4 Best Restaurants in Asunción, Paraguay

Its shaded terrace makes this the best of the numerous parrillas that line Avenida Brasilia. Huge portions of perfectly barbecued beef and pork are accompanied by wonderfully seasoned sopa paraguaya and chipá-guazú. The chorizo sausages make a good starter, especially when dunked in tangy criollo, a spicy onion, tomato, and garlic sauce.

Floor-to-ceiling mirrors, modern black-lacquer furniture, and live saxophone and piano music make this restaurant one of Asunción's most sophisticated dining spots. The service is efficient and friendly, and the ever-changing menu is contemporary. Warning: the piping-hot pan de queso, small cheese-flavored rolls, are irresistible.

Rub shoulders with politicians and diplomats where the two chic dining areas (one of which is no-smoking at peak hours) are set with crisp linen tablecloths and elegant silver and glassware. The house specialty is surubí, served smoked or in a mild curry sauce. Try the excellent lomo de cerdo à la pimienta (peppered pork tenderloin)—ask for it if you don't see it on the menu. The Austrian owners have fine-tuned the service, so expect friendliness and efficiency.

Chef Rodolfo Angenscheidt honed his skills at the Parisian culinary landmark Maxim's before opening this contemporary restaurant, which has become a favorite of Asunción business executives. Specialties include innovative takes on South American and continental favorites, including fresh Patagonian truffle risotto and surubí with mozzarella and tomato in puff pastry. The airy dining room overlooks a lush patio.