Paola's

06/30/2008 Posted by Johvanny

First, make a reservation (sometimes they are very full) . THe let the very good service and fatntastic food take you in this beautiful experience

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

08/13/2006 Posted by keesh

I called to make a reservation, asked if they had a garden and they said yes. The "garden" turned out to be the noisy sidewalk. The staff was aloof, no...make that snotty and the food was quite mediocre. For better (and less expensive) Italian, go to Tiramisu in the same neighborhood, 3rd ave and 80th street.

04/27/2006 Posted by casey85281

I went to Paola's for dinner last weekend with a friend. We both knew very little about the restaurant going in, so it was basically an experiment - and we enjoyed a truly exceptional meal. The front dining room was cozy and easy to have a conversation in, despite it becoming more and more packed as the evening went on. (Definitely make reservations!) Appetizers arrived quickly and were delicious, the main dishes were distinctive and memorable, and the desserts were scrumptious. Service was quick, helpful, and friendly throughout the meal. The wine list is extensive, as is the variety on the menu. Summing up, I have only great things to say about Paola's!

Pros: great food, fine service, cozy atmosphere

Cons: reservation taker was, um, a little abrupt, but no big deal

11/27/2005 Posted by jbarie

WE ARRIVED AT 6:OOPM SAT NITE. AND WERE PROMPTLY SEATED IN THE COMFORTABLE ,COZY BACK ROOM. WE WERE IMPRESSED WITH THE ITALIAN WINE LIST &HAD A WONDERFUL SANGIOVESE RED FOR $35. THE 1/2 ORDER PRIMI PASTA DISHES "BLEW" US AWAY..TRY THE PAPPARDELLE WITH DUCK SAUCE OR THE LINGUINI BOLOGNESE, THE GRILLED CALAMARI COATED WITH CRISPY BREAD CRUMBS WAS WAS ALSO A WINNER. THE BRONZINI REMINDED ME THAT FISH DID NOT HAVE TO BE BORING. THE DEBONED CORNISH HEN WAS MOIST AND FLAVORFUL . FINALLY , THE RICOTTA CHEESE CAKE WITH AN INTENSELY FLAVORED DECAF ESPRESSO WAS A PERFECT FINALE. THE SERVICE WAS CIVILIZED & INFORMATIVE;WE NEVER FELT RUSHED , EVEN THOUGH PATRONS WERE WAITING TO BE SEATED.BY THE TIME WE FINISHED..... WHAT A GREAT FIND WHICH IS SOMEWHAT UNDERATED BY ZAGAT AT 22. THE TAB WAS $200 FOR 4 PEOPLE. JBARIE

Pros: PASTAS, WINE, SERVICE

Cons: NOISEY FRONT ROOM, CROWDED AFTER 8:00

02/23/2005 Posted by xpuhlode

If you enjoy eye rolling from the waiter, spending tons of money to have horrendous service, and getting average food for your money, then you've found your restaurant. First, I went on Valentine's Day and waiters were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Not very romantic at all. Second, my waiter (male) obviously has a superiority complex. When i did not want to check my coat, i got an eye roll. Another when I did not feel like wine. No appetizer for my girlfriend, and yet more eye rolls and a gnome-like snort. Our appetizers took an hour to arrive, and I got some excuse as to how the mussels take a long time to cook. They were also growing my salad. Third, the food was average. The wild boar pasta special tasted like beef stew. Not bad, but not great. Overall, a huge disappointment.

Pros: Eh

Cons: Disorganized, Superduper waiter, Average food

02/15/2005 Posted by karmacoma123

I don't think I have received worse service anywhere else. First, it took around 45 minutes for our appetizers to arrive, and this was after we asked them to check with the kitchen why our appetizers (a salad and mussels) were taking so long. Then, the entrees arrived before the appetizers. The waiter was unexcusably rude and blatantly treated customers who were willing to spend more better. We saw his eyes literally lighting up with joy when the table next to us ordered an expensive wine. Guess what? Their salad arrived in 5 minutes. Food is good, but not exceptional enough to redeem service.

Pros: good food, intimate atmosphere

Cons: RUDE service, long wait for food, not enough waitstaff

02/15/2005 Posted by morello

I thought the food was very good but romantic I wouldnt say that the tables are basically on top of each other I could barley move. The food is very good though and so was the service.

Pros: Good Food, Service good

Cons: Little Pricey, Tables to Close

08/30/2004 Posted by c7500

HAD DINNER THERE RECENTLY WITH SOME FRIENDS, THE MENU HAS CHANGED SOMEWHAT, BUT THE FOOD IS JUST AS GREAT AS EVER. LOTS OF NEW ITEMS TO TRY AND ENJOY. LOVED THE SKIRT STEAK WITH THE BROCCOLI RABE AND THE PORK CHOP SPECIAL. WE WILL BE BACK, THIS RESTAURANT IS A GREAT FIND.