Cucina Paradiso — Restaurant in Petaluma

I LOVE this place. Everything is executed well and topped off with excellent service.

I wanted to try something different so the wifey and I went across the river to Petaluma and found this gem of a restaurant. Upon entering, you are welcomed with a very tasteful environment with warm tones, rich woodgrains, strategically placed columns, arches and lighting. Upon quickly being seated you have traditional white linen and table setting.

If the place is busy, and it does get busy because it's a great spot, it can get loud due to all the hard surfaces.

Our server was very attentive and she quickly got us a water and our bourbon selection for the night. They have a very nice wine and drink list by the way...

We were very hungry so we got an order of bruschetta on top of the traditional focaccia and olive oil. The ripe tomatoes and semi-sweet basil with light bitterness of the olive oil on top of the texture of the bread was quite the treat. I would go back just for that and a glass of cold wine as a snack on a warm day (I just talked myself into that lol).

Moving onto the main event, I was stuck because there were several things that looked and sounded amazing. I ended up going with the Rigatoni Alla Carcerata and my wife had the Spaghetti Alle Vongole. Both were AMAZING! Mine had a tomato & Light cream sauce that was paired with the italian sausage topped over house made pasta that was just perfect.

I had to finish it off with an espresso.

Lastly, and this is a trait of a truly great spot, the service was excellent. Our server was attentive, well educated on the menu, efficient with the drinks and had a great personality.

In closing, if you are in the area, give this place a shot. It's a great place for date night or t bring the family to celebrate (There were 3 birthdays that particular...

I'm not sure how this place gets good reviews. Perhaps the people have never had good food. Petaluma in general does not have many good food options, but this is one of the worst. My wife and I came here once.

TLDR: If you want Italian food, skip this place and go to Sugo Trattoria. If you just want to sit by the river, get takeout from anywhere else and sit by the river in comfort with good food. If you want excellent food and don't mind paying a bit more for it, Street Social beats everything else hands down.

Review: Service: They forgot our appetizer, and brought our food about 40 minutes after ordering. It was not busy. We had arrived a full hour before closing, and by the time we got food the other guests were gone and they were putting up chairs on the tables. If you want to close an hour early, please change your operating hours rather than make guests feel uncomfortable. It's possible it was the server's first day of their first ever job? But why would any restaurant hire someone like that and put them out waiting tables?

Food: While service can be hit or miss, the real bummer was the extraordinarily sub-par food. The fish was a tiny tiny piece and overcooked. I asked what the side dishes were and they told me it's the same for every entre. What? Is this Appleby's? The side vegetables were like 3 bites and very bad. MUCH worse than either my wife or I would slap together at home.

My wife emailed the restaurant and told them about what happened, and never even got so much as a word in response, much less an offer to come back and make it right.

Every time we are out for dinner we laugh when we...

Petaluma is home to a surprising number of exceptional restaurants and cafes, and standing out among these culinary gems is Cucina Paradiso. The establishment's commitment to providing exceptional service is evident from the moment you step through their doors. The staff exudes warmth, helpfulness, and efficiency, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

When it comes to the food at Cucina Paradiso, prepare to be dazzled. The culinary journey begins with an amazing salad that sets the tone for the rest of the meal. From the meticulously crafted entrees to the indulgent desserts, every dish is a testament to the chef's mastery and creativity. The flavors are harmonious, the presentation is impeccable, and each bite is a delightful revelation.

To complement the exceptional cuisine, Cucina Paradiso boasts an impressive selection of wines that will please even the most discerning connoisseur. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red or a crisp white, the carefully curated wine list offers something to suit every palate. Additionally, the coffee drinks are a true delight, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and a rich, satisfying experience.

In summary, Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma is a culinary haven that exceeds expectations. The combination of warm and efficient service, outstanding food from start to finish, and an impressive array of wines and coffee drinks creates an unforgettable dining experience. It is no wonder that this establishment stands out among Petaluma's diverse...