Best Restaurants in Paraguay 2026

Sopa Paraguaya

Despite the name meaning 'Paraguayan soup,' this is a dense, savory cornbread made with corn flour, cheese, onions, and eggs. The iconic national dish was accidentally created when a cook added too much cornmeal to a soup.

Where to try: Lido Bar (Palma y Chile), La Herencia, any traditional Paraguayan restaurant

Price: $2-8

Chipa

Ring-shaped cheese bread made from mandioca flour, queso paraguayo, and eggs, baked in a wood-fired tatakua oven. Sold by vendors throughout Paraguay from dawn, chipa is the ultimate Paraguayan snack and breakfast.

Where to try: Street vendors throughout Asunción, especially near Terminal bus station from 5 AM

Price: $0.50-1

Tereré

Paraguay's national drink — cold water (often infused with lemon or mint) poured over yerba mate in a guampa vessel and drunk through a metal bombilla straw. Shared communally, it is central to daily Paraguayan social life.

Where to try: Tereré Bar Cultural (Palma 541), prepared by virtually every Paraguayan you meet

Price: $1-3

Surubí al Horno

Oven-baked surubí river catfish, one of the largest freshwater fish in South America, seasoned with local herbs and served with mandioca. A specialty that showcases Paraguay's exceptional river fisheries.

Where to try: Bar San Roque, Costanera fish restaurants, riverside towns along the Paraguay River

Price: $12-25

Bori Bori

Traditional Paraguayan soup with small corn flour and cheese balls (bori) simmered in chicken broth with vegetables. A comforting everyday dish that represents home cooking at its best.

Where to try: La Herencia (Capitán Lombardo 2321), home cooking restaurants

Price: $5-10

Tierra Colorada Gastro

Upscale restaurant showcasing modern interpretations of traditional Paraguayan cuisine using local ingredients. The tasting menu highlights regional flavors with creative presentations. Wine cellar features excellent South American selections.

Mariscal López c/ Brasilia, Asunción, Paraguay

Lido Bar

Historic restaurant and cultural landmark serving authentic Paraguayan cuisine since 1940s. The extensive menu features all traditional dishes. Popular with locals and tourists alike, offering genuine taste of Paraguay in casual atmosphere.

Palma y Chile, Asunción, Paraguay

El Mundo de la Pizza

Local pizza chain with consistent quality and reasonable prices. Variety of toppings and sizes accommodate different appetites. Delivery and takeout very popular with locals.

Multiple locations, main: España 1020, Asunción, Paraguay

Chipería Tradicional (Various Locations)

Street vendors throughout Asunción sell fresh chipa, the iconic Paraguayan cheese bread. Best eaten warm in the morning. Look for vendors with large baskets calling 'Chipa!'

Throughout Asunción, especially near bus terminals

Café Literario

Cozy bookstore café with artistic atmosphere. Excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and light lunch options. Regular poetry readings and live music events. Free WiFi makes it popular with remote workers.

Dr. Morra 265, Asunción, Paraguay

Il Capo

Asunción's premier Italian restaurant offering authentic cuisine in elegant surroundings. Extensive wine list and impeccable service. The pasta is made fresh daily and the imported ingredients ensure quality matching European standards.

Aviadores del Chaco 2050, Asunción, Paraguay

Bolsi Restó Bar

Trendy restaurant in Villa Morra offering eclectic menu with Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin influences. Modern décor and craft cocktails attract younger crowd. Excellent brunch on weekends.

España 1468, Asunción, Paraguay

Burger Joint

Gourmet burger spot with creative combinations and quality ingredients. Hand-cut fries and craft beer selection. Casual atmosphere popular with young professionals.

Senador Long 831, Asunción, Paraguay

Chipa

Paraguay's most beloved street food — warm cheese bread made from mandioca flour sold by vendors carrying large baskets throughout the day. The call of 'Chipa!' from vendors is the sound of Paraguay waking up.

Find it at: Throughout Asunción, especially near Terminal bus station and along main avenues from 5-10 AM

Empanadas

Deep-fried or baked pastry pockets filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese. Paraguayan empanadas are slightly different from Argentine versions — slightly thicker and often fried crispy.

Find it at: Empanada Stand near Pettirossi Airport (24/7), Mercado 4 food section, street vendors throughout the city

Mbeju

Crispy mandioca starch and cheese pancakes cooked on a flat griddle — a traditional Guaraní food that remains popular as street food and at the Costanera food carts on weekends.

Find it at: Costanera food carts (Friday-Sunday evenings), Mercado 4, traditional market vendors

Mandioca Frita con Queso

Freshly fried cassava sticks topped with melted cheese — Paraguay's answer to french fries and a beloved afternoon snack from the distinctive yellow mobile carts.

Find it at: Yellow carts throughout central Asunción, typically 3-8 PM

Mercado 4 Food Section

The food area of Latin America's largest informal market serves authentic Paraguayan cuisine at the lowest prices in the city. Find sopa paraguaya plates for $2, fresh juices for $1, and traditional soups with large portions.

Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mercado Municipal de Asunción

Central covered market near the waterfront with fresh produce, spices, meat vendors, and local food stalls. Less chaotic than Mercado 4, with better-organized displays of local agricultural products.

Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Encarnación Municipal Market

Border city market offering a fascinating mix of Paraguayan and Argentine products, fresh river fish, regional produce, and the cheapest prices in the country due to cross-border commerce.

Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM