Best Dish: Veal, Shrimp & Ravioli at PaPa J’s – A Forkful of Heaven in the Strip

Written by Zhenru Yan, edited by Christine Julia Dingzon

-Photo Courtesy of Papa J’s-

Looking for a meal that’ll make you want to write poetry—or at least cancel your afternoon plans for a food coma? Head straight to PaPa J’s Twin Plaza Restaurant in the Strip District, where Italian comfort meets culinary craft.

-Photo by Zhenru Yan-

This week’s standout? A plate that somehow manages to be elegant, cozy, and absolutely craveable: Veal & Shrimp served with Basil Pesto Cream Ravioli and a side of beautifully roasted seasonal vegetables.

The veal and shrimp are perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, and plated alongside red peppers, artichokes, and mushrooms. But the star of the sideshow? Those roasted veggies. Colorful, slightly caramelized, and bursting with flavor, they’re the kind of thing you wish every dinner came with.

-Photo by Zhenru Yan-

Now let’s talk ravioli: fresh, handmade, and swimming in a rich basil pesto cream sauce. Tossed with diced tomatoes and pignoli nuts, each bite is creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s not pasta with sauce—it’s ravioli with purpose.

-Photo by Zhenru Yan-

And before any of that even hits the table, you’ll be greeted with free warm bread, served with olive oil and vinegar for dipping. It’s so good you’ll briefly consider just eating that and calling it a day (you won’t, but you’ll think about it).

PaPa J’s does things the old-school way—with fresh-made pastas, Roman-style pizzas baked to perfection, and dishes made at the moment you order them. You can taste the care. You can feel the tradition. And you’ll absolutely want to come back.

Location: PaPa J’s Twin Plaza Restaurant, Strip District
Dish to Try This Week: Veal & Shrimp with Basil Pesto Cream Ravioli and roasted vegetables
Don’t Miss: The bread. Seriously. It deserves its own award.