Paradiso
1627 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19148
Paradiso Menu
-
Appetizers
-
Entrees
-
Pasta
-
Dessert
Healthy Meal suggestions for Paradiso
-
Appetizers
-
Entrees
-
Pasta
-
Dessert
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1627 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19148 - Phone (215) 271-2066
- Website https://www.paradisophilly.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : Yes
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Theresa A.
If you are a picky eater or a vegetarian--this is probably NOT the place for you. I (the picky one) dined here on a gorgeous evening with my boyfriend and our good friend (the veg). We live right near by and decided to take advantage of their prime, Passyunk location as well as a special offer to dine there through opentable.com . Now I see why this special offer existed...because you'd have to twist someone's arm to go here. On the down side, the service was fair, to be NICE. Our server, I suppose presuming that three 20 somethings were going to stiff her on the check, decided we did not deserve the same level of service as she provided to her other tables. It's always very curious to me when a you can overhear your server give a warm welcome to the table next to you, read you delectable sounding specials, and offer wine specials, and then turn around to our table and say "Hi, what can I get you?". No "Good Evening". No "Is this your first time here". Nothing. We waited 15 minutes for to be offered dessert or our check. She took my drink from the table before I was through drinking it after I said I didn't want another. Our friend (the veg) ordered the potato gnocchi which he said was complete mush. I was forced to order the stuffed chicken (bleh) after I learned they were out of the only dish I would have eaten. Sub par. Won't go back. On the plus side, I had the lentil soup which was quite good, the veg had the beet salad which he enjoyed, and my boyfriend admittedly liked his wild boar ragu. Overall a sub par experience. Plenty of other better restaurants in the area.
(2)Joelle B.
For a few reasons, I really wanted to like it here. The service was great from start to finish and overall, I really enjoyed myself. However, there's just something missing...the pasta special I got was good, the escargots were just ok(I like parc and beau monde's better). Entree was pork osso bucco which I was excited about, but it was only ok...almost lacking in flavor, though I needed a gallon of water after the meal. I was very happy about the la Colombe cappuccino with dessert, but not overly impressed with the cheesecake. I wold go back if a group wanted to go, but unfortunately for the price, it just didn't make an huge impression. For 3 glasses of wine between myself and my fiancée, two apps and two entrees with cappuccino and dessert(one to share) our bill was about $160 including tip. I kind felt like I could have great pasta at porcini and bring my own wine and have a better meal. Just sayin...
(3)Julie N.
Having heard great things about Paradiso, we ended up having dinner here with my company's holiday party. The restaurant was closed for the private event, which was held upstairs. The first level is very spacious, with plenty of tables spaced just enough to provide intimacy but still keeps it casual. At the top of the steps, there is a full bar, and a very large dining area. Sadly, we did not get to try too many of the h'or d'oeuvres... but the bartender was a very sweet blonde who is also a jazz/folk singer! There were a few dishes served family-style, followed by a choice of main entree. Paradiso served up a ton of winners that night - the entire office was raving about the meal the next day. I pretty much loved everything that I tried for the first course: - Black Bucatini, Rock Shrimp, Calamari, Grape Tomatoes -- Definitely my favorite for the first course. Don't let the color of the bucatini turn you off! - Sweet Potato and Ricotta Gnocchi, Brown Butter, Sage -- Some of the best gnocchi I've ever had! Melts in your mouth. - Crispy Chicken Livers, Caramelized Onion, Vin Cotto -- The caramelized onion paired with the chicken liver is perfection. - Fritto Misto, Calamari, Shrimp & Smelts -- Cannot go wrong with this! - Vegetable "Antipasti" -- This was served room-temperature which we were not expecting, but still very good. - Chestnut Fazzoletti with Wild Boar Ragu - Oh Em Gee. For entrees: - Stuffed Veal Breast, Spinach, Pistachio, Tallegio Torta -- The server told us that this was his favorite dish on the menu, so it ended up being a popular entree at our table. Every plate with veal was completely cleared. - Hudson Valley Duck Breast "Agrodolce", Cippolini Onions, Creamy Polenta -- Very tender and juicy duck breast. I definitely enjoyed this. - Seared Hawaiian Kampachi, Caramelized Fennel, Tomato Sformato -- Fiance had this and he had a very happy belly after dinner. We all had pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, which was very good. It wasn't overly sweet and had a graham cracker crust. (This definitely says a lot coming from me since I'm not particularly a cheese fan...) Overall, we had a wonderful dinner at Paradiso. The service was very friendly and attentive. No glass ever went half-empty. We will be back!!!
(4)Dee M.
Brutally hot July night and when asked they insisted on keeping the windows open rather than turning on the air conditioning. this even though they have an open air kitchen which raised the temps in the dining room to which seemed like 90 degrees.Add to that the elbow to elbow table set up and it was a very uncomfortable experience. I would add I am usually the last person to ever feel heat. In fact I am a hot weather lover, so this was unacceptable for me so I wasnt surprised when others outside of our table remarked the same thing while outside getting some cool air. I think the waitstaff was exhausted from the heat too because there wasn't a smile on any of their faces and the service was spotty at best. Frankly, it was too uncomfortable to enjoy our meal and we didnt linger over drinks like we usually do. I won't ever go back in summer.
(2)Jane F.
It's a shame that this review couldn't be more about the food because the house made pastas were actually very good. However, the service and management were extremely disappointing. We were a party of 12 people which, being a restaurant manager myself, I realize can be somewhat difficult. Our server seemed nervous or overwhelmed even though there were only 3 other tables in the restaurant. The meal was fine, we had all ordered pasta and drinks and our bill came out to around $400.00 The problems began when it came time to pay the bill and we realized there were a few items on the check that we did not order. No one tried to help us, they would just bring us more copies of the same bill. There was a woman, not sure of her position, who at one point ripped the check out of my hands as I was trying to figure it out. Frustrated by that, we stuck around for another hour trying to explain to the server and woman (manager? Chef? Not sure) what our problem was. From what I understand the problem was some dishes and drinks were under the wrong name on the bill (silly me for not immediately assuming this). Regardless, it was incredibly frustrating and my boyfriend let the woman know. He told her it was ridiculous that we were there for so long trying to figure this out while paying a large bill. Well...she snapped and yelled in his face. Then the chef, who had been sitting at the bar, decided to jump in and curse and threaten my boyfriend. We ended up leaving very upset and confused as to why a chef would get involved in anything to do with a front-of-house dispute. I was appalled at how the staff of Paradiso handled a simple issue. I work at a restaurant and have dealt with similar situations. There is absolutely no reason it should have escalated to the point of cursing out your customers. So....do not go to this restaurant if you expect to be treated with respect.
(2)Rachel U.
We went here last night with friends; 2 of us partook of the restaurant week prix fixe (4 courses for $30 whatwhat!) and 2 of us ordered off of the regular menu. Our waitress was adorable, and the somelier was on site that night to tell us about some of the wines and gave us an excuse to order some. The ambiance was really nice too; relaxed and classy. All of us loved our food. The baby spinach & pear salad (sans pancetta) was surprisingly delicious for how simple it looked on the plate. The fried zucchini was silky cheesy fried goodness. The fettucine pomodoro was so fresh, light, and I could've ended the meal there and been happy. But wait, there's more! We girls both got the asiago stuffed chicken (sans the speck... noticing a pattern?) and the chicken was super juicy, the cheese was mouth wateringly smooth. The boys got the skate and the branzino, which was brought to the table whole with the option of fileting it ourselves or having the kitchen do it, which I thought was cool. The chocolate bread pudding was amazing, and I wish I could've eaten more of it if not for the teensy bits of walnuts baked in waiting to kill me ;)
(5)Elisabeth Y.
I've been to Paradiso a few times over the past 4 or so years, but this is the first time I actually felt disappointed. The service was friendly but much too slow- for example, about 25-30 minutes passed between the time when we asked for the check, and the time we actually got to leave the restaurant. It was the end of a long day, I was tired, and did not appreciate waiting that long on a transaction that should take no longer than 5 minutes. Foodwise I was a little disappointed as well. I ordered the pappardelle, which I usually find delicious- unfortunately, this time the noodles were dry and some were stuck together. Likewise, the fried zucchini blossoms, which I have enjoyed in the past, were greasy rather than crispy. There are a ton of great Italian restaurants in South Philadelphia, and so, I probably won't go back to Paradiso. It's a shame.
(2)Bill F.
I love love love this restaurant! The Passyunk Avenue district is a great place to hang out, the atmosphere inside is cozy, the service is excellent and the food is delicious. The chefs name is Lynn.. I can't remember her last name... and I've been told she's one of the best in the country (she's also the owner). Oh.... there's also outside seating if you like "people watching" and I believe there is also seating upstairs. My personal preference is the tripe. If you've ever had it before, I dare you to try it here, it's the best ever. The prices are just slightly on the high side but considering all the above it's definitely a bargain.
(5)Krista B.
I was here for a family party in the private room upstairs last night. The food was amazing, but holy hannah, the wait staff sings opera! I want to say that it was too gimmicky except I can't because their voices were IN-freakin-credible. And I don't really even think of myself as someone who likes opera. Overall they were super professional about the actual service as well, if a bit forgetful about the minutiae like refilling water glasses--but we were a huge group so it's not too surprising. Now for the food: The gnocchi pommodoro absolutely just melts in your mouth. And the pan seared chilean sea bass with braised swiss chard and tomato fennel puree? I didn't mean to eat all of it since I'd hit the anitpasti buffet pretty hard, but I cleaned my whole plate it was so delish. For dessert I had a glass of DiSarrono. Altogether a lovely meal.
(5)Richard Michael L.
4 stars overall. The food = 5 stars. Amazing service. Great portions. Great prices. Food was perfect. You will never leave hungry, and you'll never leave wanting more flavor. Octo, burratta, tuna, and zucchini were all just perfect. Great seasoning, flavors and freshness. Ahi Tuna can be so "yesterday" at most places, not here. It's sushi grade. I've heard so many people claim that, but this is the first time that I've tasted it in a LONG time. I've eaten tuna all over the world and this was very well-prepared. Only reason that I wouldn't give it 5 stars overall were two minor issues: 1) They have a liquor license and I am so anti-PA LCB anymore it's sick. Sun is BYO night. Sunday night was perfect. 2) They wouldn't swap out a veggie for the peppers on a standard app. When it's not busy, just make the customer happy when it's a simple substitution. I know how to cook, so I can understand no substitutions on complicated dishes or when it's crazy. Service was also great. We had a gentleman in his 30's or maybe 40's who was full of life and on top of it. Later, a female serve came out and introduced the cheese plate. Wow! I haven't seen a great cheese tray in Philly in ages. Great selection. The freshness of their seafood and the willingness to manage a cheese selection (it's very difficult to store), shows what pro's the folks at Paradiso are! We'll be back!
(4)Barbara R.
My husband I recently enjoyed our Valentine's Day date at Paradiso. The dining room provided a nice romantic setting. The wait staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. My husband ordered a very expensive, delicious, well prepared rib-eye steak, although the side dishes that accompanied it were not impressive. I ordered "Orecchiette, Veal sausage & Broccoli Rabe", which I found to be too oily. We both thoroughly enjoyed the "Spinach, Roasted Pear, Pancetta, Parmigiano salad". Our experience was positive, we would visit again to hopefully pick menu items that fit our taste better.
(4)Frank R.
I could eat at Paradiso every night and not get tired of the food. Their gnocchi is little pieces of paradise rolled up nice and airy and light in a fabulous marinara that you can only get in South Philly. Three of us ate at Paradiso last night, and it was a dream meal. All of us started with the escargot special, which was prepared with pesto, garlic, and marinara. It's the first time I've had snails in sauce, but it won't be the last. The toast that came with the escargot was covered in shaved Parmesan, and I could have eaten that all by itself it was so fabulous. For the secondi, I had the gnocchi. As many had told me, the gnocchi at Paradiso is the lightest anywhere. True, so true. They were the best gnocchi I've ever had, and I'd had my fill of those little lumps (gnocchi means "lump" or "knot in the wood" in Italian). Then the entree: Braised short rib 'Braciole' with creamy mascarpone polenta. Wow. I'd love to have it again today. The braised ribs were fork tender, and the combination of the ribs and the polenta was really great. (The polenta has the mouth feel of ice cream because of the mascarpone, which is something really great). My dinner companions had the gnocchi and the linguine with clams respectively for their entrees. Again, yums all the way around. The service at Paradiso is second to none. If you've been in South Philly restaurants, you know that the atmosphere and the people are part of the equation. At Paradiso, the servers are super friendly and helpful. They have the pacing down, and there's no rush. With the comfortable seating (banquettes along the wall), you could come early and stay all evening. They won't rush you. The wine list is broad but not overwhelming. We had the Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico, which was a very nice wine in the $75 range. They also quite a number of wines by the glass. Oh, dessert. I'm a rice pudding aficionado, so I went with the rice pudding with sour cherries. Great combo. Here's what I say: Paradiso has the combo: Great food and great service. And the restaurant setting is comfortable, and even though every table is filled, it's not too noisy or too crowded. The bathrooms are super clean and nice, which I take as a sign that a restaurant really cares about the entire experience. Go there. That little stretch of Passyunk is great. Paradiso is definitely a return visit restaurant.
(5)Kathy D.
Probably the most upscale restaurant in South Philadelphia. Definately suited for a special occasion or celebratory dinner. Located on the revived Passyunk Ave, you can also people watch the gentrification from the front of the restaurant. Stellar menu, which surprisingly included rabbit, with an uber professional waitstaff. South Philly finest!!!
(4)Chris L.
I had dinner here with my girlfriend during our weekend in Philadelphia. We didnt plan on going here but we stumbled upoin it after our original plan was smashed. We were glad we found it. I NEVER order pasta when in a restaurant. However for some reason I had the homemade gnocchi and it was unlike anything I have ever tasted. So soft and fluffy. Not that hard, chewy stuff you normally get. We left very happy. Fantastic place. Great service as well. I can't remember what my girlfriend had but she evern said best gnocchi ever.
(4)Mary S.
Best Pasta Ever! It's fresh and homemade. I went with my boyfriend at the time during South Philly restaurant week and we made a wise choice. The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. This quaint little spot is a must-visit.
(5)Greg G.
Last night my wife had her heart set on going to Los Cabalitos for some Margaritas and Guacamole on the hottest day of the year, but it was packed and I didn't feel like waiting. So instead we strolled up Passyunk Ave and landed at Paradiso. I knew I would like this place when I walked in. It has this feel of your Grandmother's living room in S. Philly but it is much larger; and they had the Phillies game on at the bar. Our waiter was great. He almost seemed excited to tell us about the menu and the specials. I started with the Asparagus wrapped in pancetta with a truffled egg. It was excellent. What a good combination of truffle and saltiness. My wife had a beet, ricotta cheese, and watermelon salad. It was also delicious but rather sweet and probably could have been a dessert instead. For dinner I had Olive Oil poached Halibut with mussels, clams, and calamari in a tomato broth. The Halibut was great cooked this way. It was juicy, not dry like when you bake it. The tomato broth was bread dipping good also. My wife had Black Bucatini with crab and calamari. A very simple yet flavorful dish. Bucatini holds the sauce so well and the squid ink gives it a nice flavor. I skipped desert but my wife could not. Although I cannot remember the name of the desert it was remniscent of the Dip Sum Donuts at Buddakhan. Prices for both food and drinks were reasonable. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant and I will personally be going back.
(4)Jimmie B.
Phenomenal food and Service!! Definitely a great time and atmosphere. Love their NY Strip Steak!! It was so tender and juicy. Service and staff are outstanding. They treat me like the guest of honor, everytime I am there. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Sunny S.
The lamb and sausage dish was nice, so was the pork chop and very creamy gnocchi.
(4)Charlie G.
My wife and I had a lovely meal here last night. Terrific friendly server took great care of us. Marvelous food included a flavorful porchetta (pork shoulder) for me and duck with polenta for my wife. The cheese trolley is an adventure in exotic flavors. I feel really blessed to have a place like this in the neighborhood. ThIs was definitely a splurge for us - over 150 for two of us included wines and tip - but well worth it!
(5)Kim J.
This was place was fine. Not great, not terrible. Weird comments from the server, but I ate there too long ago to remember exactly what they were. Not sure I'll go back, with Fond right nearby- their food was far superior to anything I ate at Paradiso (gazpacho to start, fish for the main course). I probably won't go back.
(3)Elizabeth B.
Now keep in mind I only came here for a drink while we were waiting for our reservation at Izumi down the street. The drinks were fabulous, the bartender was really friendly and competent. I am dying to come back for dinner; the menu looks amazing and the decor is so light and bright. Seems like the perfect place for a summer dinner date. If anyone is interested in wining and dining me, this would be a good first stop.
(4)Jaime K.
Hard to review - I had one decent meal and one terrible meal here. My first meal was tasty, but nothing special. The second meal was terrible. One of the servers had a black eye and the staff was so casual it was suprising. Although $20 - $25 isn't a fortune for an entree for a restaurant with that ambiance I would have expected much more professionalism and knowledge.
(2)Owen W.
Great unique take on Italian cuisine. I'm pretty sure the pasta is homemade. If not I can't tell the difference. All the dishes Ive had have been absolutely amazing. This is the kind of place I take people who are from out of town or for special occasions. The wait staff is knowledgeable about the dishes and very professional and the kitchen is open in the back of the restaurant so you can see the chef at work. Come here for specialties like rabbit, duck and wild boar. I'm always impressed with the variety.
(4)Jim T.
This was my second dining experience at Paradiso and it was just as good as the first visit. We went for a friends b-day dinner. We had the scallops for an appitezer which were cooked perfectly. Sometimes restaurants tend to over cook them. My girlfriend had the Duck which was presented beautiful which she totally enjoyed. Our friend had the special rib-eye steak which was a huge portion which she loved. I had the filet. It was a nice size with a crusted top and cooked to perfection. It is upscale and expect to be about a $50+ a person if your order a bottle of wine. All in all a great spot for upscale dining on Passyumk.
(4)Gary C.
In my opinion, the Best Italian Food in Philadelphia! This Cozy, little place, sits in the heart of an Italian neighborhood in South Philly. Gourmet Italian all the way. Excellent Service, Excellent FOOD! They have an extensive wine list, however, certain nights they offer BYOB. They have a nice little bar and outside dining also. We were treated with a Stuffed Zucchini Blossom Tempura Appetizer. Crisp, Tender, and Full of Flavor! I had the Oysters which were Plump and Juicy with just a hint of the Sea. Our Host Loved the Trip soup. He didn't leave a drop. For Dinner I chose the Hudson Valley Duck Breast, "Agrodolce" Cipollini Onion, Soft Polenta My date had the Braciola, Celery Root Puree and Smoked Tomato Puree. Everything was cooked PERFECTLY using the best cuts of meat. The Fresh Bread was served with Mashed Cannelloni Beans, Pesto, and Peppers. After Dinner, I enjoyed a nice Glass of Grand Marnier, My Date had the Home Made Lemon cello. Service and food were both EXCELLENT!! They also offer Price Fixe Menus and Daily specials! When in Philly, This is the place to go for REAL ITALIAN!
(5)Read T.
Definitely agree that this is the most upscale restaurant in South Philly. This and Le Virtu get my vote. The food flavors and quality here are stupendous. Many options to choose from, which makes this a date place, a parent place, a group place, you name it! LOVE that they aren't byob. Adds classiness for sure.
(4)Molly D.
After the place I was planning on eating birthday dinner at had a 45 minute wait for no good reason (uh, no thank you!), we wandered down Passyunk until we came across this gem. Though I lived in Philly for probably ten years, I had never even heard of Paradiso (ahem, maybe it's new?). Since there was plenty of available seating, we scooted right in and made ourselves comfortable. Unfortunately, the 4th person in our party was late meeting us and the "Please refrain from using cell phones in the dining area," while a nice touch, made me a little wary of checking in with her even when I needed to. Apparently they don't really enforce the rule, but I still felt bad so I erected a menu barricade to hide behind. Ok, now the good stuff. Our servers name was Anthony and he was SO MUCH FUN! We laughed through the whole meal, which was amazing... AMAZING! I got the wagu beef (am I making that up?) which was a special. One of my best friends had the black noodles (also delicious) and my other best friend haaaaddddd..... you know, I can't remember what she had, but ALL our plates were bone dry at the end of the meal, so you know it was good! Top it all off with an apple tart with some ice cream (what the hell kind of ice cream is that? It actually tasted like apple pie ice cream, is that real life?!) and a birthday candle and I was one satisfied birthday girl!! I plan to be back many, many times.
(5)Japer D.
During my second visit to Paradiso since May, I was pleased to find the food as good if not better. The service was excellent. Out server - Melissa, I think - consulted on all selections as asked without being overly solicitious. When asked her opinion it was as if she would take us in to her confidence to lend an opinion. Two of my friends had the heirloom tomato salad and the fruit delivered a local, seasonal tart freshness. Another diner had the squash blossoms, delicately stuffed with cheese and fried. They were light and delicious with a hint of rich cheese flavor. I had the fazzoletti; al dente and perfectly dressed. Our entrees were short ribs, calf's liver and scallops. The short ribs and calf's liver were served over a marscapone polenta. It was creamy and savory-sweet, without a hint of graininess. The scallops were seared with the slightest hint of crunch at the corners, and tender and delicately chewy throughout. It was fantastic. I didn't sample all of the wines served at the table, but Melissa cheerfully brought a few samples before a bottle was selected and I had a glass of a sauvignon blanc that was fresh and bright with a nice grapefruit nose and a lovely crisp, citrus finish. We finished with cheese. This place is reasonably priced for the premium ingredients, preparation and presentation making it a bargain, and parking was a breeze. I would suggest this restaurant to any local foodie or out-of-towner.
(4)Beth R.
Solid 3 stars. Here's my take, from top to bottom. The service was the best part, you feel like you are in a nice restaurant. The sweetbreads ravioli were excellent. Don't google "what are sweetbreads", just eat them bc they are delicious. The duck entree was good although I have liked similar versions better at caffe casta diva and talulahs garden. The wild boar ragu was a bit of a letdown. I was able to get a saturday night reservation for 2 at prime time at the last minute, maybe because they are a pretty large space. They also have an upstairs room, which could accommodate a private party.
(3)A L.
I adore Paradiso for the delicious food; friendly, thoughtful, and accommodating staff and owner; warm setting on East Passyunk; and turning out to be the most wonderful spot for a cozy and happy winter wedding! Working with the owner, Lynn, was a dream: she was so enthusiastic about collaborating with us and understanding our hopes for the day; incredibly responsive and supportive in ensuring every detail of our celebration came together, working out all the details for the space, and creating a fantastic menu. Lynn and her staff worked with my friends to set up the flowers, seating cards, and decorations and rearranged the entire downstairs to host our Sunday afternoon ceremony, followed by a festive cocktail hour, a long and leisurely meal, and a whole lot of dancing! The cocktail hour included prosecco, craft beers stocked especially for us, passed appetizers, and a beautiful cheese spread. We transitioned upstairs and our 80 guests found their seats (Lynn even worked with us on the seating chart and best placement for everything!) and were served appetizers and carafes of wine, family-style; plated salads; and a choice of entrée that guests ordered that day, including a fantastic vegetarian option (stuffed peppers, yum!). We had access to the sound system throughout the day, danced our tails off, and, instead of cake, which my husband and I are not the biggest fans of, Lynn and her crew baked individual apple tarts for everyone, accompanied with wonderful mascarpone ice cream (matching our cheese happy wedding!). We received absolutely the highest compliments from our guests on the food, comfy space, and friendly service (the staff were incredibly sweet and attentive through it all!). We have been back since for more marvelous meals and will be there again tonight, on the eve of our first wedding anniversary, quite a bit bashful that we are only posting this review now - so incredibly overdue for such a wonderful spot! Highly recommended for a meal any day of the week, or for a very special event (our close friends liked it so much they ended up having their rehearsal dinner there six months later!).
(5)Stephanie S.
We went for Valentine's dinner last night. A very expensive disappointment. Our server was clearly not ready for a fine dining establishment. We were forced to purchase a bottle of wine that we had immediately rejected upon receipt. This ruined the entire meal from the start. However, as it was Valentines Day, and every other restaurant was already booked, we decided to press on. Anchovy dressing on the salad was overwhelming. So fishy it could not be enjoyed. Pork chop was overcooked on one side and greasy on the other. Between the two of us, neither one was able to enjoy a full meal. To cap off the evening, we watched the server at the table next to us deliver a falling apart dessert plate and announce "it will still taste good." When the meal costs $200, you take the plate back to the kitchen and return when it's presentable. Try one of the other restaurants on Passyunk. We went to Le Virtu for drinks and dessert and it was sweet redemption.
(2)fred m.
Excellent food, nice atmosphere and perfect service! Definitely try any of their pastas. The black bucatini was tremendous. The apps are great, also. Give it a try! Another great thing is there is a municipal lot right across the street that only charges $0.50 an hour!
(5)Kimberly M.
Dined here for date night with the boyfriend during local restaurant week and could not pass up the 4 courses for $30 dollars. First time here for both of us and the ambiance alone won us over right away. Walking in through plush red curtains set the tone for me immediately, classy and simple decor all around. We made reservations but came in early and we were seated right away. Everything on the menu looked delicious but we stuck with the prix fixe menu with the addition of wine and some extra dessert! My favorite course was the classic Fettuccine Pomodoro, the pasta was so light and so fresh and amazingly delicious, easily one of the best Fettuccine's I have ever consumed. The rest of my meal was ok but next time I eat here I am sticking with the pasta dishes. The wine that our server recommended was also out of this world good. I told her what I liked and she immediately threw out a name, I know I am totally butchering this but I believe it was called Negramaro Vitto, either way it perfectly complimented my meal. And of course I cannot leave without talking up the cheese cart! Our meal included dessert, which was tasty (the boyfriend's rice pudding was way better then my chocolate cake btw) but I just had to sample the cheese. The cart was wheeled over and our server explained the taste and origin of each cheese and we got to pick three to test. We chose 2 sweet cheeses and one sharp, none of which I can tell you the name of, but they were amazing, sliced fresh, and served with honey, pear, and a sweet fig spread. All in all it was a delicious meal and I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
(4)Krista P.
I'm rounding up on this one... I stopped by for a drink a few weeks ago on my way to Fond, and was very impressed with this place. Had a drink at the bar, and four of us shared the wild boar ragu gnocchi. We resolved to come back immediately for dinner. 6 of us went the next week for dinner. It was a weeknight, but we had the place to ourselves the entire time. Not bad, but a little strange. My boyfriend and I ordered a lot of food... salumi board, half portion of gnocchi, half portion of the special (fettucini with braised veal in a a mushroom sauce), osso bucco with saffron risotto, and stuffed veal (don't judge.... okay, maybe you should judge. My next review will be of a gym, I swear.) Both of the pastas were mediocre, which was weird since we'd had the gnocchi a week before. The salumi board was very creative and delicious and would definitely recommend. The meat dishes is where the meal fell apart.... I was PUMPED for the Osso Bucco, but secretly for the saffron risotto. And was very sad when I tasted it. The risotto was crunchy; it tasted underdone, and wasn't very flavorful anyway. The meat was tender but bland. I quickly switched with my boyfriend in hopes of an upgrade. No such luck. The veal was equally unimpressive, and I stopped eating before I was full. On a positive note, the service was friendly and prompt. Maybe we caught them on an off night, I liked the menu and idea of the place, just not the food.
(3)Nicole B.
I strongly recommend ordering the pastas while at Paradiso. We order three different kinds to sample as appetizers and each dish was delicious! We had a walnut and spinach ravioli, wild boar linguini, and the lobster gnocchi. If you have to choose one pasta dish definitely get the gnocchi. The waiter described them as "little pillows" which was actually pretty spot on. I ordered the arctic char for dinner which was nicely cooked, but quite a small portion. This was disappointing since it was paired creamed leeks, the side was heavy and filling, but I would have rather been filled up on my fish instead of the accompaniment. For dessert we ordered the cinnamon sugar bombilini which came with three dipping sauces, it was extremely yummy, gooey, and warm. In conclusion, go for the pastas and nice cute atmosphere with open air dining.
(4)Walter T.
Ok, what do you do about 2 star service with 4.5 star food?. You get three stars. Given that appetizers are $10-14 and entrees are $20-28, service should be better, but there were only two people as waiters, bartenders and maitre d. I asked for an extra spoon to sample the soup but it never arrived. Ok, a simple oversight. But the check took 15-20 minutes to process and return, finally arriving after two other tables came and left. Not good. Unfortunately, the poor staffing and mental lapses by the wait staff turned a great wine into a sour experience. That said, I highly recommend the zucchini blossom in puff pastry. Delicate and very tasty. The gazpacho was very good made with heirloom tomatoes, although the spicy version at Avenida is better. The tilefish, cooked with artichokes and butter was perfectly cooked with a crisp top sear. Come eat here, but be prepared to wait and wait, if there are only two staff in the dining room or get up to get the waiter's attention.
(3)Cecilia M.
Great service, yummy food, perfect atmosphere! Have to try!!!
(4)Hayley S.
Delicious! Great ambience, okay service, but the food is worth remembering. The menu is Italian with a bit of American influence, but the chef does a good job at representing a wide variety of regions in Italy. Shared the Fritto Misto as a starter, very good but the smelts were just a bit too fragrant in my opinion. Cooked to perfection. My favorite dish was the risotto with seared scallop - this was food at its perfection. Try this dish if you go here! Although pretty full at this point I did have the duck and polenta as an entrée which was also very good. I recommend Paradiso for anyone looking for a great Italian meal in Philly.
(4)Tam V.
We dined outdoors but when it started to get a bit windy, they informed us that if we started to get cold, we can move indoors. We toughed it out though and enjoyed our food. Awesome authentic Italian food with stellar service and fantastic decor.
(5)L S.
Food was okay..portions were small I got the spinach gnocchi...I made a reservations and my table wasn't ready when I arrived, I waited over 30 minutes...I woulldn't go back.
(3)Matt K.
This is our 5th or 6th visit here, and we had another great time. The service was attentive and the food was done well. The antipasto special had a variety of salty meats and even a couple pates. Cornichons and mustard and pickled onions. Appropriate for winter, but no fresh veggies. I long for Spring! We had the burrata and tomato salad with roasted peppers, and the tomatoes were decent for January, not mealy. The salmon had barley on the side flavored with beets, a nice preparation and very tasty. The lamb "osso buco" was a huge shank over risotto, Mlianese style with a gremolata on top. Very bold flavors, the only complaint and it's not much of a complaint is that the lamb could have been a tad wetter. But it was very tender.
(4)Sarah R.
I was part of a group that went there for our Holiday lunch and the food was terrific! The restaurant was absolutely lovely. I don't think they are generally busy for lunch because we were the only ones in there for a good part of our meal. Our server was really helpful and informative. Out lunch started with an appetizer of tomato, mozzarella and prosciutto- how can you go wrong with that? The order of entrees were mixed. I got the streak sand which and it was very good. Some ladies went for the scallop wrapped in bacon and the comment that was made the most was that they were a bit on the salty side. And of course, who can go out for a holiday lunch and not get dessert? Most of us chose the pumpkin cheesecake and it was spot on. It was an Italian style cheesecake so it wasn't heavy at all. It was the perfect ending to a lovely meal. It was a bit on the pricey side but if you don't go out often, its well worth the extra cash.
(4)Dayna P.
We live in the neighborhood and, after tonight, are sad we have not visited Paradisio sooner and more often. We typically find at ourselves at BYOBs but, for no particular reason, we decided to go to Paradisio tonight and we couldn't be happier. The service was excellent - Anthony was knowledgeable & personable. We had a tough time ordering as there were so many tempting options, but he guided us through the menu with confidence. We ordered a great, affordable bottle of wine to accompany our meals and the bill wasn't much more than many meals we've had at BYOBs. We are already planning our next meal there. Definitively try the veal pappardelle. Ridiculous.
(5)Percy N.
Had a private event at Paradiso in April. Chef Lynn Rinaldi and her staff were great! The dinner theme was "Wines from the Adriatic". Here are the dishes and wines we paired with them: Hors d'oeuvres N.V.Rebuli Prosecco Cortizze Grand Cru First Course: "Sarde in Saor" Marinated fresh sardines, onions, pine nuts, golden raisins 2008 Attems Pinot Grigio Second Course: Beef carpaccio, arugula, roasted garlic & anchovy aioli 2006 Zenato Valpolicella 2006 Le Salette Valpolicella Ripasso Third Course: Sweetbread ravioli, fried sage, butter & parmigiano reggiano 2004 Monti Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Pignotto Fourth Course: Tenderloin of pork, prune mostarda, savoy cabbage 2004 Tommasi Amarone Cheese Course: Blu di buffalo, asiago stravecchio, flatbread 2007 Ognissole Primitivo Dessert: Fresh fruit crisp, mascarpone gelato NV Polvanera Aleatico di Puglia Heze
(4)Katie L.
I learned a valuable lesson tonight: I....am not a fan of chicken liver. Even if it's been deep fried. Sorry Paul Dean, you can't make everything delicious by battering it and frying it in hot oil. I almost don't want to write a review about Paradiso because I honestly believe that I made poor decisions in my menu selection. Had I tried one of the pastas or salads, I would probably have given this place four stars. Deep in the heart of South Philly, this is about as far as I've traveled from home to eat, while remaining within city limits. The restaurant itself was very nice, a little more upscale than I was anticipating. We ended up eating at one of the outdoor tables. The service was great, especially considering that we were outside, away from our waiter's other tables. Being that I am incapable of making decisions for myself when faced with more than one enticing option, I asked the server for his advice between the crispy chicken livers and the braised pork belly for an appetizer, and the chestnut fettuccine with wild boar ragu, linguine with cockles, and the lamb osso buco. His eyes lit up when I mentioned the osso buco, so I figured that was a must-have, and he steered me towards the crispy chicken liver app. Again....it is entirely possible that the waiter has a genuine affection for chicken liver. I, however, do not. Nor did the osso buco change my life (though it was very tender and fell right off the bone). My cousin ordered the escargot and the pappardelle and while I did not try her appetizer, I did try the pasta and it was very good. I will say this: some restaurants mask the best of ingredients by smothering them in sauces or wrapping them in bacon (trust me, I'm not knocking these methods). Others, like Paradiso, make the ingredients the stars. If you have a true appreciation for escargot, sweetbreads, or chicken livers, I highly recommend ordering them. If you're still on the fence? Stick with the homemade pasta. You won't be sorry.
(3)Mary Ellen G.
Paradiso has become our family event restaurant. We could choose others in the Passyunk area, but there is something so warm and welcoming about Paradiso. Just had a family birthday dinner there that was wonderful, starting with cocktails--great Negronis, Kir Royale, and beers for the younger set, moving to appetizers, entrees, desserts that we all enjoyed. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. Highlights were gnocchi and cheese course, but everyone was happy with their choices throughout. Big front windows were open, lovely evening, great food, and a staff that was happy to serve us.
(5)Sharon B.
We ate here on a Saturday night. While the food was excellent, half the restaurant was filled with a private party that acted like the place was a sports bar during an Eagles game. My dinner companions and I could barely hear each other speak. The waitress told us that this was normal for a Saturday night so I will not be returning.
(3)Lori E.
Every time I go I sit at the bar. The bartenders are always very nice and attentive. The menu is great and the specials are usually very unique. The gnocchi there is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the fried chicken livers are incredible! You should definitely give them a try if you have never had them before. This is the place to do it!
(4)Jennie C.
Decided to walk in tonight since my friend who lives in the neighborhood has been raving about the selection of restaurants here. Things started out on a good note, we ordered, bread came with fruity olive oil. The bread would have tasted so much better if it were warm, but decent nonetheless. Before long we realized our entrees were taking a while, and I tried to flag down our server to get more bread. During the wait he never bothered to come over and check on us. When I finally got his attention, he came to our table and blurted out: I told you you should have ordered a salad or something because the food takes a while! I was quite taken aback by the attitude, and it took me a few seconds to recover and tell him all I wanted was more bread. A few minutes later, the food came: parpadelle with wild mushroom (good quality pasta, generous mushrooms), steak (very well-executed and seasoned, though the fennel in the fennel gratinata was waaaay too overpowering) and duck breast (good medium rare, thought it was sliced too thin though). The entree sizes were good for the price, and entrees brought to other tables looked equally enticing. At this point I was telling my friends: this place is worth coming back. Then....we got the check, and we instructed the waiter how to charge it onto two cards, but we forgot we're not supposed to add the tip to the charges, so the total on the two cards came out more than what's on the bill. Upon discovering this, the waiter looked all frustrated and came back to us and said very unfriendly: this total is more than the bill, what do you want me to do??? And he hands over a calculator and "ordered" us to figure out the remainder of the check to put on the 2nd credit card. I was simply stunned at the attitude. This isn't the first time we've included tip in the credit card charges, and most other servers simply charge the remainder of the bill on the other card and informed us about this. POLITELY. Any desire to return to this place has now fizzled. Apparently these people have no idea what service means.
(2)Jason H.
I visited Paradiso for the first time this past Saturday with a friend of mine. Clearly, a popular spot, as it was very busy. It seemed as if the staff was a little overwhelmed, as it took awhile for anyone to actually notice we (and a few others) were waiting at the hostess stand. We were passed by a number of the staff, and no one even acknowledged anyone was waiting, or said they'd be with us in a moment. It was a little strange that at least three parties that were waiting to be seated were essentially ignored completely for about five minutes. Would have been nice for someone to at least let us know they'd get to us as soon as they could. The room is very nice, with some artistic track lighting hanging from the ceiling, and art on the walls. It's pretty tight, and they clearly have packed as many tables as possible in what is a decent-sized space. Many of the restaurants in S. Philly are converted row houses, and are very narrow...this space is much larger, though again, it's pretty packed with tables. They have a nice bar off to the side, which was also very busy. The kitchen is at the rear of the room, and is semi-open. They have a decent wine and cocktail list, and I got an apple martini that was very good. They had a few specials added to the menu...one was a salumi plate, and the other was a layered veal dish with veal and sausage. We opted for the burrata and beet salad, the salumi plate (which I {after my drink} mistakenly called charcuterie, which the server was quick to correct), the duck breast, and the veal special. My friend asked for her duck to be cooked medium, and the server explained that the chef only cooks it medium-rare, and that if she wanted it cooked medium she'd best order a different dish. Not that I haven't heard of this kind of thing in the past, but it always surprises me. Some chefs still think they're cooking for themselves, and not their customers. Everything was ver nice, with the exception of the veal...which was somewhat dry. I can't help but draw some irony between the dry veal dish, and the curt response of our server about the chef's unwillingness to cook the duck to medium, ostensibly because it'd dry out. The service was a bit on the slow side...it took about 20 minutes to get the check. They were pretty busy, but the courses seemed to drag more than they should have. I was also a bit surprised that they don't seem to have a pasta course and meat or fish course, but have appetizers, entree pastas, and entrees. Not a huge problem, but it's always nice to be able to sample a pasta course and a main entree in a good Italian restaurant. While I didn't ask specifically, I doubt they'd have made any accommodations in the portion size. Overall, the quality of the food was good, save the veal, and it's certainly a popular and long-standing establishment. I could do without the attitude, frankly, though that's just my opinion, and someone else may not care as much.
(3)Sophia A.
My husband I made the trip out to Philly for a small family reunion. We went to Paradisio with a party of about 15. The food was good, and the servers were doing their best, but it is definitely not a venue for such a large table. In order to have all the meals out at the same time many of us received entrees that had been sitting for a bit. I was quite excited to try their ragu, but ended up being served an entirely different meal. My strong suggestion for perspective diners it to keep the table size to no more than 6 people.
(3)Ronda E.
Nice service and atmosphere, but the worst Italian food I have ever attempted to eat. The calamari was too salty to eat and there was no aoll sauce. Grilled eggplant with minuscule amounts of goat cheese. There were several servings left on the table. The penne bolonese looked like dog food and tasted like Spam. The ceased salad was not Ceasar. Just a vinaigrette over romaine lettuce. Fertuccini Alfredo also extremely salty and tasted like it was from a jar. Braised short ribs with polenta was good. Certainly not my idea of an Italian dinner. The house Cabernet was udrinkable. Don't waste your time or $150!
(1)Claire L.
Went for drinks after eating dinner elsewhere, but wish we had our dinner here instead! The service was great at the high top table near the bar, and the drinks were delicious. Ordered the "Bella Vista" which was really good and interestingly spicy. Ordered cheeses which were presented very nicely. Not sure we ordered the best cheese from the options, but then again we love just about any cheese so it was still very good. Will definitely come back for dinner!
(5)Adrian S.
Top notch Italian restaurant. Upscale and great for a special occasion. I've always heard great things and it did not disappoint. I came here for my girlfriends birthday with a large group and we had a blast. There was nothing that was ordered that was just okay. Everyone was happy with their meal. The wine was amazing and the service was excellent. This is the kind of place where you can put your meal in the hands of the server and you'll be happy. Reservations are necessary, but not as difficult as you might think.
(5)Margo v.
I dined here with a large group. The food was excellent. The service was top notch. Decor lovely. Enjoyment was diminished by the noise level which left me with a headache.
(4)Kelly T.
I moved to the E. Passyunk area on Saturday and did not plan ahead. Thus, finding a restaurant to eat dinner at without a reservation was a serious adventure that night. My adventure was not helped by the unseasonably warm temperatures. After trying several restaurants with an impatient family member who was unwilling to wait, we finally came across Paradiso. It was a miracle--8:00 pm on a Saturday night and they were able to seat us (though the host didn't look thrilled that we had no reservation and we felt bad, but were too desperate after our search for a restaurant to dwell on it for too long). The wine prices were decent for a restaurant like this (seemed to be trying for a fine dining vibe). All of the house wines were $8 to $9 a glass, with several bottles coming in under $40. I had the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which was typical, crisp and cool. Our waiter informed us that all pastas were available by in appetizer sized (half) servings. Hearing that, I decided to start with the beet salad--my version of which came with toasted pistachios and housemade ricotta. The beets were nicely cooked, not overdone. The plate was less of a salad and more of a giant plate of earthy beets. I couldn't finish, as the dish was too sweet for me by the end. There were a few greens tossed on top of the beets, but they seemed more like a garnish than a serious element of the dish. For our entrees, my companion and I both got the spinach and ricotta gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce. The gnocchi were light, and you could really taste the spinach and cheese. The gnocchi was topped with a ton of the brown butter (there was a pool of it in the bottom of my bowl when I was done my meal). I only found one sage leaf in the entire dish and wouldn't have minded more to give the butter a stronger sage flavor. I ordered the appetizer serving and my companion ordered the full dish. Both were decently sized, the appetizer portion was, in fact, about half of the full-sized portion (though the price was not half the full sized), and I was perfectly full at the end of my meal. Altogether the meal was okay and we left full and not disappointed.
(3)Joe B.
Awesome place! That's all I can say, this place is so inviting and the locals are great company, I'll defiantly return.
(5)Caroline L.
Paradiso is an upscale Italian restaurant on Passyunk and I enjoyed my meal there. They have impressive and tempting list of specials. We had a vegetarian antipasti and I had the gnocchi. The service was great and we were able to walk in for Saturday dinner at an early hour 6pm. I look forward to returing, as there were multiple appetizers and entrees that I was interested in trying (esp the sweetbread ravioli).
(4)Maria P.
Very disappointed! My fiancée and I decided to dine here tonight and I will never come back. I paid $25 for the smallest piece of sea bass with 2 pearl onions garnished with diced mango. I am a fish junkie. I order it everywhere I go. It's never a huge cut but decent enough and always comes with a vegetable or something. It was ridiculous. My fiancée ate the tortellini ($19) which consisted of six 1" squares in a huge bowl. I thought it was a joke. I wish I could have taken pictures. If the food was good or not I don't know because I was too upset, but I don't think it was anything special. We ate our meal in less then 2 minutes, paid the check, and left. Little Fish is in the same price range and it is delicious as well as good portions. Service was good.
(1)T N.
It's not often I want to write a review before even getting the check... Dinner at 6:15 PM on Sunday evening....Paradiso was dead empty with the exception of one table, some people at the bar who seemed to be regulars, and my fiancé and I. This place is obviously empty for a reason. The service was adequate, and the prices seemed fair at first glance. Just wait until you see the portion sizes...minuscule is the perfect word. So tiny my fiancé and I laughed when we saw them. Sad part is I enjoyed what I ate...garden salad was dressed nicely, and the entree was flavorful. BUT, nowhere near good enough to justify $20 for five small tortellini. My fiancés fish portion was even tinier and more expensive. We skipped dessert because we each wanted more than one tiny spoonful of chocolate. We read reviews prior and some indicated good portion sizes. Perhaps they're skimping because business is slow? Who knows... Bottom line is I'm headed home to cook another dinner and we won't be going back. There are too many other fabulous restaurants in Philly (Modomio if you want great Italian). If you're looking for great food and want to feel like you got your money's worth, don't bother with Paradiso. Two stars because the food was tasty and service was good. The rest was laughable.
(2)YelpHatesMe Y.
Review of the bar only. Stopped in on a Friday night for some wine since we were at Townsend and their wine list BLOWS! They have a very good wine list at very good prices. The bartender was social and super cool. I do want to eat here but I'll certainly be back for some casual drinking.
(5)Victor D.
One of the few places I've let just "bring me something, I'm too tired to think about it" and it was great. A favorite lunch and "sit outside & watch the world go by" place in good weather. Owner Lynn keeps the staff hopping and totally professional.
(5)Mary C.
Had dinner here last night with my husband and another couple. We were very disappointed. There was only one fish choice for our Kosher diner, char, which had a very fishy taste. It was served with a scoop of quinoa and a stripped stalk of broccoli, no buds. The plate looked ridiculous with the tiny portion of fish. A gnocchi dish was cold in the center and had to be sent back. The grilled octopus was very good, but a serving included three small pieces. The bread was offered sparingly, which was okay because it had no taste. Coffee was fair. We didn't even bother with dessert. Whatever ambience might have been there was ruined by the shouting and clanging in the kitchen and the too loud tv and drinkers at the bar.
(2)Adam N.
We had drinks and dessert here last night. The ambiance is simple but elegant, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the cheese and dessert were awesome. The wine list is reasonably priced. We also met the owners a few years back who were very nice. We'll be back soon.
(5)Jim R.
There were 5 of us and everyone thought "It was good". The salads were very good but the soup of the day, a seafood selection that 2 of us had, was the first of the "good" but far from exceptional selections chosen. My Hudson Valley duck, again, was good. Others in the same category were the Grilled Tuna with Shaved Fennel, and the Speck and Aged Asiago Stuffed Chicken. The restaurant itself has a nice feel to it but there are many other places we have enjoyed more in Philly. We won't be rushing back. Cost with tax and tip around $50 per person.
(2)Ryan T.
Stopped in around 9PM on a Wednesday and ate at the bar. Good crowd on a warm, south philly night. 3 beers on tap, more in bottles, good wine selection. The bar keep was friendly and knowledgeable. Pasta was fantastic, English Peas were crisp, and tuna carpaccio was buttery. I plan on returning for a larger, sit down meal in the near future. Nice ambiance, a place were they could get to know you after 2 - 3 trips.
(4)Anthony A.
Stopped by for dinner with the family last night , and sorry to say we were greeted by the women who would be our waitress , she was informative but dry and very pushy seemed she wanted to up the the check amount. the food was tasty but if you are hungry this is not the place to go ,for the portions are small, the initial bread basket was served (size of a small roll) and never refilled again..nor was there an offer to not form the bus boy or our waitress there were only a few table's at the time. over priced for the size of the dishes!! ordered a pizza afterwords! ONE AND DONE!
(2)Karen F.
I am literally in Paradiso after dining with our special-occasion graduation party of 9 last night. We had a 5:30 reservation and the place was empty on a Thursday night - which was actually great as we got stellar service from the male server, female bartender/water glass filler and the 2 chefs in the back were really on point! Started with a round of (pricey) drinks including Belvedere on the rocks, Stoli-O and a glass of Prosecco with a hefty splash of cranberry. Also some folks chose unsweetened iced tea. Appetizers were monumentally delicious, especially the escargot, 1/2 order or sweetbread ravioli and burrata served with thinly sliced golden beets. One lady ordered the special app - a HUGE charcuterrie plate with 6 different Italian cured meats including prosciutto and GUANCIALE. Heavenly! (Plus garnishes including crostini and lovely artichokes.) Our meal continued with entrees (A bit pricey at 25 - 35 a pop and the special - a huge steak for 2 was $70!!!) that were generously portioned. Hamachi was gorgeous as was the stuffed veal breast. I had the duck breast (served med-rare with the perfect amount of Quack!) and polenta. So terrific. Deeserts were the only place Paradiso fell short. While the ricotta cheese cake was silken and lovely, the bombolili were heavy as lead. (Fortunately the house-made Gianduja was lick-the-bowl worthy!). Service was a dream. Can't wait to return.
(5)Ted L.
A very dependable and superb restaurant. We have never been disappointed with the food and service. This is our favorite restaurant on Passyunk, although we have to try two or three more...
(5)Jess R.
My husband and I booked Paradiso for our small wedding last month. It would be an understatement for us to say they did a great job. Lynn and her team exceeded our expectations. They were wonderful from the start to the very finish of the evening. Lynn gave us five different menu options varying by price, which is excellent for those who are on a budget to those looking to over indulge. For the group of 30 guests we had two servers, Frank and Tony. They both deserve a round of applause. They did a fantastic job at the bar and the tables. They were professional, attentive, friendly and responsive to every guest. They helped move the evening along in a smooth manner. We started with a cocktail hour, which we selected four passed hors d'oeuvres. These were all outstanding! (Scallops wrapped in speck, arancini balls, pulled pork sliders and spinach & ricotta crostini) Our group moved to the tables after the first dance for bruschetta served for the table. The first course was a baby spinach and pear salad topped with pancetta and shaved parmesan. The dressing was an apple cider vinaigrette... it was light, fresh and the perfect portion. For our second course we selected farfalle with jumbo lump in a light tomato sauce. The pasta was cooked to perfection along with the crab and sauce. Our first generation Italian family members commented on the quality as well! For the entrees we selected three and let our guests choose. We had a choice of beef, chicken and fish all served with mashed potatoes and spinach. Every entrée was outstanding and the portion size was massive! The rib-eye was massive and cooked exactly to the guest's instruction, chicken was juicy and the fish was tender. We opted out of the dessert as we were also serving wedding cake. Lynn was very accommodating and deducted this from our bill. To get this kind of a meal for a dinner, let alone a wedding dinner was outstanding! Every guest was blown away by the fantastic quality of the food and service! This is an exceptional restaurant and I would highly recommend making a reservation here. Good details to know: Paradiso has a large private dining area upstairs. This space would definitely hold around 100 people plus it is equipped with a bar and bathrooms. Parking was available through valet service next door and we were able to add onto our bill. Did I mention it was only $8 a car!
(5)Gabrielle W.
Ok..so I've been stalking East Passyunk restaurants for months because I am obsessed with the Philadelphia food scene. I did not get the opportunity to visit the area until this past Friday night when I went to that Mexican place (which was not on my list of restaurants to stalk..very random). As I was casing the exteriors of all of the new restaurants to decide which one I would hit up first, I decided that Paradiso was going to be the spot. What caught my eye, were the large windows that open the whole way across (when the weather is nice) so basically you have an outside dining feel, while eating inside. Love it. Sold. I was so excited to eat there that I made a reze for the next night! Ambiance: I think that the pics on yelp need to be updated. The restaurant is actually really warm and inviting and the pictures on yelp make it look a little cold and sterile. Get on that Paradiso. They also don't have any pictures of the big ass windows..those open windows sold me! Food: The bf had the wild boar ragu gnocchi. it was very good. I had the pappardelle pasta with lobster. I was happy to see huge chunks of lobster in my pasta. Very good. I would like to note that the portions were more than adequate and I can eat more than the average 3 person family. I was afraid that they would be small as shit (from seeing the pics on yelp) but my boyfriend thought he was literally going to explode after dinner...that's how full he was. I also saw the chef walking around talking to customers etc. I always like when I go to a restaurant and know that the big cheese either made my food or regulated whoever did. Then you know it's done right! Service: Our server was cool. He knew his shit and had a lot of wine recommendations at all different price points (i posted a picture of the bottle we had..bursting with flavor!). The hostess was really nice as well. Her name was Laura and she came to our table a couple of times to check on us and give us scoop on Izumi (the other restaurant that the chef owns). Price: I thought the prices were ok. Pasta's were like 16.00 - 24.00 (and that was for the lobster). Side notes: The owners of this restaurant also own Izumi which is right down the st. They can do sushi and Italian? I bet the throw slammin dinner parties! I also heard that they have a byob deal on Sundays from like 5-9 where you can bring your own bottle but not positive if that's true or not. Final thoughts: I'll be back!
(5)Patrick H.
Really nice place, relaxed ambiance, courteous service. The food was very good, escargot was amazing, awesome cheese trays. The only issue is that the portion size was a bit smaller than I would have liked.
(4)Laura H.
I enjoyed Paradiso. We came on Saturday night at 6:30. It wasn't crowded when we were seated, but as our meal progressed the dining room really filled in and had a nice ambiance. Our waiter was personable and the service we received throughout our meal was an appropriate mix of efficient and friendly. Bread typically isn't a stand out feature of a meal, but holy cow. The bread at Paradiso is SO good, and the olive oil accompanying it is light and fresh. Honestly, if I had to pick one standout item here, it might be the bread. The escargot appetizer was delicious, as was the meatball I tried (I typically am not a fan of meatballs, so this one must have been particularly excellent). The bottle of Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc we shared was fantastic - it was light, dry, and perfectly chilled. Finally, whatever dessert comes with little bits of bacon on top was amazing! I wish I hadn't been so full so I could have tried an extra bite. All in all, the Philly dining scene delivered once again via Paradiso and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant.
(4)Mike G.
The first time there for me and it's for their newly available lunch. Who'd a thunk it!? I loved the food I had. The sandwiches ordered were definitely the best. The wonderful bread, the amazing ingredients. The very affordable menu at gourmet quality and sit-down service!? crazy good.
(4)Paul G.
What a surprise! We came here to celebrate my niece and nephew's birthdays. The restaurant is beautiful without being stuffy. Our service was friendly and was very helpful helping us make dinner and appetizer selections. He recommended we start with a plate of home cured meats and we loved it. We ordered the bass, the duck breast, and I had the parpadelle with veal. ALL of the entrees were excellent. We even asked the chef to use no salt because of my wife's restrictive diet and they accommodated the request without even blinking. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you want a great meal mage with the best ingredients available. Prices are fair, which is not the same as inexpensive. We will definitely come back again!
(5)Jasmine C.
What a disappointment!! Paradiso was my go to place. I live just a few doors away. Though, my last experience left me unimpressed and I am heartbroken. They were short staffed, bartender had to help on floor. By the way, he was doing shots with other patrons - IDK. I don't care, but maybe owner would. Food was undercooked - sea bass was pink and fishy -- yuk. $25.00 for a 2 ounce piece -- only thing on the plate. The experience was odd. The chicken was too fowl tasting. I was so confused. What happened? Thank goodness we filled up on the bread, waiter filled it 3 times. The pasta was definitely home made, excellent, but the peas throughout were so, so undercooked - very hard. The other pasta dish also excellent, but never saw the asparagus.
(1)Kevin H.
Was here with a large group. They seat us upstairs and we had the whole 2nd floor to ourselves. Like some other reviewers, besides the group I with there was no one else in the place. The service was excellent. There were 2 people to handle around 20 people including both adults and children. They made sure no one needed anything throughout the whole meal which lasted around 3 hours. The food was also also very good. Everything from the Pasta Primavera to the Rib eye steak entree that I had was amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection. It was probably done to medium temperature but the meat, was flavorful and it melted in your mouth. I can't think of anything to complain about during this visit. Everything was perfect. I recommend this place to everyone and if anyone from the restaurant is reading this review, thank you for an excellent lunch.
(5)Jill L.
I've walked past Paradiso about a billion times in the years that I've lived in East Passyunk and I FINALLY made it to Paradiso! First impression: The inside is just as inviting as the outside. Tables are spaced far enough apart so you aren't sitting in your neighbor's lap, but close enough so it doesn't feel like an Applebees. Hostess and wait staff were all very welcoming. Great vibe- I could have sat there all night. AND just an FYI, Sunday is BYOB!! We found this out ahead of time and came armed with a bottle of vino. The Food: The meal started with some bread and dipping sauces. There were three dips- a white bean, a pesto, and a roasted red pepper. All three were amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the bread- it was a bit cold, but otherwise tasty. For our appetizer, we chose the burrata with tomato sauce. Holy smokes. This dish PROBABLY changed my life. For those of you who don't know (I didn't until just recently), burrata is a cheese that has a hard outer shell of mozzarella and filled with a creamy cheese. It's like a cheesy Cadbury egg. And it's amazing. I also really liked the bread that came with the burrata. GET THIS DISH! At this point in the meal, I was ready to give Paradiso five stars. Until our entrees came out. I'll admit that I probably made a poor entree selection. I tried to step out of my comfort zone and went with the stuffed veal breast. I thought it was a little too fatty and a little too rare, but I'm a pansy when it comes to meat. My husband got the chestnut fazzoletti with wild boar ragu. I tried a bite- it was decent, but I thought the brown pasta with a brown sauce looked a little unappetizing :/ For the record, hubs loved both dishes. Bottom line- I WILL be back to try one of their more veg-friendly pastas (there was one with ricotta and swiss chard that was calling my name). I'll give Paradiso another chance to earn that 5th star ;-) And next time I'm out, I'll try not to step too far out of my comfort zone!
(4)Rue M.
The food was very good-the waiters seemed confused and service was slow-hopefully that will change
(4)Matthew B.
Impressive. Here for east passyunk restaurant week. They did not disappoint. Good service, knowledgable wait staff, and then the food... First course was a veal sausage and liver/foe gras mousse. The mouse was like butter, copious, and very superb. Dinner was duck breast and speck wrapped scallops over a mushroom risotto. Both excellent. Cheese plate was an single charge of 8$ ad don to the fix pris $35/pp. If there was room for improvement it was in the desert - the bombolino needed something more in the dough-a little to plain. The apple pie crostini was good but uninspired. Wine list has ample selections between $40 and $60/btl. All in all a great first visit. This is a foodie quality experience in a bustling but uncramped setting. I'aalllll be baaaaaack (terminator accent).
(4)Peter B.
Had a bad experience here last year. Chef was clearly out of his league that night attempting a couple of fancy dishes and failing miserably on both. Neither my dinner companion nor I were able to eat much of what we were served. Huge disappointment. Added to that, surly attitude from management, and this goes on my short list of places to avoid on east Passyunk. On the plus side there are many other great dining options in the neighborhood.
(1)