Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Papa Joe's

    3.2 (151 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Italian
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Papa Joe's Takeout or Delivery

    Papa Joe's Photos

    Business Info

    PAPA JOE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Papa Joe's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Homemade Baked Gnocchi
    Jill S.

    Papa Joes has become our favorite local pizzeria. Just a fantastic NY style pie! But it's not just the pizza that's amazing, everything we have ordered has been great! Our favorites are the baked gnocchi (just wow!) the meatball sub and/or the chicken parm sub (the best chicken parm sub in CFL and it's made on a sesame seed roll which is next level!) If you live in the area and your family needs a go-to Italian restaurant, choose Papa Joes.

    Sicilian Salmon with garlic broccoli for my gluten allergy.
    Karen A.

    We have never had a bad meal here. We have eaten the pizza, gluten free white pizza, lasagna, cake and many other items on the menu. They have all been delicious. Tonight was really spectacular. I had the Sicilian Salmon without the butter sauce for my gluten allergy. It was so fresh. Just the right amount of seasoning, the broccoli was tender but not too much and the lighter sauce was so good and lemony, I loved it. My friend and hubby had sausage ravioli which they both enjoyed and her husband had lobster ravioli which was in a pink sauce and stuffed nicely. The service was impeccable and we almost always get a hello from the owner-tonight it was a Merry Christmas wish and wonderful conversation. Don't miss this little gem plus they have two more in Lake Mary.

    Joe's Antipasta Salad. This was good.
    Art H.

    In my heart of hearts, I want to give this place a high ranking. But, it's getting 3 stars, which is a C grade. First off, the ambience is fun and a bit campy. It's decent enough. A mix of Italian-inspired decor, with tons of Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia (which is cool) and then old food service posters - you know those posters about cheese, tomatoes, deli meats, etc. So, it's all a mish-mash. But you get the point that the owner is an old-school, real Brooklyn-Italian. And he is. And he's really, really nice. And cares about food and restaurants. That's why I want so badly to give this place a 5, but because of the food, it's a 3. So what was good? Well, Joe's Antipasta Salad is actually very good. Large portions of meat and cheese on lettuce and a really good Italian dressing make this salad, not only a good value, but something you could devour after a workout, and still feel good about, while getting in some serious protein. So yes it was good, although it did have that food-service kitchen quality to it, rather than genuine restaurant quality. Let's get to the disappointing part. The garlic knots. They were dry, hard and stale almost. Covered in oil and basic, raw minced garlic. If you've been to a great Italian joint, or other places in Orlando (I'm talking about you Pizza Bruno) you know how good a garlic knot can be. Here, they were just bad. Not a pleasure to eat. Tough on the stomach. And almost thrown together. Then the pizza, which I ordered super thin and crispy. It came out not that way. It was chewy and still doughy. The cheese and sauce were good, but nothing remarkable. But again, it just doesn't come close to other places with smashingly good pizza. It's just really average. Which is the fitting term for this place in general. Really, really average. Hence 3 stars. Yes, it's a heart-warming local joint, with all of the best intentions. But somewhere that doesn't translate onto the plate. I wouldn't say don't go, but I wouldn't make it a special trip. And stay away from those knots.

    Brian M.

    Not the same Poppa Joe's as the years go by and time passes. Probably more of a 3.5 these days but still a good joint to stop by for a couple of cuts and a coke. Still wish they sold the bianca by the slice like they do in most pizza joints.

    Hot garlic crispy wings. Delicious!!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Hands down, my favorite lasagna around!! Always delicious, cheesy and saucy. It reminds me of home.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great service and good food . I have been going there for years .... I never got a dish I didn't like.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gipsy G.
    50
    108
    119

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Itz F.
    0
    89
    30

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Loren K.
    31
    18
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Had Lasagna and it was not fresh or was cooked to much. Had the(you know whats) the next morning,

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cailey R.
    22
    179
    161

    4 years ago

    Awesome local spot! Wings are always tasty and I cannot recommend the cheesy fries enough!! Soo good!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Papa Joe's

    You might also consider

    Nonno's Italian Restaurant

    Nonno's Italian Restaurant

    4.6
    (620 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    For some hearty authentic Italian food, Nono's is always our go to…read more The staff is so friendly and nice. They remember their repeat customers, which are a lot of them. The food is just so delicious, I have loved everything I've ever tried here. I always start with a side Caesar salad. I love their homemade Caesar dressing. Their homemade croutons are addictive. I sometimes ask for extra just because I love crunching into them. Tonight I got the gnocchi alla vodka and added meatballs. Those meatballs are so big, they are a meal in themselves. The vodka sauce is definitely one of my favorites around. So creamy and has a lot of flavor. The gnocchi were tender and I couldn't stop popping them in my mouth. We enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner, which helps complete the Italian atmosphere. Surrounded by good friends, delicious wine and great tasting food, what more could you want?!

    Nonno's is definitely one of my favorites in town. Their complimentary bread with pesto alone is…read moreworth the trip out to Altamonte Springs. They now started selling it by the jar to take home! We started with calamari and mozzarella sticks, for the main, my husband always orders the tortellini di leo and I had the carbonara. All of the dishes were so flavorful and portions are large. One thing to note is that they don't take reservations, so expect a wait if you go around their peak dinner time (around 6pm). Worth the wait though!

    Photos
    Nonno's Italian Restaurant
    Tiramisu
    Tiramisu
    Restaurant Front

    See all

    Restaurant Front
    Cafe Murano

    Cafe Murano

    4.0
    (603 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Food was absolutely delicious! Fresh ingredients, savory flavors, plentiful portions!…read more Service was friendly, warm, and welcoming! My go to spot for Italian food!

    After a prolonged desire to dine at this establishment, my husband and I finally made the decision…read moreto do so on a romantic evening. However, I must express my disappointment with the overall experience. The menu, while seemingly promising, fell short of expectations. While I would be willing to elaborate on the specific dishes that did not meet my standards, it would be excessive. The staff was a mix of friendly and unprofessional. One of the male staff with long hair displayed poor decorum when we entered the dining area, making the experience uncomfortable. Furthermore, the staff engaged in unnecessary conversations from a distance, as if the restaurant were deserted. While the inside section was relatively empty and we were the only client in the interior area, this did not deter the staff from running around and acting as if they were late or overworked. The overall experience was uncomfortable. In contrast, our waitress was exceptionally pleasant and attentive. Despite our lack of interaction, she continued to engage in conversation with me while completely ignoring my husband. It is unclear whether this was due to my Caucasian appearance and my husband's African American background, or if there was another reason. However, it was evident that they were solely interested in hearing my opinions and orders.

    Photos
    It's a cozy, romantic vibe inside.
    It's a cozy, romantic vibe inside.
    Stuffed meatball appetizer - $15
    Stuffed meatball appetizer - $15
    Cross section of a stuffed meatball. 2 for $15

    See all

    Cross section of a stuffed meatball. 2 for $15
    Francesco's Ristorante Pizzeria

    Francesco's Ristorante Pizzeria

    4.2
    (734 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    I would like to say that Francesco's has the best Italian food in Florida and we come from New York…read more. It is our go to spot at least three times a month we absolutely love everyone they are from the owner Francesco to Ben the other chef they put so much effort into their food and what quality it is absolutely delicious. The specials on the weekend are outrageous and very well priced , the staff is absolutely incredible. If you have not tried Francesco's in Maitland I highly recommend you do I guarantee you will not be disappointed . Everything is magnificent and so fresh made to order right there . Go try it it is a great atmosphere also so much fun every time we go and never disappointed. I am so upset on this review that I cannot leave photos of the food because every time we go we take a photo of the food the portions are huge you always have left over to bring home . Thank you Francesco's for such Fine Food and a great price .

    After hearing from my family for years about this place, I finally had the pleasure of experiencing…read morethis restaurant for myself. We had a later reservation, but the restaurant was still packed and lively! The food was fantastic as a whole. Bread service, great. We got a half order of regular mussels and half order of spicy mussels (spicy was my fav of the two). House salad comes with a great balsamic dressing. All of the dinners were authentic, large portioned, and reasonably priced for the quality of the meal. The only real average portion of the meal was the side of meatballs, but I may be partial (my grandmother is Italian and makes homemade meatballs that cannot be beat ). The desserts were also phenomenal - we got a pistachio cake and a lemon cake. Couldn't decide which I liked better. Only feedback for this fantastic meal was....they had a fun live singer/italian band that went from table to table. As fun as it was, they were so so so loud that it was difficult to talk at your table if they were singing anywhere near you in the restaurant. All in all, 5/5! A must try.

    Photos
    Private dining for parties, etc.
    Private dining for parties, etc.
    Grouper and shrimp special, Branzino, gluten-free pasta
    Grouper and shrimp special, Branzino, gluten-free pasta
    As you come in the back entrance

    See all

    As you come in the back entrance

    Papa Joe's - pizza - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...