Paola's
New York, NY 10028-2973
Phone: (212) 794-1890
- Cross Street:
- Between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- Directions:
- 4, 5, 6 at 86th St
- Hours:
- Sun-Mon 12pm-10pm, Tue-Sat 12pm-11pm
Message from Paola's
The finest Italian cuisine on the Upper East Side
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Selection of many fine wines
- $40/Person Three Course Meal
Paid advertisement by Paola's.
Editorial Review for Paola's – by Jean Tang
The Scene
Paola's is a trattoria in the classic sense: a family-operated spot that has a rustic feel and is intimately linked to its surroundings. This is the sort of place where regulars invent frequent reasons to come, though it's so casual no special occasion is required. On the first visit, service--invariably attentive--runs the gamut from hospitable to gregarious.
The Food
Sublime pastas, robust meats slow-braised to fall-apart tenderness, fresh-dredged seafood. Mozzarella is made to order, served as a warm, still-settling mound resembling soft dough left to rise. The largely homemade pastas achieve harmonic heights--witness a tangle of silky pappardelle in meaty duck ragu, and buttery trofie (a narrow twist) with pesto as coarse as whole-grain mustard. Seconds are uniformly great--stinco d'agnello and braised lamb shank are both tender and substantial. Seafood specials, such as grilled African tiger shrimp, run out rapidly, so be on the lookout.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe smaller and more romantic of the two dining rooms, lined with an open display of bottles, can be reserved for private parties of 35.
Know Before You GoTasting plates--including antipasti and pastas--are not on the menu, but can be requested.
What to DrinkMarco Bottero, the manager, owner's nephew and energetic sommelier, has put together an extensive and affordable list of European reds and whites. The emphasis is on wines which have received Tre Biccheri. Ask the waiters for recommendations.
BrunchBrunch is not served during the summer, when most of the clientele is off in the Hamptons.
User Reviews for Paola's
10/13/2006 Posted by tbrax
We really enjoy Paola's. The food is far better than at many of the "Italian" pasta slop shops in the neighborhood, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. It is rarely crowded, and we have never needed reservations, which makes it perfect for a spur of the moment evening out. It is a bit pricy, but given the alternatives in the neighborhood--either mediocre take-out pasta or over-the-top red sauce Italian places--we're willing to foot the bill for an enjoyable evening out.
Pros: Food, atmosphere, location
Cons: Price
09/23/2006 Posted by ankusharma
Since i am Indian i did not know of any good places for Italian food, but my italian buddies took me here and i had a blast. awsome service love the food. 9/10
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