Review Cafe Paradiso - Cape Town Central

Lovely classic eatery with a solid history behind it. Visited for dinner and we ordered the seafood risotto, gnocchi for mains and fried squid for starters. Really enjoyed the food, especially the main dishes which were full of distinct flavour and equally delicious. Also loved the rustic interior.

I have been to Cafe Paradiso a number of times over the years, and especially during the time that we took my young son to the restaurant. It provides suitable spacing for families with young kids, and has a stunning exterior as it does the interior. In summer (or even sunny winter days), the view of Table Mountain as a backdrop is superb. There is a light bustle around the area as it is near the top of Kloof Street, but still it has a nice ambience to it, almost rustic. The foot was really good, slightly overpriced (but what isnt these days), but the quality and freshness were exquisite. I highly recommend it, especially for an early lunch, or midday brunch for that familiar Cape Town Sunday early morning timeouts.

Super fantastic food in a fabulous atmosphere. One of our fav. restaurants in Cape Town eben during load shed!

Awesome food, great service, and the pizza baking for the kids in the kitchen is such a simply yet fantastic way to keep the kids occupied.

Had a lovely time at this beautiful restaurant. The weather was amazing so it made for the perfect outdoor dining, chilling and drinking experience. Service was a bit slow but the staff were amazing. Linda helped us for the most part and was really efficient, kind and friendly. Melissa, the Manager was also really great, so friendly and really really nice. She also helped us where needed and was extremely attentive to our needs. The food was delicious too. Everything was really great. Perfect for indoor or outdoor dining.

I try to go here every time when I visit Cape Town, which is about once every two years. Always delicious, always very professional staff, always an enormous treat! Not cheap but not unreasonable. Definitely recommended. Try their pastas and their pear and gorgonzola salad. Also excellent crème brule.

Eclectic and pleasant. Was a little bit of a heavy atmosphere for me. Some will love it, some not so much. Still worth a visit though. Definitely has personality.

Out of this world. If you have not been there then you have not eaten in Cape Town. Buttermilk chicken burger best so far I tasted. Service atmosphere venue great place to be. Went there on the 12th Feb at 1pm 5 of us for lunch. We enjoyed so much only left a 6pm. My wife and I went again the next day 13th to have the sushi crunch and Cajun calamari salad for dinner. Surprisingly we going to have our Valentine’s Day also there. So you see we are hook at Cafe Paradiso. Go there now you wasting time. Make reservations because they are always full.

What an experience with Table mountain right by the entrance. This little gem is certainly one for the books. I can count on my one hand the amount of places I have been to where the atmosphere and the food is something to write stories about. First I was sceptical walking up the stairs after reading reviews but this is a place where the wait is worth it. I had the 300g steak and it was like a symphony in my mouth the combination of bone marrow and black mushrooms make every bite a fantasy. Well done to the chef you have made my day.

We went here for breakfast and ordered French toast with bacon and strawberries and omelet with mushrooms. I must say this is one of the best French toasts I've had. It had the right amount of sweetness. Strawberries were so fresh. Omelette was not the best but definitely above average. The ambiance is very pretty and clean. I recommend this place.

I had my Birthday breakfast with a few important people in my life and Cafe Paradiso helpt make my day extra special the warm welcome on arrival to bein seated at a large table outside under some shaded trees each of my guess had nothing but good feedback on the breakfast meals we ordered and the drinks our server was friendly and we had all our dishes bein served at the same time for such a large group I would definitely recommend this place and will be back with my family too was definitely impressed with everything Thanks to Selena for correctly understanding my Birthday needs I appreciate ur time & response we had amazing time at Cafe Paradiso.

Amazing view with delicious breakfast. My lil one was making cupcakes and gingerbread biscuits in the kitchen. What warm hearted place. Thanks to my waiter Wolcott and the Gm, Sean who made sure service was speedy and efficient. Will definitely be back

On arrival I got greated with a warm welcome. The staff was amazing with impeccable service. The food is a from a different world, especially the rib eye which indulged every little taste bud. And before I forget, the marshmallows on your way out is a nice treat! I can go to bed now with a happy heart and a satisfied experience! Thank you cafe paradiso!

Fantastic venue, food and view. I felt for our Server as I think they were understaffed it being 2 Jan as he was running between many tables. Definitely worth a revisit and worth recommending.

Amazing atmosphere. Good food. Excellent service. And......our little yorkie could also join us without any problems.

If it weren’t for the fact I only ever order the same dish and so haven’t had a proper try of the menu, this place would be 5 stars for sure. <br/><br/>If you’re going to eat here, there’s no point ordering anything other than the butternut gnocchi (with bacon because duh). It’s the best damn meal on the menu - so much so that whenever myself or any of my mates go there we all order the same thing. Not one person has regretted my forced ordering of this dish on behalf of them.<br/><br/>The vibes are also A+ (especially if you get an outside table for lunch), and I highly recommend asking your waiter for a cup of crayons as the paper tablecloths make for great drawing boards (I am not a child I swear).

I'd firstly like to say this is a 3.5 rating. <br/><br/>I'm not judging them harshly, I just feel like for the price I expected a bit more? <br/><br/>That said, service was friendly. The food was really good. I quite enjoyed my cocktail 😋 <br/><br/>We had pizza and pasta so I guess we just wanted the flavors to pull through a bit more? <br/><br/>I'll definitely try out more dishes on the menu and perhaps change my opinion. <br/><br/>All in all... A good night out :)

Cafe Paradiso, this is a great spot if you’re looking for a spot of lunch on a summer day, the food is always great, I almost always opt for the check in and rocket pasta and I know for the a fact the sweet potato gnocchi is phenomenal! Although the service can be slow on a bad day, and there may be some kids running around.. regardless this is a must eat! Enjoy!

This may just have been a bad experience at a good place, but our dinner at Cafe Paradiso was very disappointing. It started badly, arriving 15 minutes late to be told that our table was given away (a 6:30 reservation, not exactly the dinner rush). Eventually the table we got was cramped for 6. In addition to this, service was VERY slow - waiting a long time for each food order except dessert. The food itself was acceptable and the kids “build-your-own” was fantastic. Hopefully this is just a bad experience but, aside from the kids’ entertainment aspect, I would neither return nor recommend.

I enjoy this restaurant in the Summer or on a nice sunny day. The setting is nice with a beautiful courtyard to sit in. I’ve unfortunately lately numerous times in the last few months experienced a decline in overall quality. The portions have decreased in size and I find the refinement and simplicity of the food is lost. I also found the last time I booked a table it was forgotten about which I find rather annoying. . again- the overall experience and QUALITY has unfortunately declined. From a 4star to a 3.

really love this place! Always a nice ambience and their specials can be to die for. It is nice to sit outside and admire the trees and view but need to book in advance.

Dinner last night (24 February) was disappointing.<br/>I ordered the beef ribeye expecting a singe whole steak. Instead it was served in small slices of beef dressed with a jus. Not what I expected. My wife had the ravioli which was smothered in a tomato sauce. Both dishes disappointing. We have had better at this restaurant.

We go years back with Cafe Paradiso, from birthday dinners to Breakfasts, to friends' reunions to random lunches during a weekday...<br/><br/>It's an incredible venue high up in Gardens which has incredible city and sea views (if you're seated outside) 🏙... almost like a secret garden of sorts.<br/><br/>It's really cosy, unpretentious, and wholesome... as if you've been invited into someone's private home. <br/><br/>For lunch, try their beef carpaccio starter with Mustard & Parmesan dressing, capers, radish, ciabatta croutons and rocket! Incredible flavors!!! (👀 we still dream about it and find ourselves salivating each time🤤)... their pasta is incredible to share (so you can have something else for a main 👀😁 excuse the gluttony) <br/><br/>When there last for dinner We indulged in the most scrumptious pork belly that just melted in your mouth! 🐖 Absolutely incredible 👌🏾🤓 add a good glass of red local wine (always support local 🇿🇦) and it was undoubtedly one of the best dinners We had had out in months... the company too was excellent 😁<br/><br/>*TIP: while it's located on Kloof, note that its upper Kloof and a walk is longer than you'd expect (unless ofcourse you're a walker 🚶🏾‍♀️🚶🏾)<br/><br/>If visiting in the afternoon, ask for a table outside under the shrubbery, with a view and a mimosa of two 🥂🍊 enjoy!

I have been to Cafe Paradiso for breakfast and a light lunch. For breakfast I had the eggs benedict and lunch the salmon bagel. I really enjoyed both of these meals and I would go back to have them again! The salmon bagel overflowed with yummy salmon and was perfect for a summery lunch. The pasta dishes on the menu look delicious so I definitely will go back to try them (carbs are life).<br/>On both occasions I received great service. The waiters were attentive and the food was served quite quickly after ordering.<br/>As an added benefit, their cocktails are so yummy you can't have just one!

An amazing restaurant with the most beautiful outdoor garden setting. Came here for a friend’s birthday, we were seated outside in the garden which was perfect for a beautiful sunny day in Cape Town. The food was absolutely delicious, I ordered the Slow roasted lamb & aubergine salad with spinach, rocket, olives, sunflower seeds, beetroot, garlic aioli & lemon and a side order of fries. The menu also offers vegetarian options as well as Vegan Buddha bowl. Will definitely be back!

Café Paradiso has, since the first time I dined there two years ago, remained a firm favourite – a fact that would appear to be true for many others too, given that it can be tough to secure a table without first having made a reservation.<br/> <br/>With its indoor / outdoor idyllic garden setting and relaxed, family-friendly feel, it’s not difficult to see why it is a popular choice. Their menu affords a variety of refreshingly different options, their service is consistently friendly and professional and their prices are reasonable. <br/><br/>It was recently, on warm summer's afternoon, that my friend and I were seated outdoors on the restaurant's deck to enjoy a year-end lunch together. He ordered the homemade beef burger, with bacon, crispy fried onions and chips and I ordered the homemade sweet potato and butternut gnocchi, served on quattro formaggio with nutmeg, parmesan, rocket and bacon (as an added extra). This happens to be one of my favourite meals; each element of the dish complements the other so well, to create a taste of absolute perfection and, try as I might, I have not been able to find another establishment able to remotely rival it! Needless to say, we both thoroughly enjoyed our food enough to order a dessert – the baked cheesecake – which we shared and which was equally as delicious as our main courses. <br/><br/>I am so happy to have found this gem of a restaurant and to have introduced several friends to it, all of whom have reached the same conclusion – we will be returning!

Made a reservation for two outside for 8:30 only to arrive and be told they had nothing available except to sit on the end of another large table. Hostess clearly planned poorly. Managed to squeeze into a small table inside only to wait long to be served. Very unprofessional, poor service.

Had a light breakfast- eggs Benedict on a croissant and avo on toast. I had asked for soft eggs but got hard instead sadly. There is nothing too wow about the breakfasts and the service wasn’t all that great either. But I do like the garden like atmosphere.

Such a gem located on Kloof street! Have only ever gone for breakfast a few times and salmon eggs Benedict is a winner for those who love a good eggs Benedict! The service is exceptional too as well as the atmosphere! Definitely need to make a breakfast stop if you in town looking for a beautiful restaurant with good service and food!

Myself, My mom and son went there yesterday morning for a delicious breakfast with an amazing view. My lil one was in the kitchen baking cupcakes and gingerbread men with the ladies which he really enjoyed. Awesome service from Wolcott and the GM, Sean who made sure everything and was on time efficient, will definitely go back soon.

Great food and our waitress, Precious, was just the best - an asset to the restaurant. Cafe Paradiso has a good, chilled vibe going on. Well executed menu and their service is on point. Thank you Precious for serving us!

Wonderful food, lovely atmosphere for dinner (not as many unruly kids running around as we'd feared). Service was friendly but appallingly slow. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed our evening in the garden. The butternut and sweet potato gnocchi was a real winner. Still dream of it.

The food was delicious and expertly prepared. I tucked into the short rib which was fall of the bone tender. My wife had house made pumpkin ravioli that were delicate and full of flavor. The only downside was that my son’s pizza base was raw and when it arrived for a second time, was full of flour and actually quite horrible. Will definitely go back on our next trip to Cape Town.

Gosh this place is so lovely .the waitress eve was great .she entertained our kids and gave us such a nice time there .the food was really good.

Good food and excellent service. I really liked the set up of the restaurant and the amount of dining space they have to offer. I enjoyed a halloumi salad whilst the girl I looked after had the chicken nuggets( which weren't nuggets at all) And chips.<br/>What makes them unique is offering the kids baking projects, looks like such fun! The staff helping the kids could be a bit friendlier and more organised regarding the set up/management of the activities.

Definitely a great place for a family dinner. Hubbles chose the spot for our eldest's birthday 🎉 celebration 🎉 <br/>She had some friends and they enjoyed being able to make their own meals. The kids had so much fun in the kitchen and the staff was so patient with a group of excited kids. <br/>The food was awesome, a bit pricey but definitely worth every bite😊 and experience. <br/>

Had dinner at Cafe Paradiso and thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The steak was perfectly cooked and tender but the favorite dishes have to be the pastas. The gnocchi was wholesome and delicious and the chicken pasta had a rich, creamy sauce that brought the dish together beautifully. <br/>Service was good and the manager was welcoming and friendly. Even though it was a Monday evening, the restaurant was lively and had a cheerful atmosphere.<br/>I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a casual dinner with friends.

The atmosphere is inviting and our particular night the manegerres was present and helpful. The waitrons knew the menu well and we were served quickly. The calamari salad and veg antipasti were both fresh and tasty. They also arrived quickly. Thereafter we shared the ravioli and the napoletana sauce and rich and yum. Highly recommended!

Update: returned for an early dinner. The place was super packed, but I was still accommodated without a reservation. I was seated in the courtyard right at the back of the restaurant (had no idea this section existed). The service door is however located here, so you’ll get traffic of staff existing on shift changes or smoke breaks. It probably gets very hot during the day as well owing to the overhead coverage - think greenhouse. <br/><br/>On to the food. Decided to have the gnocchi without bacon. Pillows of heaven!!! Gobbled them all (and there was quite a few on the plate). The bechemal sauce was a bit cold though, but still yummy. <br/><br/>Having been here only twice before, I’m starting to detect a theme... there’s hints of chili in pretty much every dish I’ve tried here. Not a lot, just enough to know it’s there. Love it! <br/><br/>Would highly recommend this place! <br/><br/>Review 1: This place with its fireplace is sooooooo cozy!! Came here with a group of friends for an early dinner. Burgers unfortunately are only served until 5pm. Being a few minutes after 5pm, we had to sweet talk the chef into allowing us to all place a burger order (we were 6 ladies, all with a burger craving). Somehow they allowed the order to go through! The burgers were really yummy. It wasn't served on a traditional bun, but what looked like ciabatta bread. Will return for their proper dinner menu.

Great to sit outdoors and enjoy the rays :) had the full herb chicken. Divine! I tried a friend's tuna dish which was equally as good.<br/><br/>Recently revisited and the pork belly is probably the best I have had thus far! Crispy, with beautiful accompanying sauces served with vegetables. They are switching up their menu soon and I can't wait to try the new additions!

This place is great. We had pasta which was excellent all round. The service also very good. Nice view of the mountain if you get a seat outside (must book). Also dog friendly

Good service and awesome vibe! I had the buffet which was such a good deal and the food was top quality and delicious! Can't wait to go back

I'd heard lots of good things about cafe paradiso over the past year and tonight I was spontaneously treated to a nice evening here. I was torn between the veg antipasti platter or the butternut gnocchi, however, I went for the gnocchi after significant appraisal from my friends. The dish really did live up to all their ranting and raving. The portion size was just perfect for the richness of the dish. I then shared the mulva pudding with my friend and it was so fantastic! It was served with ice cream, it wasn't super sweet but it had a delightful ginger after taste which was a lovely and unexpected twist. I was also quite pleased with the decent prices. The decor and ambiance was quite lovely and very cozy, however, I think next time I will go during the day in order to sit in the gorgeous garden area. Our server was also very friendly and responsive. My belly is full, my taste buds are happy and therefore I am happy.

After seeing a picture on Instagram of the Eggs Benedict I decided to head off to Cafe Paradiso to check it out myself. <br/><br/>Being part of the Zingara empire you already know that the place is going to be quirky yet tasteful in any direction you look Paradiso is no exception. The service is great and the staff super friendly. I like the they menu is concise but has enough variety for you to come back and discover more. <br/><br/>I ordered a flat white which was great. The micro foam quality was good and the coffee wasn't burnt. My eggs Benedict was well prepared but my poached eggs could have been done softer. In future ordering soft poached here is a better idea than medium poached - o just can't stand runny white. The salmon was fresh and overall a wonderful atmosphere. <br/><br/>If you want to sit inside you should book a table.

Outside ambiance<br/><br/>Was great<br/><br/>Service was alright<br/> a bit slow<br/><br/>Food and price<br/><br/>Great food at a normal price<br/><br/>I would redesign a little bit the inside

Always great to go here but our table wasnt ready when we arrived,half the chairs were broken or about to break, first coffee was cold and the food took ages.Our kids love the back kitchen to bake but R50 to decorate 1 dry cupcake or roll out a few cookies, way too expensive. #dissapointed

We went here for breakfast and ordered French toast with bacon and strawberries and omelet with mushrooms. <br/>I must say this is one of the best French toasts I've had. It had the right amount of sweetness. Strawberries were so fresh. <br/>Omelette was not the best but definitely above average. <br/>The ambiance is very pretty and clean. <br/>I recommend this place.

Had a family dinner here to celebrate my younger sisters birthday. Everyone was very pleased with their food. Our waiter was also great and extremely attentive! The great thing is that they also have activities for kids and a kids menu.

I like the decor of this restaurant, a bit of Tuscan country house meeting a South African farm. The lighting is very well done, it makes a pleasure to dine either inside or outside in their garden. Food wise they are ok. Just don't expect dishes faithful to Italian tradition even if their image and name suggests it. All their pastas are revisited to fit capetonians palate, making them too saucy and heavy. What I like of Italian cuisine is that top quality fresh ingredients make perfect dishes without being over covered by cream , pepper or garlic. Over all I would suggest it to tourists, just not my Italian friends

I have been to Cafe Paradiso numerous times before and have always had a wonderful time, with this in mind I made reservations for a good friend's birthday dinner. The night was a comedy of errors! I was so embarrassed! We were seated at a small table in the corner of the garden that didn't even have a tablecloth (all the other tables did) we had to get up to call our waiter each time we wanted to order something, the wine we ordered was out of stock, glass was dirty and our food was clearly standing for ages before it was brought to us; garnish had completely wilted and the food was lukewarm at best. I was thoroughly disappointed and embarrassed

Great venue, good food, marred by shocking service - from not being able to find our booking on arrival, on questioning why our food was taking so long, were told the waitron had forgot to place the order, and finally, being presented with the wrong bill

Food is fantastic, the pastas and open sandwiches very well made. A great place for a leisurely lunch. Kids enjoyed the baking play in the kitchen.

I visited paradiso a while ago I don't know why it's taken me this long to review it. <br/>Best pasta in town hands down! Inexpensive bottles of wine and the decor is your usual upper kloof bourgie restaurant. It's more of a very chilled vibe outside with their relaxed setting and wooden furniture but it tends to get very very windy because of the trees in the garden . <br/>Warm service and I do remember it's been worth another visit for a very long time! <br/>Loved it here .

Cafe Paradiso is one of my favourite spots in town. The food is amazing and the atmosphere cozy. The only thing short of a 5 star experience was our arrogant waitress, Murushka, who made our night a little unpleasant. Besides her, the food was outstanding as usual.

Cafe Paradiso is the perfect breakfast or brunch spot. The service is great, the food? Even better. I love their poached egg coupled up with a well presented mimosa! It's right on the street on kloof however, the setting makes you feel as if you're in a secret garden. <br/>Cafe Paradiso is perfect for eating alone and/or with family. It's small, intimate and the perfect quiet summer spot.

Gorgeous spot and also great for birthday parties. The kids can make their own cookies, pizza or cupcakes. The staff is great with the children. We enjoyed our Saturday morning here tremendously

I can promise you won't be disappointed. Our waiter Nick is beyond amazing, took us through the menu and service is amazing. <br/><br/>The food is good too! Like, really good

Such a great date venue as it feels like an Italian villa and is lit by candlelight. I am obsessed with the chicken pesto pasta. Their cocktails and desserts are also fantastic.

Worst experience at this restaurant. It used to be a great favourite of mine. Waitress was unfriendly. We waited 2 hours and still no food. It was impossible for them to get an order for two people out at the same time. Management couldn't offer any solution except for that they are sorry and don't know what to do about the situation. The attitude and arrogance was unbelievable.

An out of this world experience! I went there for my 40th birthday😊We could not have chosen a better place. All the waiters were so friendly and the service was fantastic! Our waitress, Precious, made sure that we were well taken care of. We made the booking at the very last moment and David was so accommodating. They contacted us to confirm our booking and from the moment we walked into the restaurant they made everything special. The food was superb!! We will definitely be back. Thanks for a memorable night!🎉

So after struggling to make a reservation via landline (called about 4 times with no answer) we resorted to email and prayed someone would receive it, we managed to get a spot for dinner last night at Cafe Paradiso for my birthday. We were slightly worried based on the struggle we had to secure a table, but we were pleasantly surprised when we were greeted upon arrival and shown to a quaint table in the front of the restaurant. The ambience is warm,cosy and inviting and the staff were friendly from the get-go. <br/><br/>To start, we ordered the Kudu carpaccio,with basil pesto and ciabatta. It was absolutely delicious, but the portion was slightly small and we wished there was more. For mains, Dario opted for the Sirloin steak, in a Cafe Paris butter sauce, served with root veg, mushrooms, parmesan and rocket. I chose the fish of the day, which was a Seabass on a harissa sweet potato mash and salsa Verde. The portions were generous, the food was delicious and the additions really complimented the meat. One of the best meals we have had in a while. And we would definitely be back soon!

came for my sons birthday 6 of us<br/>my steak was tasteless my family said all meals were ok but my daughter in law brought a cake for sons birthday as a surprise<br/>we asked for a knife to cut 3 slices as one doesnt carry a knife with us but to be charged R50 to use a knife after having a bill for R1600 was beyond me<br/>i will never put foot in this rip off restaurant again and they are very busy so to charge R50 to use a knife shows their true colours of having customer relations sis disgusting

I had breakfast at Cafe Paradiso this morning. There were things that worked and things that did not work and therefore I have given it a 3. The setting is lovely with a view of the mountain. We sat outside under the umbrellas which was very pleasant and it is dog friendly so I was able to take my dog with. I enjoyed my breakfast and thought it was a good size with fresh ingredients. <br/>Our waitress was however never around and we kept having to try get the attention of the other waiters to ask for anything. She also mixed our eggs up and no one got the soft/medium/hard poached eggs that they ordered - this is disappointing and can easily be fixed. <br/>After our meal we waited about 20 minutes for our waitress to make an appearance - we eventually went inside and found someone else to pay with. The restaurant wasn't even that busy. <br/>Good food, good setting - but I won't recommend it based on the service. <br/>

Sitting here at this restaurant and chaos reigns, understaffed and service non existent!! Ordered Meat Antipasti for two and waited an hour....weren't offered serviettes and used the tablecloth instead! Food wasn't bad when it arrived, getting the bill was another story.....definitely no tip for the waitress. Avoid this restaurant like the plague😨

Horrific! (My 1,0 rating is generous).<br/> Our waiter (we did not get his name) blonde and tall, seemed "too busy" to look after out table. He was rude and obnoxious. We then had to wait 2 and a half hours for our main courses, and we're told multiple times that we would have to wait longer. Granted that we were a large table of 12, however - it is still unacceptable to have to wait 2 and a half hours for pasta. To top if off, none of the staff were apologetic at all. <br/>The food was also very average and nothing was worth the wait (I had the veal pasta). Pastas were simple and could be cooked at home. It was freezing (we were seated outside) and they didn't have any blankets ( I was given a tablecloth to cover my legs with) as well has there being absolutely no light so it was impossible to see our food or our company. <br/>Completely horrified and will certainly tell people to not go here. I will personally not be going back.

I found the staff to be quite obnoxious, and our waitress kept on wondering off while taking our orders. Granted it was to find things out, but she would just leave mid our order without a word. <br/><br/>The portions were also very small, I was expecting alot more from the bacon wrapped kudu size wise. Also no one in my table thought any of their food was above average. <br/><br/>I'm not impressed at all, the outside courtyard is very nice though if you go on a beautiful summer evening.

The service and the food were lovely. I was so impressed by the staff as I arrived without a booking but they still made every effort to seat me and my friends. The experience only improved when our food arrived. I had the pea and meat risotto with chicken and prawn. The servings were quite large but not too expensive which was a surprise for a place on kloof street. I really do suggest having dinner here but it would probably be better to book beforehand to make the experience a little smoother.

Feeling a bit freaky and want a different experiment with excellent food? Check this place out! <br/><br/>Mouth watering and scrumptious food. <br/>This restaurant is connected to sidewalk cafe in Vredehoek and Madame Zingara. I've never been disappointed. A warm and inviting restaurant that will leave you with a smile on your face.

A gem from the Madame Zingara group - absolutely beautiful location. Sit outside on a sunny day if you can. Their antipasti boards as well as their pastas are absolutely amazing. Good kid-friendly place too.

I absolutely love coming here. <br/><br/>The food is of high quality, and the combinations on the plates go together so well! <br/><br/>They have a children's area where kids can choose to bake pizza, decorate cupcakes etc. <br/><br/>It's better to book in advance.

Had a great lunch here. Our waiter was on the ball, giving us recommendations and working super fast despite multiple tables. Had the puttanesca pasta, linguini pasta served in a spicy tomato sauce topped with tiger prawns. Definitely one of Kloof streets staples, and one to take note of.

<br/>One of those gems that you have to visit in Cape Town upper Kloof street. The food is on point. They have cool activities for kids in the kitchen. The decor is a classic old world / cape style dining. Our waiter was a legend.

I had heard that Cafe Paradiso is a great spot to take the young ones to make their own cupcakes, cookies or pizzas. I took my little cousin there and she had the best time. Although the restaurant was packed, the staff welcomed us and ensured that she enjoyed her cupcake-making experience. This is a great set-up. I can't comment on the food, but the smells coming out of the kitchen seemed great. I'd definitely like to go back to try the food.

I came to this Cape Town gem, tucked away at the top of Kloof Street, for breakfast on a rainy Friday morning. <br/><br/>Their classic omelette with tomato, basil, mozzarella & mushroom was fantastic, and the portion size was a lot bigger than I expected. <br/><br/>The flat white I ordered was rich and flavourful, with just the right amount of microfoam. <br/><br/>As for the ambiance: It's quaint, and the tables are appropriately spaced out. There's almost a slightly rustic tone to the decor.<br/><br/>The service was also great. The food preparation didn't take long at all. The waitron was attentive, and swift when beckoned to. <br/><br/>Definitely worth visiting.

Man! One of my regulars - fantastic setting, lovely vibe. Staff are always super efficient and friendly. Their wines are reasonably priced and they menu is great. I've only ever had good experiences here, its a sure bet if ever in doubt of where to go. Their roast chicken is unbelievably good, as is the cheesecake...

have recently been here for breakfasts, and quite enjoyed it. Beautiful setting and kiddie friendly. The dishes are well priced and breakfasts are good. I have to say that when I last came her for lunch, the portion sizes were so small, that we literally had to order more main dishes, so that was kind of pathetic. But breakfasts are nice.

I recommend this spot to any couple looking for a romantic spot in the city. The food is beyond yummy and the ambience is as romantic as it comes. If you visit in summer then make sure you ask for a table outside in the courtyard. It's so beautiful in summer and is warmed and lit by fire pits and you'll have a great view of the city lights down the hill.

This place is a winner from the moment you step through the door. The atmosphere is as inviting as its staff. I wasn't entirely sure who our waiter was, but there was never any confusion on behalf of the staff who were always Incredibly efficient. I had their ravioli of the day to start followed by their chocolate fondant which was baked to perfection and accompanied with salted caramel and ice cream. Had I know that I was being treated to a birthday cupcake made by our hostess herself, I may have skipped out on the fondant. But this place gets a 5/5 for continually fantastic service. The only thing that would be nice to see is some risottos on their menu.

Super chilled set-up, catering for all types. Had the delicious butternut and sweet potato gnocchi as mains and my partner had perfectly al dente penne pasta. Nice selection of beverages. Friendly service. A very good day out.

Delicious food! Fantastic wine. Excellent service. This is an old favourite that's been around for about 25 years. I remember coming here with my family back in 2001. It's still one of my favourite restaurants. Everything is just perfect. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. Yum! We had the veggie anti pasta to start. Butternut and sweet potato gnocchi as well as the Puttanesca with plump prawns. The pomodoro base in the Puttanesca is the best!

One of my all time favorites. Warm cosy dining environment- however summer on the lawn under the trees is my all time favorite. Their menu much like the rest of the Madame Zingara Group is beautifully constructed and excellently executed. Love their steaks, starters and they carry a lot of the Cape's staple wines and bubbles. A must try!

Went for a late breakfast and decided on their classic omelette. Friendly staff and beautiful setting outside with a breathtaking view of the mountain. Definitely heading there again for their dinner - Menu looks amazing!

Exceptional food! But the staff were rather stand-off. It was late on a Sunday and they were not too happy as they had a function to set up for soon... I could refute that except for the portion size... I had asked for no baby potatoes, and had expected some extra spinach but received only a scoop. Additionally, my friend had been informed there were no potatoes left in any case for his French fries. He wasn't even often another side until I requested one... And when his burger arrived, they had somehow found chips...<br/><br/>Also the price was high for the quantity of the fish. Conclusion: it really was a delicious dish that left me quite unsatisfied.

Delicious food, excellent service and beautiful setting. Lovely al fresco dining and kiddie friendly! The hosts went all out to accommodate a very busy toddler...they offer a pizza making facility for the kids. We tried the butternut risotto and spinach filled ravioli with a tomato chilli sauce. The gnocchi is delicious too. Will definitely eat here again.

What a terrible experience! <br/>Our reservation, which I made on the Tuesday for lunch on the Saturday, was scratched out on the list. I found a worm in my lamb pasta salad. We were served coffees with sour milk. And lastly our waiter seemed to have tables on the other side of the restaurant since we only occasionally saw him. We were not comped for any of the mistakes (worms or sour milk) and only on query did we receive the coffees on the house. I still had to pay for my lamb and worm salad-granted I only found the wiggly guy at the end of the meal.

Undoubtedly an enchanting ambience with a romantic lustre exuding from this restaurant, especially at night. We did not make a reservation, as we had coincidentally stumbled across the eatery while searching for the Bombay Bicycle Club - yes, we have terrible sense of direction, but totally not the point.<br/><br/>Staff were rather rude and obnoxious about the whole thing. It was my friend's birthday, so I did not want to make waves, but I otherwise could've been downright rude back and left the premises. Fortunately, we got to experience the delicious pasta afterward, and proceeded to ignore the coldness of the waiters or management, who tried to shove us in the naughty corner, literally. Very delicious food, so such a shame that the birthday girl had to endure the embarrassment of being scolded at the door of the restaurant! Truly frowned upon in the world of service delivery. Will be happy to return as long as service improves here!

5th in line today....<br/><br/>Madame Zingara in tour....<br/><br/>Gorgeous setting in Kloof street. Lovely atmosphere.....good service....quality food...<br/><br/>Cafe Paradiso lives up to the Madam Zingara expectation 😄😄<br/><br/>Well worth the visit 😄😄😄

One can never go wrong with Madam Zingara. Arrived without a booking and received a warm welcome and a great seating. Food was amazing. Had the pumpkin and bacon risotto (added the bacon). Boyfriend had the fish of the day and said it was one of the best he has had - ever. Nothing bad to say - food, service, ambience 👌🏻

For ages I've been longing to go to this legendary restaurant on Kloof street. It seemed almost magical - tucked between trees, with an almost fairytale-like courtyard and real Italian charm. It's always difficult to write a good review when your expectations are already relatively high, but on this particular night, Cafe Paradiso did not disappoint!<br/><br/>Upon entering through its mystical gateway, we were first seated inside. Since it was such a lovely evening, we really wanted to sit outside on the patio. After a bit of scuffling, the manager secured us what was probably the best table in the entire restaurant - a cozy, romantic table for two overlooking the courtyard area with the most stunning view of the mountain. <br/><br/>We decided to share a starter - the meat meze for two, which was absolutely out of this world! It comes with 4 types of meat, accompanied by a selection of cheeses, olives, vegetables and homemade bread, along with the smoothest butter I've ever seen and a delicious hummus spread. I could literally just have eaten a whole platter of that and I would've been happy!<br/><br/>After a bit of a wait came our mains of gnocchi and chicken penne. Having heard rave reviews about the gnocchi, and being a fan of this particular dish, I had to give it a try. With bacon of course! And did it live up to expectations? It went above and beyond! The most delicious gnocchi I've ever had! And so beautifully presented as well! The crispy butternut and sweet potato worked perfectly with it, it had just the right amount of cheese, the pasta itself was cooked to perfection - for my taste at least, perhaps others would've thought it was a bit burnt, but this is the way I prefer it. The walnuts added a lovely texture to the dish. Perhaps the bacon could've been more prominent, next time I probably won't order that as an extra. As for the penne, here's where there was a bit of a disappointment - it was pretty average, satisfying but nothing special unfortunately.<br/><br/>Being so full after mains, we decided to share dessert - "the best living" lemon meringue. WOW! My god, I've been dreaming about that dessert ever since! Perfect balance between sweetness and the bitter taste of lemon. Neither too sweet nor too sour. Perfectly baked crust - my favorite part and plenty of it! <br/><br/>As far as service goes, a bit slow, so don't come here in a rush. The kitchen's extremely small, so it's understandable, but I think they should really consider extending their kitchen in the future. Otherwise, our waiter was very friendly, although a bit absent throughout the evening. <br/><br/>Overall, an evening I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend as a dinner spot on a hot summer's evening to treat that someone special. Very romantic setting with delicious homemade Italian cuisine and mouth-watering desserts. I will definitely return!<br/><br/>Top tips: Book in advance! And ask to be seated outside on the patio - the best spot ever! Bring your kids - they get am opportunity to bake cupcakes and make pizzas. The go-to order should be a meze to share for starters, pasta for mains, and any of their desserts to finish off. Pastas are rich, so come hungry! You must leave space for dessert - those sweet treats are absolutely legendary!

Risotto doesnt count as refined carbs on Tuesdays. This was a taste experience beyond the ordinary. Ambience is good. Service is excellent...

The waitress did not "feel" like serving us outside because in her opinion the weather was too "shitty". An overcast day perhaps but not "shitty". There are umbrellas, why not use them? There was another table with people outside already.<br/>We went across the road to Carne SA

Perfecto.... if you are looking for romantic, to experience a food with flavour and to feel like you are overseas... please goooo!!! I fell inlove.

I can honestly say that Cafe Paradiso served me the best gnocchi I've ever had. The leafy and country-like setting transports one to a garden somewhere in Tuscany - it truly makes for the perfect 'escape' from the busy city. Food and service is divine - I highly recommend the homemade sweet potato & butternut gnocchi. I will definitely be returning!

Cafe paradiso is great place to eat that consistently serves good food. Been there several times and never disappointed. <br/><br/>Kids get to make own pizza and dessert so they taken care of and have a fun time.

Such a beautiful setting! Was my first time ever at Cafe paradiso. Took quite a while for the cocktails to arrive we got them after the food arrived but the food was really spectacular! (As it should be cause of the high prices) I had the sweet potato gnocchi and it was amazing! Seriously recommend.

Awesome spot for a relaxing Sunday lunch. Had sweet potato & butternut gnocchi with quattro formaggio, boyfriend had burger with grilled coppa - clearly the Italians just do everything better. A million points to the hostess though - super friendly & when we requested to be moved to an outside table she actually remembered & arranged it (these days this kind of service is unheard of!!). Well done & we will definitely be back!!

Superb setting one of the only open air dining places with views of table mountain <br/>Super starters great food very friendly waiters<br/>Best place for lunches

Went for breakfast this morning with a friend at 11am. We waited 45min for the food to arrive, only after asking where it was, meanwhile it had been sitting waiting for about 20min as we could see it from our table! Our waiter didn't come to the table once after we placed our order to check up on us. As well as he didn't even come to check up on us when the food eventually arrived. The manger had to bring out the food to our table, as our waiter had disappeared. Funny thing is, I was there a week ago for lunch, and had the same waiter and the service was fantastic! Very disappointed, especially as I took my friend there because the food is great and the service was fantastic on my last visit.

The staff here is always friendly and quick and immaculately cheek-boned, and I am only ever here when I am hungover and dying and a puddling wreck of a human being, a trash fire recently put out, a bloated whale corpse washed up on the nacreous shores of Cafe Paradiso. Sorry, Cafe Paradiso. Sorry, immaculately-cheekboned staff.

A few weeks back we sought out a beautiful place to have a good solid breakfast with friends from across the waters. Cafe paradiso it was and even though i was feeling totally rotten the manager and staff were so super kind to me. I had the omelette with the yummy works in the middle and ate every bite! Every one of my guests absolutely loved it! I definitely recommend this place very highly.

Lovely setting but some serious poor service and slightly concerned that the chef uses old ingredients. Always been a favourite definitely not anymore. kids had fun so probably the only reason I may return

Superb, amazing and delicious. As vegetarians my wife I had enough choice and were blown away by each dish. The gnocchi dish is a must - it is truly unique. Fresh tagliatelle was very good. Service was great and vibe excellent. The layout gave me the impression of sitting in a home kitchen. Ahh and then the desserts were just the perfect end to a great meal.

Fantastic Sunday breakfast at this eclectic Gardens favourite, situated in a converted heritage house with a stone covered courtyard. Creative dishes - we had the scrambled eggs with homemade rosti and classic omelette with basil and mozzarella, both very tasty - and efficient service. Their Winter Lunch Special is also a must try.

Such a great place for breakfast with a view! One of the few places on Kloof str with a view of the mountain. Don't forget to book a table - they are usually busy. I added a poached egg to my truffle mushroom breakfast - should have ordered 2 - the egg is needed to cut through the rich mushrooms, but still delicious. Another success for the madame zingara brand.

This place never fails me, to date I have been there about 4 times if memory serves, and have not received bad service at all, cafe paradiso is definitely number 1 on my all time favorites list, I frequent many restaurants and something always goes wrong, but not at cafe paradiso! Damn! It's the best! Well done to everyone that works there! Great place, great food, great service !

Excellent food stop option and is a treat for the kids as well! They get to bake cup cakes or make their own pizza's. The chicken burger was excellent and other family members of mine devoured the steak and pasta options! The lemon meringue was 10/10! Service was probably the best we have received in Cape Town!

We sat outside at Paradiso and it was really lovely! We had both the veg and meat antipasti platters which were really really great. The waiter was funny and the experience as a whole was a good day out. The rest of the menu looks delicious too, so would like to try some more of the food out. We also had the salt and pepper squid which was delicious!

Busy time of year in Cape Town and even though we hadn't booked (lunchtime on a Tuesday!) we were still seated - outside where we requested. Not 10 minutes later we noticed that people were being turned away. Our waiter Ray recognized my friend from a previous visit she'd made there quite a while ago which we found quite impressive! Pretty concise menu with reasonable prices. We didn't ask about the specials but heard them being told in-depth to tables around us. The vegetable antepasti board looked amazing and my salmon, creme fraiche and grilled artichoke on ciabatta was heavenly - all beautifully presented. Dessert (when it eventually arrived) was heavenly: chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream, berry sauce and salted caramel sauce on the side - OMG!!! Service was somewhat erratic which was the only downfall. Gorgeous setting. Highly recommended.

I was at Cafe Paradiso with some work colleagues for our end of year function. The ambience here is good, we were seated outside in the shade which was perfect because it was boiling. As far as the set menu goes. Bland!! With too much starch. The waiter was very uninterested in who she was serving. And there was a very snappy old lady, gardening whilst we were eating. I would probably not go again.

Popped in for a later brekkie, served until 12. I had the eggs Benedict with salmon, absolutely delicious. Aragon had the Farmhouse brekkie with poached eggs, while yummy he found the eggs had a sour taste we guess from the vinegar. All in all a great experience, wonderful buzz and decent service. We will see you again soon!!!

Simply stunning dishes served in such a beautiful setting. My only gripe was that the seating arrangement can be squashed if you have a big crowd - We had 16, it was understandable. The food, excellent! It is near impossible to assume otherwise. The chef also said they can pretty much do anything in veg! #Veggieview! I shared the pumpkin risotto and funghi-tagliatelle with my mum. They were both outstanding in their own right. The coffee's are good too. Finally, the creme-brulee is probably one of the best I have ever had. The texture was insanely velvet-like, and it wasn't over-sweet. We chilled there for 3 hours - I could have sat there for another 3 just relaxing with the whole family. If you're visiting Cape Town, please make this one of your lunch/dinner stops. Regret it, you will not! PS. There are no pics, I ate it all before I could snap a few. :P