Get ready to fall in love with a restaurant that’s more than just a meal—it’s a heartfelt tribute to family and tradition. Josephine’s Italian Cuisine has arrived in Mid City, and it’s already stealing hearts with a menu that reads like a love letter to one extraordinary woman. But here’s where it gets personal: this isn’t just another Italian restaurant; it’s a decades-long dream inspired by the fiery spirit of a Sicilian grandmother named Josephine. Her Sunday dinners were the stuff of legend, and now, her legacy lives on in every dish.
Executive Chef and co-owner Russell Davis shares, ‘It’s my grandmother’s name. Her parents emigrated from Sicily, and I grew up at her Sunday table, watching her cook with such passion. Opening this restaurant in her honor has always been my dream.’ After successfully launching Eliza Restaurant in 2016 and Jed’s Local in 2018 alongside his wife, Sally Davis, the couple transformed the former Roman’s Cafe into Josephine’s Italian Bistro—a labor of love that took five months to complete. Located at 5350 Government St., the bistro soft-opened on January 22, offering a menu brimming with family recipes, from lasagna to spaghetti and meatballs.
But this is the part most people miss: Josephine wasn’t just any grandmother. ‘She was a little spitfire,’ Russell recalls with a smile. ‘Tiny but feisty, loving, and fiercely passionate—qualities that shine through in every bite.’ And while the menu is a celebration of her Sicilian roots, it also takes diners on a culinary tour of Italy, featuring antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, and desserts, as well as traditional primi and secondi courses.
Among the standout dishes are Russell’s favorite appetizers: arancini—risotto balls stuffed with fontina cheese and Italian sausage, served on a bed of caponata and topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan—and bruschetta made with house-made focaccia, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. Sally’s picks? The chicken parmesan, a hearty dish with breaded chicken breast, pomodoro, bucatini, and mozzarella, and the risotto with Gulf shrimp. Don’t miss the pork Milanese, a pan-sautéed bone-in pork chop paired with arugula salad and polenta.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While the menu is undeniably Italian, the Davises have woven in a commitment to local ingredients that might surprise purists. From mushrooms sourced from St. Francisville’s Mushroom Maggie’s Farm to cheeses from Southern Maid’s Dairy in Franklinton and honey from Biggie Bee Farm in Port Allen, Josephine’s is as much about supporting local farmers as it is about honoring tradition. ‘That’s something that will never change for us,’ Sally emphasizes.
The restaurant’s interior, designed by Sara Brignac of Workshop 31Twelve, strikes a perfect balance between casual and cozy. Two dining areas—one with a lively bar and the other, the Wine Room, available for private events—seat approximately 50 guests. Vintage Italian mirrors, ceramic plates, and gold light fixtures add warmth, while red wall sconces pop against cool-toned walls. ‘We wanted it to feel like a lively cafe in one room and a quiet, moody retreat in the other,’ Sally explains.
And this is the part that’s pure genius: a drive-thru window for to-go orders, a feature that’s still in the works but promises to be a game-changer for busy locals. ‘Living in Mid City, we’re thrilled to be part of the revitalization happening on Government,’ Sally adds.
Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays), Josephine’s Italian Cuisine is more than a restaurant—it’s a story, a tradition, and a taste of Italy with a Louisiana twist. But here’s the question: Can a restaurant truly capture the essence of a loved one? Visit Josephine’s and decide for yourself. Then, let us know in the comments—does this menu make you feel like you’re sitting at Josephine’s Sunday table?
