Paradis

$ • Cafe

About Paradis

Paradis, a café located in San Diego, offers a charming and inviting atmosphere that feels like a love letter to coastal living. The airy space seamlessly blends lush botanicals with clean lines, creating an inviting environment that encourages lingering. The café's sun-drenched patio is particularly appealing, with Southern California's perpetual sunshine acting as nature's mood lighting. This outdoor area is also dog-friendly, making it a dreamy little escape for pet owners.

The café's drinks are the real stars, with their ceremonial grade matcha being incredible and often described as the best around. The matcha latte remains a standout, with grassy notes dancing perfectly with creamy sweetness. The cortado is also highly praised, with the espresso cutting through the silky microfoam with precision. The broader coffee program is equally impressive, offering a selection of meticulously crafted standards and contemporary twists, along with a thoughtful selection of plant-based alternatives.

The pastry case is a choose-your-own-adventure for the modern palate, with options like the pumpkin muffin being a revelation. However, the tea cake is described as ambitious but missing the mark. The food is noted for being creative and delicious, adding to the overall experience.

The café provides gluten-free and dairy alternatives, as well as vegan options. It is wheelchair accessible, with ramps available. The service is welcoming and friendly, with staff being super accommodating, though there have been minor issues with waiting to order and receiving drinks. The café also offers a variety of in-house baked goods, breakfast, and brunch items at reasonable prices.

In summary, Paradis is a charming and inviting café that offers a wide variety of drinks and food options, with a particularly impressive coffee program. The atmosphere is perfect for studying, relaxing, and lingering, especially on the special outdoor patio. While there were some minor service issues, the friendly staff and ever-evolving menu make it a place worth returning to.