Paola's Introduce
New York City's dining scene is legendary for its diversity, and when it comes to Italian cuisine, the options can be overwhelming. But for those in the know, a true gem awaits on the Upper East Side. Nestled on Lexington Avenue, Paola's offers a genuine taste of Italy, transporting diners from the bustling streets of Manhattan to a warm, inviting trattoria. This isn't just another Italian restaurant; it's a culinary experience built on authenticity, tradition, and a deep passion for food. As a women-owned business, Paola's brings a unique and personal touch to every dish and every detail, making it a favorite for locals and a must-visit for tourists seeking a memorable meal.
Paola's has built a reputation not just on its food, but on its ambiance. The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, romantic, and upscale, yet it feels genuinely welcoming, not stuffy. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a quiet dinner for two or celebrate with a group of friends. The menu is a thoughtful compilation of classic Italian dishes, with a strong focus on Roman-style cuisine. From the first bite of an appetizer to the final spoonful of a decadent dessert, every dish reflects a commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. The restaurant is particularly well-regarded for its dinner service and is a popular choice for solo diners looking for a refined yet comfortable experience.
Paola's is conveniently located at 1361 Lexington Avenue in the heart of the Upper East Side. This prime location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York City area. The surrounding neighborhood is vibrant and bustling, with various shops and attractions, making it the perfect spot to stop for a meal after a day of exploring.
For those with mobility concerns, Paola's is committed to ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, providing peace of mind for guests who require these accommodations. While street parking is available, it is paid, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead. Whether you're a local walking over or a visitor arriving by public transit, getting to Paola's is straightforward and stress-free.
Paola's understands that modern dining needs flexibility. The restaurant provides a comprehensive range of services to cater to various preferences and occasions.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the full, classic dining experience with impeccable table service in a beautiful, cozy setting.
- Takeout: For those busy nights or a quick, delicious meal at home, the entire menu is available for curbside pickup.
- Delivery: Get your favorite Italian dishes delivered right to your door, bringing the taste of Paola's to you.
- Outdoor Seating: When the weather is nice, enjoy your meal al fresco in the charming outdoor seating area.
- Reservations: To ensure you have a table, especially during peak dining hours, reservations are highly recommended and can be made in advance.
Paola's stands out from the crowd for several reasons that contribute to its celebrated reputation.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: The restaurant is known for its great cocktails and an extensive wine list, curated to perfectly complement the Italian menu.
- Top-Tier Desserts: Save room for dessert! Paola's offers a selection of stellar desserts, including the beloved Tiramisu and Biscotti, which customers rave about.
- Great Coffee: End your meal with a perfect cup of coffee, a small but important detail that makes a big difference.
- Fast Service: Despite being a popular spot, the service is consistently noted for being efficient and attentive without making you feel rushed.
- Upscale & Cozy Ambiance: The atmosphere is a perfect blend of trendy and romantic, with a cozy feel that makes every guest feel at home.
- Women-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as a women-owned establishment, a fact that resonates with many patrons.
Planning a visit or looking to place an order? Here’s how you can get in touch with Paola's.
Address: 1361 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Phone: (212) 794-1890
When you're in New York and looking for an Italian meal that feels authentic and special, Paola's is a top-tier choice. The menu is a celebration of classic Italian cooking, featuring dishes that are hard to find done this well outside of Italy. Guests consistently praise the authenticity of the food, with one diner noting that it truly delivered on a craving for "real Roman-style Italian food" after a trip to Rome. The duck ragu and zucchini blossoms are just a few examples of the standout dishes that have garnered high praise.
Beyond the food, the experience at Paola's is what keeps people coming back. The restaurant's owner, who is also the chef, is known for being friendly and welcoming, creating a genuine sense of warmth. As one regular customer shared, the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both family dinners with a toddler and romantic date nights. The ability of the chef to accommodate special requests, like making a favorite pasta dish that's no longer on the menu, speaks volumes about their dedication to customer satisfaction.
Paola's is not just a place to eat; it's a place to relax, savor, and enjoy the company of others. The combination of its romantic and cozy ambiance, fast and friendly service, and a menu full of organic and vegetarian options makes it a standout choice in a city of countless restaurants. Whether you're a local seeking your new favorite spot or a visitor hoping for an unforgettable meal, Paola's promises a dining experience that feels both luxurious and genuinely heartfelt.
Paola's Vibe
Dessert
- Biscotti $10.40
- Tortino Di Ciocolato $14.56
- Frutta Zabaione $12.48
- Chocolate Mouse $12.48
- Tiramisu $12.48
- Seasonal Mixed Berries $12.48
- Tortino Di Mele $14.56
Sides
- Broccoli Rabe Garlic & Oil $14.56
- Roasted Potatoes $10.40
- Sautéed Spinach $10.40
- Sauteed String Beans $10.40
- Sautéed Mushrooms $17.68
- Spinach Pine Nuts & Raisins $12.48
Specials of The Day
- Carciofi Alla Romana $22.88
Twice crisped baby artichoke hearts in the style of the Roman Jews
- Insalata Di Cavoletti $20.80
- Insalata Di Fichi $18.72
- Branzino $39.52
Grilled filet of Mediteranean branzino served with sautéed spinach
Entrees
- Anatra $43.68
D'Artagan meats seared duck breast, wholegrain red Italian risotto, Itallan mushrooms. house-made apricot mustard, black truffle vinaigrette
- Scaloppini Pallard $40.56
Pan seared thin sliced veal top round served with arugula salad and tomatoes
- Pollo Parmigiana $33.28
Organic local classic chicken parmigiana with tomato sauce and mozzarella gratin
- Pollo Milanese $33.28
Organic local pounded breaded chicken breast with arugula
- Pollo Palliard $31.20
Organic local pan seared chicken breast, arugola salad
- Pollo Piccata $31.20
Organic local pounded thin chicken breast in a lemon sauce and capers served with spinach and roasted potatoes
- Pollo Griglia $31.20
Organic local grilled chicken breast, arugola salad
- Scaloppini Parmigiana $41.60
Pounded breaded veal top round parmigiana style with tomato sauce and mozzarella gratin
- Scaloppina DiVitella Piccata $39.52
Veal scaloppine, in a savory lemon butter and caper reduction served with mash potatoes
Pasta
- Bucatini Amatriciana $29.12
Traditional Roman thick hollow spaghetti, plum tomatoes, pancetta, onions
- Cacio E Pepe $27.04
Roman style house made spaghetti, pecorino cheese, black crushed peppercorns
- Fettuccine Bolognese $29.12
House made fettuccine pasta, La Freida meats grass fed beef & natural hampshire pork
- Trofie Genovesi $29.12
Traditional Ligurian pasta hand-rolled daily at Paolas, fresh basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, potatoes, string beans
- Pappardelle Con Ragu Di Anatra $33.28
Paolas hand made flat ribbon noodles, duck ragu
- Cavatelli Alla Barese $29.12
Traditional Pugliese shell shaped pasta hand made at Paolas, sweet sausage, broccoli rabe
Appetizers
- Polpettine Alla Romana $20.80
American grass fed beef and all natural hampshire pork meatballs, savory tomato sauce, ricotta and pecorino cheese
- Cesare Salad $17.68
Classic caesar's salad with house-made croutons
- Insalata D'Indivia $18.72
Endive and watercress salad, toasted walnuts, granny smith apples, crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Mozzarella $18.72
House-made warm mozzarella with roasted peppers, fresh basil, taggiasca olive vinaigrette
- Rughetta Parmigiano $17.68
Baby arugula with oil, lemon vinaigrette, shaved grana padano
UNCATEGORIZED
- Delivery Order $0.00
- Veal Chop Palliard $57.19
Pat La Feida meats organic grilled veal chop served with spinach and roasted potatoes
Paola's Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Paola's Photos










Paola's Location
Paola's Reviews
winefood and servicediningbrunchduckcacio e pepevealpestoartichokesmozzarella
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Top notch food. I just got back from Rome and was craving some real Roman style Italian food and Paola’s delivered. The duck argue was perfect. The zucchini blossoms stuffed with cheese were delicious. Loved the ambiance. Cozy dark wood, small tables but never felt cramped. Bonus Michael Pollin was sitting at the table next to me. Fun!
July 15 · Frank HWe frequently come here as a family with a toddler and on date nights and we always have an amazing experience. The food is great, the place is warm and cozy with lovely music. We had the pleasure of meeting the chef who owns the restaurant and he was very friendly. Highly recommend the fettuccine bolognese, the pesto pasta dish is not on the menu anymore but it’s my favorite (chef still offered it). The tiramisu and biscotti are great to top off a delicious meal. It’s a gem on the upper east side.
January 03 · Madelin FenianosReally nice, cozy, cute neighborhood Italian spot. They didn’t have many vegan options on the menu but were willing to make us a delicious vegetable pasta with tomato sauce off-menu. We also loved the lentil soup.
June 17 · LaurenA fantastic meal in a beautiful restaurant. We came for an early dinner and were blown away by how wonderful each dish was. We had the duck ragu and the rigatoni with sausage and porcini. Fantastic. 100/10!
April 06 · Katie CunninghamPaola’s is a fabulous upscale restaurant that recently relocated from Madison Avenue to Lexington Avenue. Let me break down our most recent meal. We started off with the warm mozzarella which is hands down the best in the city. The portion is a bit small but the taste makes up for it. We also started with the Arugula Salad which is always very good. For main courses we ordered the salmon, branzino, the veal and the pesto which we got to share. Both fish dishes were a relatively big portion and were very tasty. The veal was small but tasted really great and so did the potatoes that came along with it. Finally, the pesto was a pretty small portion, but very good. For dessert, the cappuccino was just the right size however it could have been a little warmer. We also got the tiramisu which was so so good. Finally the biscottis were just the right thing to top off the fabulous meal. Overall a great experience. 5 stars.
May 04 · Benjamin Sommer
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