Paradiso, Cathedral City

For those who want something traditional, the chef at Paradiso whips up classics such as vegetarian pesto penne, chicken piccata with spinach, and shrimp fettuccine. For those with a more adventurous palate, the chef marries international flavors, creating thin-crust pizzas crowned with red onions and bourbon barbecue chicken, pasta shrimp creole, and hearty meat lasagna. Feasts, accompanied by glasses of local and imported wine and beer, unfold inside Paradiso's romantically lit dining room, which showcases artwork from locals.