Ristorante Paoletti
440 Main St, Highlands
(828) 526-4906
Recent Reviews
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We had a wonderful dinner here last night with my two children and my parents, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The food was truly memorable—the trout was delicate and perfectly prepared, and the pastas were divine. The gnocchi was light and fluffy, and the lasagna special was rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Juan, our server, was just as delightful as the food itself—attentive, kind, and incredibly helpful, making our multi-generational family feel completely at ease. It’s not always easy to find a fine Italian restaurant that welcomes both children and grandparents so seamlessly, and this place does it beautifully. We can’t wait to return.
Amazing experience from the greeting at the door to the table. 5 Star service. Mama G remembered my husband and I from our visit last Christmas. Don’t skip this Gem ❤️❤️. Highlands best
Our Family first dined at Paoletti a couple of years ago when we visited Highlands with our two sons. We still remember sitting at the table, almost speechless, realizing we were experiencing something truly special. It wasn’t just an exceptional meal, it was an experience that stayed with us long after we left. This past year, our family walked through an unexpected season of challenge. Through all of it, we kept talking about “when we make it through” what would we do, how would we celebrate. Our answer was always the same - we would return to Highlands and celebrate at Paoletti. Last night felt surreal. Sitting at that same table again, looking at my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and blessing. The food at Paoletti quite literally tastes like the love poured into that place. Every bite reflects intension, pride and care, something you don’t find everywhere. We are intentionally teaching our boys to appreciate incredible food, to slow down and savor moments like these, and to understand that experiences like this are never something to take for granted. At Paoletti, you don’t just dine, you are embraced. You feel the generations of family, heart and dedication that have shaped this restaurant. Thank you to Mama G for encouraging and protecting a legacy of excellence. Thank you to the next generation, newly married and ready to carry that legacy forward for the next 72+ years. And thank you to Chef and the entire staff for helping our boys continue to fall in love not only with food, but with life, family and the memories made around the table. Paoletti will forever be part of our family story.
We’ve always enjoyed Paoletti, but tonight (12/20/25) it was truly exceptional. Heather took great care of us, and I especially appreciated her care and attention to my allergy. The martinis were great, and the wine selection was perfect. The escargot was good as usual, and we love their bread. The pasta special was out of this world — the flavors were subtle but superbly blended, and it was not heavy. I wish it were on the regular menu. My husband had a seafood pasta from the regular menu, and it was also very good. I highly recommend Paoletti for a wonderful meal in a lovely setting.
One of our favorite restaurants to visit regularly. From the variety and the taste of the food, to the attention you receive from the instant you enter the door until you leave. They strive to make your experience enjoyable. Very personable.
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!
We visited for our 40th anniversary and were completely satisfied. The food, the staff, and the ambience were all fantastic. From the beginning until we left for the evening, the staff displayed a passion that you rarely see in the service industry today. Wonderful experience !! We will be back !
Last night we had the pleasure of dining at Paoletti, and I can honestly say it was one of the most authentic Italian dining experiences I’ve had in the U.S. I’ve traveled to Italy, and this restaurant truly captures the heart and soul of real Italian cuisine. From the moment we walked in, you could feel the warmth and love that goes into everything they do. This is a true family-run restaurant — the entire family works there, including the wonderful Mama G, and everyone took the time to stop by our table, chat with us, and make us feel genuinely welcomed. The food was incredible — simple, fresh, and full of flavor, just like in Italy. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just authentic Italian cooking done right. If you’re looking for a place that feels like you’ve been invited into an Italian family’s home, Paoletti is it. We will absolutely be back. 🇮🇹🍝❤️
From the family/owner greeting, our server Brian, and sommelier Kyle, the entire evening was fantastic. The food was incredible: escargot was some of the best we’ve had, delicious lamb, comforting bolognese, and topped it off with a wonderful bread pudding. We will make the trip to the Highlands again just to enjoy a meal here!
This place is amazing. Every detail was artfully attended to. The food was spectacular. The drinks amazing. The service was impeccable. Even the owner stopped by our table, and she was delightful. Do not miss ann opportunity to spend an evening here, you won’t regret it.
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I have celiac - We had the best server ever who checked and double checked for all things gluten free. The food was insanely delicious and they were so kind from start to finish. The chef and bartender took great care with our food and drinks. We love this place!!!
Tonight was our second visit to Paoletti and once again it was incredible. We were greeted by the lovely Mama G who welcomed us as if we were family. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing! Juan was our waiter and we couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and charming individual. His attention to detail and overall kindness was top notch. We were also greeted by Chef Massi and it was a real treat to meet the man behind all of the delicious dishes on their expansive menu. I would challenge anyone to find a better meal anywhere. We especially enjoyed the Snapper Francese with cacio e pepe, but truly - everything we had from the appetizers to dessert was out of this world. It’s all made better by the wonderful staff led by the inimitable Mama G! If you have the chance to dine here - do it! You won’t be disappointed. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
This is absolutely the MOST wonderful dining experience and meal I have EVER had. The food, the attention to detail, everything was absolutely incredible. I cannot even explain. Our server, Juan, was the most attentive and knowledgeable. The chef was incredible and visited with us multiple times. Mama G was stunning and made us feel like family. Incredible. Wonderful. BEAUTIFUL.
We live in Alpharetta, Georgia and get to experience a lot of great restaurants in the Atlanta area. But this one is a cut above. It’s always special when we come here and we just appreciate everything about it so much. The food, the service the ambience. It’s all perfect...
This family-owned (3rd generation) is not to be missed. Friendly, helpful staff complements the delicious food and service. They offer an extensive wine list with a sommelier on staff. The menu highlights are the pasta dishes, veal and seafood. On the pricier side, this would be a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries (like ours) or other happy events
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