Very good eggplant parm. Decent sized portion, good sauce and cheese. Comfortable ambiance. Service was fine. Glad it's there and will certainly return. read more

The Lincoln Center took kindly this initiative to give 10% off to tickets holder if you dine at this café Paradiso. No one, no manager, no waiter make clients aware of this service asking "are you going to the movie". You discover this only after check when you attend the movie theater. Why offer this in the first place? Very Poor service. Very bad attitude when ask for explanations. Mediocre food in addition. This is not the "great" customer service in New York City! read more

Pleasant but nothing extraordinary. Good service. Very reasonable prices. Good location for Lincoln Center.

I ordered a salad with salmon. The dressing on the salad was way too tart and lemony, the salmon was fine. Except when I finished it, I noticed there was a hair on the plate - clearly not fine because it was dark black and my hair is white. I did tell the waiter. His comment was "oh, sorry." It's fine if you're only having coffee, or pastry. Or even a glass of wine. But for a meal - I don't recommend it. There are lots of other places in the area that have better food and are clean. read more

Cafe was hard to locate and lacked clear signage. Cute place and atmosphere but management falls short. ordering is awkward. coffee was 3/4 full and asked for a full cup. was told it was machine generated and hot water could be added? What! Diluted watered down coffee? Lousy coffee. Breakfast menu closed promptly at 11.30 so forget having breakfast if a friend arrives a bit late. told they closed down morning breakfast. thought it was self service picked up glass of water, napkins and spoons. One bright side to this mess are good pasteries needs better customer service and management to operate this cafe. D+ read more

Cafe paradiso has very big shoes to fill, and unfortunately hasn't been making much of an effort to fill them. I'm sure there's a feeling from the management side of stubborn attitudes from the Lincoln center staff and patrons as well as those from Juilliard, but there is a reason for that - Indie was a cafe with heart, kindness, attention to detail and a genuine care for the customers. They had high quality food, coffee and wine, prepared with integrity and offered with presentation and a smile. I work very nearby and have occasionally (twice, so far) succumbed to ordering something from Cafe Paradiso. Just the other day, I ordered and went to pick up my food and there was complete disarray. There was a cart in the kitchen, right behind the pastries that was obstructing the viewpoint to make eye contact (an essential to picking up pre-ordered food for the many folks who are on a tight rehearsal schedule) and also shielding the staff from the customers, allowing for side chats while there were five-six customers in line hoping to be taken care of. I had to stand in the line for this pre-ordered food, and noticed as each and every customer in front of me had a negative experience. Someone tried a pastry; it was unceremoniously plopped into a bag in front of the customer and handed to them with no care. The customer actually raised this issue and the young lady at the register just shrugged and mumbled something. Repeat this with every person in line, as I saw in my ten minutes inside and you lose the customers who have loved this space for years. Furthermore, the last time I ordered from here, I grabbed a soup ( a pre-made soup!) and had to wait 18 minutes for said soup and therefore was almost late to my rehearsal. A soup to go is typically an item selected due to time constraints, not a luxurious schedule and a laid back attitude. There need to be some adjustments made here to the back of house staff, the tetris in the small workspace, the timing of order completion and the care given to these customers. Otherwise, they (we) will not come. Maybe asking Indie to consult on these issues would be useful for fireman group, since they don't seem to be sure how to manage this beloved, friendly space. And for crying out loud, bring back the good coffee. It was Irving Farm, and it was vastly superior. read more

100th birthday with tickets at Juilliard and of course Paradiso is perfect. She had a delicious Quinoa salad and we asked for bread. We got it promptly; hot and delicious. I had the Lasagna Bolognese; very good. Serving size was perfect. Carmine's uptown would have been bigger but Carmine's is not at Lincoln Center. With excellent timing, without being asked, a waiter brought Tiramisu with a candle. All together very gracious service and tasty food. read more

I had the best meatballs. Tastes exactly like Fiorellos and very reasonable. (3 meatballs for 10.50) . Ask for same bread for the table and make yourself a delicious meatball sandwich. The eggplant parmigiana is outstanding As was the Caesar's salad. Located Right across from Julliard. The best part was our server. Her name is Gabriella. What a gem! Sweet, kind with a killer smile. Very rare in this city. Very casual the way i like it. read more

Had the lasagna. It was very tasty and very affordable. Under 20 dollars cant go wrong with that. Ambiance is nice and service was quick. Would definitely recommend. read more

Cafe Paradiso - Lasagna - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

I want to know how Tuscan bean soup is canellini beans with carrots and celery in a watery chicken broth? And also $6.95 with a campus discount? This place always disappoints. So expensive. Mediocre quality food. read more

Please make sure to ask for a receipt printout and check your bill carefully!! My daughter & I stopped in for a quick bite during our visit to Lincoln Center today. We decided to share the margarita pizza (16.50) and their green salad (12.50). When it came time to pay the bill, the waiter came over with his handheld payment terminal with my bill amount of $44, not including tip. After I paid, I I realized that the numbers didn't add up. I asked the waiter to bring over a paper receipt and that's when I saw that I was charged $25 for a salad that was $12.50. I know that mistakes happen, but the restaurant was not particularly busy, and we ordered only two items. Nowhere on the menu was there a salad worth $25 so I'm not sure how the waiter can inadvertently enter the wrong price. Although the waiter returned with an apology, somehow it didn't seem sincere and I got the feeling that I was being deliberately deceived. Needless to say, I won't be returning. read more

Extraordinarily well staffed café in the Film at Lincoln Center building offers nice soups and sandwiches; a great, inexpensive place for a pre-event bite, very attractively decorated and lit. read more

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They changed the quinoa salad, now just a lump of quinoa without much else, it used to be delicious. The other menu items are meh. Ok for coffee or a drink but no to the food. Advice: this place, they are cutting back on quality read more

I wanted to get breakfast this fall morning and found this cute cafe. Great ambiance, good service and scrumptious food. Loved being there! read more

Cafe Paradiso - Latte - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

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This was my go to cafe with good food, good service and a relaxed atmosphere. However, on 11/23/24, I met a former colleague to see a matinee at the Lincoln Center Theater and then we went to the cafe for a light meal. When we arrived the person (Latino, heavyset gentleman) at the front says he has a table but that there are many reservations. He then abruptly asks,"how long is it going to take you to eat?" My friend and I were pretty surprised by the question and I said that this obviously depends on a lot of factors. He lead us to a table and said that in an hour he'd need the table. In about an hour's time we had finished our meal and we were drinking water and chatting with a friendly patron eating alongside us. The same employee approached us and abruptly announced that "you have to go". We were appalled and my friend told him " you are very rude". We paid our bill and asked for the name of the manager. This man indicated that he was the manager. I told him that I needed the name of the person he reported to and asked for his card. He gave me the card I requested. Since we chatted a lot with the gentleman dining next to us, we knew that he has no reservation, arrived 20-30 minutes after us and did not face any of the rude behavior we experienced. He was embarrassed for us. I think that in this particular season, as highly educated and mature African American professional women this really stung. I'm part of a small group of women of a similar demographic who patronize the cafe regularly after events in the area. I shared my experience with them yesterday and said they encouraged me to post this review and that we'd have to find another restaurant. We really didn't need this right now. read more

Made the mistake of going back here and it's somehow even worse. Just poor quality food and worse service. They've now had a few months to get their act together in the area of serving customers but there remains about a half dozen people standing behind the counter, few of who do anything besides stand around looking at their phones or nothing at all. Went in to meet a couple of friends, got a coffee which was slammed down in front of me. Asked for milk and had no acknowledgement other than another container slammed down in front of me. Folks, this will be my last review here, but it's interesting that other people have felt compelled to write multiple times to downgrade their first reviews. We've all given the management here multiple chances and it's still sliding down. Go to the Independent Cafe -- it's around the corner across from the Plaza and next to Rosa Mexicana in the Atrium. Everything is better there--food that's not reheated but made fresh, coffee is brewed or pulled and not from a machine, and staff is warm, friendly, and well-managed and trained...unlike most of the people working here. read more

We came in right before the ballet and it was quite crowded, but the service and food was impeccable. Will definitely be back to try the cozy cafe vibes the place gives off it has during quieter times. read more

Gaston its very good in customer service. It is very polite and so professional when you ask a question about the food in the service store. Thank you Gaston the food was so delicious.. read more

Cute casual café to grab a drink or bite before or after your plans at Lincoln Center. The espresso martini is especially delicious! And the staff is super friendly and accommodating even when it's busy. read more

Very good food, friendly atmosphere, reasonably priced, terrific presonnel. Casual and varied menu - salads, sandwiches, pizza and quiche - something for everyone; well priced. A favorite pre-concert, pre-ballet, pre-movie restaurant. A filling but light repast. Fast service - in and out quickly. Try it, you'll like it! reservations are a good idea read more

This place is very annoying and I will not be back. Cafe Paradiso it ain't, more like Cafe Adjuta. I have been here several times for breakfast because I live in the neighborhood. The food is just ok, but it is a convenient spot for a quick bite to eat if you live nearby. Absolutely terrible service is the norm. This morning was the last straw. We arrived at 10:45 am, and waited patiently behind two pairs of alter cackers who took their sweet time ordering items from the breakfast menu, because they needed to debate every item on the menu before ordering. Hey, no problem, I was happy to wait and let my super annuated neighbors take their time. That's what nice people do. Besides, there was NO ONE IN THE RESTAURANT, so it's not like we needed to rush to get a seat or anything. Literally, not a single table was occupied. When we got to the front of the line at long last at 11:03, we were told "sorry, we stop serving the breakfast menu at 11, so you can't have the oatmeal." (I am betting they had plenty left, given that no one was there when we arrived). At that point, I turned to my companion and said, let's walk the extra 4 blocks to the PickaBagel, and that is what we did. Had a nice egg sandwich on a bagel too. Go to someplace other than this dump when you are in the neighborhood and save yourself the irritation of dealing with real jerks. No wonder no one was sitting in the restaurant at 10:45 on a Sunday morning! read more

This is a dependable, pleasant and affordable neighborhood gem. The food is very good and the service--today, especially, from Jay--is excellent. You can have a nice conversation here without shouting over the other diners. My only preference is that the hot food and drink be served hotter in temperature so it doesn't cool off so quickly. read more

Best coffee in the area, great breakfast options, and well-located next to one of NYC's finest cinemas.

Great find if you are looking for someplace to go in the Lincoln Center area. So nice to go out and eat good food while not breaking the bank! We had the quinoa salad, tuscan vegetable soup, and a meatball parm sandwich and all were nicely prepared and delicious. Near to all the Lincoln Center events and not a big place, so probably best to make a reservation. Love the low-key atmosphere too. Will definitely return. read more

Food was 30m late, bread was moldy, then by the time we ate the food was cold. The portions were also small. Waiter was unfriendly, did not really give attention to tables. read more

Food and service were adequate but they are on the list to take Hilton Rewards -confirmed by Hilton- and they did not take. Also, I never got a copy of the receipt texted to me. read more

I work in the area and thus go to Cafe Paradiso often out of convenience and sometimes necessity. I hardly ever write negative reviews, but I have a lunch meeting at CP today and am already dreading the task of trying to find something to eat there that isn't absolutely horrible. Every drink or food item here has been almost inedible. Many of the waitstaff are very kind--it's not their fault. But the food is beyond terrible and overpriced. I am hoping to high heavens that there is a kitchen overhaul if this place remains. read more

What a find! Coming out of the Met Opera House, we were hungry, and it was raining, so it was a total surprise to find this cute and comfy cafe right there! Unfortunately the place was totally packed (and being across from Julliard, they also give a discount to students). But we noticed that they have a To Go shop right next to it with all kinds inviting brioche, danish and other delectables. After a 3 hour opera, I wanted FOOD! So I opted for the half sandwich and cup of soup for $16! I chose the chicken salad which was very light made with dill, and had thinly sliced cucumber and tomato on a freshly made focaccia bread. This was DELICIOUS!! I immediately regretted not getting a full sandwich!! I also got a creamy tomato soup which I haven't tried yet cuz I'm on the bus going home!! I'd definitely go back when I'm in the area to try other things. The only downside is that due to the popularity of the place you have to wait awhile for the food - even to go. read more

Nice place, good food, but the coffee-in whatever form- is always lukewarm. Never hot.

cute casual spot for a light lunch or dinner - grab and go pastries/coffee Full food rundown and photos on the blog https://eraenvogue.com/new-nyc-eats-cafe-paradiso-lincoln-center/ read more

Great location and ambiance. Really good coffee. I went twice in a week. My first morning experience service was great. My second in the afternoon was a little slower. All in all a hidden gem. read more

I never review restaurants, but I had to today. I spent $18 on FOUR raviolis from this place. Four. The base price for their burrata ravioli is $14. Okay then, these must be great! I was so excited to eat my ravioli for lunch. I open the bag and see a miniscule container. How did they fit all the ravioli in there? I open the lid... Four. Four raviolis. For $14. Four average-sized ravioli. Not huge ones, not full of wagyu beef or sprinkled with gold leaf. Please don't waste your money here. I don't care how artisanally made the ravioli is, I am actually embarrassed that I purchased this dish. Bring back Indie??? read more

Good for a quick bite before or after a film. Food tasted good. Decent prices although portions are on the smaller side too. Never really ate at the old place (Indie Food and Wine) so can't really compare them. read more

Terrible food, incompetent kitchen, indifferent and irritated service. Their days are numbered. Management does not know what it's doing. It's time for someone else to take over the space. read more

Excellent food at a reasonable price. The manager Johnathan was extremely helpful and sweet. Will definitely visit regularly.

I found myself in Lincoln Center today and stopped into Cafe Paradiso to grab a bite. It is a small, but attractive space. I ordered an Italian Combo sandwich, and an Iced Tea. The sandwich was very fresh, and very tasty. My Iced Tea was tasty as well. My bill was $20.70, and the value was $19.00. Thank U next! read more

Very convenient to Lincoln Center and Julliard but the food is nothing to write home about.

I have eaten here twice with friends, and in the future, I will avoid this place. Portions are very small. Also, when brought to the table, the warm foods were lukewarm and we had to send everything back to be reheated. Both times I ate here were prime time. The restaurant was empty. Why did Lincoln Center force Indie out? Indie was so much better than this place. I will wait until Indie reopens at another location, which, I hope will be very soon. read more

Tasty, pleasant atmosphere, but too expensive. $20 after tax for a half focaccia with prosciutto just seems a bit much to me.

amazing place. went for a lunch with a few friends and it a was amazing. From the food to the staff. Definitely coming back.