The "Seco De Carne" was insanely good. I'd have preferred table service, but the counter server was excellent. Courteous, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Ambiance was great! Eclectic and comfortable, with plenty of funky decorative knickknacks. read more

Wow. I walked into this little place a could barely see from outside because I heard a buzz around the Latin food served here. I came in looking for Dominican or columbian soup because I'm a soup girl, and even though they have soups on Friday and Saturday, I stayed to try the chicharon con arroz. Chicharon, white rice and avocado are pictured. Their lemon pickled onions were delicious. The pork meat melted off the bones and avocado brought all the flavors together although it was extra, avocado for any Latin meal is essential! The service was efficient and the food came out hot and quickly! Shred the meat, spoon a lil rice and avocado, add a little picked salad and boom, the perfect bite. El Paraiso gets my stamp of approval. The bachata music in the background added a special touch to my meal. read more

El Paraiso - Chicharon, white rice and avocado are pictured. Their lemon pickled onions were delicious. - Colombian Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

I actually really liked this place! Its a little small and quiet, but the food that I had there was excellent and certainly is a hidden gem in CU. I got the special hibiscus iced tea which was probably the best I have ever had. The hibiscus wasn't super overpowering which is usually the problem with this kind of drink. For lunch, i got a steak and onions dish. It was kind of like a South American version of Mongolian Beef! I loved it! My buddy was a little more adventurous and got a paella which he loved. Its in a little bit of a dead area of Urbana, but we were certainly be back. Its always great to support a small business in a somewhat struggling area! read more

Just go here! I had the jibarito. The pork was so good as was the whole dish. Yeah, they have tacos but this is not to get tacos although they may be great, we have plenty of places for tacos. I would describe the food as high end home cooking. So fresh and flavorful. My birthday is soon and this is where I am going. Find this little place on Main Street, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to my next visit soon to try something else new. You won't find this food anywhere else around that I know of. read more

The fried plantain sandwich is sooo good and gluten free. Their empanadas are made with corn flour, so gf as well, they are small but perfect. read more

Recently had a very enjoyable meal at El Paraíso. The food was quite yummy and different featuring food from South America. I got several delicious appetizers to get a variety. The frijoles were very satisfying almost like a sopa. The surprise treat was a fried plátano ball stuffed with pork and a white cheese /bolones. The other dish was also tasty llapingaccho / stuffed potatoes. My buddy had a very tasty pork chop dish served with rice and fried sweet plátano. I've been fantasizing about returning and will soon. Bienvenido!! read more

Wow!!! I just had the most delicious tacos!!! My mouth is still watering. I'm you're in the area pop by this place! It's super cute on the inside. The ingredients are fresh and full of flavor. I'll definitely be coming back! I wish I would have gotten a pic of the food but I was too busy enjoying every bite! read more

Most authentic Latin American cuisine in Champaign/Urbana area! Good variety, delicious menu, and highly recommended. Personable staff and service. Clean restaurant. Family friendly. Event friendly and they even do catering. They provide a great environment with latin music in the background for a fun experience. It's a MUST visit in the area! read more

I am beyond delighted that CU finally has a spot for Colombian empanadas! My family is from Colombia and since moving to CU I have been craving a taste of home. The empanadas absolutely did not disappoint and the "seco de pollo" brought me right back to my grandmother's dining room table. The white rice was delicious (tasted just like grandma's) while the beans were a bit disappointing (lacked flavor but remedied by adding pico and a pinch of salt) but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and will be back for more. I might add that I believe this establishment is primarily focused on Ecuadorian cuisine so it is possible that the beans differ from Colombian beans/what I'm more used to. They do offer an alternative, arroz con gandules, so I'll try that next time! The service was phenomenal and my food was ready within 15 minutes of ordering. I highly recommend El Paraiso and am looking forward to trying something new next time. read more

I highly recommend this small, family-owned business in a food hall with other locally owned restaurants. This is the only place in town serving Central and South American food, that I know of. They make their food with a lot of love. Check Facebook for their weekly specials (usually just offered on the weekends). I love their special arepas with either roast pork or seco de carne. They are huge, with lots of delicious toppings like plantains and avocado. One has beans and the other has cheese, I think. Ask the friendly folks who work there for details. I don't think they are listed on their online menu but they always have them. I also really like their jibaritos, which are a giant sandwich that uses fried, unripe plantains as the bread. read more

I am still low key addicted to their food. Highly recommend checking their facebook which has what the specials are. read more

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