Paolo's - San Jose Reviews List

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The Food and service were excellent. A wonderful place for dinner"

Dined on 5/11/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 2 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

big dissappointmrnt

Dined on 5/08/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Having grown up in San Jose and remembering going to many many times Paolo's with my parents and later on my own. I have seen Paolo's decline since they moved from 12th Street. The Pasta Bolognese was dry and stuck together. Veal saltimbocca was tough. The Caesar salad was good. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing Paolo's in Jack Allen's reign when the food was supreme and the service sublime. Will not be back."

Dined on 5/08/2013

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Review 3 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

dissapointed

Dined on 5/07/2013

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"5/9/13

i have been coming to this restaurant for 30+ years including the old dowtown location...

i book reservations on opening night, first awhen it was AMT, and now for broadway san jose, and have always had great service
and adequate food...on this particular time, we were put, with another couple, in to an empty dining room...we had a great
waiter, but but it was clear that he had too many table to handle, and he really did his best...his attituede was great, however.

it looks like management has changed, because the faces are unfamiliar...being a long time customer, i had hoped for better service... (i make reservations through open table)
david nakamura sr.."

Dined on 5/07/2013

Special Features: special occasion

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Review 4 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Dined on 5/07/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Food was excellent. Service was a little slow. We went there before a show and told the waiter when we arrived but he seemed to be working on his own time.
Really nice place"

Dined on 5/07/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 5 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

We dine with you probably

Dined on 04/20/2013

2002

Dined on 04/20/2013

2002

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We dine with you probably 6 times per year. This time was not up to expectations. The salads were delicious but there was too much butter in the pasta preparation. Most disturbing however was the service. During our meal we wanted another glass of wine. Twice the waitress came to the table next to ours and never looked at us and once came two tables away we called her by name, with no response. We never did get the glass of wine. Your wait staff should be asked to look at each of the tables in their area when they are serving one of them. Also it would be good if the others covered for each other which we did not see happening. We will dine with you again and hope the wait staff is more alert."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2002

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

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Review 6 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fine Dining at its Best!

Top 500 Contributor

Dined on 04/20/2013

2004

Dined on 04/20/2013

2004

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Incredible good! Reminds me of old fine dining restaurant with an up-to-date menu."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2004

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 7 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful evening!

Dined on 04/18/2013

Dined on 04/18/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We were in a rush to get to a show, and the owner and waiter were spectacular -- we made it to the show with time to spare. Each dish was cooked to perfection, the wine list is top notch and we found the ambience sophisticated, quiet and 'calming', particularly after a stressful jam-up of traffic from SF. Great evening!"

Dined on 04/18/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic

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Review 8 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was delicious, but service

Dined on 04/13/2013

Dined on 04/13/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Food was delicious, but service could have been better. Waiter wasn't very knowledgable about dishes or pairings. Dessert was a miss, but the gnocchi and the meat and cheese platter were outstanding."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2013

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 9 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Paolo's is a short walk away

Dined on 04/06/2013

2008

Dined on 04/06/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Paolo's is a short walk away from the SJ Center of Performing Arts. This makes it a no brainer if you are attending a show. There is a special preset show menu option on nights of shows. The food was great with friendly service that is not trying to rush you out the door. There is a full bar & a nice wine list. I would go back again."

Dined on 04/06/2013

2008

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Review 10 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

I experienced what others

Dined on 04/06/2013

2007

Dined on 04/06/2013

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

"I experienced what others have said. The service was slow. It took the waiter 15 minutes to take my order and at least 25 more minutes to get my entree. I had the pappardelle which would probably take 5 minutes to prepare. The restaurant emptied out after 7:30 so it was virtually empty so there was no excuse for the slow service. There was an extremely loud patron who the wait staff indulged rather than ask him to quiet down. He was yelling almost the entire time I was there. Pasta, a salad and iced tea for $35. Not worth it. I won't be returning."

Dined on 04/06/2013

2007

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Review 11 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

very basic uneventful food

Dined on 04/06/2013

Dined on 04/06/2013

2013

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"very basic uneventful food at the price point, a mediocore linqguini and clams, a plate of fried calamari and shrimp that should be coulld be and usually is served like that in a neighborhood pizzeria..The wine was very good our servet (from Turkey) was quite pleasent. The antipsto meats were of good quality but the caponata was lumped inm the middle of the plare without care or design.Would never go back overpriced and not enjoyable"

Dined on 04/06/2013

2013

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Review 12 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good spot if youare going

Dined on 04/05/2013

2010

Dined on 04/05/2013

2010

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Good spot if youare going to SJ Performing Arts. Food is just mediocre."

Dined on 04/05/2013

2010

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Review 13 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

OK - nothing great to highlight

Dined on 04/03/2013

Dined on 04/03/2013

2006

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Food was OK for the price - nothing great to mention - just OK. The service felt rushed."

Dined on 04/03/2013

2006

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Review 14 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fabulous bartender, attentive

Dined on 04/04/2013

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Fabulous bartender, attentive staff, great pre-theater dinner place. The food is high end. They validate parking"

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

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Review 15 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

Never Again

Dined on 03/30/2013

Dined on 03/30/2013

2006

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I was very disappointed After we were seated, it took 10 minutes for a waiter to come to our table. Once there, he informed us he would be our server. He then went to get the menus. He didn't offer to take a drink order, tell us about specials, etc., just told us he would have someone bring water and bread. It took another few minutes before they brought water and bread. The restaurant was not busy either so there are no excuses. Once we ordered, it seemed to take quite a while before I was served my salad. Entrees came and I didn't like mine at all. It tasted either too oily or burnt. It was suppose to have a sage butter sauce, but it was awful tasting. I've had this numerous times at other restaurants. I will never dine here again."

Dined on 03/30/2013

2006

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Review 16 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mikey & Susie's Admiration

Dined on 03/29/2013

Dined on 03/29/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We thank the recommendation by San Jose Civic about dining at Paolo's as we enjoyed our meal's along with the courteous and
attentive service provided on our first but certainly not our last visit to this establishment."

Dined on 03/29/2013

2013

Special Features: late-night find

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Review 17 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very good unrushed service

Dined on 03/23/2013

2009

Dined on 03/23/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very good unrushed service with consistently great food
Best to go after 7:30 when the theater crowd leaves"

Dined on 03/23/2013

2009

Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view

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Review 18 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Once you find it, tucked away

Dined on 03/23/2013

2002

Dined on 03/23/2013

2002

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Once you find it, tucked away in a huge office complex, you can expect a good but not outstanding Italian meal. The waitstaff bustles about but is overtaxed (although our waitress was competent and friendly, she was frequently hard to find). The location just across a pedestrian bridge is ideal for diners attending a performance at the civic theater; free parking in the garage attached to the building is a definite bonus. Be sure to make it crystal clear if you have a timetable to meet, or you will end up without dessert or coffee as we did."

Dined on 03/23/2013

2002

Special Features: special occasion

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Review 19 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

They have a great menu and

Dined on 03/01/2013

2005

Dined on 03/01/2013

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"They have a great menu and delicious food. The kitchen can be a little slow, but it's worth the wait. Recently they introduced an inexpensive lunch option but I've not tried it yet."

Dined on 03/01/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

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Review 20 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

First time at Paolo's....food

Dined on 03/16/2013

2012

Dined on 03/16/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"First time at Paolo's....food was excellent and service was very good."

Dined on 03/16/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

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Review 21 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

What happened to Paolo's service?

Dined on 03/09/2013

2009

Dined on 03/09/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"What happened to Paolo's service? Even though the food and ambiance is good, if the service is poor, the restaurant is toast.
No one walked by our table to check if we needed anything. So instead of having a fine dining experience, we were looking for someone to refill our drinks. My water glass remained empty from mid meal and my coffee never got refilled. Once the thick accented waitress got her tip, she never returned to our table. She assured us we would get more coffee. After waiting 15+ minutes, no coffee, we left. Our dining experience was very disappointing. We'll be sure to share this memorable evening with all our family and friends."

Dined on 03/09/2013

2009

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Review 22 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We had a very pleasant dinner

Dined on 03/02/2013

2004

Dined on 03/02/2013

2004

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We had a very pleasant dinner here. We both had the beet salad, which was very enjoyable, followed by either the duck or veal saltimboca. Both were very tasty. The service was attentive. Be aware that the map on Opentable puts the restaurant about a block away from where it actually is. It is on the first floor of the parking garage at the corner of San Carlos and Woz Way. The restaurant will validate your parking. We will return again."

Dined on 03/02/2013

2004

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

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Review 23 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had a nice dinner following

Dined on 02/23/2013

2008

Dined on 02/23/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Had a nice dinner following Disney on Ice. Food and service were excellent."

Dined on 02/23/2013

2008

Special Features: special occasion

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Review 24 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great San Jose gem! Went there

Dined on 02/22/2013

2007

Dined on 02/22/2013

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Great San Jose gem! Went there for date night with my wife. She had the fish of the day , which she said was really good. I had the bolognase. It was fantastic! We will definitely go back to try some other dishes. Desert was awesome...we had the donut...very good."

Dined on 02/22/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 25 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The restaurant was very quiet

Dined on 02/15/2013

2009

Dined on 02/15/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The restaurant was very quiet when we visited which was great for us because it was a business lunch and allowed us to talk.

Service was outstanding. Very attentive waiter and staff and everything came out quickly which we appreciated.

I was a little disappointed in the linguine and clams which I was told was a house signature dish or specialty. Thought the flavor was a little overwhelmed by chili flakes but it was ok. The menu looked great and I will go back to try something else, next time."

Dined on 02/15/2013

2009

Special Features: great for lunch

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Review 26 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

First time here...we brought

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"First time here...we brought friends for Valentines celebration..It was wonderful...very friendly, attentive staff.We had a nice evening"

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

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Review 27 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great..............................

Dined on 02/14/2013

2002

Dined on 02/14/2013

2002

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"great.............................."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2002

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 28 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellant location next to

Dined on 02/15/2013

Dined on 02/15/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Excellant location next to Performing Arts Center. I wish I'd known there was a parking garage next to it with validated parking. Will park there next time. Excellant place for dinner before seeing performance."

Dined on 02/15/2013

2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 29 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food, service a little

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Good food, service a little spotty but OK. Wine list so-so."

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

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Review 30 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I like Paolo's very much,

Dined on 02/14/2013

2012

Dined on 02/14/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

"I like Paolo's very much, and it's located perfectly to me. All A's. Thanks."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2012

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Review 31 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

One of the better spots in

Dined on 02/05/2013

2007

Dined on 02/05/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"One of the better spots in San Jose for an excellent meal."

Dined on 02/05/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

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Review 32 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

our dinner was wonderful and

Dined on 02/07/2013

2005

Dined on 02/07/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"our dinner was wonderful and the service was outstanding. This is such a great restaurant I wish people would "re-discover" it. We were the only table in the dining room on a Thursday night at 8 pm, by 9:00 pm there were 2 more tables. Food was outstanding, and the prices were moderate for the quality of ingredients and the portions. Our salads were so big, two poeple could have shared them. The dressings were perfectly balanced."

Dined on 02/07/2013

2005

Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion

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Review 33 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

My Ossobucco was great, but

Dined on 02/01/2013

2004

Dined on 02/01/2013

2004

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"My Ossobucco was great, but the remainder of the party had the Catch of the Day which they said was over cooked."

Dined on 02/01/2013

2004

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 34 for Paolo's - San Jose

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

You can't beat this location