Digital Nomads’ 20 Best Restaurants in Asuncion

Asunción, Paraguay, is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for digital nomads and expats, drawn by its rich culture, welcoming atmosphere, and increasingly, its vibrant culinary scene. Moving beyond the traditional perception of Paraguayan cuisine, the city offers a surprisingly diverse array of dining experiences, reflecting global influences and catering to a wide range of tastes.

To guide your gastronomic explorations, we’ve compiled a list of 20 best restaurants in Asunción, curated from the recommendations of digital nomads and expats who have experienced the city’s food scene firsthand. This list serves as your passport to the best flavors Asunción has to offer, with some restaurants featured in more detail below, offering a deeper dive into their unique culinary stories.

Discover Asunción’s Culinary Gems:

Here are 20 restaurants that have won the hearts (and stomachs) of Asunción’s international community, categorized for your easy navigation:

For Elevated Dining Experiences:

1. Pez de Mar Dulce: Considered by many to be in a class of its own, Pez de Mar Dulce is a must-try for Nikkei cuisine aficionados. Evolved from the former Sipan, it focuses on “Nikkon” cuisine, blending Nikkei techniques with local Paraguayan ingredients, especially freshwater fish like surubí. Expect international-level Peruvian-Japanese fusion seafood with a focus on quality and a beautiful salon setting. [See detailed article: Culinary Gems of Asunción]
2. Pakuri: A pioneer of “Neo-Paraguayan” cuisine, Pakuri, named after an indigenous fruit, is redefining local gastronomy. Housed in recycled shipping containers in Villa Morra, it’s led by chefs with experience from world-renowned restaurants. Experience innovative dishes showcasing native ingredients and traditional techniques, like meats from a tatakua oven and creative fish preparations. [See detailed article: Culinary Gems of Asunción]
3. Casa Clari: More than just a meal, Casa Clari offers dining with a view. Located in an Art Nouveau building facing the Palacio de López, it boasts panoramic vistas of Asunción, particularly stunning at sunset. Enjoy a diverse menu from breakfast to pizzas and cocktails, in a vibrant, casual atmosphere, primarily appealing to a younger crowd seeking scenic dining. [See detailed article: Culinary Gems of Asunción]
4. Pinton Casa Bistró: For a touch of French fusion, Pintón Casa Bistró, under Chef José, is a standout. Offering a blend of French classics with international twists, Pintón is especially renowned for its “unique gastronomic journey” Sunday brunch buffet. Expect a sophisticated menu, from shareable appetizers to classic French main courses, and a truly exceptional Sunday brunch experience. [See detailed article: Culinary Gems of Asunción]

International Flavors from Around the Globe:

1. Sawasdee: A beloved favorite for Thai and Indian cuisine, Sawasdee brings authentic Asian flavors to Asunción. Founded by a French entrepreneur, it offers both Thai and Indian dishes, with minimal adaptations for local palates, focusing on authentic flavors and a pleasant, shareable dining space. Don’t miss their Pad Thai and Indian naan. [See detailed article: International Culinary Delights of Asunción]
2. Kyungkyune: Dive into Korean culture at Kyungkyune, one of Asunción’s longest-standing international restaurants. Offering an authentic Korean barbecue experience, Kyungkyune provides interactive dining where guests grill premium meats at their table. Experience 100% Korean cuisine with a focus on shared meals and cultural immersion. [See detailed article: International Culinary Delights of Asunción]
3. Restaurante Paraiso: For classic Chinese cuisine, Restaurante Paraiso is a highly recommended choice, often listed among the top Chinese restaurants in Asunción. Expect authentic dishes prepared by expert chefs in an elegant yet welcoming setting.
4. Shangri-La: A well-established Chinese restaurant chain in Asunción, Shangri-La offers accessibility and variety. With multiple locations, they provide both buffet and à la carte dining options, known for their extensive menu and customer-friendly service. [See detailed article: International Culinary Delights of Asunción]
5. Phở Noodle Bar by Lucky Seoul: A recent addition bringing Vietnamese street food to Asunción, Phở Noodle Bar offers a unique and exotic dining experience. A collaboration between Korean and Vietnamese culinary influences, it specializes in Vietnamese rice noodle dishes, particularly phở, in a casual and inviting “bar” setting. [See detailed article: International Culinary Delights of Asunción]
6. La Tarantella: A popular Italian pizza chain with multiple venues across Asunción and surrounding areas, La Tarantella is a reliable choice for Italian comfort food. Offering a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, it’s a well-known and expanding option for Italian cuisine lovers. [See detailed article: International Culinary Delights of Asunción]
7. Dana’s Burgers: For those craving American comfort food, Dana’s Burgers is recommended for the best American-style burgers in Asunción. Located in Sajonia, it offers an incredible grilled hamburger menu to satisfy your burger cravings.

Savoring Local Paraguayan Delights & Parrilla:

1. Bolsi: A legendary culinary institution in Asunción, Bolsi is renowned for its traditional Paraguayan cuisine and has garnered international acclaim as one of the world’s most iconic restaurants. A third-generation family-owned restaurant, Bolsi offers a diverse menu blending local and international dishes in a friendly, casual atmosphere, known for its excellent meat quality and generous portions. [See detailed article: Emblematic Dining Establishments of Asunción]
2. Lido Bar: A cultural cornerstone of Asunción, Lido Bar is more than just a restaurant; it’s a city landmark. Serving authentic Paraguayan cuisine in a historic downtown location, it’s a must-visit for experiencing local culinary traditions. Expect traditional Paraguayan dishes in a setting that embodies the city’s cultural essence. [See detailed article: Emblematic Dining Establishments of Asunción]
3. O Gaucho: For a premium churrasqueria experience, O Gaucho brings Brazilian-style grilling to Asunción. Offering a “rodizio” service with a wide variety of high-quality meats and an extensive buffet, it’s a top choice for meat lovers seeking a Brazilian-inspired dining experience. [See detailed article: Emblematic Dining Establishments of Asunción]
4. Patria Parrilla: Patria Parrilla elevates Paraguayan grilling to a contemporary level, focusing on local ingredients and modern techniques. Offering “Paraguayan haute cuisine” centered around grilled meats and vegetables, Patria Parrilla showcases local ingredients like corn and cassava in sophisticated preparations, potentially available 24/7. [See detailed article: Emblematic Dining Establishments of Asunción]
5. Lo de Osvaldo: A popular parrilla destination, Lo de Osvaldo is known for its authentic Paraguayan and Argentine-influenced grilled specialties. Offering an extensive menu of grilled meats, traditional Paraguayan dishes like Volcano de Sopa Paraguaya, and a wide variety of salads, it provides a comprehensive parrilla experience. [See detailed article: Emblematic Dining Establishments of Asunción]

Casual Bites & Mexican Fiesta:

1. Taco Dealer: Claiming to be Paraguay’s first taqueria, Taco Dealer focuses on authentic Mexican tacos in a casual, self-service setting. Emphasizing authentic recipes and Mexican ingredients, they offer a taste of true Mexican street food in Asunción, with a focus on quality tacos and a laid-back atmosphere. [See detailed article: Mexican Culinary Experiences in Asunción]
2. Guaton: Bringing Chilean-influenced Tex-Mex to Asunción, Guaton offers generous portions and bold flavors. Specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine with Chilean influences, Guaton is known for its signature birria and sharing platters, offering hearty portions and good value in a container-based setting. [See detailed article: Mexican Culinary Experiences in Asunción]
3. Sinaloa: For a themed Mexican dining experience, Sinaloa offers a narco-themed fusion concept combining Mexican food with pizza. Offering a fusion menu in a themed environment inspired by Mexican narco culture, Sinaloa is known for its shared platters like “Tabla Vato” and affordable, social dining experiences. [See detailed article: Mexican Culinary Experiences in Asunción]

Dietary Needs Considered:

1. La Nutry: A pioneer in gluten-free dining in Asunción, La Nutry is the city’s first 100% gluten-free restaurant, achieving top rankings on TripAdvisor. Developed by a nutritionist, La Nutry offers a comprehensive menu catering to various dietary needs beyond gluten-free, including keto, paleo, and vegan options, without compromising on flavor or variety. [See detailed article: La Nutry: Pioneering Gluten-Free Dining in Asunción]

Explore Further & Find Your Favorites:

This list is your starting point for discovering the diverse and delicious culinary landscape of Asunción. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore the detailed articles on Pez de Mar Dulce, Pakuri, Casa Clari, Pintón Casa Bistró, Sawasdee, Kyungkyune, Shangri-La, Bolsi, Lido Bar, O Gaucho, Patria Parrilla, Lo de Osvaldo, Taco Dealer, Guaton, Sinaloa, and La Nutry to uncover the stories behind these exceptional restaurants.

Asunción’s food scene is constantly evolving, so venture out, explore beyond this list, and uncover your own hidden culinary gems in this vibrant South American capital. Buen provecho!