A Parisian Escape in Marylebone’s Heart
Joséphine Marylebone opened in April, following the success of Joséphine Bouchon in Chelsea, which launched last year. Created by Claude and Lucy Bosi, the bouchon draws on food from Claude’s hometown of Lyon, while Joséphine Marylebone leans into classics from Parisian brasseries. Both restaurants have been on my hit list since they opened, so it was finally time to step through the door of Joséphine Marylebone.
Joséphine sits in the heart of charming Marylebone village, the perfect spot for a brasserie. A few years ago, I bemoaned the lack of good French bistros and brasseries in and around London. Thankfully, we’ve since seen a wave of great French restaurants, and judging by the plaudits both Joséphines have received, we’ve got two more gems.
On entering, the decor screams Parisian brasserie—you feel instantly at home. It’s clear the place is buzzing; I was here for Friday lunch, and the restaurant was packed. We had a cosy corner seat, perfect for nosy people-watching (if you’re like me, you love seeing what other diners order).
Before ordering starters, we were tempted by an amuse-bouche of taramasalata with thinly toasted French bread. Yes, I know taramasalata isn’t French, but a good pre-starter builds the diner’s appetite, and this worked a treat.
Sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what you want from the menu without agonizing over options. My starter had to be the Camembert soufflé—no decision needed, as everyone I’ve spoken to who’s been to Joséphine recommends it. Joséphine Marylebone has built a loyal fan following since opening in April 2025.
My guest chose Dorset escargots, served traditionally in garlic sauce. The dish arrived in a six-hole snail dish, the snails cloaked in a vivid green parsley-garlic sauce. Snails aren’t my favourite—it’s not the little molluscs themselves, but I find the overpowering garlic in the traditional French preparation dominates your palate. Still, my guest was impressed, and in the spirit of reviewing, I tried one. I can confirm the sauce was excellent.
The signature Camembert soufflé deserves pride of place: light as a feather yet bursting with flavour, it glides to the table like a ballerina, graceful and full of charm. The Camembert’s richness complemented the fluffy soufflé perfectly. This dish is sublime—a big thank you to my friends who insisted I try it.
For mains, we struggled to choose from a menu sprinkled with French classics: Dover sole meunière, moules marinières, free-range chicken with morel mushrooms—all tempting. We settled on a shared dish of slow-cooked lamb shoulder with garlic and flageolet beans, paired with sides of green beans and pommes purée. The lamb arrived in a casserole dish, and our waiter poured over a rich lamb jus—such a French touch. Ordering a hearty dish on a blistering London day might have raised eyebrows, but we weren’t alone. The lamb fell apart on the fork, delivering everything it promised—a joyful sharing dish.
After such a hearty main, did we manage a pudding? We did, but we shared. Keeping it classic, we chose the tarte au citron, with a caramelised top for a slight twist. Coming from the Bosi stable, you expect stunning presentation and bold flavours. This lemon tart was right up there with the best.
And so, our meal concluded, and we stepped out into the burning London sun—a line I rarely get to write when reviewing restaurants here! Joséphine feels like a comfortable haven for classic French food, with service that elevates the atmosphere.
Where to find Joséphine Marylebone:
6-8 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 4AU
www.josephinebistro.com
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