Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon — Restaurant in Kerala

Situated literally a stone's throw away (250 meters) from the Beach Walkway at Fort Kochi, the Fort Paragon Restaurant is a charming spot for a meal that shows off Kerala's unique flavours. We had a young couple from Karnataka visiting and they had been in Kerala for about a week when they reached Kochi. As they had had their taste of Kerala cuisine, we wanted to pick a unique place for their last meal in the state before their return journey.The moss covered walls with the Pargaon name board serve as a boundary and you enter the property via a small wrought-iron "Padippura" with a tiled roof. The restaurant also has covered outdoor seating for about twenty diners and can also accommodate a pet or two, if you give the staff a heads-up. Walk past the outdoor area and the main restaurant welcomes you to a large hall that can seat another twenty people comfortably. We started off our meal with ghee rice and "Kanthari" grilled fish (KGF) .The KGF was a succulent and smoky dish that stood out with its unique mix of flavours - the shallot serving as a softener to the fiery "kanthari" chillies and lending a unique flavour to the kingfish flesh. We then moved on to kanthari beef roast, mutton biryani and vegetable mango curry along with a dish that is unique to the restaurant - the "Pal Pathiri"; a thin rice pancake with sweetened coconut milk and grated coconut. None of the 19 other Paragon eateries in India serve these pancakes; hence it is a must-try dish if you are at Fort Kochi. Do note that these are made in limited quantities so you might want to place your order at the beginning of the meal, to avoid disappointment.To keep the momentum going we had green apple mojitos and fresh pineapple juice. However; the standout beverage was the Hong Kong tea - the condensed milk and creamy texture giving it unique character. Decided to have the elaneer pudding to wind up and the tender coconut pudding was the perfect finish to a great meal, with its subtle sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

As they say, behind every great dining experience is an amazing team and the team at Fort Paragon is led by the Head Chef Nibin who pays complete attention to each dish and is always forthright with recommendations as well as being open to feedback, something not too common at other eateries. This was the reason when we had another couple from Bangalore visiting a few months later with a child with a disability, we reached out to Nibin to check if a wheelchair seating could be made available. We were doubtful as neither the pathway from the parking lot to the entrance nor the restaurant door had ramps. However, Chef Nibin went out of his way to ensure that their car could be brought as close to the restaurant as possible via the side entrance. He also personally ensured that the child and the wheelchair were carried carefully and seated comfortably at the table closest to the door. The parents said that even in their hometown (Bangalore) not every restaurant was so accommodating when a wheelchair is mentioned or when it was during peak business hours. Once seated, we knew exactly what we needed to order so we repeated our previous menu - the only addition being the "Chatta Mary's" pudding made with jaggery flavoured banana and vermicelli topping - another 10/10 dinner, thanks to the amazing support from the restaurant. Would whole-heartedly recommend the restaurant to anyone who wants to experience authentic Malabar dishes and...

Fort Paragon: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Fort Kochi

Nestled in the historic and vibrant neighborhood of Fort Kochi, Fort Paragon is a culinary haven that effortlessly combines charm, exquisite cuisine, and top-notch service. From the moment you step in, you’re enveloped by a beautiful ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant’s decor is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re seated indoors amidst elegant furnishings or outdoors enjoying the gentle Kochi breeze, the setting is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

The service at Fort Paragon is exemplary. The servers are incredibly warm, friendly, and patient, going above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcome and well-cared for. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are always ready to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests.

Speaking of the menu, Fort Paragon offers a delightful array of dishes that are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. The must-try items include:

• Nool Porotta: This delicate, stringy bread is a unique and delicious accompaniment to the rich gravies and curries. • Kerala Porotta: Flaky, layered, and perfectly cooked, this bread is a staple that pairs wonderfully with almost any dish. • Beef Roast: Tender and flavorful, this dish is a favorite among meat lovers, offering a perfect blend of spices and textures. • Calamari: Expertly cooked and seasoned, the calamari is fresh and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent starter. • Chicken Kunjipori: This dish is a standout, featuring succulent chicken cooked to perfection in a medley of spices.

To complement your meal, don’t miss out on their in-house Kombucha. Offered in various flavors, it’s a refreshing and healthful beverage that adds a unique twist to your dining experience.

Special thanks are due to Mr. Nibin, the head chef, whose natural talent and culinary prowess shine through in every dish. His dedication to quality and hospitality ensures that every meal is a memorable one.

In summary, Fort Paragon is a must-visit for anyone in Fort Kochi. With its beautiful ambiance, amazing service, and a menu that celebrates the best of Kerala’s cuisine, it promises an exceptional dining experience that will leave you...

Today I had the pleasure of dining at Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon in Fort Kochi. It was an exquisite culinary experience. From the moment we stepped in, the inviting ambiance set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable meal.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jerish, the manager, who provided us with excellent recommendations since the biryani wasn't available after 3:30 PM. We trusted his expertise and opted for the chef's signature prawns, mango fish curry with nool parotta.

The chef's signature prawns were a true delight, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked to tender perfection. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill in the kitchen. The mango fish curry paired wonderfully with the nool parotta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on the palate. The freshness of the fish was evident, and it was clear that great care was taken in its preparation.

While all the dishes recommended by Jerish were exceptional, the meen polichatu we also ordered wasn't quite up to the same standard as the others.

Overall, my dining experience at Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon in Fort Kochi exceeded all expectations. From the impeccable service to the outstanding food (with the minor exception of the meen polichatu), every aspect of the meal was exceptional. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience.

Final touch was tender coconut payasam shots was yummy.

If you're looking for an effortless and enjoyable dining experience, simply follow Jerish's recommendations at Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon. Trusting his expertise ensures that you'll savor every bite without worrying about making the wrong choice. Enjoy your meal and let Jerish guide you to...