Growing up Italian, I've become accustomed to Sunday dinners with my huge family. Coming to college was difficult because I was leaving my family behind as well as the delicious food. I knew that once I was at school, I had to find a good local Italian restaurant that wasn't Olive Garden (because every Italian knows that's not real Italian food.) I soon discovered Paul's Pasta Shop.
Paul's Pasta Shop is a small locally owned Italian restaurant in Groton, CT. Paul's has been around for about 28 years and is owned and operated by Paul and Dorthy Fidrych. Their love for food is what makes Paul's so special. Here are five reasons why Paul's Pasta Shop is the best thing since sliced (garlic) bread.
1. The food is to die for!
With fresh handmade pastas and sauces, its no wonder the line to eat here is always out the door! Paul's food is authentic as it gets to a home-cooked Italian meal. Their portions are definitely healthy and come in two sizes: small and large. You can't beat getting a plate of fresh ravioli (pictured above left), or a hearty serving of spaghetti pie (pictured above right). Their daily specials change all the time and are always delicious. After going to Paul's a few times, before you know it you won't need to read the menu anymore!
2. It's locally owned and operated.
Once you eat here once, you can see why it has been voted as best Italian restaurant in Groton, CT. Eating on the deck over looking the Thames River is a sight to see. It's definitely a hidden gem. Sometimes you can see a submarine pass by and the Long Island/Block Island ferry come in and out of the harbor. Since Paul's is locally owned, it is one-of-a-kind. Some customers drive three hours just for a meal. If that doesn't say dedication and commitment then I don't know what does.
3. The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is friendly.
The dining area reminds me so fondly of my grandmas house. You can look over to the door and see Paul himself pulling pasta through the pasta maker. The staff is so friendly and and is able to maneuver hot plates of pasta throughout the dining area without spilling a drop. They make you feel like family from the moment you step through the door all the way until you pay your bill. Even though the dining area is small, that's what makes it feel so family oriented. You always feel like you're at Sunday dinner at Paul's.
4. Fresh handmade pasta and sauces!
Paul's makes just about everything fresh every day. There's just something special about eating fresh pasta but there's something even more special seeing it made in front of you. You can really taste fresh garlic and basil and that makes it much more delicious. They carry so many different types of pasta and pasta shapes; don't even get me started on the different types of sauces they have daily. Once you start eating fresh pasta, you'll never go back to eating boxed pasta again.
5. You can bring Paul's home to your own kitchen table.
Have a long day at work and don't feel like cooking dinner but still want a fresh hot meal? Fear no more, Paul's Pasta Shop does takeout. You can bring home full meals right down to a loaf of fresh garlic bread or pasta by the pound and sauce by the quart. Paul's indulges in just about very shape of pasta imaginable and sauces as well. 
Take it from this Italian girl, Paul's Pasta Shop is great local authentic Italian food. Order a large of whatever on the menu and take the leftovers home to enjoy the next day for lunch or dinner. If you've never been to Paul's Pasta Shop before then I don't know what you're doing still reading this article! If you're ever in the New London/Groton area then Paul's is a definite stop!
