Ristorante Paoletti

12/24/2025

Some love stories feel quiet. Until they change everything.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate Zac- today is his birthday, and his first as an official Paoletti✨

A note from Gina:

Happy birthday to my husband. I know it’s new, but I don’t think I’ll ever get over saying that.

You’re the kind of man who makes magic happen- like secretly asking our guests to learn the lyrics to our wedding song, just so you could surprise me with them singing it back to us as we danced (pic 10). When the band cut their mics and all I heard were the people we love most serenading us, I cried the happiest of tears.

You somehow made the most magical day even more extraordinary. And that’s who you are, my darling- you bring magic into my life, and into the soul of the restaurant, every single day.

I am endlessly lucky. Because, in the words of Myles Smith- and sung by all our wedding guests- you love me to my bones.

It was always you. It will always be you.

Buon compleanno, amore mio. Ti amo per sempre 🤍

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05/15/2025

Carolina Isabel Paoletti, beloved Chief Happiness Officer of Paoletti’s, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Carolina was the heart and soul of her family, a devoted foodie, adventurous hiker, and passionate traveler. Over the course of her life, she spent 7 months and 13 days in Europe, exploring Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany.

An enthusiastic skier—with a bit of help from her papa— Carolina proudly skied the Alps in four countries. One of her proudest feats was skiing the famed Streif on the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, the most celebrated downhill course in the world.

Her favorite destinations included Val di Fassa and Puglia in Italy, Zermatt in Switzerland, and Nice in France. A true gourmand, Carolina was the executive chef of the Paoletti household, always close by to supervise every cooking session with keen interest and a seasoned palate.

Carolina was pure joy—eternally happy, forgiving, and full of radiant energy. She was also testadura— hard-headed in the best of ways. She knew exactly what she wanted and pursued it with charm and confidence. There was something ineffable about her, a je ne sais quoi that drew people in. While traveling, her family was often stopped by strangers eager to meet her, pet her, or hear her story.

She had a magical way of reminding her family not to take life too seriously and an uncanny ability to melt hearts—especially her papa’s. One of her mom’s favorite stories is how Carolina was the only one who could soften her father’s Midwestern frugality. In the end, they flew business class just to ensure she could rest in comfort on long-haul flights.

Fiercely loyal and endlessly loving, she leaves behind her parents, Gina and Zac Paoletti; her Gammy, Gina Ametrano; her Nonno, Arthur Paoletti; her aunts and uncles, Kyle and Nicole Tarczynski, Zach Reilly, Mary Tutt, and Julio Bonilla—along with cousins, friends, and admirers around the world.

Until we meet again, there is nothing about her we won’t miss. To have shared her life was an extraordinary privilege, and her memory will forever be an immense blessing.

01/08/2025

Twice in my life, I had the immense privilege of meeting President Jimmy Carter.

The first time was during his first Sunday School after his cancer diagnosis. I’ll never forget the atmosphere at Maranatha Baptist Church, filled with people who deeply loved and respected this humble humanitarian.

When it was my turn to meet him, I was nervous—starstruck, even—standing face-to-face with someone I’d admired for years. Sensing my nerves, he made the kindest comment about my red hair, instantly putting me at ease and making me feel like the only person in the room, despite the hundreds waiting to meet him.

That was a tiny sliver of the magic of Jimmy Carter.

He was not just a humanitarian but also the best kind of human. He genuinely cared for people. His kindness was authentic, his faith unwavering, and his connection to others palpable.

He made it his life’s work to uplift those who might otherwise be forgotten, leaving behind a legacy that words struggle to capture.

A man of profound faith, a devoted husband and father, a Nobel Prize winner, and a champion of peace—President Carter embodied humility and grace.

God bless you, Mr. President, and please thank Him for blessing us with you.

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11/02/2024

Discovering the enchanting city of Verona? 🇮🇹 Here are the top 5 things you can’t miss:

1️⃣ Visit Juliet’s House: Step into the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at Casa di Giulietta. Admire the iconic balcony and leave your love notes on the walls. 📜

2️⃣ Explore Piazza delle Erbe: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Verona’s main square. From colorful markets to historical buildings, this place is a feast for the senses. 🏰

3️⃣ Marvel at the Arena di Verona: An ancient Roman amphitheater that still hosts spectacular performances today. Imagine the gladiator battles and enjoy concerts under the stars. 🌌

4️⃣ Cross Ponte Pietra: Stroll across the charming Ponte Pietra for breathtaking views of the Adige River and Verona’s skyline. The sunset here is simply magical. 🌅

5️⃣ Wander through Castelvecchio: Explore the medieval Castelvecchio fortress and its art-filled museum. The bridge over the Adige and the castle’s architecture are a treat for history buffs. 🏰

Have you been to Italy?! Let us know in the comments! 👇🏼

09/29/2024

We are working to coordinate bringing supplies into areas affected by Hurricane Helene by pack mule strings. We are planning to head to Weaverville, NC tomorrow, but available to go to other areas of need as well. Please reach out to us at 910-885-1402 if you know of specific needs and areas that we can get our mule strings in to help! We can bring supplies or pack in what your group has acquired already!

04/04/2023

While we cherish our off-seasons in Italy, we’ve missed our guests. The Paoletti family can’t wait to welcome you back for our 70th season on April 20th✨

Uncompromising quality, recipes perfected over decades, and ritual are at the heart of the Italian g

08/11/2022

Thrilled to announce our new website is live ✨
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