The old Bowery Bungalow space is now home to Josephine, a freewheeling, seasonal Italo-French restaurant that strikes the right balance between chic and casual. Named after the grandmothers of both owners, Josephine is a worthy inheritor of the historic yellow bungalow space, which also includes a string-lit gazebo and expansive, vine-covered patio out back. Since opening at the start of summer, the signature roast chicken and steak frites — served with Josephine’s indulgent duck fat fries — have already emerged as fan favorites. Chef and co-owner Marco Gagliardi injects life into the menu with unexpected combinations like melon, guanciale, and chile crisp and a rotating pasta that often features duck. On a recent balmy evening, the front dining room was packed with groups of friends celebrating birthdays, couples on dates, and locals enjoying glasses of low-intervention wine from the affordable priced by-the-glass selection. This is the epitome of a Silver Lake local’s hangout spot — even if you’re just cosplaying as one for the night.
Slightly grungy with laidback service and a Gen X rock-heavy soundtrack. Expect a fairly age-diverse, stylishly dressed local crowd.
Order whatever pasta is available for the evening — the exact dish changes regularly, though the kitchen typically hits the mark. Usually, Gagliardi enjoys incorporating duck, like in an early fall duck cannelloni with béchamel, fig gastrique, and freshly grated horseradish.
Dining and Cooking