Asuncion, the vibrant capital of Paraguay, is a culinary crossroads where tradition dances with innovation. This dynamic city offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from deeply rooted Paraguayan dishes to exciting fusion creations and authentic international cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a hearty local experience or a sophisticated dining adventure, Asuncion’s diverse restaurant scene promises a memorable gastronomic journey. The city’s culinary landscape is currently being defined, with chefs playfully creating what Contemporary Paraguayan cuisine actually is.
The neighborhoods of Villa Mora and San Roque are particularly known for their concentration of exceptional eateries, boasting some of the country’s best restaurants. However, culinary gems can be found throughout the city, from bustling neighborhood bars to upscale dining rooms in premier shopping malls. Steakhouses sizzle with expertly grilled meats, while a burgeoning specialty coffee scene provides a caffeine-fueled counterpoint. Local diners offer a taste of everyday Paraguayan life, while Spanish paella houses transport diners to the Iberian Peninsula. Prepare yourself for generous portions, surprisingly affordable prices, and a spirit of playful creativity as chefs push the boundaries of Paraguayan gastronomy. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the 10 Best Restaurants in Asuncion, Paraguay:
- Lido Bar
Lido Bar, more than just a neighborhood watering hole, has evolved into an Asuncion institution. This beloved establishment is renowned for its generous servings of Paraguayan comfort food, perfectly complemented by ice-cold bottles of Pilsen beer. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, drawing a diverse crowd eager to enjoy the hearty fare and the camaraderie of fellow patrons.
While Lido Bar now boasts a second location in Villa Mora, the original establishment holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Situated on the corner of La Palma and Chile Streets, this is where the Lido Bar story began. The menu is a celebration of Paraguayan flavors. The surubí soup is a must-try, a flavorful and filling concoction that warms the soul. The cassava empanadas, with their crispy exterior and savory filling, are another popular choice. Beyond these staples, be sure to sample the surubí balls, substantial fish balls blended with mashed potatoes, and the vori vori, a comforting vegetable broth-based soup featuring chicken and cheesy cornballs. For the truly hungry, the milanesas are legendary, often exceeding the size of one’s face.
- Address: Independencia Nacional esq, Asunción 001101, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 21 446 171
- Pakuri
At Pakuri, dining transcends mere sustenance and becomes an art form. The plates emerging from the kitchen are reminiscent of impressionist paintings, with vibrant colors and artful arrangements. The restaurant’s commitment to visual appeal is matched by its dedication to innovative and flavorful cuisine.
Housed within repurposed shipping containers, Pakuri offers a unique and contemporary dining experience. The restaurant is the brainchild of a husband-and-wife team: a chef and a sommelier. Together, they curate a menu that showcases contemporary Paraguayan cuisine, enhanced by expertly crafted cocktails and a thoughtfully selected wine list. The heart of Pakuri’s culinary approach lies in its embrace of indigenous cooking techniques, particularly the use of the tatakua oven, a traditional Paraguayan earth oven. The restaurant’s mission is to elevate awareness of traditional Paraguayan food, infused with creative twists, within the international gastronomic community. Dishes like gluten-free pasta adorned with vibrant green pesto, pork ribs sprinkled with chives and delicate pieces of pale pink guava, and yogurt mousse crowned with bright yellow tangerine granite exemplify Pakuri’s artistic and culinary vision.
- Address: Eusebio Lillo 902 esq. Infante Rivarola Asunción, Asunción 1849, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 983 635727
- El Bolsi
Since its establishment in 1960, El Bolsi has been a driving force in Asuncion’s gastronomic scene, consistently raising the bar and earning a reputation as one of the best places to experience traditional Paraguayan dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant is divided into two distinct sections: a casual diner and a slightly more formal dining room.
For a lively ambiance, consistently high-quality food, and surprising variety, the casual diner is the place to be. The menu is extensive, featuring Paraguayan classics alongside Brazilian, Argentinian, and American dishes. Options range from sushi to vegan and vegetarian fare, ensuring something for every palate. Must-try dishes include the milanesa, a breaded and fried cutlet, and the piro caldo, a hearty broth. For dessert, indulge in the creamy dulce de mamón, a syrupy papaya confection. El Bolsi is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Address: Estrella 399 esq, Asunción 001101, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 981 293130
- Kafa Tostadores
For coffee aficionados seeking a truly exceptional experience, Kafa Tostadores is a must-visit. This specialty coffee shop and roastery is at the forefront of the third-wave coffee movement in Paraguay, dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and brewing the finest beans.
Kafa Tostadores is both a small café and a roastery, specializing in micro-batches of El Salvadorian beans. The space is minimalistic, with exposed brick and simple wooden furniture, creating an inviting atmosphere. Knowledgeable baristas are passionate about coffee and eager to share their expertise, inviting guests to sip a latte, savor a siphon brew, and discuss the future of third-wave coffee in Paraguay. In addition to coffee, Kafa offers fresh-squeezed orange juice and traditional cocktails like negronis. The pastry menu, supplied by the local artisanal bakery Ekchuah Patisserie, features delectable brownies and muffins that perfectly complement the beverages. Kafa also hosts events like jazz shows and ramen nights, further solidifying its role as a community hub.
- Address: Rio De Janeiro, &, Asunción 001209, Paraguay
- Tierra Colorada
Tierra Colorada offers a sophisticated and refined dining experience, showcasing contemporary Paraguayan cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant has garnered international acclaim, earning mentions in the New York Times and recognition on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Expert waiters gracefully navigate the space beneath the large tree at the center of Tierra Colorada, delivering plates of grass-fed, 28-day dry-aged beef to eager diners. Chef Rodolfo Angenscheidt’s creations emphasize colors, textures, indigenous recipes, and reimagined European plates. The meals are exceedingly fresh and sumptuous, reflecting a commitment to culinary excellence. Signature dishes include the haddock pie with parsley sauce and the 16-hour cooked lamb that practically melts off the bone. An extensive South American wine list and tropical fruit desserts complete the menu, promising a memorable dining experience.
- Address: Av. Santísima Trinidad, Asunción 001525, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 21 663 335
- Taberna Española
Located just outside the city center, Taberna Española offers a taste of Spain in the heart of Asuncion. This quirky and charming restaurant is known for its hearty portions of fresh paella and sweet sangrias, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere.
The paella, a labor of love, takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare, but the wait is well worth it. While the paella cooks, patrons can enjoy a selection of tapas, including Serrano ham, Spanish omelets, and white wine garlic shrimp. The paellas themselves feature a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, calamari, shrimps, and pork. The wine list focuses on Chilean and Argentine varieties, providing the perfect pairings for the Spanish cuisine. The interior of Taberna Española is zealously decorated with wine bottles, garlic, and oyster shells strung from the ceiling. Guests can choose to dine inside, taking in the quirky decor and reading the pithy sayings on the wall, or head to the terrace up top for fresh air and less kitsch.
- Address: Ayolas 631 c/ General Diaz, Asunción 1234, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 981 441199
- Lo de Osvaldo
Lo de Osvaldo is a traditional Paraguayan steakhouse that draws a clientele of soccer enthusiasts and meat lovers. The restaurant is named after Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb, the former president of the Olimpia Asuncion soccer club, and the atmosphere reflects this passion for the sport.
The menu is centered around juicy steaks, such as the tapa cuadril (rump cap), ojo de bife (sirloin), and tira de asado (strip roast). The steaks are served on hot iron plates, accompanied by classic Paraguayan sides like chipa guazu (a cheesy cornbread) and fried cassava. Televisions throughout the restaurant broadcast important soccer games, while the walls are adorned with soccer paraphernalia from Paraguayan greats. Lo de Osvaldo is a celebration of Paraguayan culture, combining a love of soccer with a passion for great steak.
- Address: Cerro Corá 883, Asunción 001219, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 982 128140
- El Café de Acá
El Café de Acá offers a delightful blend of local dishes and brunch options from abroad, creating a relaxed and inviting space to spend a lazy afternoon. The restaurant features art deco flooring, a back patio, and an abundance of natural light, providing a charming backdrop for a leisurely meal.
The menu includes plates of eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and large, frosting-laden cinnamon rolls. Baskets brimming with different kinds of chipa and fried empanadas are served alongside espresso-based beverages and tereré, the beloved juice tea of Paraguay. While service can be slow, particularly during merienda (tea time), a simple solution is to visit outside of peak hours. El Café de Acá is open from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m., making it easy to find a convenient time to enjoy its offerings.
- Address: Teniente Héctor Vera 1390, Asunción 001411, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 973 153040
- Paulista Grill
Paulista Grill is an all-you-can-eat churrascaria that offers an unparalleled selection of meats. This bustling restaurant prepares a greater variety of cuts than most other grills in the city, providing a carnivore’s paradise.
Meat-toting waiters scurry through the carpeted dining hall, carving knives in hand, showcasing 15 different cuts of meat, including beef, pork, and lamb. The meats vary greatly, from marbled cupin (a type of hump steak) to surubí, but all are expertly cooked. Paulista Grill is affordable and features a staff that ensures plates never go empty. The restaurant also boasts extensive sushi, pasta, and dessert bars, as well as a robust cocktail menu, offering something for everyone.
- Address: PC4F+6GC, Av. Gral. José de San Martín, Asunción 001408, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 21 611 501
- Talleyrand
Talleyrand, with its several locations throughout Asuncion, offers a consistently chic dining experience, big on presentation, and a varied menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. The restaurant is named after French diplomat and gourmet Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, and the ambiance reflects a commitment to elegance and sophistication.
Guests can sip a pumpkin ginger soup beneath the twinkling fairy lights of the Josephine branch or savor a Sauvignon Blanc with a plate of black shrimp panzottis on the sunny terrace of the Shopping del Sol location. Paraguayan staples like mbejú and chipa guazu are sprinkled throughout the menu, alongside a selection of Mediterranean plates. Talleyrand is a reliable choice for a refined and enjoyable dining experience in the 10 Best Restaurants in Asuncion, Paraguay.
