

Experience the spirit of 1930s Paris with a touch of jazz and soul at Chez Josephine. Founded in 1986 as a tribute to the legendary Josephine Baker, this intimate Parisian gem offers a delightful French-American menu accompanied by live piano music. Chez Josephine’s ambiance is both inviting and romantic, featuring a blue-tin ceiling, red velvet walls, and a cascade of chandeliers that illuminate vintage portraits of La Baker. Located on West 42nd Street in Theatre Row, Chez Josephine is a perfect spot for pre- or post-theater dining, as well as a cozy haven in Hell’s Kitchen for a leisurely dinner or a quick drink at the bar. Step into this landmark jewel and relive the joie-de-vivre of a bygone era.
French staples pair with piano music at this opulent restaurant, a tribute to Josephine Baker.
Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Friday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Monday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–12 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 414 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 594-1925
Website: http://www.chezjosephinenyc.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: chezjosephinenyc.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Chez Josephine: Romantic French Dining & Live Piano in NYC
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Reviews
The main reason I continue to choose this restaurant is the atmosphere. I absolutely love the interior décor and the intimate, swanky feel of the space. The restaurant is themed after Josephine Baker, which adds so much character, and there is plenty to look at on the walls and throughout the dining room. I also really enjoy that they have a singer and piano player, which adds to the Broadway vibe and makes the experience feel special.
Unfortunately, this visit had a few drawbacks. We were seated right by the kitchen entrance, which was very uncomfortable. We were tucked behind a divider with little view of the restaurant, and I was constantly being bumped into by servers and other guests walking by. For a party of three, it felt like a particularly poor table location.
The restaurant is very dark, which does add to the mood, but just be prepared, if you have difficulty seeing, reading the menu will be a challenge. Our server was very friendly and attentive (I regret not catching her name), and service overall was good.
As for the food, I’ll be honest: I mainly come here for the atmosphere and location, not the cuisine. The food is fine, but I’ve never found it to be anything special. My sister enjoyed her duck, and my stepmom was happy with her lamb… I tried both and thought they were good, but again, nothing standout. Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy my own meal. I ordered the tiger shrimp over pesto risotto with Brussels sprouts, and it was extremely bland. The risotto tasted like plain risotto with little to no pesto, the shrimp were large but fairly tough and lacking flavor, and the Brussels sprouts didn’t seem to be seasoned at all.
The cocktail we ordered was okay, but fairly small for the price. Having dined here several times now and consistently feeling underwhelmed by the food, I think this may finally be my last visit.
Chez Josephine is a great choice for atmosphere and convenience if you’re catching a show, but otherwise, it would not be my first choice for dinner in New York.
We ordered lobster soup, steak, and lamb, but honestly, none of them really impressed us. For a French restaurant, the wine selection felt pretty limited, but we did find a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016, which ended up being the highlight of the night.
Desserts were fine—nothing special, but not bad either. That pretty much sums up the place overall. The prices felt a bit higher than what the food quality justified.
Chez Josephine is a true gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. The moment you walk in, you’re transported into an atmosphere of timeless elegance—romantic, warm, and full of charm. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a night out, this place sets the perfect tone.
The service is impeccable. The staff are gracious, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your evening special. They strike the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, making you feel like a cherished guest.
The food? Absolutely divine. Every dish is a masterpiece. From the tender, flavorful meat paired with golden fries and rich sauce, to the stunning desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious—Chez Josephine knows how to impress. One dessert came adorned with “Happy Anniversary” written in chocolate, a thoughtful touch that made the celebration even more memorable.
Chez Josephine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. One that lingers long after the last bite. Highly recommended for anyone seeking exceptional cuisine, heartfelt service, and a setting that feels like a celebration of life itself.
Both cocktails were delicious, but the bakertini was a particular favourite.