La Paz has undergone something of a culinary revolution in recent years, largely led by the 2013 arrival of the powerhouse fine-dining establishment Gustu. Since then, an abundance of excellent eateries have been popping up around the city, meaning there are plenty of exciting new options to try in 2018.
It may have been open since March 2016, but a recent win in the World Luxury Restaurant Awards means that this gourmet vegan establishment remains entirely relevant in 2018. One for the fanatical foodie and casual diner alike, Ali Pacha offers an exquisite plant-based dining experience that has been turning heads throughout South America and all around the globe.
La Hamburgesa Francesa (French Burger) | Courtesy of Fenomeno
Emiliano Rojas, the head chef behind Achumani’s ever-popular Fenomeno, has opened this new Italian offering right in the heart of La Paz’ central tourist district. Rojas and his team focus on pumping out quality pasta, an art they have perfected with a very reasonably priced 35 BOB (US$5) set lunch menu. Despite having just four sauces to choose from, the pasta is good enough to earn the establishment rave reviews from hundreds of satisfied travelers.
Healthy eating is slowly beginning to gain traction in Bolivia as locals steer away from traditional staples such as salchipapas and opt for more nutritious cuisine instead. Salvador Bustillos, a fitness fanatic and the proud owner of Zona Sur’s Cafe Epico, remains at the forefront of the La Paz movement by exclusively offering healthy and wholesome items on his cafe’s carefully curated menu. There is one exception, however: an exquisite selection of home-brewed craft beers.
Home-brewed beer at Cafe Epico | Courtesy of Cafe Epico
Looking for some Hogwarts magic with your next cup of coffee? Well, the newly opened Harry Potter-themed Avada Kedavra is a must for any fans of the series. Their coffee and pastries certainly hit the spot, though it’s the endearingly cheesy fantasy decor that really pulls in the crowds.
Popular Cocina Boliviana | Courtesy of Popular Cocina Boliviana
This brand-new restaurant in the tourist district aims to put a new spin on traditional Bolivian cooking techniques. Offering a three-course set lunch menu for a very affordable 45 BOB (US$6.50), Popular Cocina Boliviana is your best bet for sampling some superb Bolivian gourmet without breaking the bank. A creative menu, classy modern decor, and attentive service set this place well apart from other run-of-the-mill Bolivian eateries.
Cocina Popular Boliviana | Courtesy of Cocina Popular Boliviana
To accompany this year’s hottest new boutique hotel, the 1930s-themed Altuquala, comes an upscale cafe to match its sophistication and style. The renowned Hierro Brothers (The Writer’s Coffee) opened HB Bronze in 2017 to much acclaim, drawing in a more cultured clientele with their quality locally sourced beans and refined cosmopolitan ambiance. If nothing else, HB Bronze represents the direction the La Paz hospitality industry is heading – decidedly upmarket.
HB Bronze Coffeebar | Courtesy of HB Bronze Coffeebar
An Australian expat opened this cafe in late 2017 with the intention of providing excellent quality food and coffee to the tourists who roam the city center. So far, the endeavor has proven a success among the traveling crowd, not to mention the Bolivians and expats who flock here during its regular cultural events.
A cool new addition to the La Paz drinking scene, this funky resto-bar has become a hit with the bohemian crowd of the upmarket Sopocachi neighborhood. Expect expats, travelers, and well-heeled Bolivians to mingle as they throw back tasty cocktails or chow down on hearty local dishes. Be sure to give the pork belly a try.
Strange name, outstanding restaurant. The name means “there’s bread”, and the amazing breakfasts are the real highlight, consisting of fresh quality ingredients in sizeable portions. Drop by in the evening for a fantastic tapas menu or to indulge in some very reasonably priced Bolivian wine.
