Café Paradiso

Café Paradiso Review

The Mediterranean-Eastern fusion-style food here is so tasty that even dedicated meat eaters forget that it's vegetarian. Irish owner-chef Denis Cotter, who has published several acclaimed cookbooks, garners raves for his risottos with seasonal vegetables, his gougère-choux (cheese-flavor pastries) with savory fillings, and his homemade desserts. The stylish café-style dining room is busy and colorful, with enthusiastic young waiters who love to recite the daily specials (which might include feta, pistachio, and couscous cake on citrus greens with sweet-and-hot-pepper relish). The food is creatively arranged on massive platters or bowls, which add a sense of occasion. The restaurant is midway between the courthouse and the university. You can also stay the night here: there are two attractive rooms for two available for €200 a night including dinner.