Paola's Osteria Introduce
Paola's Osteria is a true gem nestled on Madison Avenue, bringing the heart and soul of Italian cuisine to the Upper East Side of New York. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like family, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to savor authentic flavors, relax in a cozy setting, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a long-time local or just visiting, Paola's Osteria offers a taste of Italy right here in NYC, with a menu crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for tradition.
The menu is a celebration of classic Italian dishes, meticulously prepared to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient. From the moment you open the door, you are greeted with such warmth, and it sets the tone for the experience you are about to have at this family-owned restaurant. The pasta dishes are a highlight, seasoned to perfection and made with fresh ingredients that will absolutely blow you away. The artichokes are also a standout, cooked and prepared with a unique touch that showcases the chef's skill. With a comprehensive selection of antipasti, salads, and main courses, plus a stellar wine list, there's something to delight every palate. Every visit feels special, and you'll find yourself cleaning your plate every time.
Paola's Osteria is conveniently located at 1246 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA, making it a perfect dining destination for those in the Upper East Side and beyond. The restaurant’s prime location puts it within easy reach of many local attractions, and it's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and subways. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it's worth noting that this is a busy area of the city. The restaurant is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all guests, offering wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and seating. This attention to detail ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal in a comfortable and accommodating environment. The central location adds to the trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere, making it a great spot for both a planned dinner or a spontaneous meal with friends and family.
The atmosphere at Paola's Osteria is best described as casual, cozy, and trendy. It's the kind of place where you can feel at ease whether you're on a date, enjoying a family dinner, or dining alone. The welcoming environment is popular with locals and groups alike, reflecting its reputation as a community favorite. The fact that the restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining speaks to its versatility and appeal. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant does tend to fill up quickly, a testament to its popularity and fantastic food.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full dining experience with table service in the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Takeout: Prefer to eat at home? Call ahead to place your order and pick it up at your convenience.
- Delivery: For those nights when you don't want to leave the house, the restaurant offers delivery service so you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for dinner. This helps ensure you get a table without a wait.
- Full Bar Service: A full bar is available onsite, featuring a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to complement your meal.
- Catering: While not explicitly mentioned in the data, many restaurants with this setup can accommodate large groups or special events, so it's worth inquiring about.
- High Chairs: The restaurant is family-friendly and provides high chairs for children, making it easy to dine with your little ones.
- Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the fast and efficient service, ensuring you get your food and drinks promptly without feeling rushed.
- Great Coffee: The coffee is highly rated, offering the perfect finish to any meal or a welcome pick-me-up during lunch.
- Great Wine List: The restaurant boasts an excellent wine list, with both red and white wines available by the bottle, including a wonderful Barbaresco and other Italian favorites.
- Outdoor Seating: For those who enjoy dining al fresco, the restaurant offers outdoor seating. This is also a fantastic feature for pet owners, as dogs are allowed outside.
- Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as the Rigatoni Alla Norma and Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Comfort Food: The menu is packed with classic comfort food dishes that are both hearty and satisfying, from traditional pasta to delicious roasted meats.
- Authentic Italian Cuisine: The food is known for being authentic and deeply satisfying, with flavors that transport you straight to Naples or Rome.
- Family-Owned: As a family-owned establishment, the restaurant is celebrated for its warm, welcoming, and accommodating nature.
Address: 1246 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Phone: (212) 923-5820
Mobile Phone: +1 212-923-5820
Paola's Osteria stands out for a multitude of reasons, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in New York seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. The friendly, professional, and family-owned atmosphere is the first thing that will strike you. The warmth of the staff is consistent, from the moment you are greeted at the door to the final goodbye, which makes every visit feel special and personal. It’s an environment where the service is not just fast but also accommodating and kind.
The menu itself is a compelling reason to choose Paola's Osteria. The dishes are based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, but with a refined touch that makes them truly memorable. The Capricciosa pizza is a great example of their expertise, described by one customer as "pure perfection" with its beautifully charred Neapolitan crust and balanced flavors of prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms, and olives. The Margherita is also celebrated for its divine simplicity, where the fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil truly shine. Their pasta is another showstopper. Customers rave about how the dishes are seasoned to perfection, with fresh ingredients that are "so yummy." The Pappardelle Al Cinghiale and Rigatoni Alla Norma are just a couple of the many pasta dishes that showcase the depth of flavor the kitchen achieves.
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the experience. The excellent coffee and great wine list perfectly complement the meal. You can find everything from a classic Montepulciano D'Abruzzo to a crisp Pinot Grigio, ensuring you can find the perfect pairing for your dish. The ambiance—casual, cozy, and trendy—makes it a perfect spot for any occasion, whether it’s a solo meal, a romantic dinner, or a lively gathering with friends. The fact that they are popular for both lunch and dinner, and are a favored spot for locals, speaks volumes about their consistency and quality.
Finally, the value provided for the quality of food and service is exceptional. The portions are generous, the ingredients are high-quality, and the overall experience is consistently positive. Paola’s Osteria is a true neighborhood gem that delivers authentic Italian dining without leaving NYC. It's a place where you'll clean your plate every time and leave with a smile on your face, eager to return.
Paola's Osteria Food & drink
Antipasti
- Antipasto Misto $44.00
Selection of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and olives. Nice to share
- Caprese $26.00
Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and basil.
- Zucchine Chips $24.00
Fried zucchini chips, garlic aioli.
- Polpettine $24.00
Beef meatballs, zesty tomato sauce, ricotta.
- Funghi E Fagiolini $24.00
Sauteed portobello mushroom, string beans, cannellini beans.
- Arancinette $22.00
Saffron risotto balls, meat sauce, green peas,
- Calamari Fritti $25.00
Fried calamari, chives aioli, lemon marinara.
- Cocktail Di Gamberi $26.00
Jumbo shrimp cocktail.
- Cozze Marinara $24.00
Steamed Maine mussels in white wine Light Tomato sauce and fresh herbs
- Minestrone $20.00
home made vegetables soup
- Suppli' Di Granchio $28.00
Crab cakes, creamy red peppers sauce
Insalate
- Buzzy $24.00
Red beets, rughetta, green peas, roasted peppers, tomatoes, avocado.
- Classic Cesare $22.00
Classic Romain lettuce, croutons, caesar dressing
- Misticanza Con Pere E Pecorino $22.00
Mesclun greens, bartlet pears, walnuts, fresh pecorino.
- Toscanella Salad $22.00
Baby Tuscan kale, giant beans, crispy shallots, crispy bacon lemon dressing
Contorni
- Roasted Potatoes $14.00
- Mashed Potatoes $14.00
- Tuscan Fries $14.00
- Broccoli Di Rapa $17.00
- Spinach $17.00
- Brussels Sprouts $17.00
- String Beans $17.00
Pasta
- Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe $32.00
Home-made spaghetti, pecorino romano, black crushed pepper.
- Paglia Fieno $34.00
Home-made green and white pasta, mushrooms, prosciutto di Parma, Green peas, cream sauce
- Rigatoni Alla Norma $32.00
Pasta tubes, eggplant, tomato, Basil, ricotta salata.
- Fettuccine Ai Carciofi $36.00
Home- made fettuccine, artichokes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil.
- Paccheri Al Ragu Di Spuntature $34.00
Large pasta tubes, roman style spare ribs and sweet sausage ragout.
- Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese $34.00
Home-made flat pasta, classic beef and pork meat sauce.
- Pappardelle Al Cinghiale $38.00
Home-made pasta ribbons, wild boar ragou, parmigiano regiano
- Spaghetti Pomodoro $29.00
Spaghetti with home made savory tomato sauce
- Penne Alla Vodka $32.00
Penne, pink vodka sauce
- Spaghetti Con Polpette $32.00
Spaghetti, meatballs tomato sauce
- Linguine Fradiavolo $44.00
Linguine with shrimp in spicy tomato sauce
- Spaghetti Putanesca $32.00
spaghetti with black olives, Recca Anchovies, Capers and tomato sauce
- Linguine Alle Vongole $38.00
Little neck clams served over linguine garlic & oil, white wine, herbs
- Penne Butter $20.00
Secondi
- Pollo Al Limone $38.00
Free range chicken breast in lemon sauce, mashed potatoes.
- Cotoletta Di Pollo $38.00
Free range chicken milanese, rughetta, tomato, onions, basil dressing
- Pollo E Salsiccia $38.00
Free range chicken breast chunks, sausage, balsamic reduction, roasted potatoes.
- Pollo Parmigiana $38.00
Free range chicken parm.
- Scaloppine Al Marsala $46.00
Veal scaloppine, marsala wine, wild mushrooms, string beans.
- Saltimbocca Alla Romana $46.00
Veal scaloppine, prosciutto, sage, white wine, mashed potaotes.
- Bistecca Ai Ferri $62.00
Grass fed beef, grilled New York strip, tuscan fries, rughetta.
- Melanzane Alla Parmigiana $32.00
Baked eggplant parmigiana.
- Salmone $46.00
Grilled atlantic salmon fillet, sweet and sour red cabbage.
- Veal Piccata $48.00
Veal Scallopine white wine lemon , capers
- Branzino $46.00
Grilled Mediterranean bass fillet, string beans, purple potatoes
Pizze Rosse
- Marinara Pizza $27.00
Garlic, tomato, anchovies, oregano.
- Margherita Pizza $27.00
Fior di latte, tomato, basil.
- Diavoletta Pizza $32.00
Fior di latte, tomato, spicy salami, nduja, basil.
- Capricciosa Pizza $34.00
Fior di latte, tomato, mushrooms, artichokes, parma ham, olives.
- Isola Pizza $29.00
Fior di latte, tomato, eggplants, basil, primosale.
- Napoli Pizza $29.00
Pizze Bianche
- Madison Pizza $28.00
Fior Di Latte, Gorgonzola,Pears,Walnuts
- Friarielli E Salsiccia Pizza $31.00
Fior di latte, broccoli rabe, sweet sausage, chili pepper flakes.
- Tartufata Pizza $36.00
Fior di latte, porcini, shaved Parmigiana, black truffle carpaccio.
- San Daniele Pizza $36.00
Fior di latte, Prosciutto, baby rugola, cherry tomatoes, Parmigiano.
- Focaccina Pizza $16.00
Mediterranean rosemary focaccia.
Desserts
- Chocolate Mousse $16.00
home made
- Cheese Cake $16.00
home made ricotta & mascarpone cheese cake
- Tiramisu $16.00
Ladyfingers amaretti ,mascarpone cheese, espresso, chocolate
- Pizza Nutella $22.00
Pizza topped with nutella and shaved almonds
- Biscotti $12.00
Home made hazelnut biscotti
- Cannoli $16.00
the original imported from Sicily
- Tartufo $16.00
- Casatelle $16.00
Pastry dough pockets filled ricotta chocolate, served hot
Beverage
- Aranciata Rossa $7.00
italian imported blod orange carbonated beverage
- Gazzoza $7.00
Carbonated lemon beverage
- Chinotto $7.00
- Coca Cola $5.00
- Diet Coke $5.00
- Sprite $5.00
Red wine by bottle
- Nero D'Avola $50.00
- Pinot Nero $55.00
- Barbaresco. Casa In Collina $75.00
- Montepulciano D'Abruzzo $50.00
White wine by bottle
- Gavi Di Gavi $45.00
- Pinot Grigio $45.00
- Sauvignon Blanc $45.00
Paola's Osteria Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Paola's Osteria Photos










Paola's Osteria Location
Paola's Osteria
1246 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Paola's Osteria Reviews
environmentmargarita pizzabarfood and serviceguggenheim museumneapolitan pizzamanagementmeatballstiptiramisu
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1From the moment you open the door at Paola's Osteria you are greeted with such warmth. It sets the tone for the experience you are about to have at this family owned restaurant. I absolutely love pasta and have been blown away by the dishes. Seasoned to perfection, fresh ingredients and so yummy. I also applaud the way the artichokes were cooked and prepared. Any and everyone at Paola's are accommodating and kind. I clean my plate every time and I have smiles for days. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend!
March 22 · Nicole AcevedoPaola’s Osteria in NYC is Italian dining at its finest. Their specialty, the Capricciosa pizza, is pure perfection — layered with tender prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms, and olives on a beautifully charred Neapolitan crust. The flavors are balanced, authentic, and deeply satisfying — exactly what a true Capricciosa should be.The Margherita was equally divine, letting the fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil shine in simplicity. Dessert was the sweetest finale: creamy pistachio and vanilla gelati paired with a light, luscious tiramisù topped with chocolate and fresh mint. With crisp Lurisia sparkling water to complement the meal, the experience felt like dining in Naples without leaving NYC.Paola’s Osteria is a true gem — the Capricciosa with prosciutto cotto is worth the trip alone, but the entire menu earns a well-deserved five stars.
August 22 · Brooklyn PCA friend and I popped in here for lunch and were very pleasantly surprised! The service was wonderful (wait staff attentive and helpful) and the restaurant was very quaint on the inside.Now onto the food; we had the eggplant Parmesan and the Tartufata pizza (mushrooms, freshly shaved Parmesan, shaved truffles) and both were excellent. Very light yet filling at the same time. The red sauce on the eggplant parm was excellent too. They had high chairs and were very accommodating to children as well.My ONLY qualm would be that they didn’t have any changing tables in their bathrooms for babies and no countertops either where you can put them down on.
March 05 · Anastasiya VardinI wanted an Italian meal after leaving the Guggenheim Museum (it was about a 3 minute walk). I dined alone. The service was quick and the meal (Salmon with purple cabbage) was good. My only wish was for warm bread (even though my waiter said it was warm, it arrived to me cold) and a non alcoholic drink menu (the bartender came to see me about non alcoholic drinks when I was 3/4 into my meal).I read previous reviews about the lack of customer service and while I personally didn’t have any issues (my waiter was great), I can see how rude service may be interpreted to others. There wasn’t a follow-up/check in when eating my meal (no biggie to me but maybe to others), my waiter did forget my straw (again no biggie to me since I grabbed the one returning from the restroom) and the staff aren’t overly friendly. A manager (my assumption) did ensure that I was receiving service when I first sat down.Restroom was also very clean, spacious by NY standards and had paper towels rather than a hand dryer.
January 08 · Kimberly YoungSo me and my girlfriend, Karolina were going to the candlelight series concert at heaven's church and we had the best time at paola's. We were treated like royalty by the managers Armando and Fabrizio. If you are around the upper East side doesn't matter the day, the time you must come to paola's Restaurant they are fantastic . If I could give them 10 stars, I would we will continue to support this beautiful little Italian gem on the upper side.
April 10 · Brenda Negron
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