The 10 Best Restaurants of La Paz

La Paz is a vibrant city located in the heart of Bolivia. This city is a hub of culture, history, and gastronomy. The city of La Paz has a rich history of nightlife culture, and this can be seen in the numerous restaurants and bars that have popped up in the city over the years. Some of these restaurants have become iconic, serving up some of the best cuisine this city has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 10 best restaurants of La Paz.

1. Gustu

Gustu is considered one of the best restaurants in not just La Paz but the entire South American continent. This is a fine dining restaurant with a focus on Bolivian cuisine. The restaurant was established by Claus Meyer, co-founder of Noma in Copenhagen, which was ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World four times. Gustu has a sophisticated ambiance, and their dishes are known for their unique presentation and incredible taste.

2. Ali Pacha

Ali Pacha is a vegan restaurant located in the heart of La Paz. This restaurant prides itself on using fresh, organic ingredients and creating dishes that are both delicious and healthy. Ali Pacha is a cozy restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.

3. La Comedie

La Comedie is a French restaurant located in the San Miguel neighborhood of La Paz. This restaurant has a classic French ambiance, and their dishes are known for their taste and presentation. La Comedie serves several classic French dishes, including escargot and foie gras.

4. Namas Te

Namas Te is a unique restaurant that serves both vegan and non-vegan dishes. The restaurant’s focus is on healthy eating, and their dishes are made using fresh, organic ingredients. Namas Te is also an excellent option for those who struggle with dietary restrictions, as their menu includes gluten-free and low-carb options.

5. La Casona del Cafetal

La Casona del Cafetal is located on the outskirts of La Paz and has a unique atmosphere with a rustic feel. The restaurant primarily serves traditional Bolivian cuisine. The restaurant’s signature dishes include Asado de Cordero (lamb), which is slow-cooked in the traditional Bolivian way, and Chairo, a hearty soup made with vegetables and beef.

6. Los Qhawas

Los Qhawas is a vegetarian restaurant located in the Sopocachi neighborhood of La Paz. This restaurant is known for its healthy and fresh dishes, which are made using locally sourced ingredients. Los Qhawas has a laid-back atmosphere with friendly staff, making it an excellent option for both lunch and dinner.

7. La Tranquera

La Tranquera is a steakhouse located in the heart of La Paz. This restaurant is known for its Argentinean-style meat dishes, such as the classic Argentinean cut of meat, Bife de Chorizo. La Tranquera has an excellent range of wines to pair with their dishes, making this restaurant the perfect spot for meat lovers.

8. Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a coffee shop that serves some of the best breakfast and lunch dishes in La Paz. This quaint cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot to chat with friends, work or read a book over a cup of coffee. Higher Ground serves fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries made in-house, and their coffee is roasted on-site.

9. Alexander Coffee

Alexander Coffee is a family-owned coffee shop located in the Sopocachi neighborhood of La Paz. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere, and their coffee is some of the best in the city. Alexander Coffee serves breakfast and lunch dishes, and they are known for their fresh juices and smoothies, making it an excellent option for those looking for a healthy meal.

10. Mercado Lanza

Mercado Lanza is not a restaurant, but a market that offers a range of food options. This market is located in the city center of La Paz and is the perfect spot for those looking to sample a variety of different dishes. This market has fresh produce, meats, and fish that can be cooked to your liking. It is also a great place to try some of the traditional street food of La Paz.

In conclusion, La Paz offers a wide range of dining experiences, and this city has some of the best restaurants in South America. From fine dining to family-owned coffee shops and markets that offer traditional Bolivian street food, La Paz has something for everyone when it comes to dining out.

Insider’s Guide to La Paz: Uncovering Hidden Gems and Iconic Cuisine

Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia’s bustling city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene. If you’re looking for an authentic experience that will take you off the beaten path, look no further! As a local, I’m excited to share some of my favorite spots that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Discovering La Paz’s Hidden Gems

While the city is known for its famous sites, such as the La Paz Cathedral and the Witches’ Market, there are plenty of lesser-known attractions that are worth a visit. Start your adventure at the Valle de La Luna, a scenic natural wonder that looks like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Chacaltaya Mountain is a must-see site, the mountain was used as a ski resort until the glaciers melted away. For an offbeat experience, visit the Cementerio General, also known as the city of the dead, that any history buff will find fascinating.

Dining spots: Exploring La Paz’s Unforgettable Cuisine

La Paz’s food scene is as diverse as its culture, with unique fusions of indigenous and Spanish cuisine. A visit to the city is not complete without trying the Bolivian national dish, Salteñas, a delectable pastry filled with savoury meat, vegetables and boiled eggs, best served with spicy salsas. Other local favourites include Api con Pastel, a traditional breakfast made from a purple corn drink and pastries and Pique Macho, a heaped meat dish that’s a perfect meal for two! For high-end dining experiences, Gustu, the world-class restaurant by Claus Meyer has a sophisticated tasting menu, while Ali Pacha is the best choice for vegetarian or vegan enthusiasts, serving Andean-inspired dishes.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing La Paz’s Rich Heritage

Beyond its delicious food, La Paz is steeped in rich history and culture. Experience its traditions and customs by visiting during the annual Carnaval de Oruro, one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in South America. For art lovers, the National Museum of Art housed in a restored colonial manor, offers a fascinating collection of famous Bolivian artists’ work, while the Murillo square is a great stop to see the city’s colonial architecture. For a glimpse of the city’s indigenous culture, visit the 16th-century Huayna Potosi Church, home to an extensive collection of colonial and indigenous art.

Local History: Revealing the Stories of La Paz

La Paz’s past is as intriguing as its present, with many fascinating stories to tell. Discover the history of the iconic Coca leaf, a sacred leaf that has been used for centuries by Bolivian communities and how it drives the Andean social-economic fabric at the Coca Museum. You can also head to the San Francisco Museum to learn about the city’s colonial past; don’t miss the iconic El Alto cable car that provides a scenic view of the city’s diverse landscape.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Exploring New Horizons

For a unique and unforgettable experience, head to the Moon Valley for stargazing with a telescope, or take a day trip to the Tiwanaku Archaeological Site to witness the ruins of an ancient civilization. You can also visit the bustling El Alto’s market, known for its unique items like alpaca wool clothing, jewelry, and local crafts. For a more laidback day, head to the Valley of Souls, located 20km south of the city, relax whilst taking in the stunning views of the unique and sculptural foms made by wind erosion.

La Paz is full of untold stories, hidden gems, and unique cuisine that are sure to inspire and delight any traveler. Whether you are exploring the city’s rich culture, trying some of its mouth-watering dishes or going on an adventure to discover its ancient ruins, remember to take in its beauty and immerse yourself in its traditions to truly experience all that La Paz has to offer.