Food!!! its absolutely delectable, and you can taste the care/attention taken in each and every dish! Paolo is so creative -- they never disappoint read more

Terrible. I am really not sure why the ratings of this place were so good, the food was disgusting. I ordered the rigatoni dish that came with pink sauce and grated Italian cheese. It straight up tasted like Kraft Mac and Cheese. My husband got the orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage, which was slightly better but not by much. Pasta was not great, sausage did have flavor but was very dry. Broccoli was good. Bread was decent. Not good overall read more

Not impressed for the money; just an average place. Here's why... Their wine list needs updating asap... we specifically asked for the 2016 chianti from their wine list, and the server brought out a 2019 version and said it was the same (nope, not acceptable!) We asked for another 2016 bottle of another variety and she came back asking if we wanted the 2019 version, we said just water, thanks. They only gave 2 small slices of bread for the table. Their octopus app was sadly a large bed if greens with 1 leg. (In other establishments you get a few legs/pieces, but this was a bit stingy). Meal and dessert were okay, nothing fabulous The server was still pleasant. read more

Not sure everyone is talking about the same place. The food was below average and the menu is limited. The 2 times we were there we were ignored I guess because we were not "regulars". The last time we attempted to sit at the bar we were told the seats were reserved and she looked annoyed that we wanted to seat at bar and not a table. Her attitude was terrible so we just left. I do not recommend going there. Save your money because it's overpriced. read more

The best dining experience I've had in the last 5 years. It's very clear how much care and attention is put into the food. Service was attentive and prompt. The owner came over after the meal and gave us some wonderful insight into just how his dishes are crafted read more

Our family hosted a repast meal this week. The atmosphere is lovely and cozy. Staff was super attentive and kind. The buffet was delicious! Lasagna, crispy eggplant rollatini, delicate chicken piccata, crispy & flavorful veggies, the best bread ever and the cheesecake was to die for. (Meatballs were noteworthy, as well!) I think we have found our new favor little Italian delight! read more

My favorite Italian restaurant in the New Haven area. Paolo and Elena are always gracious hosts and the food is incredible. Get the ossobuco and crab cakes. Highly recommend. read more

It's always a very pleasant experience. I haven't had a bad dish/experience here ever. A very friendly atmosphere that feels like Sunday dinner with family! read more

We came here last Saturday, right at 4pm when they open. I almost drove right past it! The parking lot is tight, and there's only one way in and out, so you'll have to turn around in the lot to go back out the same way. It all gets a lot better from there! The staff is super attentive and very friendly! Any requests for additional silverware, etc., were immediately taken care of with pleasantness. We shared four appetizers and each had two martinis. We began with their two specials: grilled shrimp in a chickpea sauce, and figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto... WOW! My friend and I loved it. We were ready for more. Next, we ordered the calamari fritti and melenzane ripiene (layers of eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella, topped with marinara). Again, WOW. If we weren't so full, we would've ordered more of the shrimp. For cocktails, we had Paolo's Punch, and cappuccino, Napoli mania and chocolate cherry martinis. They were so tasty. I 100% recommend coming here, but would suggest making a reservation if it's for dinner time. read more

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Our third visit to Paolo Ristorante and the food was fantastic. The atmosphere, ambience and service are all first rate. The dishes are all made from scratch and taste delicious. I highly recommend dining there. read more

We have driven past this place for years and finally decided to give it a try. The staff was nice and friendly but the food was mediocre at best. The seafood in my dish was obviously from frozen and the risotto was nothing more than rice with butter and some thickener. It was a poor representation of a seafood risotto. Maybe I should have played it safe and ordered a chicken parm or something like that or a more simple pasta dish but regardless what I ordered wasn't good so I probably want be back any time soon. There are too many exceptional Italian restaurants in greater New Haven. read more

The food was amazing and plentiful. The staff was engaging, kind ,responsive and helpful. From having a non menu item prepared and served exactly as I remember receiving in Tuscany couldn't have made this first definitely not the last first incredible. Be mindful when order appetizers..they atr phenominal and filling.in particular their special twist of a fried mozzarella that could have been a whole meal. Their political is worth ordering to take home and devour secretly. Can't wait to return.. read more

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A great dining experience! Loved all the foods we had, including the Eggplant appetizer, manicotti, pappardelle boscailo, melenzane ripened. We were a party of 5 plus an 8 month old. Treated awesome by the staff. Can't wait to go back for more amazing Italian food! read more

The most authentic Italian restaurant--food is artfully prepared and served, and the service is beyond gracious.

Ok, this was my first experience at Paolo and I read great things about it, but I can't say the food (this time) was good. My entre was the stuffed shrimp, but the shrimp we smaller than I expected, and that really wasn't the problem. My issue was how it tasted. The dish was smothered in a mayo based sauce that was just over over powering. It was just their interpretation of stuffed shrimp. What I expected was a buttery, shrimp, and savory stuffing, but unfortunately, it was different. Also, the grilled octopus was not chard enough. I was expecting crispy octopus ends, but instead, it was real chewy, alittle took chewy. If I go back, I'll try something else. read more

One of the best Italian restaurants around including New Haven!!!! Good is fresh and Homemade!! Staff couldn't have been nicer. read more

We just tried this place for date night based on a recommendation and LOVED it! Incredible food, fantastic service, romantic atmosphere, and good prices. We will most definitely be back! Can't wait! A hidden gem! read more

this was our first visit to Paolo's. the food, the staff and ambiance was nothing less than awesome. words that immediately come to mind are relaxin, comfortable, delicious and friendly. We just discovered our favorite local restaurant. I highly recommend Paolo's if you want to feel like you just visited Naples. enjoy. read more

We had a lovely dinner here a few nights ago. We were taken to a table in a cozy, comfortable, quiet room. The menu offers many choices, both for starters and main dishes, but it's not one of those huge menus that can be so intimidating. We shared a flat bread pizza , which was just the right size for three people as a starter. Our main dishes, of salmon and stuffed shrimp, were absolutely delicious. We finished by sharing a premise-made Tiramisu which was to die for. Everything we ate that night was of the highest quality, and beautifully cooked. The kitchen at Paolo is clearly skilled and excellent. Our waiter, Ciro, was a delight. Warm and welcoming, attentive without being overbearing, and a true professional. He took us through the menu knowledgeably and helped us make perfect choices all the way through the meal. All told, it was a wonderful evening and we will certainly return. We highly recommend Paolo Ristorante to anyone looking for a really good Italian meal. 5 stars! read more

Excellent takeout experience. The panecotto was rich and tasty. As a non meat eater, I greatly appreciate that you can get a meat free lasagna. It was delicious and a large portion size. The pappardelle allá boscaiola is a favorite of the rest of my family. Very friendly staff. Unassuming place, but given the friendliness of the staff might be a nice place to sit down and eat post covid. read more

We have been a few times. The food is very good and high quality. It seems very traditional like my grandfather used to make us. We will definitely be back again. It is nice to have a great Italian spot back in that location. read more

Excellent Italian fare at good prices. It was our first time to this restaurant and I have to say we'll be going back to try other things on the menu. The staff was great! The chef not only prepared excellent food, he visited the dining area to make everyone feel welcome. read more

Phenomenal food... reminded me of my time in Italy with each bite. I would go out of my way to visit this restaurant again. Beautiful presentation, incredible flavor... quality and local ingredients. We sat outside, others did take out... Everyone we met both working and eating seemed happy to be there sharing the experience of incredible food. read more

Paolo's restaurant is an amazing Italian restaurant. We have eaten there several times and have never been disappointed with any of the many dishes we ordered. Illena and Paolo welcome you with open arms and Ciro greets on you with a big smile . The lasagna and stuffed shrimp are some of our favorites. Wine selection is wonderful and Tiramisu is to die for, so leave room for dessert. Don't want to eat out? Call for take out. Equally great. Try Paolo's...you won't be sorry! read more

Friendly family run Italian restaurant. Food quality was really good. Staff was accommodating and helpful. Everything was fresh and delicious. Salads were great. Lots of flavor but not drowning in dressing. The bread was amazing. Full bar We stopped by for lunch to try something new and I'm very glad we did. Will definitely return. read more

The food was fresh and delicious. We had muscles, meatballs and eggplant for appetizers and chicken scarpiello and salmon for entrees. Both dishes were beautifully presented and the portions were extremely large. Service was great as well. Well priced and a great value. We will return soon read more

We decided to try Paolo because we heard it was good Italian. We were more than pleased with the whole experience.The atmosphere is great, the staff welcoming and the food was fantastic. We enjoyed great appetizers, a flatbread pizza, real old fashion Italian meatballs and 4 perfect entrees. I had the pork osso bucco over tagliatelle which was great. Thank you to Elena for wonderful service and to Paolo for a nice chat after dinner. We will be back very soon. read more

I met my college roommate and her husband here tonight for dinner. They drove up from Darien and I drove down from Berlin. A hard-working family producing food that reflects their dedication to pleasing their guests. The stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer were delicious served along with great bread and excellent olive oil. Our three meals were delicious. Orchetti pasta with sausage and Broccoli Rob, salmon with a light cream sauce, spinach and mashed potato, and Rigatoni with vodka sauce were wonderful! Fair pricing and very large portions. I highly recommend this small, family run restaurant. Hope we can visit again read more

What a find! Wonderful family owned restaurant. The food was outstanding. The staff could not be nicer, waitress, bartender, chef all family members who made sure we were happy with our meals and drinks. read more

A warm and friendly atmosphere, professional, courteous and experienced staff that doesn't rush you. The food was so delicious! It was very fresh and tasty. Nice presentation. Extensive menu. Good sized portions. Impressive wine list. Owners are originally from Italy and bring old world recipes to Woodbridge. So many delicious options on the menu that I can't wait to go back to try more! Put this place on your short list! read more

First time visit to Paolo. It was so delicious from appetizer to dessert. Everything was wonderful from the first minute the four of us was greeted by Cheeto to the Very friendly and attentive wait staff. Each course was plated beautifully. We each ordered something different and all was remarkably good. We thoroughly enjoyed our night out and will definitely return, soon hopefully. I highly recommend Paolo and can't wait to try other menu items. L Fallon read more

Enjoy ever bite. Had stuffed eggplant. Serve it as an appetizer but I order it for my dinner. Chef sent out two.. very generous portions. Wonderful time. read more

We are so happy to find that Paolo is a simply stellar replacement for the beloved Antonio's. Dined there for the first time last night - wonderful experience. From the host to the waitstaff to the owner's little boy who peeped out of the kitchen to wave to us, everyone was terrific. And the food - oh the food! Superbly prepared and so delicious. Can't wait to return! read more

After being in Italy for our honeymoon, my husband and I both agreed this food is delicious and authentic. We have been here a few times, each trying different items on the menu, and we are never disappointed. The staff is warm, friendly, and helpful. The food is delicious. The wine selection is great. All around a wonderful experience!! read more

Overall my first experience was positive. The wait staff were attentive and the food quality was fine for the price. It wasn't the best Italian I have ever had, but it is a great replacement for what was in this location before. The interior is inviting and not too noisy despite the bar being in the center of the dining room. I would recommend people give this place a try. read more

Delicious, fresh food and generous portions We have been several times and it's been consistently excellent. The fish selections are our favorites, as well as the wonderful pastas. read more

Top notch Italian Cuisine! Super waitstaff, amazing atmosphere, they make you feel like you're a part of the family, these people love what they do and have pride in their food, stop in and say Hi Paolo when your looking for a good authentic Italian meal read more

This was a pleasant surprise for us! We were welcomed to an intimate setting by the most courteous staff! Our party had lobster ravioli garnished with a creamy sauce containing fresh cherry tomatoes and shrimp; and stuffed shrimp with the stuffing made of shrimp and scallops. Sadly, there was no room to eat what looked like incredible deserts. So glad we checked this out and will be visiting often! read more

What a terrific find. Delicious food, and great service. We started with perfectly prepared calamari and broccoli rabe as appetizers. Followed by a wonderful zuppa di pesce and chicken scarpierello. Looking forward to the next time! read more

Went here with a party of 12 for a birthday dinner. Excellent customer service and very personable staff - in fact, Paolo, the chef/owner came out of the kitchen to thank us for coming. Bracciole was one of the specials and was a hit. We will definitely be back! read more

Paolo Ristorante - Cappuccino! - Italian Near Me - Woodbridge, Connecticut