Hidden gems for your perfect morning in Paraguay’s capital
When I first arrived in Asunción, I was surprised by how little online information there was about local cafes – especially when it came to breakfast spots. Unlike Buenos Aires or Medellín, Asunción is still a bit of a mystery to many travelers and digital nomads. There are no real “top 10 breakfast” lists on TripAdvisor. No trendy coffee shop guides. No Google Maps reviews with thousands of votes.
So after exploring the city, testing different menus, talking to locals, and sipping dozens of cortados, I decided to create this guide myself. If you’re living in Paraguay, visiting as a tourist, or planning to move here soon – these are the cafés worth waking up for. Fresh food, good coffee, beautiful interiors, and Wi-Fi strong enough for remote work.
Let’s start with my personal favorite:
1. Karu – Art, Coffee, and Conscious Living
📍 Casa Central: Dr. Guillermo Enciso Velloso 2870, Ycuá Satí
📍 Las Mercedes: Padre Egidio Cardozo 553, Las Mercedes
Karu is not just a café – it’s a concept. Tucked away in the green and artistic neighborhood of Las Mercedes, Karu blends modern design, sustainability, and soulful food in a space that feels more like a creative sanctuary than a coffee shop.
The first time I visited Karu, I stayed for hours. The courtyard is shaded by trees, the furniture is a mix of organic wood and minimalist décor, and everything—from the ceramics to the music – feels intentionally curated. This is a café where you want to slow down.
What makes Karu special?
- All dishes are made with organic, local ingredients
- They offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
- Their coffee is brewed from high-quality Paraguayan beans roasted on-site
- Staff are friendly, speak some English, and know their menu inside out
- They’re also eco-conscious, using compostable packaging and avoiding plastic
Top Breakfast Picks:
🥑 Avocado toast with a poached egg and local herbs
🍓 Açaí or dragon fruit bowl topped with fresh fruit and crunchy granola
☕ A perfectly balanced flat white or a smooth iced matcha latte
Whether you’re coming for a peaceful solo morning or a business meeting in the garden, Karu hits the sweet spot between healthy and indulgent. It’s also very laptop-friendly during weekdays, making it one of the best cafés in Asunción for digital nomads.
2. Florentino Café – Villa Morra’s Bright New Brunch & Specialty Coffee Haven
📍 Moisés Bertoni 1227, Villa Morra, Asunción
Open Mon–Sat 7:30–20:00; Sun 9:00–20:00
In early March 2025, Florentino Café opened in the upscale Villa Morra neighborhood, quickly earning its reputation as a polished, plant-filled retreat and specialty coffee destination .
Founded with Passion & Purpose
Built by three friends – a finance executive, a lawyer, and an international-business professional – Florentino was born from their shared love of traveling to quality cafés and exploring new blends. Named in honor of Italian heritage (the grandfather of one founder), the café effortlessly blends European elegance with fresh, natural vibes.
The Style & Atmosphere
- Green-filled design: abundance of plants, modern café aesthetics, and a bright, airy layout designed for work, meet-ups, or relaxation .
- Pet-friendly terrace: one of the few cafés in Asunción welcoming furry companions while you sip .
- Spacious & welcoming: broad indoor and outdoor seating areas, ideal for brunch groups or solo visits.
Brunch & Coffee Highlights
- Specialty coffee: single-origin beans brewed with care to deliver nuanced coffees that stand out.
- Popular toasts: crowd favorites include house-made Campo bread with egg and arugula, and the classic avocado toast topped with eggs—perfect for breakfast or early lunch .
- Expanding menu: plans underway for gluten-free and low-sugar desserts, along with lunch options and cultural events like concerts and pop-up fairs .
Why It Deserves a Spot on Your List
- High-end yet casual: balances exceptional coffee with an inviting, Instagram-ready setting.
- Friendly & thoughtful: open for extended hours and thoughtfully designed for both social gatherings and quiet work sessions.
- Pet & community-friendly: brings ambiance, community, and animal-loving warmth to Asunción’s café scene.
3. El Café de Acá – Breakfast with Soul in the Heart of Asunción
📍 Villa Morra: Teniente Héctor Vera & Francisco Morra
📍 Barrio Jara: Inside Textilia (creative complex)
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between a cozy brunch spot and an authentic taste of Paraguay, look no further than El Café de Acá. This locally loved gem has been part of Asunción’s cultural landscape for over a decade – and it’s not just a café. It’s a celebration of Paraguayan roots, family recipes, and homemade warmth served in two charming locations.
While many cafés follow global trends, El Café de Acá does something different: it embraces tradition while staying fresh and inclusive. Here, tourists, digital nomads, and longtime locals gather under the trees or inside sunlit rooms to enjoy hearty, homemade breakfasts with soul.
What’s on the Menu? A Celebration of Local Flavors
You won’t find another place like this in Asunción. The menu offers a unique mix of:
- Traditional Paraguayan breakfasts:
Think mbejú, chipa guazú, payaguá mascada, and coconut empanadas—all made fresh, with love. - Creative brunch favorites:
From shakshuka to eggs Benedict, massive breakfast burritos, and veggie wraps with hummus, there’s something for everyone—even if you’re not into cheese or meat. - Gluten-free & vegan-friendly options:
El Café de Acá caters to modern tastes too, with oat milk, veggie bowls, fresh salads, and even sugar-free cakes.
The real showstopper? Their dessert cabinet, where you’ll find homemade tarts, alfajores, and their signature mbejú cheesecake – a delightful twist on a national classic.
Drinks You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Alongside classic lattes and cortados made from quality beans, there are a few standouts:
- The Aloha drink – a refreshing iced blend of sugarcane honey, citrus, and crushed ice
- Homemade iced teas and cold brews, perfect for warm Asunción mornings
- Cultural comfort drinks like cocido quemado or tereré, served with a modern twist
Why People Love It
El Café de Acá isn’t just a breakfast spot – it’s a feeling. The kind of place where:
- The servers greet you like an old friend
- The atmosphere mixes rustic charm with green gardens and tasteful art
- You can sit for two hours with your book or laptop and not feel rushed
Whether you’re in the lush garden patio of the Villa Morra location or the trendy, design-driven space inside the Textilia complex, you’ll feel grounded, relaxed, and inspired.
Why It Deserves a Spot on This List
| Category | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | No café blends Paraguayan heritage and hospitality better. |
| Food Diversity | Traditional dishes + vegan, gluten-free, and creative brunch options. |
| Atmosphere | Green, open, and full of life – perfect for conversations or quiet mornings. |
| Reviews & Reputation | 4.4 stars on TripAdvisor, consistent favorites among locals & expats. |
Breakfast in Asunción Just Got Better 🍳☕️
Let’s be honest – Asunción doesn’t always get the attention it deserves when it comes to food culture. But behind the quiet Google Maps ratings and lack of international food blogs, there’s a vibrant, growing scene of cafés and breakfast spots that rival those in much bigger cities.
In this article, we’ve covered three of the most exciting and essential cafés for breakfast in Asunción:
- Karu, with its design-forward vibe and health-conscious, globally inspired menu.
- Florentino, a fresh and stylish newcomer with single-origin coffee and beautifully curated brunch.
- El Café de Acá, a cultural landmark blending local tradition and comfort food with modern flavors.
But that’s just the beginning.
There are many more hidden gems across neighborhoods like Sajonia, Mariscal López, and Barrio Carmelitas – places where you can sip artisan coffee, discover local fusion dishes, or simply enjoy a peaceful morning surrounded by plants and soft indie music.
As I keep exploring the café scene in Asunción, I’ll be sharing more curated recommendations – whether it’s spots for the best laptop-friendly cafés, rooftop brunches, vegan-friendly menus, or just places with that special “wow” factor.
Want more insider tips about life in Paraguay?
Follow along – I’ll be writing more guides soon to help you discover the real Asunción, one breakfast at a time.
Looking to obtain legal residency in Paraguay, invest in property, or relocate with confidence?
Our team specializes in assisting international clients with all key aspects of moving to and investing in Paraguay, including:
- Legal residency and immigration support
- Purchase of land, apartments, and investment properties
- Company formation and legal structuring
- Tax optimization for individuals and businesses
- Guidance on long-term stays, relocation, and local compliance
With on-the-ground presence in Asunción and multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Polish, we offer trusted expertise and personalized assistance every step of the way.
If you’re considering Paraguay for lifestyle, investment, or strategic relocation, we invite you to get in touch with us for a confidential consultation.
Contact us to discuss your goals and receive expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Leave a Reply