Papazzio Restaurant & Caterer — Restaurant in New York

We hired Papazzio's Catering for our August 1 wedding and it was the best decision we made. We were one of the couples whose wedding planning was impacted by COVID. We cancelled our larger venue wedding and planned a 45 person outdoor reception in my parent's backyard just 6 weeks before our wedding date. We were looking up wedding caterers in Queens on The Knot and Pappazzio's was one of the first that came up. What struck us as interesting was that the contact information was for the owner himself, Dominick, listed with his personal cell phone number. On a whim we called it and the rest, as they say, is history! Dominick was incredibly thorough, incredibly patient, and we knew immediately we had made the best choice. Not only did he put together every detail of the catering menu (passed hors d'oeuvres with a buffet dinner) but he made sure every detail he could possibly be involved in was perfect. He came to see our  location as soon as we had our initial sit down with him, measuring each of the rooms we'd use and ensuring his team and equipment would work. He provided suggestions on how best to set everything up given the limited space we had (and BOY did it look GOOD!), and on the day our party tent and rental company came to set everything up, he was with us for hours. He wasn't only checking the catering aspects but EVERY aspect. He helped us set up tables, he helped us measure everything to ensure we had proper social distancing, and he ensured he had the rental company's information in case there were any issues. Because NYC had just entered phase 4 the week of the wedding, we were still very concerned with safety protocol. His team wore masks and gloves the entire time.  The appetizers were all served in individual mini plates/cups so that no one would be touching another person's food. The buffet was all served by his team and we had hand sanitizer stations at the front of the buffet table so that all guests were as safe as possible. Once everyone had sat down with their first servings (and we think just about everyone went back for seconds it was so good!), Dominick went around to each table to ensure everyone's food was just right, asking if he could get anyone anything. His personal touch was felt by all. Guests at the party kept saying, "I never had to get up to refill my wine or champagne glass,  the staff always knew the right time to come and fill me up. They were there at the ready, but not in an invasive way". We had the very best wedding day and never had to worry about anything because of Papazzio's Catering and Dominick. We're so...

I have eaten here many times over the years, and the consistency is the best part of the experience. Every time I have visited, there has been a wide selection of daily specials (all of which have been absolutely delicious). The service is consistently a 10 out of 10 with friendly, knowledgeable staff. The owner, or his wife, has personally greeted (and even remembered!) me every time I have been there.

The food, whether a daily special, a lobster dinner, a steak, or a traditional pasta dish is always outstanding. Their sauces (Marinara, Alfredo, Vodka, and Bolognese) are consistently delicious...I wish they offered jars of sauce to buy!

A member of my party once ordered a special that they did not like (they do not like spicy food, and didn't listen when the waiter presented the specials, and indicated that it is a spicy dish). The staff were unbelievably apologetic and accommodating - rushing out a new entrée on their dime.

The portions are quite generous - often times I have enough leftover for lunch the next day.

Our favorite nights to visit are Thursday and Saturday - the restaurant has a live Jazz band, which differs day to day, but provides great entertainment.

The prices are very reasonable for a fine dining establishment in New York...the check for a party of two (including a bottle of wine, an appetizer to share, dinner, dessert, and coffee / tea) usually averages $80 to $120. The wide range is a function of the bottle of wine, but the average entrée is $20 to $22.

Lastly, the restaurant has a huge offering of Gluten Free options - it is especially reassuring that the restaurant is Certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group. There are members of my family who suffer from Gluten sensitivities and celiac disease - it is great having an option like Papazzio for family gatherings and events (such as birthday dinners, or even catered events).

On a side note - my family has used Papazzio to cater a few events over the years. We have always been impressed with the quality of food / service out of the restaurant. They have catered a semi-formal graduation party, a christening, communion, and birthday party. The food and service was always impeccable - the owner consistently exceeded our expectations, and went above and beyond what was expected to make sure we were satisfied. I will always, 100% recommend Papazzio to...

I don’t know where to start, other than say we’re forever thankful and grateful for Dominick’s help. My parents and I first checked out the restaurant to try their cuisine in hopes to use their catering option for my parent’s wedding. And we had a blast. We enjoyed the food so much that we kindly asked one of the waiters if we can speak to Dominick for the catering option and he was able to sit down with us to speak for a moment. Both of my parents roughly speak English and Dominick was very thorough, understanding and welcoming. Dominick kept in contact with me throughout the whole planning, by emailing or calling me. Whatever my parents wanted, Dominick guaranteed them that it will go as planned as it is their special night. Dominick was able to visit the venue with my parents to ensure he had everything he needed. The venue had an issue with the conventional oven that Dominick needed to use for the passed hors d'oeuvres. So instead he was able to work around it. Huge appreciation for him trying to make the best of what the venue had issues with. At the venue, Dominick kept in contact with Brendan (the venues owner) and the party decorator. Dominick’s staff at the wedding were so nice, talking and greeting the guest. The food was amazing, the guests told us the next day that they went for seconds and thirds. My mother was worried for the amount of food that would be provided because she knows that in the family we have a bunch of “eaters.” Dominick was like “don’t worry at all,” that there will be enough. And it’s true, only one tray of food was left. Dominick did go around to each table to ensure everyone (including myself and my parents) were doing fine. My parents had the best wedding day and never had to worry about anything because of Dominick and Papazzio's Catering. We're forever grateful for his help and work he put into it. We for sure will keep coming back whether it’s for a birthday dinner or maybe...