Joseph's Restaurant Reviews

We dined here in a group of 7 and the owner took care of us. We ordered one of a certain appetizer and he brought 7 and when we told him we only wanted ONE he said "don't worry about it, just eat..." Then he charged some outrageous price for all seven. We ordered 7 entrees and he charged for 11!!! Many of the prices were not on the menu and he just charges whatever he feels like. When you challenge him about cheating you, he begins to scream and rave like a lunatic. I would never go back here again and I strongly recommend no one else does either. We have been dealing with him through American Express and he fights for his outrageous overcharges like it is his last penny. On a $500 bill he overcharged by at least $200!!

Took our friends to this restaurant for dinner and it didn't disappoint them. The restaurant has an elegant decor, relaxing music and great services. Owner Benny was very attentive. Stuffed calamari top the best list. Others such as a Melanzane Rollattine,Salsiccia Di Cinghiale, Lobster Ravioli,Pappardelle Tre Fungi and Lamb Shank were so delicious. And don't forget the cheese cake and carrot cake.

I have been staying nearby and I have been to this restaurant about 7 times in the last month. It has wonderful food, for example, I have never tasted better lamb or Caesar salad. I have been with a bunch of different friends and we all love it. Highly recommended!! Hamit is especially hospitable and I will remember my stay in Fidi because of him.

I have eaten at Joseph's many times. I go there mainly for business lunches. It is my reliable spot because I have never had any bad experience there. The service is always good and the food is delicious. I have tried many dishes on their menu but I like the seafood risotto best. The desserts are good too. If I have to make a last reservation for lunch, I pick Joseph's.

We found this on a ramble around the Financial District and stopped in for lunch. Although some people have hinted it's pricey, it's not much more expensive than many of the chains in NYC. The service was good and the food was the closest thing to authentic Italian I came across - much better than what's being served up in Little Italy. I'd come here over any of the restaurants there.

Joseph's Restaurant is a small basement level Italian restaurant near Wall Street with very good food. We went around 3:00pm so I'm not sure if we had lunch prices. But the entrees were under $20- and were excellent and a good portion. (This is not a spaghetti and pizza place) The wine selection was good and the wine steward very pleasant. The captain was professional. Special meals were made for the two children with us since this is normally a business area.

The food and service was great. The wait staff was attentive but not overly so. We were not rushed at all.

Just moved my office downtown and took a colleague to lunch, since it was close by I thought I'd give it a try. The noise level was significantly higher than I expected even at lunch time, it was even hard to communicate with the waiters. The tables were pretty well packed together and having a conversation was difficult. The food was ok, nothing to write home about and a lunch for two without any drinks was $100 without tip. The food came nowhere near matching what they're charging. Will scratch this off my list.

Had a lazy lunch, killing time before my plane left for London. It's in a basement, way downtown and offers 'North Italian' food. The food is somewhere between average and good, so I'm being a bit harsh giving it 3 stars. I had a 'special' starter of cured salmon, which was well textured but slightly spoiled by the sweetish marinade. Next up was Branzino (sea bass) roasted and deboned. So far so good - all it ended was a little virgin olive oil - but what I got was an elaborate flambé with Pernod which didn't really enhance either the texture or taste of the fish. Finally, desserts consisted of a choice of about 5 equally unappealing cakes - I passed on that offer. Had a very good mini- carafe of Chardonnay, and with a bottle of San Pellegrino, the bill came to around $70. Pleasant enough and it did pass the time!

We wante appetizers instead of a full meal. Pasta Fagioli, Ribbolta, wild boar with broccoli rabe and egg drop soup (forgot the Italian name), eggplant rollatini, several glasses of wine and a few more appetizers. Service was excellent, we had a very at tentative server. Weekend in the financial district are a little quiet - I think a benefit for diners and our hotel was around the corner. The food was very good, simple and tasty. We especially enjoy Italian and this restaurant does a good job.

This is a good place serving Italian food. Service is good. Food is pretty good as well. It's in the basement of the building. Good bar.

I was in NYC for business and staying in Lower Manhattan. After an evening of walking about the city I decided I wanted some good Italian. I stumbled upon Joseph's and got seated immediately. Since it was Columbus Day, the place was almost empty. I was greeted and immediately asked about a beverage. They gave me the choices of many types of red wine. The wait staff was helpful, engaging and efficient. I enjoyed a great Ceasar salad to start. Dressed nicely with nice hints of garlic and anchovies. Had a pasta special that was spectacular! Cavetelli pasta with sausage, brocolini, and tomatoes. Delicious! No room for dessert. A very nice treat all around and would highly recommend a visit to Joseph's!

Italian restaurant in lower Manhattan close to dozens and dozens of other eating places. With its understated outlook, after you walk down the stairs you are in for a surprise, as you enter in a warm, well-kept, pleasant restaurant with an excellent choice of well-presented, fresh food. Both fish (outstanding cod, halibut, seabass) and meat (lamb chop, steaks) can be enjoyed. And of course properly prepared pasta dishes; excellent gnocchi, for instance. Good, a bit pricey, wine list. Attentive, friendly service. One of the best restaurants in the area.

Friendly, authentic service and food. I was on my own and was made to feel very welcome. Food was great. Lots of atmosphere in a great location.

After the restaurant delivered the wrong order (and it was a late delivery), no one apologized. They said the food would be sent out in 5 minutes but left me sitting and waiting 25 minutes. When I called to ask what was going on since they were closing in 6 minutes and my food still wasn't delivered, the manager yelled at me. Completely unprofessional and horrid customer service. Spend your money elsewhere.

Absolutely love this place. My husband took me there to celebrate my birthday and I loved it. The service is awesome and the food and wine is great.

It can be hard to find good restaurants in the financial district for dinner. We came across this place in Mariani's newsletter and decided to give it a try. We were glad we did. It is Northern Italian cuisine, with a classic old New York feel, though recently updated we learned. The food was quite good, and the wine list reasonably, if high end, typical pricing. They also had a great soundtrack, which had us guessing the artists and the tunes. Fun. The bar was well stocked, though we stuck with wine at our table.

Went to this restaurant for business lunch. The service was very friendly and professional and the atmosphere was busy and social. Excellent food and wine.

This restaurant located on a basement is easy to overlook. But don’t pass it by. The seating is comfortable and private with white table cloths. The staff is friendly. knowegable and professional. And the food was very good.

Just stopped in after a day at Ellis Island and Liberty Island. We had to find a place that the kids as well as the adults would like. This fit the bill. Plus no reservations necessary. It was actually pretty empty, maybe because it was rather early by New York standards.

My best friend and I had diner at Joseph's the night before a wedding we were attending. We hadn't seen each other in months so we really wanted to find a chill calm place, ( so we could catch up) without sacrificing the delicious elegant food New York City had to offer. Joseph's was the perfect place. The food was incredible. The wine perfectly paired. My friend and I had a magical evening and the grappa flowed! I will definitely visit the next time I am in the city! Thank you Joseph's!

We were able to walk-in and be seated quickly which was amazing for a Friday evening. Our waiter was Vito and he was extraordinary in knowing exactly how the specials were to be prepared and served. I highly suggest the Lamb entree and definitely ask about the grappa.

visiting statue of liberty and ellis island staying at the club quarters hotel we were there with another couple and got in friday afternoon stumbled on this restaurant by luck small awning outside but a great restaurant inside downstairs, i had the rack of lamb my wife and friends had ravioli and pasta dishes all of our meals were outstanding also stayed for desert again outstanding staff was so friendly and attentive and yet you didn’t even know they were there, they also gave us this delicious infused grappa at the end with desert our waiter was outstanding and they all worked together effortlessly makes our dining experience one of the best thank you to all of them, please note that this restaurant is only open mon-friday lunch and dinner and its in the wall street area, dont miss this one its fabulous we will be back!!! lenny

Nice place , great food consistent and gets better over time . Recent upgrades have made it even nicer . Downstairs, no windows bit nice lighting . Bar is a great place to eat or get drinks.

We had another great dinner at this basement spot this week. The service is very personal, and the food interesting and flavorful. Enjoyed an unusual fennel salad, gnocchi bolognese, and scallops, with a very nice Barolo. We also very much enjoyed the soundtrack playing - in the dining room they had a track of big band and other crooner standards. Our conversation sometimes got side tracked with naming the artist. Interestingly in the bar they had a different track on. Very nice!

My friend and I had lunch here after visiting the 9/11 Memorial and the British Garden in Hanover Square, where we found this Northern Italian restaurant, Joseph's. We lucked out, as we had an excellent meal. My choice was an insalata tre-colore to start and a lemon veal piccata served with lightly cooked broccoli and sliced carrots, and potatoes for my main course. I also had a generous glass of Pinot Noir. My friend chose another veal dish on the menu and thoroughly enjoyed this with a salad, We shared a dessert of cheesecake over coffee to finish up our meal. We would definitely return. The staff, although reserved initially, were helpful. When one of the waiters found out that my friend was visiting from England, he told us excitedly how he saw Queen Elizabeth II open the British Garden. This memorial garden, dedicated to the British dead of 9/11, is located right on Hanover Square and is well worth a visit, when in this part of NYC.

Excellent service and exceptional food. We can't wait to go back. The avocado & quinoa salad was off the charts. We also had gnocchi and Parmesan crusted chicken breast, and hey were both outstanding.

A group of us serve on a not-for-profit Board and were in New York for meetings. I decided to make a reservation at Joseph’s for dinner one evening. From the welcome to the recommendations for dinner, service was outstanding! Warmly welcomed. Seated right away. I had pre-requested separate checks and was told “not a problem”. We enjoyed a leisurely dinner with appetizers, wine and some dessert. A friend and her shared the mixed green salad (which they split into 2 plates) and the Bronzino (again on 2 plates) with a side of grilled vegetables- cooked to perfection! Another friend had the halibut and enjoyed every bite. For dessert we shared the cannoli and the tiramisu- Wow! GET THE CANNOLI!! True Italian cooking. Outstanding service! From the first bite to the last - everything was great!

This place is small and cramped. They shove as many tables as they can. Food is OK, nothing special in Italian cuisine.

Very good service and delicious food! A pleasant and welcoming atmosphere with many local Manhattan businessmen dining there gave us a good impression. Highly recommended!

The service, the atmosphere, the cocktails, the food were all absolutely 5 star and what you'd expect to find in NYC. We were really impressed with the whole experience. The only caution I have is that the steps to get down to the restaurant are quite steep and we had a friend with us who uses a cane so it presented a bit of a challenge for him to get up and down but the host came out and helped him and after our meal he said that it was worth the climb. The dirty martini I had was definitely one of the best I have ever had anywhere. Pasta was yummy and the wait staff and coat check person were all professional, friendly and seemed happy we were there.

Excellent food and remarkable service. Exceeds what I expect on NYC. Very fairly priced but everything was made fresh.

Nice place, good food and service. White tablecloth, Nice prizes and much food.

The hostess was so sweet and gracious. The seabass was the most wonderful seafood I've had in a long time as were the vegetables that accompanied it. You could cut the asparagus with a fork, and I don't like asparagus, usually. Tiramisu was so light and flavorful. The only thing is the music could have been a more subtle jazz or instrumental music. The throne at the restrooms is museum quality if not picture-worthy. You need to see the throne.

The food was spectacular. Wait staff very attentive and kind. For myself and 10 year old daughter the bill was 100 with tip. I don't mind paying for good food. The scallops were delicious as was the chicken with goat cheese. My daughter had the lobster rav. She ate it all😀

Joseph's. Is a great place for a business lunch. The food is excellent and the service is old school Italian. There are always several specials that are very tasty. I had the Bronzino which is fileted table side. It was light and delicate. The buffalo mozzarella appetizer is also excellent. It has the feel of an Italian restaurant your parents took you when you were a kid. It is comfortable and is an excellent place to eat and talk business

This was one of the best dinners I had - the wait staff were attentive and the food was really delicious. Definitely will be going back.

We found this quaint Italian restaurant by chance. So glad we did. The food was outstanding but the service was even better. Servers constantly filling our water or wine glass. A special shoutout to Vito. He was so gracious and kind to us. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Since I was meeting a friend downtown, someone suggested we try Joseph's in the Financial District. The location was right---we were doing a walking tour of historic sites, and the restaurant is within a few blocks of gems like Trinity Church (where Alexander Hamilton's body rests) and Fraunces Tavern---and the menu was right, with a large variety of meatless and meaty dishes. (I'm vegetarian, friend is not.) The gnocchi radicchio I ordered was excellent, firm in texture but moist, with a nice blend of vegetables. My lunch companion ordered the capellini primavera and said it was "great!" We were both glad that our plates weren't drowning in cream sauce and cheese; it allowed us to taste the pasta and other ingredients. We ordered gelato for dessert, as it was warm and humid outdoors. It was good, but we had to chuckle at how it was served. (See photo.) Staff was friendly and courteous, service prompt and professional. We also enjoyed the atmosphere, which is white tablecloth but tie-optional. (We weren't dressed up, and while the waitstaff never made us feel embarrassed, I kind of wished I wore something better than cropped jeans and a black tee.) The restaurant is located in a cellar, so there is a short flight of stairs you have to descend to go inside. If you have bad knees or are just tired from walking around downtown, you might want to take it slow going down. (I didn't see any wheelchair access---most private buildings in New York City don't have any---so if you need mobility assistance, you may be at a disadvantage here.) We did have a memorable lunch here, and I would love to return the next time I'm in downtown Manhattan.

My husband and I were staying in NYC for the week. Our accomodations were down in the financial district, so we hoped that we could find good restaurants nearby after touring all day throughout the city. Good food is always easy to find in the city, but to find a real restaurant, with true ambiance (and not spend a fortune) was a special treat!! Joseph's was it! The steps down to this restaurant give you a clue as to the intimacy awaiting. Extensive selection on the menu, superb service, and a wonderful meal! (Try the lobster stuffed ravioli!) Truly a satisfying meal in all aspects.

We had a lovely evening. Service was perfectly attentive, atmosphere was warm and romantic. The tiramisu was over the top

Had an amazing meal with friends in this old school place - and I mean that in the best way! Service is top-notch. Everyone Is so nice and accommodating. All of the food was amazing, and boy did we have a lot of it. Basically we all just ordered and shared. For appetizers we had mussels and grilled octopus. Both were delicious. For dinner we had gnocci bolonegese, lobster pyramids and ravioli with spinach and ricotta, which was everyone’s favorite, but all were very good. To finish we got cheesecake, tirimisu and chocolate tart. Decadent. There wasn’t a crumb left. 😀 All in all I would return in a heartbeat! Thank you Joseph’s!

They gave us a table in a very attractively decorated side room and were extremely accommodating - various drink orders, split bills, etc. Atmosphere is excellent - place is below street level with stairs (we had a guest just out of foot surgery but he managed fine). The menu and wines are extensive and our demanding group was very happy with the quality. Service was a highlight - always especially attentive and thoughtful. We would go again when we have the opportunity - close to Water St. and 100 meters from Wall street. A gem ib the area.

We just walked in on this restaurant, no problem getting a table. the atmosphere is very Italian, so is the food. Tasty, good but nothing extraordinary. The Specials will definitely add to the tab. It felt like dining in Italy where you have to be aware how much and for what you get charged, but this also adds to the charm of this restaurant. The seafood salad is big enough to be shared, the salads were very tasty. Main courses are generous portions and if you want to try dessert you need to consider this. Prices are a little on the higher side but still ok. Being in the neighborhood just looking for a nice Italian restaurant this is the place to go.

Yesterday i visited Joseph’s restaurant and it was so nice. We had the tasting menu with delicious wine and great food. Definitely worth your money. Besides that, the employers were so kind. Great night!

Took my family out for a special meal at Joseph’s and although the meal and staff were good the evening was completely spoiled by their card system being unable to accept any United Kingdom chip and pin cards. It was totally unacceptable to have to get my family to find the money to pay the bill. It was suggested the bank had logged it as a fraudulent charge which was untrue as the bar we went to after accepted the card for payment. It seems if you have a UK card don’t go. Thanks for ruining a special night

Really is the great Italian restaurant in downtown that I been. The attention of Vito was fantastic. The food was simply perfect, I truly recommend this restaurant to have dinner or lunch. If you are gonna have dinner remember that the kitchen close at 21:00!!!!

Went here on business as part of a group of 9 people. The food was great, I had the CHICKEN 'ALLA CACCIATORA' with Broccoli Rabe. The wine list is extensive and expensive, but the wine experts in my group approved. Total for 9 people was just over $1200.

I will definitely go back here. The food was excellent and wait staff was over the top. Was with a party of 5 and everyone truly was pleased with their dinner. Friendly staff and very accommodating to a large party.

An excellent dinner! Our reservation was honored promptly. Setting was lovely, service absolutely outstanding! The menu was vast, and it all looked great; we were particularly happy with the classic chicken parm and a ‘grandma’ pasta with meatballs. Prices were reasonable, portions generous—hope to return soon!

We took a coworker out for lunch at this nearby Financial District locale off of Wall Street. Suggest you make a reservation even for lunch as we were able to get in without one for party of four. Extentive menu with several special option to choice from that vary by day but are pretty much the same. Caprese salad was just ok as beefsteak tomotoes were not ripe at all. Others has salads to start with that all looked great and tasty from folks postive comments. I had pasta special with homemade cavetelli , brocolli rabi , sauage and grape tomatoes in a light wine sauce , which was flavorful. Others within my party a spagetti and clams , pasta fra diablo and eggplant roltini that was excellent. Service was attentive but laid back since we didn't order wine or cocktails this time since we all had to go back to work. There is decent wine list and bar area to the side that has tables as well. This place has private dining room for larger parties. I enjoyed this place but felt its too pricey even for this neighborhood unless your on an expense account. I would return as the food was well prepared and brought hot to the table as you would expect of any fine restaurant.

We were headed to the Financial District and decided to stay in the area for dinner. We were torn - Itallan or Steak. The zagat rating pushed us to Josephs. We had a reservation and the waiter still asked us to wait - yet the restaurant was NOT crowded. When he let us in to the dining room there was not one other guest - (we should have left then) as we went to our table 2 workmen were reinstalling the emergency lights! We decided to stay - the waiter was nice and we figured well private room! He offered us the specials - we went with the Mozzarella and tomatoe salad with truffle oil - it was the best part of the meal. In the meantime, another younger waiter came in and was giving our waiter a hard time in front of us and trying to show off his wine skills - AWKWARD and uncomfortable. We ordered entrees - I had the red snapper special and my husband got pasta - both were blah...nothing fantastic at all. I think that maybe the "good chef" works days as this is a lunch place but there is no way this place should be rated 23 on zagat!!! I really wish we had gone for the Steak (Delmonico's for drinks after reaffirmed that)...

This was such an amazing find! The service is warm, and the food is exactly what you would hope it would be. The restaurant itself is very quaint and well apportioned, and you do not feel like you are sitting so close to someone that you could share food. It was a great place to have a quiet evening meal. Service was very prompt, and always made you feel welcome. The food itself was perfectly cooked and very well flavored. And given the fact that you can get a reservation last minute, you just can’t pass this place up. Joseph’s is definitely a hidden gym.

This is not an objective review as every time I go here I am with a bunch of regulars who have been going there for years. Consequently I get extra special service and a resulting great experience. But to get this warm feeling the food and drink has to be good, and it most definitely is. Starting with the best vodka martini I've tasted anywhere, through the special fish and pasta dishes created with fresh ingredients, food arrived today, to the limoncello pie which is a must. Try it.

My wife and I went to Joseph's for dinner this evening based on a few reviews I had read online. We are regular visitors to Manhattan and I often find that the prices are crazy high for very average food and service. But the meal we had tonight was absolutely outstanding. Top notch service, attention to detail and above all, the meal itself was superb. Honestly, one of the best meals I've ever had in Manhattan. I highly recommend it. And the cheesecake is amazing!!

Nice selection of Italian food, from basic pasta and meatballs upwards, all very fresh and well executed. The Octopus starter was particularly tender. Staff were very attentive and friendly. It was a nice touch that our group of 14 could freely choose from the a la carte rather than having to decide on a set menu.

This is the best steak I’ve had in a very long time. Great personal service. All food was outstanding. Will definitely return here when in NYC!

Great service, location and atmosphere, not to mention good Italian food. An old standby in the Wall Street area, living up to its long standing reputation.

Went here for a recent business lunch, havent been here in awhile? Had our Christmas party here one year - after Sandy.... It is hard to find in Hanover Square- it is "DOWNSTAIRS" - I have been to the bar at noght and it can be quite lively. Lots of regulars from Wall Street, not looking to go to Stone Street 20 something bars. I had the Spinach Egg Drop Soup (Straticello) and it was fresh and very good. the Brushetta they bring out in the beginning has very fresh tomatoes. I had a salad as my main dish. It was Good. the rest of my group had the Calamari Special - Fri Diavlo, they said it was very good. I will comeback again soon! The serive was good, I was surprised it was so empty on a Tuesday Afternoon at 1pm? It was great becauase we we there for a business meeting and we could talk.

Early dinner with friends in a nice quite atmosphere with good conversation, food and drinks. The staff were friendly and the service wonderful.

Its a small place downstairs. The food was excellent. Although there is a full menu, our party of three chose the salads and pastas. They were all very well prepared and delicious. Service was great. The dinning area looks like it could use some updating.

I walked into Joseph's one weekday evening, without a reservation (to be fair). I asked the host if they were still seating for dinner, and was assured that I had plenty of time to dine. People inside were still being served, but apparently there was a conspiracy by the wait staff to ignore anyone that arrived past their liking. I was seated immediately, but I was forced to wait 10 minutes for a menu, and another 20 minutes before they took my order, even though waiters were standing around looking at each other. When my food finally arrived, it was not hot (I suspect it sat on the pickup station until it cooled). After I waited another 15 minutes for my check, while waiters stared at me, I finally shouted aloud, "Excuse me, can I get my check , please." But I've had the last laugh, because I am a business traveler on an expense allowance, and I've spent thousands at every other restaurant in the neighborhood over the past year. After that one experience, you couldn't drag me back into Joseph's.

I really enjoyed a group dinner at Joseph's, very close to Wall Street. The service was outstanding, as were the wine selections. Our server suggested the first 2 courses, which were shared among the diners (but they were accommodating of allergies, etc.). I would return to this restaurant.

The food and service was great. The wait staff was attentive but not overly so. We were not rushed at all.

A great choice for a business lunch. The quiet and semi formal atmosphere was very inviting. The food was well prepared and presented hot and timely. With so many choice in the area, this one is on the "must return list."

Just had lunch at Joseph's with my friend. Was shocked when the bill came. They charged me double because I requested no ice in my iced tea. Not a way to win future customers. I certainly was not delighted by my experience and am know left wondering if I even liked the food. Just can't seem to get past the shocking bill. Jkst of Sayreville

The food was very tasty and presented in a very appetizing way. Great wine selection. Loved the very accommodating wait staff.

I have been to Joseph’s multiple times on my trips to NY. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. They were very helpful when I had to keep adding to my reservation. The food is always good. Monday nights are a bit quieter so we were able to talk and enjoy a very relaxing dinner. The waiter’s suggestion for the Crispy Sea Bass dish was spot on. Delicious!