Named after the Greek god, Apollo, Oakdale’s newest white tablecloth restaurant with a casual atmosphere, Papapolloni, offers a memorable upscale dining experience comparable to any fine bistro in the area.

Opened two years ago on West F Street in “The Cowboy Capital of the World” from the same people that brought Papapavlo’s to Modesto, owner David Alonso and chef Sergio Alonso have the combined culinary and restaurant experience of over 40 years.

They are two of five brothers who have hand tailored every dish on the menu. From crisp fresh salads topped with juicy marinade kabobs to traditional Greek casseroles, you can expect the same great flavors found at Papapavlo’s in Modesto, their first restaurant, at the Oakdale Papapolloni.

“All meats are fresh and all pastas, sauces, and desserts are made from scratch that day,” said David Alonso, adding that the Oakdale site has its own bakery. “Nothing is pre-made or frozen.”

Papapolloni offers a variety of pastas, lamb, beef and chicken brochettes, Greek casseroles with and an eclectic mix of French, Moroccan and other Greek cuisine served with garden fresh vegetables.

Diners can get started with fresh warm pita bread served with olive oil and Balsamic vinegar or could try their tzaziki sauce, a dip made of strained yogurt with garlic, and cucumbers.

Patron favorites include Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, Pistachio-Crusted Salmon or their incredible Lamb Loin Medallions. Entrees are served with a wonderful side of flavorful rice and fresh vegetables.

Alonso recommends the marinated lamb chops, a dish Papapolloni is known for as a “signature dish.” The lamb is marinated 24 hours before being grilled and is served with rice and fresh vegetables.
“We get the highest quality, best lamb in the area,” said Alonzo. “It’s something I would recommend to the first-timer or any lamb lover.”

For the Greek experience, Alonso suggests the moussaka, spanakopita, and pastichio casseroles that can come as an entrée or a la carte.

“If you want to experience all three, we offer the Papapolloni Combination on the menu,” said Alonso. “It features generous servings of all three.”

The gyros plate that includes their unique blend of lamb and beef, seasoned and broiled on a gas rotisserie is another foodie favorite of the restaurant.

Other dishes include a delightful chopped chicken salad that features a charbroiled chicken brochette with a combination of crisp fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, red onions, Greek olives, cucumbers and gourmet feta cheese or their grilled pitas and gourmet pizzas.

The Papapolloni staff sticks with authentic and original recipes to continue to attract their loyal and reliable restaurant patrons.

“Quality and consistency are our pride and goals,” said Alonso. “If you come in and order the same thing every time, it’ll be no different than the last time you ordered it, even if you do that every day.”

Papapolloni has a much richer setting than the Modesto Papapavlo’s. Located at 1214 West F St., the restaurant has a striking bar and spacious table seating decorated in natural and earth tones. The front seating area of the restaurant handles parties of two or four, while the back part can handle large groups. Outside dining is also available.

Papapolloni is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made by calling (209) 848-1545.