New Italian Restaurant Josephine’s Set to Open in Baton Rouge

Restaurateurs Sally and Russell Davis are venturing into a new culinary project with the upcoming opening of Josephine’s Italian Restaurant in Baton Rouge. Located in the space that previously housed Roman’s Greek and Lebanese Cafe on Government Street, the restaurant aims to celebrate Russell’s Sicilian heritage, drawing inspiration from his grandmother, Josephine.

Honoring Family Traditions

Russell Davis plans to incorporate traditional recipes into the menu, featuring dishes such as meatballs, pomodoro sauce, and antipasto. “She was pretty much the reason why I fell in love with cooking, and she’s 100% Sicilian,” Russell shared, recalling how his grandmother, affectionately known as “Nan,” influenced his culinary journey. Her parents immigrated from Sicily, passing through Ellis Island before settling in Massachusetts.

Growing up, Russell fondly remembers Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s table, where he would sneak bites of meatballs while watching her prepare sauce. The vision for Josephine’s is to recreate that intimate family atmosphere, filled with good food and lively conversation. Russell aims to open the restaurant by the end of 2023, with hopes of fostering a welcoming environment.

A Taste of Italy in Louisiana

The menu will feature a variety of classic Italian dishes, including risotto, polenta, lasagna, osso buco, pizza, and various pasta options, alongside a panzanella salad and local seafood. Known for his commitment to local sourcing, Russell Davis frequently visits the Red Stick Farmers Market and intends to use local produce in all his establishments.

“We’re going to use as much local produce to try to create a marriage between Italy and Louisiana,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of community support in his culinary efforts. The dessert offerings will include traditional favorites like panna cotta and tiramisu, with daily specials available. On Sundays, Josephine’s will feature a brunch menu, adding to the dining options in the neighborhood.

Russell expressed excitement about the growth of the Mid City area, stating, “Mid City is growing in all kinds of different directions, so we’re excited to piggyback off of Jed’s right around the corner.” The success of their first venture, Jed’s Local, serves as an encouraging backdrop for this new restaurant.

“It gives us a lot of satisfaction to hear the positive things people say, and to walk into the dining room and see a bunch of smiling faces, people hanging out on dates or families together, it’s really rewarding,” Russell added, highlighting the personal connection he hopes to establish with his diners.

As Josephine’s prepares to open its doors, the Davis family looks forward to bringing a slice of Italian tradition to Baton Rouge, infusing their restaurant with love, family recipes, and a commitment to local ingredients.