PAULIE'S FINE ITALIAN | charleston, wv
- WineCheeseScallops
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 30
A First Look at Paulie’s Fine Italian:
Chef Paul’s Latest Culinary Masterpiece in Charleston, WV

Last Friday, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the soft opening of Paulie’s Fine Italian, a new culinary destination in Charleston that’s already making waves. A soft opening, for those unfamiliar, is essentially a trial run before the grand opening. It gives the restaurant a chance to work out timing, service flow, and menu execution in a live environment. Guests are typically invited, offering feedback and enjoying a sneak peek at what’s to come. It’s a win-win: the staff gains real-time experience, and guests enjoy an early taste of something extraordinary.

Paulie’s is the latest creation of Chef Paul, a James Beard Award-winning chef who also owns and operates 1010 Bridge, a celebrated restaurant located just across the street. Known for his refined techniques, seasonal ingredients, and dedication to hospitality, Chef Paul’s passion for food is evident in every detail—and Paulie’s is no exception.
Address: 915 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
Phone: (681) 205-2210
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The building, formerly home to Bridge Road Bistro, has been completely transformed. From the moment you walk in, you’re struck by the new flooring, updated décor, and a clean, elegant ambiance. The hostess stand welcomes guests into a stylish bar area that invites you to sip and settle in before dinner. The space then opens into a beautifully designed main dining room that flows effortlessly toward the back, where an open kitchen allows guests to witness the culinary team at work. Watching the chefs and expeditors plate each dish with care was almost as delightful as tasting the food itself.
We dined with our wonderful friends, Brian and Andrea, on a Friday evening, and from the second we walked through the doors, the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked sauces, garlic, and toasted bread let us know we were in for something special. The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and full of promise.

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We began our meal with three unique and flavorful appetizers. The fried olives, stuffed with anchovy and served with marcona almonds, were an exciting twist on a classic Italian bar snack. The olives were crisp on the outside, warm and briny within, and the salty anchovy gave them a bold, savory punch that paired beautifully with the nuttiness of the marcona almonds.

Next came the wood-fired oysters, which arrived bubbling in a pool of Calabrian chili butter. The oysters were perfectly cooked—tender, smoky, and infused with just the right amount of heat. It was a rich, luxurious bite that left us craving more.

Finally, the stracciatella—a dish that completely stole the show among the starters. Creamy, delicate ricotta was layered with a spicy chili pine nut crunch and served alongside slices of golden fried bread. The textures and flavors were perfectly balanced: creamy, spicy, crunchy, and indulgent. Each bite was a little piece of heaven.
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For our entrees, we ordered a variety of dishes and shared them around the table. The short rib, slow-braised to the point of falling apart with the touch of a fork, was served over a smooth, velvety bed of creamy polenta. Accompanied by a medley of tender vegetables, the dish was comforting and rich without being heavy—an ideal example of Italian comfort food elevated to fine dining.

The mushroom polenta was equally impressive. Featuring locally sourced Hernshaw Farms mushrooms, the dish was earthy and fragrant, bathed in a deeply flavorful Italian herb jus and topped with a touch of stracciatella cheese that melted right into the polenta. It was deeply satisfying, with each bite offering a rustic, soulful depth.

The flounder puttanesca provided a lighter contrast to the meat and mushroom dishes but was every bit as bold. The flounder was perfectly cooked—flaky and delicate—nestled atop sautéed spinach and covered with a vibrant puttanesca sauce of olives, capers, and a touch of sweetness from golden raisins. The sauce was assertive, but not overpowering, giving the fish a bright, briny lift that lingered long after the last bite.
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Of course, no Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Paulie’s truly delivered. The panna cotta was beautifully presented and bursting with lemony brightness. It had a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture and was topped with balsamic-marinated berries that added a touch of tartness and complexity.

The cannoli chips and dip was a playful reimagining of the classic pastry: crisp housemade pizzelles served alongside a luscious, lightly sweetened ricotta dip. It was a fun, hands-on dessert that was both nostalgic and fresh.
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Our server, Chris, was a standout in his own right. Attentive, kind, and genuinely fun, he made us feel completely taken care of. He reminded us several times that we could ask for anything, and he truly meant it. His service added to the ease and enjoyment of the evening. To top it all off, Chef Paul came by our table to check in and chat, a testament to his deep commitment to hospitality and guest experience. He radiates passion for his craft, and it’s clear that every detail at Paulie’s reflects that care.
Our reservation was at 7 p.m., and we lingered long into the evening, savoring every bite and every conversation with our friends. The atmosphere, the food, the people—it all came together to create an unforgettable night.

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We eagerly look forward to the official grand opening of Paulie’s Fine Italian. If the soft opening was any indication, it’s going to be a massive success. Chef Paul has created something extraordinary once again, and we’re confident Charleston will embrace Paulie’s with open arms—and hungry appetites. If you're looking for food that is soulful, elevated, and bursting with flavor, Paulie’s will not disappoint.
Address: 915 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
Phone: (681) 205-2210
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