For years I wished for a rooftop restaurant in Split to enjoy views of the self-proclaimed “Most Beautiful City in the World” and the sparkling Adriatic Sea as well as the almost year-round mild Mediterranean climate. Then exactly one year ago today it finally happened when Restoran Paradigma answered my prayers and opened their doors and rooftop to many satisfied customers. 

It’s been a record breaking year for the young Split restaurant, which began less than a month after opening when they ranked in the Top 10 on Trip Advisor among over 200 restaurants in the city. The busy summer season eventually slowed down but Paradigma definitely did not and instead beat the odds and celebrated many more milestones within it’s first year as a smashing success in Split and Croatia.

By November all service staff at Paradigma completed level 2 wine qualification through WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) which is regarded as one of the world’s leading providers of wine education. During sleepy winter months when most bars and restaurants in Split hit hibernation mode Paradigma managed to fully book out their wine, champagne, Selvapiana and beer dinners with specially crafted menus to match.

The new year brought the biggest achievement to date when on January 1, 2015 Paradigma gained membership in Jeunes Restaurateurs D’Europe, a presitigious association of young European restaurateurs, which is almost unheard of for a restaurant that has been open for less than a year. They joined over 340 of the top restaurants throughout 12 countries in Europe, 70% of which are Michelin starred.

Now shining brightly among the Michelin stars, Paradigma was recognized as the 3rd Best Restaurant in Dalmatia and the 11th Best in Croatia at the Dobri Restorani awards. Instead of slowing down after so much success they sped up even more in Spring launching their Spring/Summer tasting menu as part of the Dalmacija Wine Expo as well as the Paradox Challenge, which introduced progressive dinners to Split with sister venues Wine and Cheese Bar Paradox and patisserie Creme de la Creme.

Now that the summer heat is upon us Paradigma turns it up yet again and invites faithful customers and visitors to Split alike to sit under the sails of their rooftop deck and indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean. In July, Paradigma is offering a Summer Rose Lunch from noon till 4pm; a three course lunch menu paired with summery rose wines from Provencial winery Saint Andre de Figuiere.

While we are used to seeing many restaurants struggle to find their footing within their first year of business, Paradigma has succeeded in soaring above and beyond in a city not previously hailed for it’s culinary offer. In fact, it’s hard to imagine them setting the bar any higher, but I have a good feeling they still have plenty of tricks up their gastronomic sleeve and I can’t wait to see, smell and taste them for many more years to come...

Happy Birthday Paradigma! Here's to many, many more!!!

“Today Paradigma turns one. It's been an exciting year and we thank all our valued guests for their continued patronage as we continue to grow with you. Come and celebrate with us and enjoy a drink on the house with lunch or dinner.” 

Be sure to follow their Facebook page for more pictures, posts and special offers from Paradigma.

You'll be able to enjoy their famous dishes in Zagreb from November until March

So asks one of Dalmatia's leading restaurateurs, with an interesting comparison to the Latin language.