Paradita Eatery — Restaurant in Emeryville

A much needed addition to the E-ville Public Market. They have their own entrance as well as a counter seating that is inside the public market area. I believe this is the only place that has a full bar. The counter seating is really nice and if you can get a spot that's the best place to sit and people watch.

We fell in love with Peruvian food last year and Paradita did not disappoint. We had the Aji De Gallina and Pollo Antichuchos. Antichuchos are traditionally beef heart, and was a little disappointed to see that was not an option here, but the chicken option was one of most tender chicken skewers I have ever had. It came on top of a bed of mixed greens and a side of papa a la Huancaína, which is boiled and sliced potatoes topped with a light creamy yellow pepper sauce.

Aji De Gallina is one of my favorite dishes period. It is shredded chicken covered in a yellow pepper (aji amarillo) sauce, that is more rich and flavorful than the Huancaína sauce. Paradita's version comes on top of white rice with a side of different varieties of boiled corn kernels and half of a boiled egg. They did not disappoint.

Also, try a cocktail. I suggest a chilcano, which is made with pisco. They are my go to drink these days. The classic is the lime version, but they also have other flavored versions. It's essentially a Peruvian Mule, but far better than the vodka version IMHO. If you aren't a ginger beer fan, you can always go for the classic Pisco Sour.

I am sure I will be back soon to try everything else...

First the good news. The food is delicious. However our vegetarian friend ordered the vegetarian bowl in it provided no protein. Another words no beans so clearly there is not a dietitian involved in the making of these dishes. Now the bad news. When paying for your food With a credit card a screen comes up asking you for the percentage tip that you want to include. This is before any food is made or serve. Now remember the percentage starts at 20% and goes up. Later I found out how ridiculous that is because there is no tableservice. We ordered a drink from the bar they made it and Collins over to pick it up. When our food was ready they called our number and we went and picked it up There is no personal service there is there is no tableservice. Tipping any more than 1% is ridiculous and completely spoiled my whole trip to this restaurant. I did complain to the woman when I realize we weren’t getting any special service for my 20% tip. Her answer was we are not a tableservice restaurants I said that’s exactly my point you don’t do anything...

Good food. Prices are higher, but Peruvian food isn't cheap to begin with unless you're in Peru. That's what many don't understand. If it was street food, it would be in a food truck. Cook to order food takes time and everywhere I've had Peruvian dishes, from East to West coast, the cost is higher than a burger or some panini.

I give it 4 stars because not everything suites my pallet. Lomo saltado is good, but it's hard to mess up. Aji de gallina is a good testament to how a dish is supposed to be cooked complete with spices. Theirs is OK, but I think the chicken lacks flavor as well as the sauce which is supposed to have garlic. The salad with it was great, though, to mix in with the rice. It is 100x better than other places in town that try to use feta cheese in their dish.

Maracuya juice, Inca Cola, and Chica morada juice are staples and decent sized alfajores for dessert top off the meal. I'm glad I came here and I would...