Josephine - Old Town

Had an amazing birthday here. The host Michelle took every care of us and provided excellent recommendations. Although this is my second time here, both times were just as special. I look forward to returning.

Quite a nice place overall! The happy hour was so balanced between beverages and food. The hamburger was excellent as were the fries and escargot.

Loved everything about Josephine Old Town! The place has such a warm and elegant atmosphere, with several charming areas to choose from, perfect lighting, great music, and an overall inviting vibe. I tried a beautiful violet-colored cocktail (possibly a special of the week) and it was as good as it looked, refreshing and well balanced. The food was so delicious I forgot to take a picture! Service was friendly and professional. A wonderful spot in Alexandria for dinner, drinks, or just soaking up the ambiance. Better to make a reservation in advance. Please if you read this review and know the exact name of this cockail, reply back Joseph´s :) if you loved my images vibes, don't forget to check my IG: @framinizingdiary. Thank you!!!

Came in for a quick lunch on a snowy day. I got the lunch special with French onion soup and burger, which were both excellent. The festive decor definitely added to the experience.

Delicious! Our server, Jeremiah, recommended nothing but gems. From appetizers to entrées to desserts. I'll be dreaming about the steak frites and moules frites. Can't wait to return

Celebrated my wife’s birthday here for what was likely the best lunch we’ve ever had. It’s a beautiful space, the staff was top notch in every way, and the food was out of this world. 6 out of 5 stars.

The sunlight coming in through the glass ceiling is beautiful. The interior of the restaurant is also cool. Very pretty. I ate trout recommended by the server, and the skin was crispy, the lemon sauce was very good, and the insider meat was moist and light. I was satisfied. When I go to a French restaurant, I always eat Escargo, and my group said "it was the most delicious Escargo" I've ever eaten. I agree! The pasta recommended by the staff was also chewy with egg noodles and mushrooms, and the oil sauce was delicious. I'm satisfied! The staff was also kind, so it was a perfect meal time. I will visit again next time

We stopped by during happy hour with my parents because we were all craving French onion soup and to our surprise, we stumbled upon the most charming little French restaurant right in the heart of downtown Alexandria. Everything about the experience was exceptional: the food, the service, the warm atmosphere and especially the assistant manager, Mr. Jones, who was incredibly kind and engaging. I’ll definitely be coming back to dine here whenever I’m in the area!

Celebrated my birthday here and truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The service was far above standard — attentive, thoughtful, and seamless from start to finish. The manager and bartender went out of their way to be incredibly accommodating, which made the night feel genuinely special rather than scripted. Every detail was handled with care, and the atmosphere made it the perfect place to celebrate. I will absolutely be returning to Alexandria just for this spot. Thank you for making my birthday so memorable.

We had a great meal and unrushed, attentive service for a Father’s Day brunch. We each ordered a drink (I opted for the corpse reviver, as I never had one before), had an appetizer (gougeres), and each selected a different entree (each sampling that of the others). All were very tasty and nicely presented. I would definitely return.

Had such a great experience here! Sat at the bar for happy hour. The onion soup was one of the best I’ve ever had. Great deals for happy hour on the wine and cocktails. Great ambience as well. Will be back!

Did restaurant week tasting menu. Everything was delicious and filling! Inside area is very classy and so big! Lots of different seating areas. Waiter was helpful and attentive. Would recommend: duck confit, beef bourguignon, and riz au lait.

Josephine is an absolutely gorgeous restaurant! My couple wanted to do an engagement session at their bar and the staff was more than welcoming, letting us come in early to take photos. The rooms are breathtaking and my couple swore by the drinks they've had there. Highly recommend!

What a lonely dinner I had at Josephine! The venue and atmosphere got me at the very first steps in. It’s cozy and comfy. The serves were extremely mannered and knew their menu well. Such an easy and pleasurable experience. Food was flavored and divinely cooked! Will definitely go back!

Josephine in Old Town Alexandria has a fantastic multi-floor layout that feels both chic and expansive. The ambiance is spot on for a sophisticated night out. The food definitely lived up to the vibe. The oysters were incredibly fresh and tasty, and the duck was a standout—perfectly cooked and very flavorful. The only minor letdown was the speakeasy area; when I checked it out after dinner, there was no music playing, which dampened the "hidden bar" energy a bit. Still, between the service and the meal, it’s a great addition to the Alexandria scene.

I love this restaurant. It's classic and has such a polished and old world atmosphere it's fantastic. The service is outstanding and very professional. Food was straight forward and delicious and doesn't try to be more than it is. I would recommend this highly and without reservation.

Highly recommend this spot in Alexandria, VA with fantastic experience from start to finish. JOSEPHINE offers exceptional French cuisine, attentive service, and a delightful atmosphere! The ambiance is perfect for a special occasion, romantic evening or a relaxed meal with friends. Place offers several different settings - I enjoy the atrium the most with its beautiful light and lots of air. Let’s talk food! I tried almost everything of the menu from escargot, pate, oysters to Steak Frites and Trout - everything was top quality and just delicious! Desserts are also fantastic - try their crème brûlée or profiteroles filled with ice cream (perfect for summer days). But my absolute favorite is grilled brie sandwich! It’s perfect when you’re not too hungry - makes a great meal and dessert! Pair it with some champagne - the restaurant offers a fantastic selection! The location is great too - right in the heart of Oldtown Alexandria, VA! Can’t wait to be back!🥰

Josephine’s delivered one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in a long time. From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone—David and Stephen were phenomenal. Attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without pretense, and genuinely warm. They elevated the entire evening. The food itself was nothing short of extraordinary. We started with the steak tartare, foie gras, and escargot—each dish beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor. The tartare was perfectly balanced, the foie gras rich and silky, and the escargot absolutely decadent. For entrées, we enjoyed the Le Josephine, the Trout, and the Rockfish. Every plate showcased incredible technique and depth of flavor. It’s rare to find a restaurant where every single dish lands this well, but Josephine’s delivered across the board. If you’re looking for exceptional food paired with impeccable service, Josephine’s is an absolute must. Highly, highly recommend.

I visited this restaurant during restaurant week for the first time, and had an absolutely lovely experience. I needed to leave a review, which I do not typically do. The manager was actively walking around greeting guests, my server was super attentive and provided great recommendations. The food was delicious, specially I ordered the salmon. Eating this food, I felt great afterwards given the quality ingredients. They even had non alcoholic champagne for me! The atmosphere is great with mood lighting and unique rooms to dine in. I can’t wait to come back and bring my friends and family! This is a must try restaurant in old town!!

Josephine’s in Old Town Alexandria was a fantastic dining experience. We were a group of five and sat downstairs, which had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Our servers, Sousa and Caesar, were absolutely tremendous exceptionally attentive, professional waiters who made the evening feel seamless and relaxed. We started with the bouillabaisse special as an appetizer, which was excellent and full of flavor. For dinner, the steak frites did not disappoint… perfectly prepared and very satisfying. From the food to the service, everything was spot on. Highly recommend and would happily return.

OMG this place is amazing! My friend and her mom were passing through town and wanted to visit. My friend is half German and lives in the U.S. Her mom visits from Germany for extended periods of time throughout the year. I’d been craving French food for some time so we decided to go here. Their family home in Germany is on the border of France (a 15 minute drive) and they have also owned/operated for over 40 years a well known restaurant in their region so I was really curious as to how they would like Josephine. We were all so impressed with the atmosphere (the atrium is amazing and so light and airy), the food (so delicious and according to my friend and her mom, very authentic and well done), and customer service (our waitress has some German family and friends so we had fun conversations about this). I’m sad that I don’t recall her name, she was a sweet slightly older woman and made the experience more memorable. We left stuffed, happy, and with a Josephine postcard (the perfect gift for my friend’s daughter with the same name). I will be back!

Celebrated our anniversary last night at Josephine. Excellent experience. We arrived about 15 minutes early for our reservation and we were led immediately to our table. Our waiter was fantastic. Checked in the right amount of times. Service was quick. Food came out remarkably fast for how busy it was. We began with Salmon Rillettes, which was delicious. I had the Rockfish. It was cooked perfectly. My wife had the Tournedos Bearnaise and it was delicious. Dinner was topped off with a surprise of macrons and cream with berries and champagne. Our table was in a slight alcove in the Atrium. We felt a little special, tucked away from the crowd, yet having a nice view of the restaurant. My only complaint is that it was a little loud, but it was busy in there. I cannot say enough about how great our waiter was.

This place is stellar! Really good food, service was great, I felt catered to and everything came out in a timely manner. The table had escargot, tartare, and French onion soup. I had the eggs Benedict and a bloody Mary. The creme brulee was really tasty. I made reservations for Valentine's Day as we chatted about how beautiful the restaurant is inside. Really cool place to eat with great food and service.

Went to Josephine’s for the first time with some friends for New Year’s Day dinner. This place checks all the boxes for a wonderful dining experience in old town Alexandria. Phenomenal warm ambiance with beautiful furnishing and decor for the holiday season. Our server, Teo, was proactive, thoughtful, and very welcoming. The service, drinks, and food were extraordinary. We enjoyed several hors d’oeuvres, with my favorites being the escargot and salmon rillettes. I had the trout as my main dish. Highly recommend and will most definitely be coming back for more! Cheers and Happy New Years!

My husband and I were seeking a suitable venue to commemorate my birthday, and we discovered this establishment. To our delight, it exceeded our expectations. Notably, it was 1:00 PM on a Tuesday, and the manager, Jay, ensured our utmost comfort. He repeatedly inquired about our well-being and made us feel genuinely welcome. The culinary offerings were exceptional, and the ambiance of the restaurant was captivating. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and intend to return. We wholeheartedly recommend this establishment, as well as Jay and our bartender, Zac, who skillfully crafted delectable beverages.

Unbelievable experience. The place has so much character that you feel the charm the second you walk in the door. The food matches the ambience too, where every entree feels like an experience (had to try all of my friends’ meals) and every dessert oozes with joyful decadence. The server, Glen, was outstanding and the manager, Jay, made us feel at home. I tip my cap to this amazing restaurant and its staff as the stewards of such a delightful experience.

Enjoyed a fabulous birthday dinner for my husband here. Everything from ambiance to service to food was absolutely top tier. I started with a refreshing rosemary pear mocktail and we shared the Gruyère appetizer which was lovely. I had the Beef bourguignon and the flavor was fantastic. My husband had the steak and loved every bite. Our waiter, Ernesto, made sure our evening was a memorable celebration, big kudos to him for his impeccable service! Can’t recommend this restaurant enough and already looking forward to our next visit!

Love the vibe of this French restaurant perfect bar area for happy hour but the restaurant is great for dinner with the girls or date night! I went for a company dinner and the service was amazing. I ordered the Onion Soup Gratinée as my starter which was DELICIOUS! My entree was the Boeuf Bourguignon which looked amazing but I was honestly so disappointed in the lack of flavor. The beef and sauce it came in had no flavor. For desert I had the Opera Cake which was really rich and delicious. Overall I’d be interested in coming back but will be trying a different entree.

This is a fun restaurant for a special occasion (date night, family outing, etc.). The indoor atrium gives a nice atmosphere day or night. The service is fast, friendly, and attentive! They prepare their steaks and fish very well. The escargot appetizer is also great! The burger was way overdone (not just well done), and the pasta used too much butter and oil, leaving more to be desired. I would want to try some more of their French classic dishes (e.g. beef bourguignon) next time.

The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous, and the servers were attentive and friendly. Overall, the food & drinks were delicious, though a few dishes didn’t quite hit the mark. Duck Confit Skillet: The flavors were there, but the duck fell short, confit should be meltingly tender, and this wasn’t. Without that softness, the skillet loses its luxury. Chocolate Hazelnut ice cream: The ice cream had an unusual texture, it wasn’t creamy and smooth like traditional ice cream. It felt somewhere in between. Riz au lait (rice pudding): The dessert was edible, but disappointing. It was far too runny and the flavor was muted. Riz au lait should be creamy and spoonable, not as watery as it was.

Came here recently for Monday dinner—got seated upstairs in the main dining room. Service was good, our server was new and just started working that week but he did okay! The manager came around twice to check up on our table, and other tables, which was nice. Have some mixed feelings on the food. Was excited for the Escargot but it was a disappointment—so bland, like they used unsalted butter or forgot to add any salt/seasoning, and the puff pastry was dry. Foie Gras Parfait was okay, very light mousse texture. Onion Soup Gratinée was well flavored. Strip au Poivre and Trout Amandine were both decent—steak was tender and flavorful, but the trout dish was on the bland side so I had to ask for salt. For dessert, we got the Apple Tart Tatin and since we were celebrating our anniversary, they gave us a complimentary Crème Brûlée which was pretty good—and brought out a sparkler!

The food is good a bit expensive though... the steak was perfectly cooked! maybe just too much of the butter on top so it all got pushed off to the side... the butter is also the same as the one they use for the escargot which I was great on the escargot but a diff in flavour would have been nice on the steak. The puff on the escargot is not needed a good crusty bread on the side instead would do the trick.. Service was a bit slow so it dragged out the dinner too long...and we found the two seater tables too close together to come and go the table sparkler for birthday is a fantastic surprise. I'd come back maybe for a special occasion rather than regular meal

Came on a tuesday night and sat indoors. It was a date night and daniel was our server. We enjoyed the escargot as a start. It was full of flavor and plenty of herbs and garlic in the sauce. We had steak frites and the trout. Trout was supposed to have a muniere sauce, but it was more like butter sauce. Definitely needed to be browned a few minutes longer Steak was the spotlight of our meal! Fries couldve been fresher and cripsier. For dessert we intially got the opal/opera? Werent fans, server swapped it out for a creme brulee which definitely satisfied our sweet tooth. We also enjoyed a left bank Bordeaux which paired well with the steak. Will return!

I have been to Josephine's several times and find their food to been rather enjoyable. I have had a variety of dishes but my favorites are the Pappardelle Parisienne (with butternut squash), the Salade Josephine and Trout Amandine. Josephine's also offers a great variety of cocktails. I love the ambience. There is no restaurant in Old Town with such charm. Typically, we sit at the bar and enjoy chatting to the bartenders but because my mom was visiting, we made a reservation. Unfortunately, though we arrived timely, we could not be seated and the area around the hostess stand was very crowded and disorganized. After a thirty minute wait, we were able to secure three seats at the bar but never found out what happened to our table. It wasn't quite the experience I had hoped to give my mom but she enjoyed her soup de jour (clam) and my partner loved his onion soup gratinée. I would still highly recommend the restaurant but be prepared for a wait, even with a reservation.

Had a wonderful lunch for Restaurant week. Our server was Sheikh, and let me tell you, he was the star of the dining experience. He was helpful, kind, knowledgeable, and honestly, an absolute fantastic and observant server. I wish every restaurant could have this type of service! Food was great. We had a cozy lunch, onion soup, croque madame and mussels. The Grogeres were a bit lacking, I’m not sure if they are baked earlier in the morning and popped in the oven to warm up, or baked oil on order, but it tasted like the former, however the delicious cheese sauce that comes with it was incredible, and even better to save with the frites that came with the mussels. Bottom line, would come again. Great meal, even better service. Excellent atmosphere.

Parisian vibes, but the spark fizzled 🇫🇷🍷 We had reservations upstairs, but honestly, it was so dark and too cold up there I could barely see my plate — or feel my fingers. The mood was supposed to be “romantic Parisian,” but it ended up more like “lost in the catacombs.” Maybe I was just having an off day… but it was way too chilly to enjoy it. I ordered the bouillabaisse — a tomato-based broth brimming with lobster, cod fish, mussels, shrimp, and scallops — the kind of dish that could make cioppino jealous. Sadly, it went cold within 15 minutes, and so did my enthusiasm. The dessert, however, saved the night — rich, velvety, and perfectly paired with a good glass of red. Service was lagging especially when its considered an upscale venue. The presentation was beautiful, but the overall experience missed that cozy, indulgent French touch. Verdict: OK restaurant with potential, but a little warmth (in both lighting and temperature) would go a long way. Next time, I’m asking for a table downstairs — where the vibe still feels alive. 💋

**Josephine Restaurant: A Disappointing Lunch Experience in Old Town Alexandria** As a frequent visitor to Old Town Alexandria, I was eager to finally experience Josephine, a restaurant that had caught my attention through glowing guides and online reviews. Unfortunately, my long-anticipated lunch visit this past weekend left me underwhelmed, though I may consider returning to explore their full dinner menu before passing final judgment. The highlight of the meal was, without question, the appetizers. The steak tartare and escargot were respectable, meeting expectations without exceeding them—comparable to the offerings at other local French establishments. However, the rest of the dishes fell noticeably short. The quiche and Josephine Burger were passable but unremarkable, lacking the finesse and boldness one might hope for. The French onion soup was flavorful but leaned heavily on the salt, overshadowing its otherwise solid execution. The most disappointing dish was the duck confit. The sauce, overly dominant, masked the natural flavor of the duck, resulting in a bland and uninspired plate that failed to stand out in any way. Service was adequate—attentive enough, though nothing particularly memorable. The historic charm and classic elegance of the interior decor provided a pleasant backdrop, though it did little to elevate the overall dining experience. While Josephine’s lunch offerings were a letdown, I remain cautiously optimistic about what the dinner menu might reveal. For now, this visit has left me unimpressed and wondering whether the restaurant’s reputation is truly deserved.

DECENT GESTURE, BUT STILL A DISAPPOINTING FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH Came here for Father’s Day brunch at 2:30 PM (Josephine, Old Town Alexandria). We were a party of four, seated indoors. We arrived early at 1:20 but still waited over 30 minutes to be seated. Unfortunately, by the time we ordered, they were already out of the quiche — and two minutes after placing my order, I was told they were also out of French toast. I ended up settling for the Florentine Benedict to avoid more back-and-forth. At our table, we had: • Florentine & Norwegian Benedicts • Duck confit • Latte The food was okay, though nothing special. Portion sizes were small, and it felt overpriced for what we got — more like upscale diner fare than what I’d expect at a French restaurant. It’s understandable they were busy on Father’s Day, but being out of two brunch staples by mid-afternoon points to poor planning. Also a bit odd they don’t offer a lunch menu on weekends. That said, the owner did issue a refund, which I appreciated — a nice gesture that shows they care about customer feedback. Overall, the service was polite and the space was nice, but the food and experience didn’t live up to the price. I’m bumping this to 3 stars out of fairness, but I likely won’t return for another holiday meal.

Update: Josephine from being the best to me never returning to your restaurant is a drastic change. Tonight was the 2nd time where we made a reservation week(s) prior to show up and be told sorry, there’s a delay, we can only seat you at the high top! Your front of the house has drastically become disorganized. While you honored a table inside and a free round of drinks, the inconsistencies of making a reservation and you honoring what we reserved has drastically changed how we feel about your establishment. The worst part is your food has also declined. The duck was absolutely impossible to cut. The lack of seasoning on every single dish was shocking. I’m not sure if you’ve changed management, chefs, etc but we unfortunately will not be returning. Hands down, THE BEST restaurant in Old Towne. Every single dish we had was absolutely incredible! Phenomenal wine list and cocktails. Every single staff member we interacted with was so kind and welcoming. The duck cassoulet is the best dish. We dream of that duck. Highly highly recommend coming here. We will 100% add Josephine to our rotation of restaurants to go to.

My name is Lindsey McCloskey and The Josephine in Alexandria might be one of the most aggressively disappointing dining experiences I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something. We waited nearly an hour for food that should honestly come with an apology and a refund. What eventually arrived was not just bad it was insulting. The French dip was a complete fraud. This thing had the audacity to pretend it was refined French cuisine when it tasted identical to Arby’s, except somehow sadder and more lifeless. The meat was bland, mushy, and had that unmistakable processed flavor that screams “pre-packaged.” The aujus was a thin, flavorless puddle of brown sadness that added nothing except sodium. It was a French dip in name only no richness, no depth, no soul. The only thing remotely edible on the plate was the bread, and that’s not praise; that’s desperation. And then there’s the salad. If neglect had a flavor, this would be it. Limp, wilted greens that tasted old and forgotten, like they’d been sitting in a walk-in cooler since last week. Zero freshness. Zero seasoning. Zero effort. To make matters worse, they forgot my sister’s dressing entirely and when we asked for it, they took her salad away and never brought it back. Just vanished. No explanation. No apology. Nothing. Apparently, once you ask for dressing, your salad is banished to the void. For a restaurant that hides behind white tablecloths and an upscale reputation, the reality is laughably bad. This is cafeteria food with a superiority complex, paired with service that couldn’t care less. Long wait times, careless mistakes, and food that tastes like fast food masquerading as something elegant. The service somehow managed to be worse than the food. Our server, Madison, showed a complete lack of attentiveness or basic hospitality from start to finish. We were barely checked on, had to ask for things that should have been automatic, and at one point I had to flag her down just to get a refill. That’s not “busy” that’s neglect. There was no sense of care, urgency, or even courtesy. We were made to feel like an inconvenience rather than paying customers. I’ve genuinely had better service at Nordstrom’s Café in a shopping mall, where at least someone acknowledges your existence and checks on you without being prompted. To top it off, after an already frustrating experience, we weren’t even given the bare minimum farewell no “thank you,” no “have a good day,” nothing. We were essentially dismissed without a word, which perfectly summed up our entire expirence: immature careless, unprofessional, and ignorant. Pretty much stereotypical middle school behavior. This restaurant isn’t disappointing by accident it’s disappointing by design, banking on atmosphere to distract from food and service that simply don’t deliver.