Family owned Italian restaurant. Specializing in traditional family Italian dishes, fresh local seafood, and quality meats. We prioritize our customer’s experience and strive to have outstanding service, food, and atmosphere for every visit.
5003 O’Quinn Blvd SE C Southport, NC
Reservations are accepted for groups of min 8 to max 12 in our private dining rooms, when available. The main dining room, outside, and bar are first-come, first served.
-We offer take-out by phone only, no delivery or online ordering.-
Classic pasta dishes & Italian entrees such as steak,
& veal in a comfy space with harbor views. Based on 676 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.8 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
5003 O’Quinn Blvd SE, Southport, NC 28461
Phone: (910) 454-4440
Website: https://www.josephsitalianbistro.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Mary Sharpe
We were looking for a place that could accommodate us for a party of 8 for a birthday dinner while we were visiting the area and after we tried to get in at several other places we landed here. It did not disappoint! Food and service were stellar and the atmosphere was great. We loved it and we all agreed that we were glad that we weren’t able to get in the other places!
… more
kara bellissimo
Lamb was out of this world! Veal was tender , everything tasted great. Service was impeccable (marquis was so attentive!) outdoor and indoor seating but get there early a line starts forming at 440pm for when they open at 5! No reservations but we’ll worth the wait
… more
Rick Hadsall
Wow! This restaurant, on the marina just before the causeway to Oak Island, is worth the trip. The ambiance is fantastic – classic American Italian restaurant feel, but not stuffy or dated. The menu is to die for – so many things, what to choose? A fantastic wine list as well. Service is excellent. We were greeted and seated quickly and our server was friendly. Fresh bread with extra virgin olive oil with shredded cheese in it greets you, and we shared a bowl of mussels to start. They were cooked perfectly. I had the osso bucco, and my friend had a bone-in veal chop that was a really good size. Everything was perfect and we left stuffed and happy.
… more
Scott Bollinger
Enjoy the view while you check availability at other places. I’m no food expert by no means and this place is no different than many others. I suspect that it was opened by some proud Italians who wanted to make people happy by sharing their food and stories. My family came from Italy to the US in 1893 so I know the feeling. The lack of quality employees, poor checks and balances in the kitchen, poor management, shortcuts, take your pick. It’s happening everywhere from fast food to fine dining. The food is decent but under seasoned, and just kinda bland. Some back to roots training and most of all, tasting and checks and balances in the kitchen would be a great asset. Could turn this place around.
… more
Tina Harkey
My husband and I were discussing where to go for dinner. We haven’t been to Joseph’s in a while. The pasta dishes are pretty standard but I’m picky about red sauce – most has a metallic taste to me. I love their red sauce. I had the shrimp and scallop dish. My husband had the fruiti de mar. Both were delicious. It was expensive but for what we got I didn’t feel it was out of line.
… more
Patricia Moseley
The food service and atmosphere is great. Highly recommend. Would certainly go back when in the area again.
… more
Charlie H
Joseph’s is phenomenal, but make sure to arrive at 5PM when they open. With no reservations or call-ahead seating, you can find yourself in an hour+ wait quickly. Their food is worth every minute, though. They have the best bread starter in the Oak Island area. Their lobster ravioli is 10/10 if you’re looking for an appetizer. We have tried and been impressed with half of the menu for entrees. And make sure to save room for dessert! They have a wonderful tableside selection that includes a classic key lime and a super unique blueberry cheesecake with a granola topping. We come here every year when we visit the island and always enjoy ourselves.
… more
Renee Knight
Best anniversary meal ever! Highly recommend! The rack of lamb, recommended by our amazing waiter Marquis, was incredibly delicious! He recommended a great wine to pair with it! The atmosphere, attentive waiter, food, was beyond our expectations! Thank you for an amazing 23rd Anniversary meal! Marquis also sent a slice of cheesecake with us to enjoy when we got back to our rental! Check out this awesome place! You will not be disappointed!
… more
ECU Football Widow
Delicious duck, friendly service, able to quickly accommodate a party of 8 on the fly on a busy summer night. Maybe we just got lucky with our timing, but our table was ready before we finished our drink from the bar. Great experience.
… more
Phil Potter
Having lived here many years, I don’t know why we haven’t tried this place before but now that I have, it will certainly be a top choice in our dining rotation. Or server was Andrew, quite young but he took care of us like he owned the place. Knew his wines, had sampled the entire menu and was extremely personable. The food was exactly as you would expect – which is to say on par with the ambiance and service, all of which among the best we’ve experienced. It’s easy to burn through a Franklin, but we think we got our money’s worth!
… more
… View more