Best Dish: PaPa J’s Twin Plaza offers all things Italian cuisine
Written by Briana Bindus
PaPa J’s Twin Plaza Restaurant has something for whatever you may be craving. Soup? They’ve got pasta e fagioli or wedding soups – two classic Italian dishes. Of course, they have the classics: polenta parmigiano, sauteéd banana peppers, classic Italian and margherita pizzas, and pasta, from ravioli to radiatori. It doesn’t stop there: they have a full bar, with Italian cocktails, and housemade gelato to top things off.
But, PaPa J’s isn’t like any casual Italian restaurant – they do things the traditional way. Their pizzas are cooked in the “Roman Baker” style, which means their dough is equal parts dough and water, baked twice. If you’re in a rush, you can take the pizza “street-style,” where you just grab a slice to go, or you can try it “in the spirit of the Strip District,” where you fold the pizza in half, wrap it in wax paper and take it with you as you walk around town.
With house made pasta, Michael Troiani calls their dishes “a passionate romance of the pasta and the sauce.” They make everything from their pasta to their raviolis, tortellini, agnolotti and more. You have the option to take some packaged pasta for home enjoyment or a gift, but the restaurant makes your pasta the star of the show. With the option to choose your noodle and sauce per order, the customizable dish is made-to-order and served fresh.
When our team went to PaPa J’s, we decided on the “divine” pasta dish with orecchiette noodles, which were ecclectic shell shapes. The sauce was a curated mix of alfredo and marinara, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and garnish. With a slightly sweet taste, the dish was reminiscent of a home cooked meal of pasta alla vodka, warming our body and mind.
PaPa J’s tops things off with their homemade, small batch gelatos. With gelato equipment imported from Italy, gelato flavors are made with fresh fruits, roasted nuts and quality chocolate for the customers to have in a cup, cone, or pint to take home.
Still feeling indulgent? PaPa J’s has a full bar with a classic Italian feel. With wine imported from around the world, including Tuscany, Italy, you can enjoy a glass or bottle with your meal. Or, if you’re craving a cocktail, look no further – PaPa J’s has the Italian classic, an aperol spritz, as well as negronis, espresso martinis, affogato correctos, amaros and more.
If you’re feeling hungry, whether it’s for a quick bite, a meal, or a sweet treat, PaPa J’s is open for business Wednesday through Sunday. You can make your reservations here.
