Josephine

"Josephine is as close to Paris as you’re going to get in Alexandria. It’s a relatively new addition to the neighborhood, but feels like it’s been in town for generations, thanks in part to the fact that it occupies a converted historic firehouse that retains some of its original brick walls. The vibe is dark, romantic, bustling, and playful—think candlelit dinner meets Moulin Rouge. Use your brunch or dinner reservation to bust out that slightly over-the-top outfit you’ve been keeping in the back of your closet, whether you’re here for breakfast with friends or an aperitif with a third date. We love their duck confit, their big cheese menu, and their rosé selection. If you come for dinner, stop for a nightcap at Bar Jo on the restaurant’s top floor." - madeline weinfield

"Josephine will offer Beaujolais Nouveau in its upstairs dining room on November 16, with platters of cheeses, charcuteries, and smoked salmon, along with French spritzes and beers." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s first French brasserie popped open in June, bringing Old Town a hot new spot for martini service, escargots, beef Bourguignon, and big bottles of bubbly. Executive chef Matt Cockrell pays extra attention to his pates, terrines, and classics like French onion soup, skillets of mussels, and creations like a seared red drum with tomato concasse, eggplant, olives, herbs de provence, and squid ink beurre blanc. The three-level space with room for 220 offers plenty of cozy nooks to dine and drink, with a Champagne bar popping up top on Bastille Day." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s first French brasserie popped open in June, bringing Old Town a hot new spot for martini service, escargots, beef Bourguignon, and big bottles of bubbly. Executive chef Matt Cockrell pays extra attention to his pates, terrines, and classics like French onion soup, skillets of mussels, and creations like a seared red drum with tomato concasse, eggplant, olives, herbs de provence, and squid ink beurre blanc. The three-level space with room for 220 offers plenty of cozy nooks to dine and drink, with a Champagne bar popping up top on Bastille Day." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"Old Town’s charming new French bistro pops open its third-floor Champagne and sparkling cocktail bar on Bastille Day. Bar Jo centers around a dozen sparkling wines at any given time, showcasing grower Champagne and curated magnums from producers like Marc Hebrart and Laurent Perrier. The cozy bar also offers absinthe service and creative spins on spritzes, Kir Royale cocktails, and French 75s. The opening food menu features Josephine favorites like escargots, wagyu steak tartare, and imported cheeses, with canapes, rillettes, and terrines coming soon. French wine classes will be hosted by NRG wine director Erin Dudley every Wednesday. Going forward, hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays." - Tierney Plumb