Chef Paolino Cafe

Chef Paolino Cafe

726 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228, United States

+1 410-747-4949

Italian restaurant, Pizza restaurant
(949)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Catonsville, MD, Chef Paolino Cafe offers a vibrant taste of authentic Italian cuisine with a special spotlight on genuine New York-style pizza. This cozy yet lively eatery invites guests to indulge in a comforting, casually elegant dining experience where every dish bursts with rich, savory flavors and heartfelt culinary craftsmanship.

The menu is an enticing journey through classic Italian favorites and inventive specialties. Pizza lovers will delight in generous, meat-stacked options such as the Meat Lovers Pizza and crowd-pleasers like the Large Pepperoni Pizza and Cheese Pepperoni Italian Sausage Pizza, all served with a perfectly balanced crust that strikes a satisfying harmony between crispy and chewy. Compliment your pie with sides like the famous Garlic Knots smothered in garlic butter and served with a zesty tomato sauce or the crispy Old Bay Wings, which are packed with a tantalizingly bold flavor.

Not just a pizza spot, Chef Paolino Cafe’s pasta options burst with homey indulgence—think Spaghetti Puttanesca, rich with Italian olives, capers, and anchovies in a robust marinara, and the creamy, luxurious Chicken Alfredo Crispy Chicken. For lunchtime favorites, you can’t miss the Chicken Marsala, where tender chicken breast sautés with mushrooms in a velvety marsala wine sauce over spaghetti, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. The Chicken Parmigiana, topped with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, echoes the nostalgic flavors of Italy with every bite.

The dining atmosphere is inviting and relaxed, with a casual counter-ordering system that ensures swift service without losing that warm, personal touch. Customers mention the easy-going vibe paired with attentive, friendly staff who are always ready with a smile and accommodating spirit. Parking is hassle-free thanks to a spacious lot right in front, making every visit effortless.

Vegetable sides like sautéed broccoli or spinach, and extras such as Side of Grilled Salmon or Blackened Chicken, provide a welcome balance to the hearty mains. Don’t overlook the tempting dessert offerings like the creamy, smooth Vanilla Cheesecake, perfect for rounding out a satisfying meal.

Chef Paolino Cafe also impresses with its beverage selection, offering popular classic cocktails for takeout including the Espresso Martini, Margarita, and Manhattan, each skillfully crafted to elevate your dining experience at home or on the go.

What truly stands out from customer testimonials is the authentic, New York-style pizza experience that satisfies even the most discerning pizza snobs. Joseph Bullen praises the generous toppings on the Meat Lover’s Pizza and the delicious garlic knots, while Jessica Jacobi shares how her New York-raised husband has made this his favorite local spot. William McIntyre appreciates the generous portions, friendly service, and reasonable prices, highlighting the perfectly crafted Meatball Sub and Eggplant Parmigiana. Moreover, the positive reviews for delivery from “NY” emphasize not only the quality and freshness of the Chicken Marsala but also the thoughtful inclusion of gluten-free options that taste indistinguishably delicious.

Whether you're craving the soulful comfort of Italian classics or a perfectly executed slice of pizza loaded with quality toppings, Chef Paolino Cafe delivers a memorable dining experience with genuine warmth and flavor that keeps patrons coming back. It’s a place where the comfort of traditional recipes meets the convenience and friendliness of neighborhood dining—truly a gem in Catonsville’s culinary scene.

Chef Paolino Cafe
726 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228
Phone: +1 410-747-4949

Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Private dining room Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Joseph Bullen
    3 week ago

    This restaurant serves the long sought after genuine New York style pizza on white paper plates! The Good: - We found the prices here to be very reasonable. - We didn’t have to wait long for our food. - They piled the meat lover’s pizza high with toppings. - The garlic knots were worth trying. - Because they made a mistake with our dessert order, they gave us a complimentary dessert. The Bad: - There was no table service at the time we dined. However, the staff did bus our table. - Our pizza crust was a bit tough. - Although flavorful, we found our pizza a bit salty. -Our table wobbled badly. The other tables we tried also wobbled. We shimmed our table with napkins and lived happily ever after. We deducted two stars for the rocking horse table, along with the salty pizza with somewhat tough crust. We gave an extra-credit star for the complimentary dessert. Regardless, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting!

  • Jessica Jacobi
    1 month ago

    We moved to Catonsville a little over a year ago and sadly only just discovered Chef Paolino within the past few months and it has quickly become our go to. My husband is a little bit of a pizza snob (from New York, so can’t totally blame him) and this has been his favorite local spot to get pizza from. We’ve been so impressed with everything we’ve had so far and last week had family visiting and did a large to go order and everyone loved what they had. We’ve only done takeout so far and have been impressed with the food and customer service so I can imagine the in person experience is very enjoyable too. So happy to have discovered Chef Paolino. I love the gluten free pizza and the salads I’ve tried (Coffey salad, Greek salad & Caprese). Looking forward to trying pasta dishes, as well. Truly the only complaint I’d have is that they’re not open Sundays but everyone does need a break :)

  • William McIntyre
    2 month ago

    Great food - Friendly Service - Generous Portions - Reasonable Portions. You order at the counter, and they bring your delicious food to you. I got the Meatball Sub. The meatballs were tasty and the sub roll was a perfect addition. My wife ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana. For an extra $1.50 you can add a small salad to your meal. The portion was too big for her to finish - I helped. The people who delivered our food checked back on us.

  • NY
    2 month ago

    We ordered this through UberEats and wow best packaging and hot food through delivery! Everything was fresh and the Chicken marsala is so delicious! My son is GF and the GF spaghetti was so good, you couldn't tell it was GF!

  • Joe Haupt
    3 month ago

    We had a great lunch at the restaurant. You order at the counter and then have a seat in the dining room until your order number is called. The food is very good, and the prices are moderate. We had the Antipasta Freddo ($12.95) and the Manicotti ($10.95). Soft drinks were $2.50 each. There is a large parking lot in front of the restaurant so parking is easy, a big plus in Catonsville.

  • Bow'Tealful LLC
    3 month ago

    Linguine Posillipo-Dinner, The Best! Fresh shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels sautéed in a marinara sauce over linguine. Chef's Kiss

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