelette, patatas bravas and so many amazing vegetable dishes to choose from. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there is a vegan menu available with dishes to suit everyone.
At Joey’s Java they recommend to take it slow and order as you go, maybe starting with one or two tapas dishes per person and ordering more if you are hungry or save some room for dessert. This is a great and relaxed way to dine, which is all part of the quintessential tapas dining experience.
We enjoyed a great selection of food, we went with the chef recommendations and was not disappointed. The tapas was beautifully presented and all expertly cooked by Joey. Even the sauces have been made in house. It was all high quality delicious food. I tried possibly the best garlic bread I’ve ever eaten and the emperor prawns were outstanding, I’ve never seen prawns so huge! Both myself and my partner were blown away by how fantastic the food was. It really was amazing.
For dessert we enjoyed Leche Frita, a deep fried custard dusted in cinnamon and served with ice cream and Crema Catalana a Spanish take on a French classic, crème Brûlée. Both were beautiful. A wonderful end to our meal.
Even your hand towels are an experience, warm water infused with basil essential oil is poured onto the towels to make them expand. A lovely touch to freshen up after dinner.
The experience
When you order your food and it comes to the table, Joey the chef makes a point of coming and speaking to each table, this is a really lovely touch and makes you feel extremely welcome. Joey is such a talented and interesting guy, it was great to find out more about him and the restaurant.
We visited on ‘Acoustic Thursday’, each Thursday they have a live singer/guitarist. Enjoying your food listening to live music makes for a great atmosphere.
They have so many different themed nights throughout the year, from paella nights to ‘dining in the dark’, check out Joey’s Java website and have a look.
My thoughts:
This was my first visit to Joey’s Java Tapas Restaurant. I have experienced Joey’s cooking before during covid with food deliveries and knew it would be good, but quite frankly for me, it is the best Tapas restaurant in Essex. Absolutely incredible food and such a special dining experience. I cannot wait to return very soon! I have no issues in recommending this ‘gem of a place’.
Thank you Joey for a fantastic evening, we thoroughly enjoyed it, your restaurant, food and you are amazing! See you again very soon.
To book
Midweek set menu available for £17.50 per head which includes a drink and 3 tapas dishes each. Blue Light Cards discount also available for emergency services
Opening Times:
- Wed – Fri: 17:00 – 22:00
- SAT: 9:30-11:30 | 12:30 – 22:00
- SUN : 9:30-11:30 | 12:30 – 16:00
Visit Joey Java’s Facebook page to see their latest news and events or call 01268 200411.
For afternoon teas in Essex, visit our list of ‘the Best Afternoon Teas in Essex‘.
I was invited to Joey’s Java and gifted a meal for review purposes. Please note that all my comments and opinions are strictly my own (and my partners!).
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