Jozanna's — Restaurant in Middlesex

Awful, to say the least. I tried this restaurant with a friend based on a coworker's recommendation. We were both beyond disappointed with the food and service at this restaurant. Here goes... The Jozanna roll appetizer we ordered resembled tuna fish with a horrible sour taste - to say it nicely. We barely touched the food and the waiter came to take the plate and failed to realize the food was basically untouched. The broccoli raab and sausage was acceptable with palatable seasoning. The complementary side salad and free glass of water were excellent; which is why we filled up on salad and water.

The entrees - we ordered broccoli cavateli and osso bucco (evening special). This was the first time I was served broccoli cavatelli in a puddle of chicken broth. The oil was nonexistent and the garlic was almost there. Now, I am a First-Generation Italian who was brought up on authentic Italian cuisine with both my parents and grandparents growing up in Italy. I have ordered Osso Bucco more times than I can count and this dish was nearly revolting. While the meat was tender and braised correctly, a canned/uncooked tomato sauce (if you can call it that) was slapped on top of the pappardelle and meat. The horrible taste of the sauce ruined the dish, an opinion unequivocally shared by both of us. I am hoping to salvage my $28 piece of braised Osso Bucco by doing a thorough rinse under water and making the correct braised sauce that should be served atop an Italian Osso Bucco; apparently much different than that of Jozanna's variation, which I was told was "their way" of doing it.

When I informed the restaurant owner/manager, I have never felt so disrespected and offended by somebody. Despite my being polite and tactful with my distaste of their "red sauce", I was told, "Oh, well that's the way we make it. Are you a chef?" When you are the only single restaurant in the world that makes it like this and it is unpalatable, perhaps one should be more receptive to a restaurant patron's opinion. At the very least, I expect one to respect and acknowledge my recommendation in a circumstance like such.

Never did a waiter or manager question the nearly untouched plates as they were consistently picked up and quickly told, "No need to bring that home." The last Tiramisu dessert we tried was good - I'm sure it was not from this kitchen since it was authentic to Italian Tiramisu, and surprisingly not done "their way" this time. Thankfully! As my friend says, "there is absolutely NO reason to ever come here again" and to all of you out there, only come here if you are looking for the unauthentic "Jozanna’s way" with a few containers of Pepto Bismol handy. And I guess the last good thing is I assume the back kitchen area is clean since not even the rats want to come here with this awful food. Now, I am on my way home to go fill up on a...

Okay so here's my take on it. Please advise only because this is my experience only. So the food was amazing and I would definitely order from them again most likely have them delivered. It was my first time going in there. And however I'm afraid to say that Even though I did give All Stars to everything. Me and my family didn't feel welcome. Our server was great very kind young lady with dark hair. The two young males even tho they were not our servers they were very nice and very kind. Now i don't want to put the blame on anyone. I'm going to assume he is the owner. I did ask because I'm not familiar with the place if they have pizza for my daughter. He didn't seem too happy or too nice. It's more like he didn't seem like he is a patient person. I have a small daughter that's 7 years old who had to need the restroom. An yes she had to go more than once. But there there was one young lady maybe teenager or early twenties who is just staring at us and rolling her eyes at us as if there was a problem. She was also constantly rolling her eyes from the moment I walked in and was staring us unpleasantly. She huffed and puffed again rolling her eyes because my daughter had to use the bathroom more than once as some little kids might have to. My daughter was joking around with me while waiting for the bathroom and gave me a nasty star.It just really made me feel uncomfortable and not welcome. I didn't feel like they wanted us there. We felt like there were some regulars there which is very nice and were treated very well. I would definitely like to maybe come back to give it another try because the food is good. Just hope that me and my family don't feel the same...

We have been dining here for years and it is our very favorite spot and there is nothing like it! Owned by the most lovely family who are always present with a smile and warm greeting. Frank, Joe, Chris, Tony and everyone, treat you like family from the moment you walk into the door. Owner Frank sings opera and will surprise you at impromptu moments when he becomes inspired and his voice is up there with the greats!! This is just one of the very special and unique parts of the dining experience. Now onto the food....coming from Italian descent (although a very Irish maiden name thanks to my dad); my mom's father born in Italy and my grandmother Helen was the finest Italian chef I ever knew. Therefore our standards of what we consider true, good, authentic Italian food are very high....and Josanna's food does it every time!! Consistently outstanding, delicious and I mean delicious; and, portions are generous for those who have a hearty appetite (which we do :) ) The Sunday Gravy like my Nana Helen's.....the Chicken Christine my personal favorite and the MUSCLES are like you have never seen or tasted and made in a light fresh tomato sauce that is BEYOND tasty. Son Joe is another gem and he can cook too! Tony always takes such good care of us and sometimes knows what we want even before we do and never makes us feel rushed. This place is a true, one of kind gem; and, the only reason I haven't reviewed it sooner is because my husband Guy and I don't want too many people to know about it :) :) So excited to be taking my parents there tonight for the first time as they keep hearing us rave about "Josanna's". Can't...