If you’ve ever had the pleasure to travel overseas, then you know how high it is on the list to sample some of the local authentic cuisine upon arrival. This is especially true in Italy where the pasta dishes are essentially romantic works of art, created by loving hands with recipes that have been guarded and passed down generation after generation.
If tastes from Old World Italy are high on your list of asks, then we have the answer for you right here in Highlands, North Carolina.
Resting atop a high-rise mountain plateau that sits at 4,110 feet above sea level, Highlands is the perfect small town in North Carolina to visit in every season.
The tiny town has just under 1,000 full-time residents and the very walkable Main Street is laden with gift shops, dress shops, book shops, wine shops, restaurants, art stores, and more.
There's enough to do right here in town, alone, to keep you busy for a full weekend. And if you love authentic Italian cuisine, then you'll plan all of your other meals here in Highlands around your reservations at a wonderful, authentic Italian trattoria called Ristorante Paoletti.
Advertisement
Open since 1984 on Main Street in Highlands, Ristorante Paoletti has earned a reputation for not only the authentic flavors of Italy found here, or the extensive wine list, or the food - which is always hand made in-house.
And while all of those have certainly contributed to the success of this popular restaurant, it's the people here that make the difference. Walk right in and you'll instantly be made to feel right at home.
Advertisement
Ristorante Paoletti's menu is among the best of the best in American tratorias.
Begin your meal with a choice from a variety of Antipasta dishes or an Insalate. In true Italian fashion, start light and then hit it hard as you move through the dishes. The ricotta and basil gnocchi (pictured) is a fantastic choice!
The dinner menu is quite extensive. You can take a peek at it here. Also know you will be incredibly impressed with the wine list. It features not one — but 26 pages of wine choices! You can see for yourself here.
The Pesce Fresco (that's "Fresh Fish") section of the menu is filled with delighful selections that combine flavors of the Old World with regional or locally caught fish.
You simply can't go wrong the North Carolina Rainbow Trout, The Scottish Salmon, or the Gulf Black Grouper.
The next time you're in or near Highlands, make it a point to find something to celebrete (ah hem... LIFE itself is always a great choice). And do it here...
