Dishin’ on Taste Chefs: Meet Chef Adam Mackay of Paradiso

At Paradiso, fresh, from-scratch cooking meets a passion for culinary excellence—and at the heart of it all is Chef Adam Mackay. With over 26 years in professional kitchens, Adam’s approach to food is all about honouring ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences.

From Dishwashing to Executive Chef

Adam’s culinary journey started at just 14 years old in Oakville, where he worked as a dishwasher. It didn’t take long for him to be drawn to the energy of the kitchen. Eager to learn, he constantly shadowed the chefs, absorbing every technique and trick he could.

This relentless pursuit of knowledge shaped his philosophy: food should be crafted with respect and intention. Over the years, his cooking style evolved—not towards flashy techniques, but towards simplicity and authenticity. For Adam, a great dish isn’t about showing off—it’s about making people happy.

Cooking with Heart and Technique

As the Executive Chef of Paradiso, Adam has had a hand in shaping the restaurant’s identity. The open-concept kitchen, from-scratch approach, and focus on quality ingredients define the experience. Whether roasting, searing, or braising, he ensures every dish is prepared in the best way possible.

“I love it when my cooking enhances a memorable experience for someone,” he shares. “That’s more important to me than just showing off a technique.”

What’s Cooking at Paradiso?

Paradiso is always evolving, and right now, Adam is busy crafting the Spring/Summer menu—a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavours. He’s also bringing back the restaurant’s much-loved Winemaker’s Dinner, an event that pairs expertly crafted dishes with thoughtfully selected wines.

Another exciting project? Cooking classes at the Paradiso Cooking Studio! After a long wait, guests are finally able to step into the kitchen and learn from Adam himself.

And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, you can bet Paradiso will have some special features to make your date night unforgettable.

A Simple Philosophy, Inspired by the Greats

One of Adam’s favourite culinary quotes comes from Anthony Bourdain:

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple.”

It’s a belief he stands by. At Paradiso, it’s not about overcomplicating things—it’s about honouring the ingredients, embracing simplicity, and creating food that brings people together.

Visit Paradiso

2041 Pine Street, Burlington
paradisorestaurant.com | @ristoparadiso