LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Paradise Soho
Included In
The first time we visited Paradise, we sat at a single bar stool by the window, looking out at the steady stream of people on Rupert Street, and ate a game-changing deep-fried breadfruit pastry. The second time at this Sri Lankan-inspired spot, seated in one of the low booths, the pastry had morphed into a crispy, carby breadfruit doughnut. The eagerly anticipated pastry had shapeshifted but we weren’t mad. In fact, we couldn’t decide which was better. And that's what Paradise is all about—it's a restaurant shapeshifter. Whether dining solo, as a pair, or in a group, you're covered. Plus the excellent changing menu gives a hundred more reasons to come back here. It's an unpretentious, exciting place that's quintessentially Soho.
Bar seating invites solo diners and a snack, curry, and paratha makes a perfect meal for one. Along the side of the restaurant, the two intimate booths are ideal for an intense catch-up over candlelight and wild sea bream crudo. Conversations are hushed, catch-ups feel intimate, and if you move to the back of the small Soho spot, the atmosphere subtly shifts again. One big table creates a cosy dining cocoon for a group and provides the surface space to order the entire menu—which is encouraged. And the best part is that whichever version of Paradise you choose to experience, you'll be eating the kind of memorable and impressive dishes that ensure you'll be back.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
The menu is tweaked daily so while you won’t necessarily find that excellent breadfruit starter you came back for, you’ll find something just as good, if not better. Quality ingredients are at the centre of every dish: speciality vegetables and spices are shipped from Sri Lanka where possible and fresh seafood is brought in every morning, which all translates into excellent sharing dishes like northern-style turmeric dahl and creamy Devon crab kiri-hodi curry.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
While “small plates” is usually code for “give us all your money”, a meal here will rarely exceed £50 a head. Pop in for a solo sesh and leave £30 lighter, or bring someone for dinner when you want to impress. But even if that date doesn't work out or you forget the name of your friend's new love interest after your catch-up, the excellent Sri Lankan dishes will stick in your memory for a long time.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Breadfruit Vadai Doughnut
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Wild Sea Bream Crudo
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Northern-style Turmeric Dahl
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Cashew and Roasted Hazelnut Curry
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Seared Scottish King Scallops and Devon Crab Kiri-hodi Curry
Sea Bass Curry