First of all, although the story takes place in Rome, there is nothing of the so called ''normal Italian behaviour'' No loud (more or less) voices, overreacted emotional outbursts etc.BUT there is lots of gorgeous food (I'm also living in Europe,so those are things Italians are considerably famous for xD)
The main storyline is about a girl named Nicoletta, who comes to Rome from the countryside, chasing after her mother Olga, who is married to an eccentric (?) man. He owns a little restaurant by the name "Ristorante casetta dell'orso"
Olga is desperately trying to keep the fact, that Nicoletta is her daughter from anyone, especially - her new husband. So, as the events evolve, Nicoletta founds herself working in this strange restaurant, where all the waiters and chefs are elderly (gentlemen) men with glasses (so the place is always full of female customers).
Of course, the other main storyline must be Nicolettas struggles to find her own place in the new and unknown world, something to live for and , the most interesting (in my opinion)is her crush on one of the waiters(ignoring the age difference).
I really like the art style, because it helps to relax from all the bubbly looking, or on the contrary - over feminine women in most of other anime i have seen. The lines and colours are well balanced, so the background is near to ideal. The art style, well...not everyone will appreciate it, but it would just be so because of the stereotypes, how anime should look like.
The soundtrack is really good and adequate. It is an essential part for the creation of the right mood. The tunes are soothing, just like the ones you would hear, having a meal in a very good restaurant with live performers.The Op and Ed are nice as well.
The episodes were definitely worth watching, as the plot unfolds.
The reasons for doing something, exploring ones abilities, all of it makes the story and the characters actions believable. Especially, considering our fast lifestyle, for some, this anime could be a good chance to sit down, relax and think over some actions (at least, I'm in the same age as her and stuck with the same uncertainty --> what do I really want to do with my life? )
Actually, I didn't want to over exaggerate, so I gave this show a balanced 8 . I am assured, everyone can take full enjoyment from watching it, ignoring the gender (but, possibly, not the characteristic preferences).
So, if you are interested in an evolving story with not so common characters, dialogues and drawing style, Ristorante paradiso is anime, which should definitely be at least on your ''plan to watch'' list.
