Ilio Di Paolo's Restaurant

The words "Family Business" take on a whole new meaning at Ilio Di Paolo's restaurant. Opened in 1965 by a former professional wrestler, Ilio's has grown from a small pizzeria to a full scale restaurant and 300 seat banquet facility. Ilio's sons Dennis and Michael are the heart and soul of the restaurant. Dennis is the General Manager, and Michael is the Chef. You also will find Ilio's daughter Barbara running the dining room along with his daughter-in-law Dawn. Back home, Ilio's wife Ethel still does the books. The DiPaolo grandchildren are also not far behind - working as servers, bussers, and dishwashers. Sadly, Ilio was killed in a car accident 5 years ago, but his name lives on in a Memorial Scholarship established by his family and friends. Funded through private donations and profits from selling Ilio's Dressings, Sauces, and other products in local grocery stores. So how's the food! Well, about as homemade as you can get! Several old family frien ... more

The words "Family Business" take on a whole new meaning at Ilio Di Paolo's restaurant. Opened in 1965 by a former professional wrestler, Ilio's has grown from a small pizzeria to a full scale restaurant and 300 seat banquet facility. Ilio's sons Dennis and Michael are the heart and soul of the restaurant. Dennis is the General Manager, and Michael is the Chef. You also will find Ilio's daughter Barbara running the dining room along with his daughter-in-law Dawn. Back home, Ilio's wife Ethel still does the books. The DiPaolo grandchildren are also not far behind - working as servers, bussers, and dishwashers. Sadly, Ilio was killed in a car accident 5 years ago, but his name lives on in a Memorial Scholarship established by his family and friends. Funded through private donations and profits from selling Ilio's Dressings, Sauces, and other products in local grocery stores.
So how's the food! Well, about as homemade as you can get! Several old family friends still roll the Gnocchi which is the best I've ever tasted. In addition, homemade sauces, dressings, pastas and other Italian Specialties such as tripe - are famous in the area. Ilio's enjoys a long friendship with the Buffalo Bills Football Team, Jim Kelly even got engaged there!
My favorite dish is Gnocchi's with homemade marinara sauce. The sauce is chunky, and the combination of flavors is unbeatable!
The menu you allows you so many options - you can literally create your own dish. On one side you choose your pasta, and the other you choose your sauce - all homemade. Pasta with oil and garlic and fresh vegetables is also a great dish.
Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week, and they have a great soup bar at lunch - with three homemade soups to choose from.
Ilio's has long been a big hit with the locals. It is not unusual to meet someone that had their first communion there, their graduation from high school, and then their wedding!
Located just off I-95 in Blasdell, it is really easy to get to.
Remember to save room for a homemade cannoli - flaky and sweet!


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