Lakeside Restaurant Team, Left to Right: Sous Chef Todd Grove, Chef Kevin Turner, General Manager Kelly Reeme, and Owner Laura Huerta
Out of 8 million restaurant listings worldwide, fewer than one percent earn Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Designation.
This year, Highlands landed two of them.
Ristorante Paoletti didn’t just make the cut. The Italian restaurant rocketed to No. 13 among fine dining establishments in the entire United States, a ranking that positions it ahead of acclaimed restaurants in major metropolitan markets. Lakeside Restaurant earned its own Travelers’ Choice honor, joining the top 10 percent of properties on the platform.
The numbers tell the story of what it takes to reach this altitude. The awards analyze a full year of traveler reviews and ratings —every comment, every star, every detailed account of what happened at the table. Winners must demonstrate consistent excellence through “a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews,” as Tripadvisor describes it. Translation: you can’t fake your way here.
For Paoletti’s, the honor crowns decades of family tradition and devotion to craft. The restaurant, opened in 1984 by the Paoletti family, has long been a Highlands favorite for its hand-rolled pastas, impeccable wine cellar, and a staff that seems to know every guest by name. TripAdvisor’s review called it “a homemade-bread-and-family-vibe kind of place,” where crisp calamari, generous portions, and tiramisu worth saving room for set the tone.
Co-owner Gina Paoletti shared the emotion behind the accolade, “To have been ranked 13th in the nation was a tremendous honor as well as a reflection of the work that our incredible staff has put into it. We couldn’t have done this alone, and I am also incredibly grateful for the time that our customers put into writing these wonderful reviews. We feel super privileged to be recognized in this way — and to be able to carry on the family tradition for 72 years now.”
One block over, Lakeside Restaurant has built its own devoted following — and now, national recognition. Overlooking Harris Lake, the restaurant pairs intimate ambience with a creative, seafood-driven menu that changes with the seasons. Think seared scallops, trout stuffed with crab and bacon, and desserts that make diners linger just a little longer.
Lakeside Restaurant’s Laura Huerta knows the weight of the recognition. “A lot of hard work goes into running a business, especially a restaurant. I’m blessed to have a great staff who truly care about this place and our guests. I think it’s obvious from our customer reviews that we’re among the most hospitable people you’ll meet. We deeply appreciate the accolade and will continue to exceed our guests’ expectations.”
Both restaurants embody the best of Highlands dining – different in mood, united in mastery. Paoletti’s offers the refinement of an Italian institution polished by time; Lakeside delivers the ease and warmth of an evening beside the water. Together they form the twin pillars of a small town that just happens to cook on a world-class level.
In Highlands, excellence has always been part of the landscape. Now, thanks to two standout kitchens and a loyal chorus of diners, the rest of the country knows it, too.
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