This study assessed nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) fed diets with 0, 2, 4 and 6% pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal (PLM) as a protein source. Fresh pawpaw leaves were collected, dried under a shade to a crispy feel, and pounded into a fine PLM. The PLM was used to formulate diets in which it replaced soybean meal at 0, 2, 4 and 6%. Thereafter, 108 three-weeks-old quails were individually weighed, divided into four groups based on body weights, and groups randomly assigned 0, 2, 4 and 6% PLM-diets. The diets, and drinking water were offered to the birds ad libitum until 42d of age. Feed intake, weight gain, body weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR), and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were assessed. Feed intake, weight gain, body weights, FCR, and digestibility of DM, CP, CF, EE, and NFE significantly improved with increase in PLM content in the diets. Birds fed 6% PLM-diet were superior (p < 0.05) in all these parameters, followed by those in 4% PLM group. No significant differences were observed between control and 2% PLM-diet fed birds. Thus, partially replacing soybean meal with PLM improved nutrient digestibility and growth performance of quails, and optimal results were achieved at 6% PLM replacement level.