Jeli Smileski
This was our first time dining at Joseph’s Italian Bistro on Oak Island, and we were not disappointed. Reservations are a must, as the restaurant gets very busy during dinner—and for good reason.
The staff was incredibly friendly, the atmosphere was welcoming and cozy, and the food was beyond delicious. We ordered the tuna entrée, chicken parmesan, and veal parmesan, and every dish was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. The cheese bread was a standout and absolutely addictive.
We also loved the drink menu—the lavender martini was fantastic, and the holiday drink selections were a fun touch and very well done.
We enjoyed our experience so much that we’re already booked to return in two days. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an excellent Italian dining experience on Oak Island!
… moreMark Dickerson
My absolute favorite place in the area for Italian food. Everything I have ever eaten here is cooked to perfection. Cannot be sitting outside on a warm summer evening.
… moreBrad Schorer
Nice evening and wonderful service. Marquise was very attentive. Right on the marina which is cool. Had linguine with clams and my lady had shrimp scampi. Both were good. Atmosphere on the water and good Italian makes for a great evening!
… moreRob Schmidt
I took my wife here for her birthday. First, I have to say Marcuies was our server and he was so attentive and helpful. Friendly, fast and accommodating. We started with the fried calamari. It is so good. Tender, great flavor, and paired perfectly with the included marinara sauce. The included salads are very well proportioned with the perfect additions like black olives, onion and tomato. And the salad dressings are even incredibly good. The bread they serve comes cubed with melted cheese on them and they work so well with the shredded parmesan and spices provided with the olive oil at the table. Great starts to our meal. Then my wife ordered the veal parmigiana. She hadn’t had it in many years (from a restaurant in Cincinnati) and wanted to see if it was as good as she remembered. She was very pleasantly surprised and said it was as good or better. I had the chicken parmigiana and it too was very delicious. Great service, great delicious food, great atmosphere. You cannot go wrong here.
… moreBrian Robeson
If you’re looking for the best overall fine dining experience in the Oak Island/Southport area, Joseph’s is the place. Simple Italian/chop house options that are done spectacularly well. You can tell all of the little things are done right. The entire staff is well versed on the menu, have great attitudes, and they truly care about your experience. Ashley was tremendous and really made our night great. It’s obvious Joseph’s is a well run restaurant that delivers and is very much worth it. (2021)
Update: my wife and I returned to Joseph’s for our one year wedding anniversary and we’re just as satisfied this time and our previous time. Joseph’s does such a great job ensuring your money is well spent through exceptional service and amazing food. The veal tomahawk was an amazing cut of meat while the tiramisu was some of the best we’ve ever had. (2024)
… moreJacqueline Lucas
This place is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving Italian food, this spot delivers every time. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreRobyn Emory
We can’t speak highly enough of our experience with Joseph’s as the caterer for our wedding. They were incredibly responsive with my many questions about options and the process. The day of, the individual they sent over to set up the food was so helpful. The food was amazing, and we’re still getting folks calling just to say so. We also found our bartender through them; thank you so much Amanda!
… moreDavid Soper
Our dinner and service started off as great. The waiter came over introduced himself and we placed our appetizer order. Waiter came in and helped us place our order. Our first time there and looking to discuss menu. All went bad after that. He never showed up again. No questions on how food was or refills on water or how the appetizer were. This is as close to fine dining as you can get in the Southport Oak Island area. I literally had to hail him 20 minutes or more after we finished eating for our check. We sat down at 6:20left at 8:10. With no dessert served. Hats off to the kitchen our food was excellent.
… moreRick Hadsall
Wow! This restaurant, on the marina just before the causeway to Oak Island, is worth the trip. The ambiance is fantastic – classic American Italian restaurant feel, but not stuffy or dated. The menu is to die for – so many things, what to choose? A fantastic wine list as well. Service is excellent. We were greeted and seated quickly and our server was friendly. Fresh bread with extra virgin olive oil with shredded cheese in it greets you, and we shared a bowl of mussels to start. They were cooked perfectly. I had the osso bucco, and my friend had a bone-in veal chop that was a really good size. Everything was perfect and we left stuffed and happy.
… moreMatthew Welch
Our food was pretty overcooked and the fruits de mare was rather gritty (broken shells). Saving grace was the cannoli, which was fantastic. Our server was super nice about our two unruly kids so I must commend the service.
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