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  5. Theater District / Times Square
Chez Josephine, New York, NY

Chez Josephine

4.6
4.6
7003 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 40 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

What 7,003 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

7,003 Reviews

  1. MikeK

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice experience. The restaurant has charm and is a nice place for a romantic dinner. Food and service was great but it is the ambiance that makes the place special.

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  2. BlondeMom

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite for me! I love the ambience and the friendly waiters and the piano player. The food is good as are the drinks!

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  3. doowopl

    New York Area

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very lovely experience. Beautiful table by the window. Great menu selections. Definitely going to return.

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  4. manger123

    New York Area

    315 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    315 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We have been eating here since it opened in I think the late 1980s. It is always wonderful. But on this visit they seemed really understaffed. Luckily we were in no hurry. The poor host was doing everything. He was on top of everything but he must have gone home exhausted. Hire more staff. But the place is great and consistently so.

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  5. TawnyaY

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chez Josephine was amazing from the minute we walked in the door. The ambience and decor are perfect. We were greeted by the manager who visited our table regularly. Everyone was extremely attentive, friendly, and personable. A perfect pre-show dinner. Thank you Alfredo and the rest of your team. The piano player and music were provided a pleasant surprise, as we were there a little early since we were going to a show. We will be back when we head north from DC and we will recommend this restaurant.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Inviting atmosphere. Friendly service. Delicious food.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Tokyo

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in NYC for me! Great ambiance. Love it

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Chez Josephine was great in every way except for a VERY disappointing entree. The fish special which was $$$$ was very over cooked and dry and the risotto it was served with was undercooked and barely sauced.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chez Josephine is one of my very favorite restaurants in NYC. Have been going since 1997. Great service. Food is fabulous. I absolutely love the lobster salad. Best I have ever had. Don’t miss this place!!

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  10. RutaZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptionally cozy and beautiful place for dinner with live piano music, nice service and delicious food. Very much recommended!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great - food was delicious and the piano player was great. There were two patrons however that were constantly yelling and cursing on phone calls and each other at their table

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wish I could give more than 5 stars. Great food and service, they make you feel so welcome and taken care of. Will definitely come back.

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  13. JonathanG

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food , great ambience and great music and service

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  14. secretcountrygirl

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely an nyc treasure!!! What a wonderful date night!!!!

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  15. CiclismoItalia

    New York Area

    84 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Beautiful setting, great food and service. Lovely to be surrounded with a lot of Josephine Baker memorabilia

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  16. KassidyM

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    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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  17. SabinaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a lovely place for a pre-theater dinner! The food was superb, and the restaurant was adorable! Efficient, helpful, and kind staff as well!

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  18. JamesW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time back, food was great. Will go again next time in NYC.

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  19. GeeB

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Couldn't have had a better or lovelier evening at Chez Josephine. Everything was totally perfect - drinks, food, service, our table, the atmosphere. What a delicious treat this perfect meal and experience was. Thank you!

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  20. 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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  21. 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

  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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

  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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

  28. 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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  29. 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

  30. 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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  31. 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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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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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  35. 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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  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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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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 7003 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 40 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Chez Josephine

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.
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