Since 1953 Ristorante Paoletti has built a reputation for serving homemade pastas, artisan Italian cuisine, coastal seafood & prime meats. We’re renowned for our commitment to an award-winning wine program prioritizing top Italian and California offerings. In an industry where a decade long run is considered a success, Paoletti’s has withstood the test of time having survived changing locations, recessions, and 13 presidents, one of which frequented Paoletti’s: Richard Nixon. The Paoletti family’s commitment to sharing the food that’s been at the center of their family for 70 years is at the heart of everything we do.
Polished European-style venue offering refined Italian dishes & wine, with separate bar seating.
Caroline
Wonderful meal! We were celebrating our engagement and they were so sweet. Our waiter was excellent and the mood was cozy and elegant. You won’t be disappointed but make a reservation because this place is popular!! And for good reason.
… moreEmily Franklin
This was our first time to the highlands and after researching where to go for my husband and I’s 10th anniversary and my birthday we decided to just walk in on a Friday night We knew we would probably not get a table but we were fine with that. We put our name down for the bar and got a call maybe 45 mins after. Nicole was the bartender and our server and she was excellent! Cocktails were fabulous and the food was fantastic we ended up going back the 2nd night! They change specials daily and the entrees come out pipping HOT, which I dearly appreciate, because no one likes a warm pasta, needs to be HOT and the pasta was al dente, perfect doneness. Ingredients, wines, and ideas for menu come from Italy, and the cakes we had (pumpkin & blueberry) were to die for. Probably some of the best desserts I have had and we lived in Manhattan for 8 years, so that says something! Will absolutely come back and recommend, Mama G and little G were lovely people, customer service goes far in my book and they nailed it.
… moreMark Pollard
This is an incredible restaurant!! We were met by the owner, then greeted again by her beautiful daughter! (You could be sisters! ❤️). The food was beautiful and delicious, and the service was better than any restaurant I’ve ever been to. They treat their guests like family. Everything was so authentic that I thought I was back in Italy !! Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. I can’t wait to see you again soon!!!
… moreJessie B
We had such a wonderful experience! It was our first time dining here, and the service was impeccable, food was fantastic, and we loved the atmosphere. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
… moreWilliam Harvey
“Busy place, must be good” is what we thought, so we decided to wait the 45 minutes. We sat at the bar and Warner the Mixologist was entertaining and informative the entire evening. We ordered the escargot and it looked so good I forgot to get a picture. I ordered the Porcini Tortelloni which was flavorful, and a perfect t cream sauce accompanied the tortellini. My better half ordered the house lasagna. She was dis appointed as something of a tannish grey noodle casserole arrived. Wide egg-type noodles with a beef based sauce. No ricotta, no marinara, no wide lasagna noodles. She had one bite and lost her appetite. We ordered the bread pudding to go, and it was amazing. Could’ve been a great experience if the lasagna was, well, lasagna.
… moreLena Barteck
The food isn’t just amazing but the service as well. 10/10 experience with Heather and Gina one of the owners, she is so in tuned with her customers. A warm welcoming experience! We just happened to go twice on our 4 day vacation it’s that good!
… moreWes
Ristorante Paoletti exceeded our expectations! My wife and I had a fantastic dinner here. You absolutely have to order the Polpetta di Ricotta appetizer—it was delicious.
For dinner, the Gnocchi Monte Blanco stole the show. It was rich, creamy, and cooked perfectly. Great ambiance and wonderful service. The owner was so friendly. She took the time to walk around and speak with the customers. Highly recommended!
… moreShelby Shubird
We finally got a reservation at Paoletti’s after four years of visiting Highlands, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Highlands NC and a true fine dining experience.
We had the Oysters Rockefeller, grouper, gnocchi, tiramisu, and an espresso martini — everything was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.
Service was excellent and the timing of each course was perfect, making the whole evening feel relaxed and special. If you want authentic Northern Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, and outstanding service in a cozy, romantic setting, Paoletti’s is a must.
… moreWilliam Rose
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.
… moreAndrea Giangrosso
If we could give more stars we would! For the last several years we’ve been coming to the Highlands we have eaten at Paoletti‘s. It’s a quaint, cozy, Italian restaurant with food that is amazing! Everyone greets you with a smile and the owner, Mama G, makes sure to stop at everybody’s table as she truly cares about the patrons of the restaurant. Service is impeccable! We definitely make it an annual tradition when we stay in the Highlands to eat here!
… more