Cafe Paradiso, Cork

We recently went to cafe paradiso, two adults and three children (aged 3, 4 and 8). We were greeted by someone who had obviously forgotten his manners at home and who appeared to have a dislike of children. Before we had even taken our seats, he stated that he would get tomato pasta for the children. We asked to be given a bit of time so we could look through the menu. When we were ready to order, he took a long time to approach us, giving us strange looks every time one of the children opened their mouths. The food was nice and well presented but the tomato pasta was so called because it had a couple of cherry tomatoes thrown in. When we had finished our meal, it felt as though the staff couldnt wait to get rid of us. My friend and i left shocked, especially since our children were well behaved and we felt as though we had been treated as second class citizens. The 76euros we paid would have been worth it if the service had been polite and courteous and the ambiance more upbeat. If you have children and are considering on eating at this establishment, i would advise that you either leave your kids at home or eat elsewhere.

Since i travel all the time, i have eaten out for pretty much all meals for the last 20 or so years (sad but true). After all this time, most of the time is all seams the same. that is not to say that some meals are not good some are fabulous. It is rare to have a meal that is unique presented and provides incredible taste in an wonderful atmosphere. Cafe Paradiso is one of those unique places that should not be missed.

First, the disclaimers: I am not a vegetarian. I am not related to anyone having anything to do with Cafe Paradiso. I am not hired to assist them in any way whatsoever. I bothered with that because this review will appear to most as being way, way over the top. This is one of my two favorite restaurants in the world and, without a doubt, the most impressive in that they create world class cuisine with the "limitation" of being strictly vegetarian Dennis Cotter creates food that allows the diner to pick absolutely any dish and walk away stunned with the flavor and fully satisfied that the meal was well worth the price. If you are like me, you will not recognize any dish on the menu, nor will you be able to guess what it will actually taste like (ok, if it has a "blue" cheese, you might have a hint). But, seriously, the meals he and his staff prepare yield results well beyond the simple combination of the various ingredients. And you taste so many different flavors! And the wine list, while not extensive, is perfectly adequate to enhance any meal they offer. Ok, so the food's good. But the two times I've eaten there - one time driving a van full of wedding invitees a couple hundred kms for a meal - it has simply been fun to eat there. The ambiance is simple and straightforward, the staff well informed, and personable. If you're lucky, as we were once, Bridget, Dennis' wife, will greet you. Her presence alone made the evening a true joy. Normally, I'd give a slightly lower rating to "value" as it can get a bit expensive in Paradise. But the food is so good and truly unique, and the dining atmosphere such a pleasure that each visit was a true value in every sense of the word. If you're anywhere in Ireland, head to Cork. You won't be disappointed with a trip to this restaurant.

we were on our first holiday since our child was born. she never slept. we were enjoying our meal in paradiso when the child woke up. the maitre'd took her and minded her while we enjoyed a dessert. a million dollars wouldn't have paid for the fifteen minutes peace that she gave us to enjoy the dessert. we will never forget it. and the food was exellent....but that fifteen minutes...

Recently, my family & I went to Cafe Paradiso for an evening meal...as it was my birthday & myself & my sister are both vegetarians. Table was booked for 7pm & we were told the table was booked again for 9pm...no problem. So, we (5 of us) had starters, main courses & 2 bottles of wine...and we then asked to see the desert menu, at 8.10pm. Plenty of time to have a desert & a coffee & be ready to go for 9pm or before it, or so you would think. When the desert menu's were brought down, by who we think was the manager/owner, we were told what we couldn't have...her reason for limiting our options?????.....because the kitchen was busy & the table would not have been ready for the next booking at 9pm!!! Never in all my time (both working in many restaurants & also eating in them) have I ever heard such a comment. All of us were in complete shock that the manager/owner would be so rude to customers (after already spending over €250!!). I know from past experiences working in restaurants that if you need a table back for the next booking you make sure that the kitchen prioritise that table NOT tell the customers what they can't have!!! Also, if by some chance the table is not ready, you tell the next customers to go & have a drink (there is a bar conveniently located right next door to the restaurant)or offer them a drink on the house....NOT pretty much KICK the current guests off their table. So we voted with our feet & left straight away & went across the road to the hotel for my slice of birthday cake!!!! We did not get so much as an apology after making it clear to the manager that we were disgusted with her treatment of us. My sister also wrote a letter of complaint a week later and to date has got no response. So I ask you to vote with your feet also....why pay so much for so little????

The food was first rate, fresh and delicious. Even my picky carnivore children loved it. Service was excellent and loved the atmosphere of the whole place. I purchased their cookbook which is fabulous. I intent to return next week!!

Great food, everything cooked to perfection. A joy to eat here. Bit pricey, but its worth it. Ardent meat fans may feel a little hungry afterwards though!

This place was crazy good! La-di-day! I love this place, its service and food is great! No Way I'm not typing 25 words about this place! I've never even been there!

The food here is vegetarian, but incredible. I eat here every chance I get. Why Ruen Thai (which is good) is rated anywhere near this is unfathomable. If in Cork, go here.

The food in cafe paradiso is simply out of this world. I have been to many vegetarian restaurants throughout America, Europe and Asia and this is by far the best. They serve imaginative and delicious food in relaxed surroundings. You just can't get better than this! It is certainly not just for vegetarians.