Italian Restaurant ‘Josephine’ Coming To Somerville's Cambria Hotel

SOMERVILLE, MA – A new Italian restaurant is set to open in mid-to-late April in Somerville’s Cambria Hotel.

The restaurant, called Josephine, is named after chef Michael Scelfo’s grandmother and is a culinary tribute to his Italian culinary heritage.

Scelfo is the chef and owner of Alden & Harlow – named one of the “Best Restaurants in the World” by Conde Nast– as well as The Longfellow Bar and Waypoint.

“When conceptualizing Josephine, I looked back on the moments in my life that brought me the most joy – childhood memories in my grandmother Josephine’s kitchen - trips to Italy with my wife, Ellen - and adventures across the country with my children in search of the best slice of pizza,” Scelfo said in a news release.

“These moments shape who I am today: an Italian American, a restaurateur, a father, and a cook. I’m excited to share the story of my culinary journey and how my personal experiences have woven together to shape my take on Italian food,” he added.

Josephine’s menu celebrates the evolution of Italian cuisine with a nod to classics and a wink to modern interpretations.

Customers can expect to see classic pizzas and creative contemporary pizzas on the menu, such as “Jo’s Classic Deep Dish Pizza” made with a butter crust, whole milk mozzarella and Linny Ray’s Sauce as well as “Rosemary’s Baby Pizza” made with roasted chicken, potato, fontina and caramelized onion, among many other options.

Apart from pizza, the menu offers a dry-aged burger on a focaccia roll with overnight onion jam, muenster, and aioli served with oven steak fries as well as veal tonnato.

The restaurant bar features a variety of cocktails alongside Italian and American wines and beers. Martinis will be available on tap, and will feature unique garnishes such as stuffed olives and homemade gelatins in flavors like rhubarb and citrus.

The restaurant's interior design is an homage to Scelfo’s family. Personal photos of his family and family trips will decorate the walls alongside monochrome drawings by local artist Christopher DeLorenzo.

DeLorenzo, a close friend of Scelfo’s, will also illustrate the menu.

Soft industrial-style lighting will complement Josephine’s Carerra marble, penny tile flooring, long white marble bar, and high wooden ceilings. Josephine will also feature ample outdoor seating, with a dedicated bar and firepit for al fresco dining.

Somerville community members can learn more by visiting Josephine’s website and on Facebook and Instagram (@josephine_pizza).