Having limited experience with the Fairfield culinary scene and having never dined at the former Liana's, I was pleasantly impressed by Joanne's Table.
Parking is definitely limited, with only three spots in front of the restaurant. The space is small, casual, and intimate - perfect for couples or small groups, but would strongly recommend a reservation for larger parties.
The food was generally excellent and flavorful. The homemade meatballs, which were offered both as an appetizer special and with their Tagliatelle dish, were generously sized to say the least. They were exceptionally tender, with a softer texture than others we've tried.
The linguini con vongole had a good portion of clams, and while I would have preferred a more robust flavor for the sauce, the dish was still quite enjoyable.
I'm typically not a fan of gnocchi, but Joanne's might have been the best I've had. Their gnocchi were unlike any I've tried before - larger than usual, and more hearty and savory. In fact, they reminded me more of perogies than the more traditional gnocchi.
I thought the service was warm, welcoming, and helpful without pretense, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The wait for the food was undeniably long, but it was worthwhile in the end.
I get the feeling that Joanne's customer base is mostly locals, as I unfortunately don't see this as a destination spot for outsiders at the moment. Challenges like parking availability, long wait times, and a premium price point, without a truly distinctive dining experience, may limit Joanne's appeal to customers willing to travel a distance. The restaurant also seems to cater to an older clientele, likely composed of longtime patrons from the previous ownership.
In addition, the lighting in the restaurant made capturing good photos difficult, and I believe the presentation of their dishes could be enhanced for a more appealing visual impact.
Despite these points, I recommend Joanne's to everyone to try and would definitely return if I'm looking for a good Italian option in the Fairfield area! read more