Real Villa Morra Check out the productos americanos aisle for an interesting (and often strange) variety of imported goods – good for comfort food if you are missing home. There is also a food court and an extensive wine cellar. Tel: 021 600 588, 021 602 030, corner of Avenida Boggiani and Republica Argentina
Superseis On the ground floor of Shopping Villa Morra this small supermarket is a good place to stock up on the basics. Shopping Villa Morra, www.superseis.com.py
Carmelitas
Un Toro y Siete Vacas This high-end Paraguayan steakhouse serves up an extensive array of tender cuts of beef as well as fish, lamb, and goat. The menu includes international and Paraguayan side dishes and desserts. The chipa guazu is exceptionally soft and fluffy. Though upscale, the prices are extremely reasonable given the large portions. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Be very specific about how well you well want the meat cooked,as theytend towards well done. Tel: 021 600 425, corner of Malutin and Eusebio Lillo, across from Paseo Lillo, www.untoroysietevacas.com.py, Daily 12pm-3pm, 8pm-1am, Gs. 30,000-60,000
El Cafe de Aca A cute coffee shop with a Paraguayan twist. The cozy setup in a small house has a relaxing atmosphere with touches of Paraguay throughout, from the patio with a well and a ceramic kambuchi water jug to the weathered tiled floors and well-loved cans of Leche Nido over the bar. The menu includes a variety of coffees and teas as well as terere and mate service. There are also Paraguayan classics such as a fluffy sopa paraguaya and rich mbeju as well as empanadas and guayaba tarts. Fruit infused green tea, Narciso, is very refreshing. Tel: 021 623 583, corner of Teniente. Vera and Dr. Morra (two blocks behind Feria Asuncion on San Martin), www.elcafedeaca.com, Tue-Sun 8am-11pm, Gs. 5,000-30,000
Spaghettoteca Run out of a private home by Italian immigrants, this hidden and unassuming restaurant has some of the freshest pasta in Asuncion. Purchase pasta and sauces to go, or eat your meal at tables set up in the family living room, complete with a fireplace and a small bar. Save room for dessert – creamy tiramisu and sabayon with rum spiked figs are real winners. Tel: 021 604 084, Bruselas 1690, between Avenida San Martin and Viena, heading down San Martin take a right one block before Avenida Espana – the Spaghettoteca is a house on the right-hand side about half a block away from San Martin with a small, very faded sign in front), Tue-Sat 7pm-11:30pm, Sun 12pm-3pm, Gs. 20,000-50,000
Romanaccio Pizza & Sangria This excellent pizzeria has such a wide array of thin crusted combinations that you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the fact they let you mix and match half pizzas. Grilled eggplant and shrimp-pesto are great choices. Don’t forget to order a pitcher of white sangria to wash it all down. Ask for the crust to be baked “ crocante.” Tel: 021 663 070, Paseo Via Bella, corner of Espana and Romulo Feliciangeli (just behind TGIF’s), On Facebook, Mon-Wed 7:30pm-12am, Thu 7:30pm-12:30am, Fri 7:30pm-1am, Sat 7:30pm-2am, Sun 7pm-12am, Gs. 35,000-50,000
TGI Fridays Perfect for those longing for a taste of America – be it American fast food favorites or televised sporting events (American football, golf, tennis). Extensive drink menu. Lunch and happy hour specials. Tel: 021 623 322, Paseo Via Bella, corner of Espana and Romulo Feliciangeli, www.fridays.com.py, daily 12pm-1:30am, Gs. 10,000 to 40,000
