Joy, a casual Taiwanese restaurant from Joy Hospitality led by chef Vivian Ku, is opening a new location in Santa Monica at 418 Wilshire Boulevard.
The company’s second location is set to move into the former home of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, according to a recent liquor license application. An exact opening date has not been announced. Customers can expect Taiwanese street food–inspired dishes, seasonal appetizers, soups, and house-baked breads alongside tea, craft beer, and wine.
Joy on York, the company’s first location, opened in Highland Park at 5100 York Boulevard as a neighborhood eatery focused on authentic Taiwanese cuisine. The menu highlights dishes commonly found in Taipei night markets, including minced pork on rice, thousand-layer pancakes, and dumplings, alongside vegan and seasonal options. Joy also emphasizes community engagement, baking Mexican wedding cookies daily with proceeds going to local nonprofits.
The Santa Monica location will bring Joy’s casual counter-service concept to the Westside, offering a space for quick bites or communal meals. Similar to its Highland Park counterpart, the menu is expected to feature wheat-based items, including scallion sesame bread, buns, and pancakes.
Joy Hospitality also operates Pine & Crane in Los Angeles at 1521 Griffith Park Boulevard, a restaurant inspired by northern-style Chinese cooking. Both restaurants reflect chef Vivian Ku’s family culinary heritage, with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients and traditional recipes adapted for modern tastes.
The menu at Joy includes small plates, mains, sandwiches, and desserts, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. Signature items include braised pork, chiayi chicken rice, dan dan noodles, and seasonal shaved ice, alongside a curated beverage program of teas, sake, craft beers, and wine.
Chef Vivian Ku and the Joy Hospitality team aim to make the Santa Monica location a cozy community space, blending authentic Taiwanese flavors with approachable, everyday dining. Their ongoing focus on quality ingredients and thoughtful menu offerings seeks to create a neighborhood gathering spot where food and culture come together.
