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Paolo’s Restaurant
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333 West San Carlos Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Contact: Banquet & Special Events Coordinator
Phone: 408/294-2558
www.paolos.com
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Why We Like This Place
Like a chameleon, Paolo's Restaurant transforms itself into just the right setting for your wedding reception or any special event. Its location in a sleek, granite office tower overlooking the beautiful Guadalupe River Park is surprisingly versatile—add a little creative magic with flowers, linens, and lighting and—voila! You've got a candlelit gala on a terrace overlooking a wooded creek. Or an elegant soirée in the building's gleaming main lobby. Or a cozy get-together in the Wine Room upstairs. Or…you get the idea; Paolo's shapes itself to your personal vision.There's an understated richness about Paolo's décor. The walls are a soft, burnished gold reminiscent of an old Tuscan village sleeping in the afternoon sun. Quiet lighting and artfully gathered jewel-tone drapes showcase the original, modern paintings and sculptures that grace every room and passageway.
All three dining rooms look out on a sweeping terrace, which also features a stairstep waterfall cascading down to a lower level—another possible spot for a ceremony or reception. The trees along the creek form a pastoral foreground that softens the view of the city's towers, and the bridge across the creek to the Center for the Performing Arts is an irresistibly dramatic entrance point for the bridal party. If you have a large group, consider reserving the entire restaurant. When weather permits, special arrangements can be made to dine outdoors, too.
Paolo's specializes in authentic regional Italian cuisine that emphasizes fresh, seasonal foods and skillful combinations of flavors. When we dined here we had broad maltagliate noodles accompanied by rabbit braised with fresh vegetables until the meat melted off the bone and the vegetables gently disappeared into a luscious sauce. The rabbit, tender and flavorful, was perfectly complemented by the al dente noodles. We also tried a house-made gnocchi, which we declared the best we've ever tasted: soft potato pillows that melted on the tongue, made even more squisito by baby wild mushrooms and black truffle butter.
In addition to providing a choice of wedding packages, Paolo's special event coordinator can work with you to custom-design a menu. And if cucina italiana isn't what you have in mind, Chef Carolyn Allen-Samavarchian—daughter of Jack Allen, who founded the restaurant a half a century ago—will exert her considerable culinary talents to accommodate your preferred cuisine. Sommelier/Maitre d' and husband-of-the-chef Jalil Samavarchian has compiled a handpicked, 34-page wine list with selections from Italy, France, and California. For their efforts, Paolo's has been a consistent Wine Spectator "Best of Excellence" and Distinguished Restaurants of Northern America award winner.
Conveniently located right downtown, Paolo's is close to the many churches and upscale hotels of central San Jose. In fact, it's within walking distance of at least three of the best hotels the city has to offer, something your overnight guests will appreciate—especially if they've fully partaken of Paolo's exquisite cuisine and fine wines. Another plus is the validated on-site parking.
A successful and memorable wedding is often about pleasing the greatest number of people possible, which means convenience and flexibility become nearly as important as ambiance, great food and service. This restaurant impresses in all of these areas and possesses one more quality that's often harder to come by: il cuore, or "heart." Paolo's puts love into everything they do.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
|
Max. Seated Indoors: 90 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 180 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 Max. Standing Indoors: 300 Max. Standing Outdoors: 350 |
Max. Seated: 110 |
|
MEETING CAPACITY: Meeting spaces hold 110 seated. |
||
Fees & Deposits
For weddings, 25% of the total anticipated event cost or $2,000 (whichever is greater) is required to reserve your date. Call for nonrefundable policy terms and conditions. The balance is due 5 business days prior to the event. Rental fees range $0–5,800 depending on the day and time of the event, guest count and the space rented. Wedding packages range $60–120/person. Tax, alcohol and a 20% service charge are additional.
For private, corporate or special events, a $250–2,500 deposit is required. Contact the Special Events Department for pricing details.
Availability
Year-round, Monday–Saturday, 9am–midnight. The restaurant is closed most Sundays and major holidays except by prior arrangement. Call for availability and details.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedBYO w/ Corkage Fee Sites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided Other: grand piano, event coordination |
Amplified MusicIndoorsOutdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsCityscapeCreek/River Forest/Wooded Area Fountain/Water Feature Garden Patio/Courtyard Landscaped Grounds Park Site TypeBanquet/Events Facility RestrictionsAlcohol: provided, or BYO with corkage fee Insurance: not required |
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408/294-2558
www.paolos.com
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