Asian Paradise
So often, Chinese or Asian restaurants are basic places with straightforward dining rooms and the same familiar menus you’ve seen a hundred times. We’ve all been there. We’ve all ordered from them — more often carryout than dine-in — and some are even quite good. But it’s rare to find a true Asian fine-dining experience.
Asian Paradise in Loveland is exactly that. With not one, but two, inviting bars — perfect for wine or cocktails — and nicely appointed tables throughout, Asian Paradise presents Far Eastern cuisine in a clean, modern, unexpectedly upscale setting.
Another common trait among “Chinese” restaurants these days is that they rarely serve only Chinese food. With the surge in popularity of sushi, Thai, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines, many places now offer a mix-and-match menu from all over the East. The problem? Instead of doing one cuisine well, they often do several cuisines not so well.
Sushi
Once again, Asian Paradise breaks the mold. It isn’t a catch-all Asian eatery. It’s a true modern Fusion & Sushi bar, with a focused, well-rounded menu featuring dishes you won’t find at most other Asian restaurants.
Having never visited before, I walked in expecting “the usual.” Instead, I stepped into an elegant dining room — warm, semi-formal, comfortable and unmistakably intentional. These folks clearly take their craft seriously.
Then came the second surprise: the wine list. Much like the food menu, this is no token list thrown together to appease wine drinkers. Asian Paradise offers an impressive selection from vineyards around the world. California is well represented, of course, but the list also includes New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy and even an Argentinian Malbec.
If you’re celebrating and want a truly exceptional bottle, they can accommodate you. When was the last time you saw Stag’s Leap wines on the menu at an Asian restaurant? Personally, I can’t recall ever.
Unfortunately, I was there for a late lunch on Saturday, so I chose to go with a Tsing Tao.
With seafood on my mind, I ordered the Crispy Red Snapper with charred jalapeño–basil vinaigrette — and what a surprising dish it turned out to be.
Crispy Red Snapper
The snapper arrived as a full fillet, beautifully scored into bite-sized pieces that pulled apart effortlessly with chopsticks. As promised, the exterior was crisp and light, the interior tender and perfectly cooked. The jalapeño-basil vinaigrette offered a gentle heat, a touch of sweetness, and a savory, herb-infused finish that complemented the fish without overwhelming it. It was a delightful, well-balanced dish — and the Evolution paired nicely.
Though I didn’t order sushi this time, I feel compelled to mention it, because Asian Paradise takes sushi seriously. The fish is strikingly fresh, and the presentations are as artful as they are appetizing — no wonder the sushi menu is among the restaurant’s most popular features.
I wholeheartedly recommend Asian Paradise for an enjoyable happy hour with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or even a polished family outing for a special celebration. It’s the kind of place where the taste lingers long after it’s gone.
