Paradise Pizza & Shawarma: A Rooftop Slice of Island Charm in NYC

A Taste of the Islands, Brought to New York's Rooftops

There’s something magical about a good rooftop meal in New York. The skyline views, the summer breeze, the soft clinking of glasses, and of course, the irresistible aroma of food being served fresh from an open kitchen. Now add to that the flavors of wood-fired pizza and juicy, spice-rubbed shawarma, and you've got Paradise Pizza & Shawarma, the seasonal pop-up that's making waves across the city.

Though its origins trace back to the sunny shores of Grand Cayman, Paradise Pizza & Shawarma has carved a special niche in New York’s eclectic summer dining scene. As a limited-time rooftop experience, it blends the culinary ethos of island living—fresh, bold, flavorful—with the bustling energy and attitude of NYC.

A Rooftop Pop-Up Like No Other

Set high above the chaos of the streets, Paradise Pizza & Shawarma isn’t your typical corner pizzeria or street shawarma stall. Instead, it’s a well-curated summer haven where the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean meets the gritty charm of the city. Perched atop a trendy Manhattan building, this pop-up offers sweeping skyline views and a relaxed, tropical ambiance that immediately transports you somewhere far from concrete and chaos.

The moment you step onto the rooftop, you’re greeted by rustic wooden counters, casual seating, warm lighting, and the comforting aroma of dough hitting a wood-fired oven. It’s island vacation energy—with a New York twist.

The Story Behind the Slice

Originally a cult favorite in Grand Cayman, Paradise Pizza was born from a simple desire: bring high-quality, artisan pizza to the islands. Inspired by Neapolitan traditions but customized with island flavors, their pies quickly gained fame for being simultaneously classic and inventive. The founders, a pair of food-loving beach dwellers, decided to transport that culinary magic to New York for the summer months—and locals have been flocking ever since.

Their mission? To deliver more than food. They offer a tropical escape on a rooftop, a slice of paradise—literally.

What’s on the Menu: Pizza, Shawarma, and Sunshine

Wood-Fired Island Pizzas

At the heart of the menu are the pies. Baked in a custom-built wood-fired oven, the pizzas here are masterfully charred, with bubbly crusts and ingredients that nod to both Italian technique and Caribbean zest.

• The Jerk Chicken Pizza: Juicy, smoky jerk chicken laid atop a thin, blistered crust with grilled pineapple, scotch bonnet drizzle, and mozzarella.

• The Cayman Margherita: A purist's delight, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and local-style sea salt.

• The Spicy Coconut Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni meets a coconut cream base, offering a unique sweet-heat profile.

Each pie is carefully curated, balancing innovation with tradition, flavor with texture, and just enough of the unexpected to keep diners talking.

Shawarma That Sings with Flavor

If you’re not in the mood for pizza (or better yet, you’re just hungry enough for both), the shawarma here is just as compelling. Served in warm pita wraps or deconstructed bowls, these spiced meat offerings are inspired by Middle Eastern recipes with a tropical flair.

• Lamb Shawarma with Pickled Papaya: Tender lamb slices marinated in spices and served with a tangy twist.

• Chicken Shawarma with Mango Yogurt Sauce: A refreshing and light combination, ideal for a summer rooftop lunch.

• Vegan Shawarma Bowl: Made with roasted chickpeas, grilled eggplant, and tahini-coconut dressing.

The shawarma here is generous, juicy, and full of that bold seasoning profile that shawarma aficionados crave.

Views as Delicious as the Menu

Let’s be honest—half the charm of Paradise Pizza & Shawarma is its setting. This pop-up doesn’t just serve food; it serves a vibe. With 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, sunset diners are treated to a golden-hour glow that makes even a paper plate feel upscale.

It’s the kind of place where you might go on a casual first date and find yourself lingering till the stars come out. Or where a lazy summer evening with friends suddenly turns into a mini celebration. In other words, the ambiance is just as thoughtfully curated as the menu.

Summer-Only, So Don’t Wait

The catch? Paradise Pizza & Shawarma is only around for the summer. This limited-run pop-up has become somewhat of a seasonal tradition, with locals marking their calendars in anticipation. That sense of fleeting exclusivity adds to its charm. When it’s gone, it’s gone—until next summer, anyway.

The team behind the pop-up remains tight-lipped about exact closing dates, so if you’re reading this during warm-weather months, don’t hesitate. Make the trip, grab a slice, and savor the sunshine.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

New York is no stranger to pizza or shawarma. In fact, the city arguably defines excellence in both categories. But what makes Paradise Pizza & Shawarma stand apart is its combination of setting, quality, and character. It's not just a place to eat—it’s an experience designed to feel special.

And in a city where pop-ups are the norm, this one manages to capture hearts with something deeply refreshing: a bit of laid-back island happiness, right in the heart of Manhattan.

The Crowd It Attracts

Paradise Pizza & Shawarma is a magnet for foodies, Instagrammers, and rooftop lovers. It’s where locals and tourists alike converge over slices and shawarma, taking in the views and clinking glasses under string lights.

From trendy couples to summer-loving families and solo explorers, the crowd is eclectic but united by one thing: a love of good food served in the open sky.

Final Slice: A Little Island, A Lot of Flavor

Paradise Pizza & Shawarma isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a rooftop celebration of global flavors, seasonal joy, and culinary creativity. Whether you're there for the crisp edges of a wood-fired pie, the zing of pickled fruit in your shawarma, or simply the unbeatable views, the experience leaves a lasting impression.