In Review: Josephine Bistro, Marylebone

• Address: 6–8 Blandford Street (just off Marylebone High Street), London W1U 4AU
• Website: josephinebistro.com
• Opening: April 2025, by Michelin-starred chefs Claude & Lucy Bosi; the second Josephine after their Chelsea original

Josephine is a refined Parisian brasserie transported to Marylebone. It blends classic French bistro cooking, with roots in Lyon and inspiration from Paris, with a strong focus on British seafood. Expect dishes like steak tartare, moules mariniere, trout au beurre rouge, soufflé au Camembert, oysters, and langoustines. The wine menu is equally thoughtful, with Loire Valley and Bordeaux highlights and a stellar vintage Champagne selection

Founded by Claude & Lucy Bosi, whose Chelsea bistro became a hit, Josephine in Marylebone aims to evoke both warmth and refined Parisian brasserie culture. The interior, designed by Fabled Studio, features burgundy leather seating, antique mirrors, Impressionist-inspired art and soft lighting, creating a cosy yet stylish dining room, plus a dedicated oyster bar and a 16-seat terrace.

The Food & Drink

• Starters: Highlights include fresh, delicate mussels (moules marinières) and classic steak tartare. Both exemplary in authenticity, seasoning and freshness, especially for diners well-versed in French cuisine
• Wine & Bubbles: We enjoyed the house Champagne (a fine vintage-style highlight) and a beautiful Sancerre, which paired beautifully with our meal. The broader quality wine list, including Loire and Bordeaux selections, is overseen by a highly knowledgeable sommelier who enhanced our experience
• Typical mains and sharing dishes: Alongside the mussels and tartare, the a‑la‑carte menu features trout in red wine butter sauce, Dover sole meunière, and generous seafood platters (including fruits de mer). The lunch plat du jour is attractively priced (£16.50 on weekdays); weekend Menu Duval offers two courses for £24.50, three for £29.50

The Venue & Service

Set on a quiet corner off Marylebone High Street, the bistro offers multiple seating zones—from the main dining room and oyster bar to a private back room and a leafy terrace. The sommelier service is smart and unobtrusive, guiding wine choices with confidence. The ambience strikes a balance between relaxed daytime comfort and the potential for romantic evening charm.

Verdict

Our group, many of whom have spent extensive time in France, felt the food was extraordinarily authentic—some even called it the best French cuisine they’ve had outside of France.

The combination of fresh mussels, classic steak tartare,  house Champagne, and a fine Sancerre made for a memorable lunch. The wine list and sommelier stood out as a real asset.

Josephine is ideal for a business lunch or informal get‑together, yet with its tailored interiors and wine bar, it could just as easily transform into a romantic evening date‑night venue. We’ll definitely be returning!

Author Lydia Charlesworth Tiger Recruitment Team