Claude and Lucy Bosi are launching a second branch of their hit French restaurant Josephine next week – this time it’s in Marylebone, and takes its cues from Paris instead of Lyons.
Set in the former Daylesford Organic site on Blandford Street, the new venue is inspired by the 19th-century brasseries of the French capital, with a menu that reads like a directory of classic dishes and a wine list that showcases Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and vintage Champagne.
Menu highlights include Camembert soufflé, Dorset snails, Sole meunière, Lamb shoulder with garlic and flageolet beans, and ‘Lapin à la Parisienne’ – rabbit in white wine, mushroom & Paris white ham. There are plenty oysters and fruits de mer, while desserts include Grand Marnier iced soufflé and rum baba sliced at the table.
There are also two separate economical options for everyday dining. Each lunchtime during the week there is a set ‘plat du jour’ at £16.50, such as ‘Poulet chasseur, purée de pommes de terre’, ‘Confit de canard, lentilles à la moutarde’ or ‘Merlan en colère’ – an ‘angry’ whiting, curled round so its teeth bite its tail. The ‘Menu Duval’ offers 2 courses for £24.50 or 3 for £29.50, with a choice of three at each course – again with classics including herrings and potato in olive oil, pork rillettes, white pudding and ‘iles flottantes’.
The original Josefine in Fulham Road, Chelsea, was named after Claude’s grandmother and modelled on the ‘bouchons’ of his native Lyons. For many people it was the No 1 opening of 2024, with this year’s Harden’s guide saying “it’s like being transported to France… no wonder it’s packed every day, when the food is this good“.
Claude made his name with Hibiscus in Ludlow and London, and now runs Bibendum and its downstairs Seafood Restaurant at Michelin House in Chelsea, as well as Brooklands restaurant in the Peninsular hotel.
Saucisse de Toulouse
