366
January/February 2025
Photography // Laura Arick
Carmel’s vibrant culinary landscape has recently welcomed a new addition that promises to elevate the city’s dining experience. Josephine, a French-inspired contemporary tavern, opened its doors in December 2024, offering an exciting new option for food lovers. Located in Carmel’s Sophia Square (formerly the Pint Room) at the intersection of West Main Street and First Avenue SW, Josephine comes to the city courtesy of restaurateurs Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage, known for their acclaimed Indianapolis eateries Ambrosia and Bocca.
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
For many Hoosiers, the name “Ambrosia” brings back fond memories of high-quality Italian cuisine and impeccable service. Ambrosia was founded in 1979 by Gino Pizzi, who, along with his parents Giuseppe and Anna, pursued the American Dream by opening an Italian restaurant in Indianapolis. A true testament to hard work and perseverance, Ambrosia quickly became a local institution, continuing its legacy as a family-owned restaurant for decades.
Gino’s daughter, Anna, and her husband, Dan, now oversee the restaurant, ensuring that Ambrosia remains a beloved dining destination. Their passion for food and hospitality runs deep. With a strong family legacy and a shared commitment to quality, it’s no surprise that Dan and Anna decided to bring their next restaurant venture to Carmel.
Why Carmel, and Why Now?
After years of running Ambrosia and Bocca, both of which have established loyal customer bases in Indianapolis, the Cages felt it was time for a new challenge. Carmel, with its expanding food scene, offered an ideal location for their latest venture.
“We’ve always talked about doing something different, and French cuisine felt like the right concept to explore,” Dan said. “The opportunity presented itself, and when we saw the beautiful architecture in Carmel, we felt compelled to make it happen.”
The Cages also have strong ties to the area. They’ve long enjoyed dining at Carmel’s many fine restaurants and had been hearing from patrons who frequently visit Ambrosia that they would love for them to bring a restaurant to Carmel. The final push came when a friend in real estate shared the listing for the space in Sophia Square. From there, the Cages knew it was time to take the leap.
A French Twist on Comfort Food
The name “Josephine” is both a nod to history and a personal touch for Dan and Anna. Inspired by Josephine Bonaparte, Napoleon’s wife, the name embodies both French elegance and warmth—a fitting reflection of the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Dan explains that while Josephine is deeply inspired by French cuisine, it is not meant to be pretentious or overly formal. Instead, the focus is on making French comfort food approachable.
“We want people to feel comfortable here,” Dan explained. “It’s not a fine-dining, multi-course restaurant. We want it to be a place where you can come in regularly and enjoy classic dishes like steak frites, poulet frites and our chicken cordon bleu sandwich.”
The menu is designed to cater to a variety of tastes, offering hearty and filling dishes that people can return to week after week. This approach aligns with the Cages’ goal of creating a welcoming neighborhood restaurant, much like their previous ventures.
Elevating the Carmel Dining Scene
Carmel’s Main Street has become a hub for foodies, with a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine. As the city continues to grow, the Cages hope that Josephine will add to the eclectic mix by introducing a French-inspired concept.
“We’ve got great restaurants in Carmel already,” Dan said. “But we think a French comfort food tavern is a great complement to what’s already here. French cuisine can be intimidating for some, but we’re making it approachable, and that’s our point of difference.”
Anna echoes this sentiment, explaining that the Cages have always focused on creating neighborhood spots that feel like a second home to guests.
“I grew up in a family that valued community and family above all else,” Anna shared. “That’s what Ambrosia has always been about, and it’s the foundation of what we want to bring to Josephine as well.”
The Cages are proud to serve as stewards of the Pizzi family legacy and continue to honor their commitment to providing quality food and exceptional service. Carmel, with its growing reputation as a foodie destination, was the perfect place for their next chapter.
Reimagining the Space
When it came to designing Josephine’s interior, the Cages wanted to transform the space while respecting the building’s architectural roots. The former Pint Room had a large beer cooler in the middle of the dining room, which the Cages removed to create custom booth seating and an open, airy atmosphere.
“We really wanted to make sure the space felt different,” Dan said. “We didn’t want people to walk in and think it was just a fresh coat of paint. We wanted to create something special.”
Josephine’s bar offers a well-curated wine list, with a focus on French varietals. The wine program features around 60 different selections, with a healthy offering of wines by the glass. The cocktail menu also includes classic French-inspired drinks, perfect for sipping while enjoying the restaurant’s cozy ambiance.
A Focus on the Community
As much as Josephine aims to bring a new dining experience to Carmel, it also seeks to foster a strong connection with the local community. The Cages are committed to being a neighborhood restaurant that people can rely on for both special occasions and casual meals.
“We want to be a place where people feel comfortable coming in regularly,” Anna emphasized. “We want to be part of the community and serve the people who live and work here.”
A Bright Future Ahead
For Carmel’s growing community of food lovers, Josephine offers a refreshing addition to the city’s dining scene. With its inviting atmosphere, delicious food and commitment to quality, Josephine is poised to become a favorite among Carmel residents and visitors alike. As Dan and Anna Cage continue to build on the Pizzi family’s legacy, Josephine offers a unique French twist that promises to be a lasting presence on Carmel’s Main Street.
Follow along on Instagram @EatJosephine_Carmel for the latest updates and menu offerings.