Paoli's Country Kitchen

Don't let the name fool you, cause you wont find biscuits
and gravy here, it's all Italian. The decor isn't necessarily
anything to brag about with plastic tablecloths and
homemade looking valances trimming the windows, both in
fruit patterns. Some fresh paint and new carpet is all it
really needs. A table outside on a perfectly clear day would
be my first choice. I probably wouldn't have eaten here, if
it hadn't been for my girlfriend, who is smitten with the
place and urges me to go, every time she's been here.
While we were waiting to be seated I couldn't help, but
notice the magnificent pizza at the nearest table, which
had been placed it on a stand that doubled as a pedestal. I
hadn't come here with any pizza cravings, but now I wasn't
leaving here without one. After ordering we were brought a
complimentary basket of bread, which looked more like
fluffy square pizza dough, baked and cut into strips and
slathered in garlic butter which had partially melted and
came with a side of freshly grated parmesan. My kids went
nuts! Even my husband looked at me with surprise, it was
good! About that Pizza though... it was something to brag
about. It came in a deep dish with crust so thick and
tender, with ample amounts of cheese, and seasoned so
well. I'll definitely return for this. I hate to even go on,
cause the rest of the meal didn't even compare. I had
ordered the Baked Artichoke which had the center hollowed
out and filled with a choice of Alfredo sauce or garlic bread
crumbs for dipping, I chose the latter, which turned out to
be quite tasty until I got down to the heart which was so
soggy and mushy it was inedible, and that's the best part
darn it! I wasn't impressed at all with the Cheese Ravioli's,
nor was my 11 year old son, but Ken commented on the
great marinara sauce. The Carbonara was tasty, but not
the authentic version anticipated, with eggs and onions.
This version was doused in Alfredo sauce with bacon and
mushrooms. They do offer nine different selections of
pasta toppings on your choice of noodles, as well as
lasagna, eggplant parmesan, sandwiches, seafood and
chicken entree's. I hope my unkind words wont hinder one
from coming here cause, I'm telling ya, their pizza is reason
enough to really love this place!

Located at 40821 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake.

Telephone (909) 866-2020