Always Joy — A Quiet Testament to Enduring Dining in Sheung Wan

In a city that thrives on constant change, a restaurant built to last is almost revolutionary. Always Joy, the newest creation from hospitality duo Lindsay Jang and Matt Abergel, stands as a subtle statement of permanence. Nestled beside their iconic izakaya Yardbird in Sheung Wan, the space exudes a sense of calm strength — stainless steel fixtures, fixed tables, and a comforting sense of continuity.

Designed by LA-based creative Willo Perron, Always Joy channels the classic American diner through a cinematic lens — all chrome, mustard-yellow seating, and burgundy textured walls. It’s moody yet grounded, with nostalgic touches that nod to the pair’s past ventures like Ronin and Yardbird.

The menu, much like the atmosphere, celebrates simplicity and freshness. Seasonal produce and local market finds inspire the daily offerings — dishes like tomatoes tossed with passion fruit and shio kombu, or pumpkin mochi in soy brown butter, showcase a quiet confidence in flavour. The drinks follow the same spirit: crisp highballs, unshaken cocktails, and sake served with ease.

In a culinary scene defined by flux, Always Joy offers something rare — a place built not just for now, but for the long run. It’s an ode to loyalty, craft, and the beauty of staying still in a city that never stops moving.