Joseph's Italian Bistro

Dinner after the movie. It's been quite a while since we were here. Still great food and service. Relaxing atmosphere even with a full house. I had to try the lasagna again, and it was better than I remembered. Wifey went with veal and loved it. Definitely recommend reservations.

I was a solo female traveler and this place was perfect for me. The staff was very friendly and made sure I was cared for and comfortable. The food was great but maybe not out of this world. I am a tough food critic though

They don’t take reservations, so either get there early or be prepared to wait. The bread they bring is SO good…don’t eat too much! They make great cocktails, or the wine selection is also good. The appetizers are to die for, entrees are delicious. Try to save room for dessert, but they’ll make it to go if you can’t manage. Overall a great dining experience. It’s on the top of our list every time we come to Oak Island.

Exceptional food in a quaint atmosphere. Great presentation, plenty of options. Veal was very tender. Shrimp and grits had a tasty sauce. Lasagna was huge and delicious. Don't miss the dessert tray!

*Update* so it’s been a while but I went back to Joseph’s. Still good as ever. I had the Lasagna again and it’s the best I’ve ever had. Service and atmosphere perfect. Do yourself a favor and visit. End of update* A fantastic restaurant. Great atmosphere and the staff is excellent. I have only had the Lasagne while dining here because it's the best I've ever had. I can't make myself order anything else. My wife loves Joseph's as well. I highly recommend.

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.

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

A great Italian restaurant! Try the veal and complete the experience with light and lively tiramisu .

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.

Joseph's Italian Bistro's food reputation preceded itself. We have met countless people since our move to Brunswick County in June 2023, and a large portion of them insisted we give it a try. As I do the first time I dine at an Italian Restaurant, I ordered the Lasagne and my wife had the Double Lobster Tail entree Special. But not before I had the Meatball appetizer and my wife had Mussels in Red Sauce. EVERY bite was extremely gratifying. The desserts had to be taken home to enjoy. I of course had to go with the chocolate cake while my wife went with her usual, a Cannoli. Wow.
It is always nice to see people enjoy what they do. That is the case with the awesome Servers at Joseph's Italian Bistro. When we go out, we like the server to know we are there not just to eat, but to Dine. Our Server Kara understood that. At no time did we feel rushed. And yet, it seemed everytime we required something, Kara always magically appeared.
We both strongly recommend Joseph's. Don't be hesitant to go when you hear people speak of the "long line" or that you'll have to wait for a table. We arrived shortly before they opened at 5pm on a Saturday (in February) to a short line out front, which quickly grew. However to the best of my knowledge, everyone was seated immediately. We suspect that will be different during the summer months. The ambiance is wonderful, with seating outside with a lovely view of the Intercoastal Waterway.
We can't wait to return.
Thank you

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!

After closing on our home July 3rd and then unpacking for a couple of days we needed a break. Decided to try Joseph’s and We were very surprised when we didn’t have to wait for a table. Our server was amazing and the food was delicious!

Italian food with good specials. Great service.

If you’re looking for the best overall fine dining experience in the Oak Island/Southport area, Joseph’s is the place. Simple Italian/chop house options that are done spectacularly well. You can tell all of the little things are done right. The entire staff is well versed on the menu, have great attitudes, and they truly care about your experience. Ashley was tremendous and really made our night great. It’s obvious Joseph’s is a well run restaurant that delivers and is very much worth it.

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.

We did not have reservations but we were seated right away outside as we requested. My grand daughter was treated so well. She is only 2! Marques offered great menu advise. Daughter ordered fruitt de mar with Alfredo sauce, I ordered cheese ravioli with shrimp and scallops. Both were delicious!

Visited Joseph's for dinner. Started with the calamari and lobster ravioli as appetizers. My wife ordered the carbonara and enjoyed it - lots of bacon.

I ordered the veal chop and it was juicy and cooked perfectly. Very tasty.

Waiter didn't seem to know what beer was on tap, and made little effort to try and find out and/or explain. Otherwise, service was prompt.

I'd certainly go back again. Nice atmosphere, good food.

Been here a few times and it's always good. Angus steak was awesome. Husband got the veal chop and it was delicious. Wine was real good. To top it off, Mandy was great server. Checking on us to make sure everything was good. For a laugh, ordered another glass of wine. She put it on the table and picked up my 1st glass of wine and what little was left put it in the second glass. No one's ever done that before. Lol. Thanks. Another trip here and again good service and food. Will return.

Wonderful hidden gem! Soooo happy to have found this place while on vacation! Would highly recommend the grouper! Definitely sit on the patio!

It was a excellent night great food staff was very friendly right on top of things very professional, and dinner overlooking the water