Paul & Jimmy’s Ristorante is a historic Italian restaurant in Gramercy Park, Manhattan, proudly serving classic Italian cuisine since 1950. Located at 123 East 18th Street off Irving Place, our beloved neighborhood institution has welcomed generations of New Yorkers for over 75 years. Known for timeless Italian favorites like baked clams, chicken scarpariello, and homemade pasta, Paul & Jimmy’s blends the charm of a classic New York Italian restaurant with a beautiful newly reimagined dining experience featuring a marble cocktail bar, velvet banquettes, and warm ambient lighting. Convenient to Union Square, Flatiron District, East Village, Chelsea, and NoMad, Paul & Jimmy’s remains one of Manhattan’s most enduring Italian dining traditions.
Local restaurant with an old-world vibe and Italian standards, plus popular fixed-price options.
Michael Vito
5/5 Stars – An absolute white tablecloth gem in Gramercy!
Just had the pleasure of dining at Paul & Jimmy’s Ristorante shortly after their recent reopening, and wow—what a spectacular transformation! The newly renovated space perfectly captures a retro look and feel that honors the restaurant’s legendary history since 1950, while feeling fresh, inviting, and timeless. The classic touches warm lighting, elegant yet cozy booths, and that unmistakable old-school Italian charm make you feel like you’ve stepped into a beloved New York institution that’s been lovingly updated for today.
But the real magic is that the soul remains unchanged. Under Chef Greg Azzollini (third generation of the original family!), the food stays true to its old-world roots: rich, authentic Southern Italian dishes made with heart and tradition. We started with the calamari (perfectly crispy) and moved on to the spaghetti carbonara and osso buco—every bite was comforting, flavorful, and exactly what you’d hope for from a family-run classic. Portions are generous, service is warm and attentive, and the whole experience felt like being welcomed into the Azzollini family home.
If you’re looking for genuine NYC Italian with history, incredible food, and now a stunning refreshed interior that blends retro elegance with modern comfort, Paul & Jimmy’s is not to be missed. We can’t wait to go back—easily one of the best meals we’ve had in the city. Highly recommend!
… moreMatthew Savino
A classic NYC italian-american restaurant. It’s not trendy on tik tok and it’s a place where all the real locals go to eat. You can probably grab a table on the weekend without a reservation. The service, food, and prices are great.
Had my 25th birthday party there and they accommodated a beautiful big square table of 11 people.
… moreAlly May
I went here on my birthday trip for my birthday dinner and loved it! The staff were swift (I barely noticed when they’d swoop in and grab a plate), attentive and friendly. The food was really well done, and the atmosphere was warm, friendly and laid back. We will likely visit again on our next trip. I had a great birthday dinner! Thank you!
… moreMark LoGiurato
Northern Italian food at its finest! I had my first date, with my now wife, here 45 years ago and the owner Louie has impressed us with the same quality food and service as the first time we came here. Very good wine selection at reasonable prices. The burrata and beet salad was delicious as a starter. The halibut special was cooked to perfection as was the branzino! A side dish of pasta with oil and garlic was the perfect compliment to the halibut!
… moreMs DA Bacalso
This restaurant is one of my favorite. Years ago before pandemic and when my friend before he retired every week I went and have lunch here. I always have Salmon-from their lunch special menu. The food is always very good. Few months ago and yesterday we had retirements party. The place is not really big but it is nice. The owner and staff so nice.
The party went well most of us enjoyed our meal. And some weren’t maybe because the food little raw. But they fixed it and they were delicious. I love the bread because its hot. All in all food was good. I have little comments they are cheap with sauce. Like eggplant parm, eggplant rollatini and baked clams. But still I Will recommend this place, very accommodating.
… moreSamantha Feld
The saying “when you’re here, your family” is exactly what Paul & Jimmy’s is. I’ve been coming here for years and every time I walk in the door I’m greeted with a huge smile and they know exactly what I want. I love Italian food, especially linguini and clam sauce and prosciutto, and P&J’s is in my top 3 in NYC. From after work drinks to celebrating birthday’s and milestones, this is my go to spot.
… moreJess Kroll
Paul & Jimmy’s is a staple in the Gramercy neighborhood and one of my favorite go-to spots for over five years. Every time I’m there, the staff treats me like family and not to mention, the food is incredible. Oh, and the best part of all, their wine pours are HUGE.
… moreNick Carter
Delicious, authentic Italian food with great service & price! Started with the calamari which was awesome. The carbonara was great and healthily portioned. The gnocchi was very flavorful and definitely homemade. With tourist trap Italian spots scattered around the city, I’d recommend stopping by this place if your nearby.
… moreThomas Fanelli
This place is an absolute gem. Went here for the first time about a week ago and returned again tonight. The service and food were exceptional on both visits. The staff is fantastic and this has quickly become one of our favorite restaurants. We’ll be coming back often!
… moreJulissa Fermin
Let me start by saying that I would had given them 5 stars if it wasn’t for the server. The place is nice, it has a nice atmosphere. The food was delicious. I ordered from the prefix menu, I had a eggplant dish (can’t remember the name), chicken francese, Italian cheesecake, expresso and some Prosecco. It was a great lunch! The food tasted fresh, the servings were good, and the taste was delicious. The server on the other hand, took wayyy too long to even bring me a menu, he seem uninterested, and I felt a little rushed once he brought the menu over. I spoke to him in Spanish because he clearly looks like someone that speaks Spanish but he ignore me; two minutes later he was speaking Spanish to another server. For me this is a big turn off, you shouldn’t be rude like that. The prices were ok. I would definitely go back, hopefully I get a different server.
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