Chez Josephine

Name: Chez Josephine
Address: 414 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, United States, 10036
Telephone: (212) 594-1925
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

6990 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Top Tags:

The last of its kind near 42nd Street, Chez Josephine is a neighborhood gem founded in 1986 by Jean-Claude Baker as a tribute to legendary Josephine Baker. This Parisian bistro offers live piano music and a tantalizing menu in an intimate setting of red velvet walls, a cavalcade of chandeliers and a blue-tin ceiling. Guests receive a warm welcoming and are treated as family whether coming before a show, after the show, for a leisurely dinner in-between, or a drink at the zinc bar.

Chez Josephine draws a crowd unlike any other in New York as food critic Bryan Miller noted when he wrote: “The dining room is a confluence of the famous and the fashionable, the infamous and unsung – with every shade of skin on earth – and indeed you feel the magic of Chez Josephine.”

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
French, American
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(212) 594-1925
Website
http://chezjosephinenyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic
Executive chef
Frank Diaz
Private party facilities
Main dining room, on the ground floor, can be rented and seats 70 guests. Our Jungle Room, also on the ground floor, seats 20 guests. Our Salon Marrakech, on the second floor, seats 30 guests.

Location
414 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Neighborhood
Theater District / Times Square
Cross street
Between 9th and Dyer/10th Aves.
Parking details
Manhattan Plaza, 42nd Street and Dyer Avenue (between 9th and 10th Avenues),
Public transit
1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R trains to Times Square-42nd Street, and A, C & E trains to Port Authority-42nd Street.
Entertainment
Live piano music nightly and at Sunday Brunch.
Additional
Banquet, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

Maine Lobster Bisque$17.00
Soupe du Jour$11.00
French Onion Soup$15.00
Figs and Prosciutto with Goat Cheese$18.00
Country Pâté$17.00
Tangy Celery Rémoulade, Cornichons
Organic Baby Greens$13.00
Lemon Vinaigrette
Cheese Plate$21.00
Selection of Three
Chinese Ravioli$18.00
Fresh Goat Cheese, Roasted Pine Nuts
Belgian Endive$18.00
Roquefort and Roasted Walnuts, Champagne Vinaigrette
Escargots à la Bourguignonne$18.00
Herbs and Garlic
Char-Grilled Octopus$20.00
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Parsley, Shallot Vinaigrette
Maryland Crab Cake$21.00
Tartar Sauce and Field Greens
Jumbo Shrimp$22.00
Slivered Lemon, Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Tuna Tartare*$21.00
Ginger, Sesame Oil, Avocado Salad
Oysters Half-Shell*
- Market Price

Entrées

Choucroute Royal$41.00
Smoked pork loin, veal sausage, frankfurter, double smoked bacon, pork knuckles, boiled potatoes, champagne-braised saurkraut
Slow-Roasted Amish Chicken Breast$27.00
Zucchini, goat cheese, garlic jus
Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck*$34.00
Orange glaze, wild rice
Rack of Lamb*$47.00
Ratatouille, crushed olive potatoes
Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop$33.00
Green asparagus, potatoes au gratin
Steak Tartare*$30.00
Capers, cornichons, egg yolk, parsley, mustard and onions
Black Angus Filet Mignon au Poivre*$47.00
Pommes frites
Pan-Seared Calf's Liver*$29.00
Haricots verts, potato croquettes
Spaghetti Bolognese$26.00
Josephine's favorite
Fusilli with Mushrooms$26.00
Sun-dried tomatoes, black truffle
Boudin Noir$29.00
Olive oil smashed potatoes, apple compote
Lobster Cassoulet$43.00
Scallops, shrimp, black beans (in a light shellfish bouillon)
Pan-Seared Sea Scallops*$42.00
Green asparagus, potato purée, champagne sauce
Fish of the Day
- Market Price
Trout Amandine$31.00
Haricots verts, yukon gold potatoes
Grilled Atlantic Salmon *$32.00
Wilted baby kale, tomato coulis
Maryland Crab Cakes$40.00
Tartar sauce and field greens
Black Tiger Shrimp$37.00
Hers pesto risotto, brussels sprouts
Lobster Salad (Whole)
Baby greens, avocado, cucumber, potato, grated horseradish, caviar vinaigrette
- Market Price

Sides

Haricots Verts
Green Asparagus
Brussels Sprouts
Garlic-Chili Spinach Kale
Sweet Potato Fries
Pommes Frites
Potato Croquettes
Truffled Mashed Potatoes

What 6,990 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

6,990 Reviews

JG
JonathanG
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food , great ambience and great music and service
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s
secretcountrygirl
Washington DC
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely an nyc treasure!!! What a wonderful date night!!!!
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CI
CiclismoItalia
New York Area
84 reviews
vip
4.0
84 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Beautiful setting, great food and service. Lovely to be surrounded with a lot of Josephine Baker memorabilia
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KM
KassidyM
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
5 stars doesn’t begin to suffice the experience that is Chez Josephine. The food is absolutely perfect, and reasonably priced for the quality of your meal. The ambiance and general vibe is unique, authentic, and so inviting. Francis on the piano elevated the whole experience with his buttery vocals and thoughtful song choices. The star of the show, and the man who makes it all happen is Alfredo. He catered to us, was personable and so skilled at his job. We will forever be loyal to Chez Josephine and will make it a point to visit every time we are in the city.
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JW
JamesW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time back, food was great. Will go again next time in NYC.
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SS
SabineS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice restaurant with nice music and good food
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S
Sandylou
Naples
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve always heard sauces make French food extra special, and that’s certainly the case at Cafe Josephine. Nice variety on the menu. We had the watermelon, feta arugula salad, Chinese ravioli, Berkshire pork chops, the red snapper special seafood dish,and apple tart Tartine. Everything delicious.
1 person found this helpful
A
Amateurfoodie
Cleveland
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful meal with great ambience. We highly recommend!
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E
Eckerput
Raleigh
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our post theatre ‘go-to’ - a lovely jewel box retreat from the chaos of the theatre district. The food is classic and tasty. The service is always attentive. And the whole experience is great value for money- especially in Manhattan. We have been many times and will certainly be dining again
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SG
SensiGonzo
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The live music was very good and unobtrusive. Decor is ...exotic. The menu options are good, and the scallops and lamb chops were both excellent. We would go again.
1 person found this helpful
FP
FrankP
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Wait staff was not efficient; did not pay attention to requests carefully
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F
Frenchie
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.we will return. Highly recommended
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JY
JoanneY
Unspecified
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the second time that I visited Chez Josephine. Once again, everything was excellent. The three of us shared the escargot, but I didn’t share my frog legs. They were both delicious. I got the price fix lunch. it was a skirt steak served with potatoes. My daughter had the Wagyu hamburger and her friend got the fusilli with vegetables. Everything was very good. I look forward to visiting there again in the near future.
1 person found this helpful
L
Laura
New York Area
54 reviews
vip
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food2service2ambience5
Love the ambiance: decor, paintings, pianist, etc. We were disappointed in the food.
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T
judiT
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious! Service was spit on and friendly!!!
1 person found this helpful
PJ
PatJ
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
An old favorite. We come here every time we are in New York and it never disappoints
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M
Madalone
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The calf's liver was outstanding. It is a very satisfying dish. A large piece of liver, smothered in onions over potatoes and string beans, with mustard on the side if you wish. The escargot appetizer was good. The bread is good and fresh. The apple tartin with ice cream is scrumptious. I had a glass of Riesling white wine - very refreshing. The piano player also sang. The music selection was romantic and soothing. Highly recommend. NOTICE: the toilet is up a long staircase. If you have trouble climbing that is a very big deal.
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JK
JimK
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
We were intending to eat outdoors as the weather was delightful, but upon walking into the restaurant we were quickly persuaded to switch to indoor dining as 5he buzz was great. Table was outstanding and service was initially great. The food was mediocre as their skate special was over cooked and lamb a bit tough although flavorful. The service remained attentive and helpful, but I think that they were a bit unhappy about my decision to drink New World wines. Ended up being a bit pricey for the meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The service here is excellent. The escargot was as delicious as I’ve ever had. The trout almandine was delightful. Nice piano music at just the right volume to be enjoyable and still carry on a conversation with my dinner partner.
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DD
DanielleD
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome restaurant with great ambiance. Our server Andy was personable. The food was delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meals were both perfect. I had fish of the day Sea Bass and husband had duck. Sooo good. Service and ambiance were superb. Light piano playing. Would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet little French Restaurant to make your evening.
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e
emilyd
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
The wait or at our table( who seems to be French/Italian/Spanish) has the most condescending service attitude ever. He does not seem to be treating us as customers. His most confident attitude however prove to be wrong as he felt he could just remember everyone’s ordering through memory yet the dish I got was wrong—the side was not I had ordered. When making the reservation, I also specified that it’s my aunts birthday and we would like special gift/cake. However, there was nothing. The food was also really mediocre and the rice my aunt got was like not even fully cooked.
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JL
JeffL
Sri Lanka
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a nice experience here. Good food and service. Really appreciate the low noise level and the piano is very nice.
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CN
CynthiaN
Hamburg
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner and Alfredo made the dining experience wonderful.
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ME
MichaelE
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chez Josephine is a lovely, candlelit oasis away from the glare and noise of Midtown. Our entrees were delicious--beautiful filet, tasty salmon, and delicate trout. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette was a light starter for a hot day, and the chocolate and vanilla mousse a nice ending along with espresso. The wine was good and cocktails imaginative. Attention from the staff was appreciated from answers to questions to monitoring water and other needs at the table. We loved the ambience of the light touch on the piano and charming voice of Sheree Sano. This is not our first visit to Chez Josephine; it is a great choice for après theater or a romantic night out.
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MW
MarcW
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful and intimate venue full of art and history, and antique furnishings complete with an almost speakeasy vibe. Interesting drinks and tasty food offerings round out a must visit for couples in love, theater lovers, or small groups who want an upscale and different venue. Don’t forget to enjoy the piano which even during the daytime fills the air.
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MR
MartinR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chez Josephine Jewel of a restaurant ambience romantic. Host sooo charming. Piano played by miss Sherri so sublime food delicious and great specials always enjoy and never tire of dining with Ms Josephine Baker
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D
Dineoutfreak
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They honored the summer restaurant week 3- course menu. Though very tasty, the portions were quite small. Service was courteous and efficient. We were two but they agreed to place us at a table for 4. The skirt steak was a standout.
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LP
LuciaP
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Chez Josephine is a feast for your eyes! Beautiful atmosphere ✨
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AS
AlecS
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
They made my friends birthday very special. The staff was attentive and the pianist was lovely to hear.
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SA
ScottA
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chez Josephine was wonderful. The food and service were excellent. The piano was great to see the mood and we loved the Parisian ambience. Highly recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing food and service!!! Always have to dine there when I visit NYC
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PD
PaulD
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter Ulysses was excellent. Fun restaurant with a great story behind it. The Summer Restaurant Week menu was terrific.
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G
Gale
Tampa
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had first time visit here for a dinner pre-theatre and just loved this cozy delightful spot. Had great cocktails at the intimate bar followed by a delicious meal. Had the magnificent duck. Will definitely be back!
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MP
ManuP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
Good food but the manager of the restaurant in charge of the seating is a pure as. h..e .Bad behavior not respectfull at all. Service not bad.
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MV
MichaelV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had Steak Tartar... something I rarely see on a menu, let alone enjoy. It was wonderful. My wife had the Trout Amandine which was perfectly prepared. We thoroughly enjoy the piano player, we had great seating, it was a wonderful experience all around!
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RK
RhondaK
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve eaten here before and it was excellent as always. Came with a friend and my husband and they both enjoyed it as well. Service was great also
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D
Debbie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our food was delicious, the service was great, and the maiter d was welcoming and friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.
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l
luisn
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
The food’s ingredients were so low quality’s and the profiteroles were not fresh
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DL
DLSinBenicia
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We sat outside but one has to go inside and upstairs to the bathroom to take in all of the memorabilia and paintings of Josephine. Also to feel the ambiance of the bar and piano player/singer. I’ve been going here since the 1970’s but now live in California so it is less frequent. Very convenient to the Theater district.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Chez Josephine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 594-1925.

Chez Josephine is rated 4.6 stars by 6990 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

414 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Additional information

Cross street
Between 9th and Dyer/10th Aves.
Neighborhood
Theater District / Times Square
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–12:00 am
Cuisines
French, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Manhattan Plaza, 42nd Street and Dyer Avenue (between 9th and 10th Avenues),
Public transit
1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R trains to Times Square-42nd Street, and A, C & E trains to Port Authority-42nd Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic
Executive chef
Frank Diaz
Entertainment
Live piano music nightly and at Sunday Brunch.
Additional
Banquet, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://chezjosephinenyc.com/
Phone number
(212) 594-1925
Private party facilities
Main dining room, on the ground floor, can be rented and seats 70 guests. Our Jungle Room, also on the ground floor, seats 20 guests. Our Salon Marrakech, on the second floor, seats 30 guests.

Chez Josephine

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Trout Amandine

Chinese Ravioli

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Appetizers

Maine Lobster Bisque$17.00

Soupe du Jour$11.00

French Onion Soup$15.00

Figs and Prosciutto with Goat Cheese$18.00

Country Pâté$17.00

Organic Baby Greens$13.00

Cheese Plate$21.00

Chinese Ravioli$18.00

Belgian Endive$18.00

Escargots à la Bourguignonne$18.00

Char-Grilled Octopus$20.00

Maryland Crab Cake$21.00

Jumbo Shrimp$22.00

Tuna Tartare*$21.00

Oysters Half-Shell*

Entrées

Choucroute Royal$41.00

Slow-Roasted Amish Chicken Breast$27.00

Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck*$34.00

Rack of Lamb*$47.00

Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop$33.00

Steak Tartare*$30.00

Black Angus Filet Mignon au Poivre*$47.00

Pan-Seared Calf's Liver*$29.00

Spaghetti Bolognese$26.00

Fusilli with Mushrooms$26.00

Boudin Noir$29.00

Lobster Cassoulet$43.00

Pan-Seared Sea Scallops*$42.00

Fish of the Day

Trout Amandine$31.00

Grilled Atlantic Salmon *$32.00

Maryland Crab Cakes$40.00

Black Tiger Shrimp$37.00

Lobster Salad (Whole)

Sides

Haricots Verts

Green Asparagus

Brussels Sprouts

Garlic-Chili Spinach Kale

Sweet Potato Fries

Pommes Frites

Potato Croquettes

Truffled Mashed Potatoes

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Chez Josephine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Chez Josephine restaurant rated?

Is Chez Josephine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information