8 Little West 12th St.
(nr. 9th Ave.)
New York, NY 10014

Paradou, named after the village of Le Paradou (“paradise”) in the Provencal region, stays true to its name. A little ‘bijou’ in the meatpacking district, it sticks out with its distinctly Southern French flair, such as its wrought iron folding chairs and sprightly exterior, painted in cobalt and mustard. Perhaps its authenticity has even had an affect on the waiters, who definitely subscribe to a very French laissez-faire attitude towards customer service. That aside, the hearty rustic fare, excellent French wine list, and oh yeah, lets not forget its best attribute–an outdoor garden with a retractable roof (so the space can be used year-round)–have us saying “pairfait”! A great place to go for brunch, with a group, or when you are in the mood to dine amongst a lively crowd, enjoy the scene while sipping on its signature cocktail, indulging in its decadent cheese platter and ordering pretty much anything off its main menu (entrees range from $18-$29). Last, but not least, do not leave without savoring a least one of the delicious desert crepes (just an fyi, our fav is the banana and Nutella concoction). –Meredith Stebbins