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Welcome To Ristorante Paoletti
At Ristorante Paoletti, situated in the charming Highlands, North Carolina, Italian culinary artistry comes to life. Founded with a commitment to celebrating traditional flavors, the restaurant showcases a menu filled with decadent dishes, such as housemade Cannelloni and rich Porcini Gran Tortelloni. Every plate reflects meticulous preparation and quality ingredients, evoking the heart of Italy. Patrons rave about the exquisite wine selection, expertly paired with every meal, transforming dining into a memorable experience. Whether it’s an intimate evening or a joyful celebration, Ristorante Paoletti promises an unforgettable journey of flavors, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Polpetta di Ricotta
Risotto w/ Grilled Shrimp & Scallops
Funghi Misti al Rosmarino
Broccoletti al Aglio e Olio
About
Ristorante Paoletti
Welcome to Ristorante Paoletti, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Highlands, North Carolina, at 440 Main St. Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, this restaurant has carved out a solid reputation for providing an unforgettable dining experience characterized by exquisite flavors and exceptional service.
As you step through the doors of Ristorante Paoletti, you are immediately enveloped in a warm, inviting ambiance that sets the perfect stage for your meal. The atmosphere is accentuated by a dedicated staff, including the likes of Mama G and her daughter, who are known to enhance your evening with their hospitality and expertise, particularly when it comes to helping guests navigate the extensive wine list.
- Antipasti Highlights:
- Polpetta di Ricotta: Wagyu beef and ricotta meatballs served in a light tomato sauce, perfectly paired with creamy polenta for just $23.00.
- Calamari Fritti: Gluten-free crispy calamari served with marinara sauce; a must-try at $20.00.
- Frutti di Mare Masterpieces:
- Risotto w/ Grilled Shrimp & Scallops: A beautiful blend of zucchini, basil, and pecorino romano artfully plated for $46.00.
- Cioppino Paoletti: A seafood lover's dream, featuring lobster, shrimp, scallops, and more in a robust marinara sauce for $55.00.
- Secondi Piatto Delicacies:
- Pollo al Limone: Parmesan herb-crusted chicken breast with white wine and garlic confit, priced at $35.00.
- Scaloppine di Vitello al Gusto: Tender veal scaloppine available in two exquisite preparations for $43.00.
Ristorante Paoletti garners rave reviews, with customers highlighting dishes like the ossobuco, gnocchi, and the divine tiramisu. As Joe Carson eloquently puts it, treating yourself to an evening of food and wine here is a true indulgence. Whether you are a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or a newcomer wanting to explore, the flavors presented will transport you straight to Italy. The expert pairing of wines elevates the meal, ensuring that every dish is complemented perfectly.
For a special occasion or a delightful rendezvous with friends, Ristorante Paoletti is the destination for an unforgettable dining experience. Your senses will thank you, and so will your palate. Be sure to make a reservation and dive into a culinary adventure that epitomizes the essence of Italian dining.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Treat yourself to a special food and wine evening with top-notch service and a great wine-tasting experience! We had an awesome night thanks to Mama G, her daughter Little G, and our server Juan. Right from the start, they helped us pick the perfect wine to go with our appetizers of grilled octopus and tasty gnocchi. Their huge wine list really stands out, especially when it’s accompanied by their expert pairing advice. There are lots of reviews about their appetizers and entrees, so I’ll just mention the German Riesling to pair with the Calamari and the reasonably priced Barolo that went perfectly with the elk and mushrooms. Just ask for help. They’ll have a wine selection that fits your palate, food selection and price range. Go there, have fun, and eat well! ”
“ We spent the first night of our honeymoon here, and it was truly unforgettable. The staff, restaurant, food, and overall atmosphere exceeded our expectations in every way. We've visited Highlands several times but had never managed to dine here—I'm so glad we finally did! The service was outstanding, and to our surprise, they even treated us to dessert. We can't recommend this restaurant and its wonderful team highly enough. A must-visit! ”
“ I wish I could give it 6 stars! Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Table of 5. We had ossobuco, gnocchi, lasagna, blackened grouper, oysters Rockefeller, tiramisu and bread pudding. All were simply amazing. In particular, the oysters, gnocchi and ossobucco were out of this world. Service is fantastic, atmosphere is fun. Highly recommended!! Just go. ”
“ The real deal. Our best meal all trip. Don’t miss the meatball, eggplant, and the porcini tortellini — my god. Divine. Grab a table or regret it. ”
“ This place is 5/5!!!!!!!!!! The bartender, Nicole, was absolutely amazing. The food - we got oysters Rockefeller (best ever had), lobster ravioli, lamb chops, and bolognese. Everything tasted extraordinary or like it was straight from Italy. The tiramisu for dessert legit was the best nightcap. This restaurant has been added to our must haves when we visit the Highlands. If you haven’t been, go, it will be the BEST experience and food of your life. ”
“ We love this place and the family who owns it. The tiramisu is to die for! The veal chops and the lobster ravioli are delicious. The wine selection is unbeatable. Not a super kid friendly place, so grab a babysitter! One of our favorite places to eat the last 15 years! ”
“ Dining at Ristorante Paoletti is an experience. I recommend booking your reservation with time. The atmosphere and service were spectacular. A family run restaurant and we met all the family members who were wonderful. We started with the wagyu beef and ricotta meatball with polenta and roasted beet and orange salad as appetizers and both dishes were great. For our entrees we selected the Linguine with grilled shrimp and scallops, pollo al limone with roasted potatoes and one of the specials of the day the halibut. All three dishes had spectacular flavor but the chicken was a little tough and the halibut a bit dry but it didn't take away from a fantastic meal. We ended the evening with desert bread pudding, tiramisu and creme brulee. It was a fine dining experience! ”
“ What an amazing dining experience Paoletti is. Located in beautiful downtown Highlands, they offer amazing food with an incredible menu, awesome wines and cocktails, and personal service that makes you feel at home. The owners visit with everyone and just are so welcoming. Our server, Bryon, was so wonderful. Funny , charming, and took excellent care of us, going above the call of duty. The escargot was phenomenal and there are so many choices. You cannot go wrong here. ”