Author / Artist:
Natsume Ono
A charming tale of a mother/daughter reunion, a burgeoning romance, and a little restaurant in Rome. In exchange for playing "the daughter of an old friend," Olga offers Nicoletta a place to live and an apprenticeship at the restaurant. Nicoletta fits in well among the vibrant personalities at Casetta Dell'Orso. She gets along particularly well with the kindly headwaiter, Claudio, a divorced man who, after years, has still never taken off his wedding ring. As Nicoletta's feelings for Claudio become complicated, she finds a sympathetic ear in Olga, leading the estranged pair to form a friendship neither expected. But as they grow closer, the pressure exerted by the secret they share becomes too much to bear.
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 21:34 — Anonymous
Pull Quote:
How it looks, how it's paced, how its characters act and the story it has to tell – all are indications that Ristorante Paradiso is not your typical manga. Its slice-of-life charms will bore fans who prefer more action-packed fare, but this romantic and satisfying one-course manga meal is a rare treat for grown-up readers
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 21:35 — Anonymous
Pull Quote:
The whole book has a very low-key feel with the most dramatic moment in this one-shot proving to be a calm conversation over a cup of a tea and a birthday party reveal that proves more satisfying than stirring (but no less appreciated). None of the characters stand out especially, proving neither likeable nor otherwise, but there’s a understated charm to their interactions – whether it’s Nicoletta debating her intentions for being here or discussions about Claudio’s lingering affections for his divorcee-wife. Still, there’s something to be said for a little pizzazz and Ristorante Paradiso could’ve used at least a little. When the characters themselves seem bored with life, there’s little hope that the readers will react much differently.
Wed, 03/17/2010 - 21:23 — Anonymous
Pull Quote:
It’s a romantic comedy set in an eatery in Rome, driven by an alienated daughter and her irresponsible mother. But it’s got those odd, appealing touches that I’ve come to associate with Ono. For one thing, the restaurant is staffed entirely by older gentlemen who wear glasses because the mother thinks this type of man is smoking hot.
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 22:37 — Anna
Pull Quote:
Where Ristorante Paradiso is at its best is capturing Nicoletta’s reactions as she gets to know the restaurant and the men who work there better. Her relationship with Olga gradually develops, as Olga is in the habit of dropping by her daughter’s apartment to offer love advice or drop off a new cooking pot. The weakness of Ristorante Paradiso is in its central set-up. The mother daughter abandonment issue seems to exist as only as a way to get Nicoletta to the restaurant. It ends up getting resolved in a lackadaisical way.
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 18:27 — Zoe Alexander
Pull Quote:
This title is very low-key, with a definite slice-of-life vibe. There’s not a whole lot of drama going on, as all the characters are pretty likeable, but there doesn’t need to be. The May-December romance between Nicoletta and Claudio is well done, and it’s nice to see Nicoletta and Olga becoming closer.
