Cafe Paradiso – Italian
Stepping into Cafe Paradiso feels like discovering a hidden garden in the heart of Tuscany, where the air is thick with the fragrance of blooming herbs and simmering balsamic. Guests lose themselves in a symphony of rustic textures, from the snap of artisanal crusts to the rich, buttery finish of house-made ravioli, all served within a space that radiates warmth and timeless charm.
144 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023 +1-212-869-8800 https://www.cafeparadisonyc.com/Rating: 4.1/5 (152 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Wednesday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Thursday - Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its cozy, intimate atmosphere and stylish European café vibe, guests love this spot for both casual lunches and pre-show dining near Lincoln Center. Reviewers highlight standout menu items like the "best ever" chicken caesar wrap, margarita pizza, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as hummus plates and flatbreads. While some diners note inconsistent service experiences, many praise the warm, attentive staff and highly recommend the caramel moose iced coffee and refreshing Mediterranean Mule.
Menu
Breakfast Bagels
Plain or Everything bagels with various toppings
- Bagel with Butter - $4.5: Plain or Everything bagel served with butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Bagel with Cream Cheese - $5.5: Plain or Everything bagel served with cream cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Bagel with Nutella - $5.5: Plain or Everything bagel served with Nutella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Bagel with Smoked Salmon & Cheese - $16.5: Plain or Everything bagel served with smoked salmon and cheese Dietary tags: Pescatarian
Scrambled Egg Sandwiches
Served on English muffin (croissant +$2)
- Egg & Cheese Sandwich - $8.5: Scrambled egg and cheese on an English muffin Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich - $9.5: Bacon, scrambled egg, and cheese on an English muffin
- Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich - $9.5: Sausage, scrambled egg, and cheese on an English muffin
Breakfast Bowls & More
Healthy breakfast options
- Oatmeal Plain - $7: Plain oatmeal Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Oatmeal with Assorted Berries - $8: Oatmeal topped with assorted berries
- Fruit Cup - $6.5: Fresh seasonal fruit Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Yogurt Parfait - $8.75: Greek yogurt, fresh blueberries, nature valley granola, maple syrup Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC
- Acai Bowl - $16.5: Banana, blueberries, strawberries, & granola Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Macrobiotic
- Quiche Lorraine - $18: Ham & cheese, served with mixed greens salad
Bakery
Freshly baked pastries and cookies
- Assorted Pastries - $6.5: Croissants, danishes, rolls Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Muffins - $6.25: Assorted muffins Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Biscotti - $6.5: 3 pieces Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Assorted Cookies - $6.5: Macadamia nut, chocolate chip, peanut butter or cranberry Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Appetizers & Soups
Starters and warm soups
- Tomato Soup (Cup) - $8: Creamy tomato soup Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber
- Tomato Soup (Bowl) - $10: Creamy tomato soup Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber
- Mixed Boards - $19.5: Selection of meat and cheese, pickle medley, hazelnuts, focaccia
- Sicilian Hummus - $12.5: Served with focaccia Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Macrobiotic
- Meatballs - $11: Short rib meatballs, pomodoro sauce
Sandwiches
All served with side salad
- Chicken Salad Sandwich - $16.5: Celery, red grapes, focaccia bread
- Veggie Sandwich - $16.5: Roasted peppers, mushrooms, burrata, focaccia bread Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC
- Turkey, Avocado, & Swiss Sandwich - $16.5: Roasted turkey, swiss cheese, cranberry mayo, multigrain bread
- Tuna Fish Sandwich - $16.5: Celery, bibb lettuce, lemon, whole grain bread Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Macrobiotic
- Roasted Beef Sandwich - $18.5: Angus beef, melted cheese & horseradish, ciabatta bread
Italian Sandwiches
Traditional Italian style baguettes and focaccia
- Caprese Sandwich - $16.5: Tomato, fresh mozzarella, pesto, arugula, olive bread baguette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Prosciutto & Brie Sandwich - $18.5: Fig spread, arugula, olive bread baguette
- Italian Combo - $16.5: Mortadella, salami, mozzarella, pecorino, olive relish, focaccia bread
- Meatball Parm Sandwich - $17.5: Short rib meatballs, mozzarella, fresh basil, focaccia bread
Salads
Fresh salads with optional protein additions
- Mixed Greens Salad - $12.5: Citrus vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Beets & Fennel Salad - $16.5: Yogurt mint dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Caesar Salad - $17.5: Romaine, capers, parmigiana, breadcrumbs, caesar-anchovy dressing Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Quinoa Salad - $17: Mashed avocado, orange, hazelnuts, cranberries, watermelon radish, mixed greens, yogurt dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Butter Lettuce & Avocado Salad - $17: Watermelon radish, citrus dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Nicoise Salad - $19.5: Green beans, potato, anchovies, tomatoes, boiled eggs, tuna Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
Pizza
Artisanal pizzas
- Margherita Pizza - $16.5: Tomato, burrata, fresh basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Pepperoni Pizza - $17: Tomato, mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Prosciutto Di Parma Pizza - $18: Arugula, prosciutto, parmigiana
- Mushroom Pizza - $16.5: Pecorino, olive oil, baby arugula Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Bianca Pizza - $16.5: Mozzarella, burrata, parmigiana, truffle oil, arugula Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Pasta
Gluten Free Pasta Available
- Classic Lasagna - $19.5: Three meat ragu Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Pesto Ravioli - $18.5: Spinach, ricotta, pesto cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Spaghetti Bolognese - $22: Traditional meat sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Main Dishes
Hearty Italian entrees
- Eggplant Parmigiana - $19: Vegetable lasagna, pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil
- Chicken Parmigiana - $24: Pomodoro sauce, burrata, fresh basil
- Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese - $18.5: Classic comfort pairing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Desserts
Sweet treats to end your meal
- Tiramisu - $9.5: Classic Italian coffee-flavored dessert
- Cheesecake - $8.5: Creamy cheesecake
- Cannoli - $8.5: Traditional Sicilian pastry Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Craft Cocktails & Apertivi
Signature alcoholic beverages
- Paradiso Spritz - $18: Aperol, Passion Fruit, Lime, Prosecco Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Espresso Martini - $18: Vodka, Vanilla, Fresh Espresso
- Spicy Margarita - $18: Jalapeño Infused Tequila, Agave, Lime
Caffetteria
Coffee and tea selections
- Drip Coffee (Small) - $4.5: Brooklyn Roasting Co. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Cappuccino - $5: Espresso with steamed milk foam
- Matcha Latte - $8.5: Premium green tea latte
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafe Paradiso
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.1/5, this moderate ($$) Italian spot stands out for its cozy European vibe, "best ever" chicken caesar wrap, and margarita pizza.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Visit for a cozy, intimate lunch or pre-show meal near Lincoln Center, highlighting the chicken caesar wrap and caramel moose iced coffee.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Cafe Paradiso by visiting their official website at https://www.cafeparadisonyc.com/ for more information and inquiries.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Cafe Paradiso specializes in Italian cuisine, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as house-made ravioli, margarita pizza, and artisanal flatbreads.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Rated 4.1/5, guests celebrate the cozy atmosphere and "best ever" chicken caesar wrap, though some note occasional service inconsistencies.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Dietary options include vegan acai bowls, vegetarian tomato soup, gluten-free soup, and high-protein quiche lorraine or prosciutto and brie sandwiches.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Rated 4.1/5, this cozy café near Lincoln Center is popular for casual lunches, pre-show dining, chicken caesar wraps, and margarita pizzas.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Cafe Paradiso is suitable for families, offering casual lunches with menu items like margarita pizza, chicken caesar wraps, and bagels.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Thirty percent of the listed dishes are suitable, including vegan acai bowls and gluten-free, low-carb tomato soup in bowls or cups.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Rated 4.1/5, guests praise the cozy atmosphere, attentive staff, chicken caesar wrap, margarita pizza, and caramel moose iced coffee.
Restaurants near Cafe Paradiso
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- Lincoln Ristorante — Italian
- My Pie Pizzeria Romana — Italian
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