For my birthday dinner, I wanted to celebrate somewhere that felt a little more intimate than usual. Joey Uptown Galleria ended up being my first choice. 

Walking in, the restaurant had a very modern look with dim lights, high-top tables, and a clear look into the kitchen where the chefs crafted meals. As I was escorted to my table on the patio, I noticed lots of greenery, a tall wine cellar, and a long window that wrapped around the room, giving a view of cars passing by.

I was greeted by a kind waiter who pulled out my chair, and as I sat down, I felt cared for, and that immediately set the tone for the evening. Looking at the menu, I ordered the Lobster Spaghetti, which was about $39. Despite taking 20 to 25 minutes to arrive, it was worth the wait. The pasta was perfectly cooked with the perfect amount of white wine sauce, while the lobster was tender and fresh. Each bite was flavourful and satisfying, which made the long wait more like anticipation and not a down side. As a side with the spaghetti, I got the strawberry cool mocktail that cost $9. It was chilled and sweet. The only downside of the night was when the time came to bring out the cake. After finishing dinner, it took 30 to 45 minutes to bring out the cake, mostly because there was only one staff member serving three to four tables. When the cake finally arrived, the waiter constantly forgot essentials like knives, cutlery, and plates, making several back-and-forth trips. My friends and I were rushing to leave due to the late time. 

While it was frustrating at the moment, it didn’t overshadow my experience for the rest of the night.

Overall, Joey Uptown Galleria did not fail to deliver a memorable birthday dinner. Everything from the service to their food and atmosphere made the evening feel special. While the delay in the dessert was a setback, the food quality and receptiveness made up for it. I’d rate my experience a 4 out of 5 and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fancy dinner setting or even a place for a birthday/private event.