The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in La Paz, Bolivia

Open from Tuesday to Saturday on one of La Paz's busiest streets, Hay Pan is a quaint wine bar featuring selections from across Bolivia. Enjoy wines from Cañón Escondido and Magnus from Tarija (the main southern wine region), along with Jardín Oculto and Tierra Roja from the historically rich Valle de Cinti, known for its singani, Bolivia's national grape spirit. Expect fresh interpretations of red varietals and pet-nat noir from Marquez de la Viña and Uvairenda 1750, emerging from Cochabamba and Samaipata, respectively. Don't miss the cheese and charcuterie board, showcasing local cheeses, llama salami, pickled veggies, fresh bread, and a delectable locoto (chile) jam.

The recently reopened Vinapho is now situated on Calle Murillo, a major tourist street in the city center. This is one of the rare spots in La Paz to indulge in Thai, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu is particularly noteworthy given the challenge of sourcing key ingredients like lemongrass and rice paper in Bolivia. The summer rolls are light and refreshing, the pho broth is rich and flavorful, and the red Thai curry strikes a perfect balance of spiciness and freshness without being too heavy. Be sure to request a table on the outdoor patio at the back.

Living up to its name, Popular frequently attracts a line of patrons eager to secure one of the limited lunch-only tables. Chef Juan Pablo Reyes Aguilar is known for his innovative takes on traditional Bolivian cuisine. For instance, queso humacha (a hearty stew of cheese, potato, yellow ají, huacataya, and corn) has appeared in various creative presentations: once as potato croquettes with a huacataya herb foam, and at another time as a terrine of cheese and potato accompanied by corn croquettes and huacataya sauce. The three-course set menu evolves weekly based on seasonal ingredients, always featuring a vegetarian option. Alexandra Meleán expertly pairs each course with a selection of exquisite Bolivian wines.

Api is a beloved traditional drink originating from Oruro, a prominent mining town in the Altiplano region. To combat the coolness of early mornings, locals enjoy this thick maize smoothie served hot. It’s crafted from either sweetened white or purple corn, combined with various ingredients like orange juice or zest, cinnamon, and a medley of spices. For the finest api in La Paz, visit Api Orureño, a quaint spot that opens at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and remains open until the supply runs out. Be sure to try the mixto, which features both white and purple corn. Don’t miss the tojori, an even richer sweet maize drink with whole kernels. Pair your drink with their homemade buñuelos (fried dough) or pasteles (fried dough filled with fresh cheese).

Once a month, Alvaro Ruiz, also known as the Bolivian Foodie, along with Fernanda Reyes and Lorena Calderón, hosts a themed food tour. Joined by 20 other food enthusiasts, you'll ride a vibrant bus through the city, typically stopping at three different Mytouries. A recent tour highlighted Bolivian classics, beginning at La Boliviana for a queso humacha risotto made with fresh cheese, yellow ají, and local herbs, followed by a mocochinchi (dehydrated peach) cocktail. The next stop was La Murillo for a hearty lomito a la paila, featuring steak, chorizo, egg, and fries, paired with sangria. Finally, the tour concluded at La Rufina for meringue and passionfruit ice cream, accompanied by a cocktail of vodka, Campari, burnt orange, and ginger foam topped with spicy, popping chocolate bits.

Midmorning snacks are a beloved tradition throughout the city, particularly the rellenos (various stuffed, fried snacks) that hold a special place in the hearts of Paceños. A stroll through downtown reveals numerous street stalls. For a delicious relleno de papa—fried mashed potato balls filled with meat, vegetables, and ají—Bombitas de la Calle Oruro is a top choice. Gather around the food cart to enjoy an array of condiments with each bite: llajwa, a spicy sauce made from locoto, tomato, and quirquiña, is essential, but you can also sample peanut sauce, mayo with ají, Russian dressing, or fresh cucumber and tomato. While traditional rellenos are crafted from mashed potatoes, Bombitas also features versions made with yuca, rice, or sweet plantain, filled with charque (dried meat).

A staple of La Paz's culinary scene, the salteña is a midmorning snack that resembles an empanada, yet the Bolivian variant is known for its stew-like filling, which is considerably juicier than its counterparts. While every Paceño has their favorite spot for salteñas, extensive tasting reveals that the spicy beef salteña from Paceña reigns supreme. Its crunchy yet not overly sweet shell, the soupy filling, and a flavorful blend of spices (pepper, cumin, yellow chile powder) set this local chain apart.

Ali Pacha stands out as a unique gem in La Paz, specializing in vegan fine dining. Its tasting menu creatively showcases local ingredients like quinoa and tarwi (Andean lupine bean). Nestled in the city's heart, Ali Pacha features an intimate ambiance with thoughtfully curated decor and an open kitchen, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. A fine selection of Bolivian wines and cocktails adds to the experience.

HB Bronze, a gastro-cafe open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, presents a delightful exploration of Bolivia’s finest culinary offerings. From carefully sourced coffee to llama meat, every item highlights the country's rich diversity, with staff dedicated to exquisite presentation and detailed explanations of each dish. Coffee lovers will be impressed by the meticulous preparation of the geisha coffee, while evening guests can pair wines or cocktails with sumptuous cheese and charcuterie boards. Don't miss the vegetarian sandwich featuring Flor de Leche’s roca del Illimani cheese, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, or the grilled anticucho sandwich, both served on artisanal sourdough. The wine list features small producers like Bodega Vacaflores and Tierra Roja, with exclusive offerings just for Bronze.

Jawitas mi Chulumani can be found near several cable car stations throughout the city. This chain is renowned for its jawitas, which are pastries hailing from the Yungas region. These light, ají-sprinkled pastries, known for their reddish hue, are traditionally filled with fresh cheese and various other ingredients. Although many independent vendors offer this delicacy, the jawitas at Jawitas mi Chulumani consistently deliver exceptional flavor. For a heartier option, try the version filled with chorizo or charque (dried llama meat).

Nestled on a quiet street in Sopocachi, this vegan cafe opens exclusively for lunch, offering a rotating selection of expertly seasoned main dishes. The chefs excel at transforming traditional meat-heavy Bolivian recipes into vegan delights using seitan, soy, mushrooms, chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes. Don’t miss the vegan version of pique macho, which typically includes stewed beef, chorizo, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, and onion on fries; here, seitan replaces beef, spiced vegan chorizo adds flavor, and flax seeds substitute for eggs. The vegan anticucho featuring oyster mushrooms is also a must-try. Grab a cookie on your way out for a delightful afternoon treat.

El Bestiario began as a vibrant cultural hub for live music, film screenings, poetry slams, and LGBTQ+ events, evolving over time into something even broader. The eclectic venue is filled with art from floor to ceiling and features mismatched furniture, all reflecting the unique taste of owner Juan Pablo García. His partner, Diego Massi, manages the food and beverages, infusing artisanal recipes from his Italian and Spanish heritage. Signature dishes include smoked pork served with potatoes, house-made barbecue sauce, and llajwa (spicy salsa). They also cure a variety of meats like beef, chicken, trout, and duck using a smoker. The gluten-free desserts, particularly the tiramisu, are a highlight. The bar is a true gem, with Massi distilling small-batch gin flavored with unique ingredients such as chocolate-mint and anchovy-llullucha (a type of seaweed), along with custom cocktails crafted from his own pastis and other spirits.

A long queue of patrons makes it easy to spot the vendor known for the city's finest anticuchos (beef heart skewers paired with spicy peanut sauce) at the intersection of Avenida 20 de Octubre and Aspiazu in Sopocachi. This spot is a favorite among locals after concerts or a night of dancing, as it’s situated in one of the city’s nightlife hubs.

A beloved spot in Sopocachi, Kenchan is bustling every night, a true testament to its exceptional Japanese cuisine. Don’t miss the eponymous bento box, which features an array of dishes: fried shrimp, pork, tofu, chicken teriyaki, pork dumplings, pickled turnips, tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), and maki. The standout, however, is the trout nigiri acevichado, topped with onion, cilantro, and lime juice, showcasing a delightful blend of Japanese and Bolivian flavors.

La Costilla is a hidden gem of a bar, unmarked and tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Sopocachi. Ring the bell, and you’ll enter a vibrant wonderland adorned with quirky antiques and curios. Don't miss out on trying a chuflay, Bolivia’s signature cocktail made with singani and ginger ale.

This Mytoury focuses on the flavors of Sucre and its surrounding areas, celebrated for their rich seasonings. Don’t miss the menudito — a beautifully seasoned and hearty soup featuring a mix of beef, pork, and chicken, along with potatoes and corn — or the chorizo chuquisaqueño, a spicier, more flavorful take on the traditional sausage. With its relaxed atmosphere, it's an ideal place for partygoers to recover from their night out and for families to savor a classic meal. Like many establishments in Sucre, Sucremanta is nestled in an inner courtyard, perfect for a leisurely lunch.

Manq’a serves as a culinary education initiative with a commitment to social justice. It has empowered over 7,500 disadvantaged youths, training them as chefs and entrepreneurs. The accompanying restaurant showcases the trainees' talents, featuring elegant dishes that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the catch of the day and tasting platters that reimagine Bolivian favorites like fried yuca and beef rolls as tapas. There's also a location in the Bosque.

Situated in the vibrant Sopocachi arts and nightlife district, Efímera offers artisanal sourdough pizzas that are both crisp and light. Each pizza features fresh ingredients and inventive topping combinations; don't miss the arugula, fig, and Parmesan variety, paired with a selection of Bolivian craft draft beers. The venue also serves as a cultural hub, hosting live music, book launches, poetry readings, and film screenings.

For a taste of eastern Bolivia's Beni and Santa Cruz cuisine, visit El Motacú. Here, you can enjoy traditional duck majadito, a rice dish reminiscent of moist risotto, paired with fried plantains and a fried egg. Alternatively, try the slow-roasted keperi, a beef cut marinated with salt, pepper, cumin, and lemon juice, served alongside dry majadito, similar to biryani, and boiled yuca. Since opening in 2000, El Motacú’s straightforward ambiance contrasts with its intricate, flavorful dishes.

Bunna is the cafe that the Miraflores neighborhood never knew it needed. With the rise of Bolivian specialty coffee on the global stage, venues like Bunna have emerged to showcase local flavors. They offer freshly ground Bolivian coffee paired with delightful pastries, such as a carrot cake enriched with coffee husks or a goat cheese cheesecake topped with toffee nut crumble. Currently, they serve a blend of caturra, catuaí, and typica beans, sourced from high altitudes (over 5,200 feet) in the Yungas region, roasted weekly in small batches.

Having garnered a dedicated online following, Aruma du Ciel has established a permanent location in Miraflores. This bakery focuses on showcasing local ingredients and utilizing ancient grains such as tarwi (Andean lupine bean) and various maize flours. Don’t miss their popular cupcakes, featuring flavors like Condór (a chocolate and tarwi base filled with cream and topped with chocolate) and Rosé (an amaranth base filled with Altosama rosé and strawberry jam). Gluten-free options are also available.

Steeped in a rich history, Chabuca offers authentic Peruvian cuisine that stays true to its roots. Start your meal with a classic pisco sour and the causa: a delightful layering of seasoned yellow potatoes, tuna or chicken marinated in mayonnaise, slices of avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and black olives. The ceviche is a must-try, served with tender corn, sweet potatoes, fresh onions, lettuce, and plantain chips. Don’t miss the chupe de camarones, a beloved shrimp soup that’s a highlight of the menu.

This sandwich stand, located near the military police academy in Miraflores, is a beloved fixture in the city’s street food scene. A chola sandwich features a soft pan de batalla roll filled with roasted pork slices, but the magic lies in the pickled vegetables and sauces. Known as La Negrita, the owner has been delighting customers for 60 years with her sandwiches, which include pickled onions, carrots, and optional chile. For an extra kick, add llajwa, a spicy salsa made from ají, tomatoes, and quirquiña.

Typica began its journey in 2015, serving specialty coffee from a quaint cafe in southern La Paz, at a time when the concept was still new to many Bolivians. Despite the country's reputation for producing excellent coffee, locals often favored the dark, sweet brews reminiscent of their grandmothers' recipes. With its eclectic vintage decor and inviting atmosphere, the cafe quickly captured the hearts of the community, leading to its expansion across the nation. The latest branch, Typica Obrajes, is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building featuring a fountain in its inner courtyard. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with friends over an avocado sandwich and a delicious cup of coffee, crafted from your choice of beans and brewing method.

Renowned for its marraquetas (bread rolls), La Paz also enjoys a year-round supply of fresh avocados from nearby valleys, resulting in an unbeatable avocado sandwich experience. Visit Mercado San Antonio in Obrajes, where a striking mural features a cholita (a traditionally attired Indigenous woman) savoring a sandwich. Here, numerous stands present an overwhelming selection of avocado sandwiches, each loaded with a variety of toppings. Make your way to Doña Alicia’s stall, where you'll find enticing options like cold roasted chicken, fried cheese, and pickled veggies. Enjoy your meal at the bar stools or grab your sandwich to enjoy on the go.

Meat lovers will delight in Tinto, which specializes in Argentine and Brazilian cuts of meat. However, the real gem is the wine cellar, a true treasure trove of Bolivian wines along with selections from neighboring countries. The knowledgeable sommelier can guide you on the perfect pairings and delve into the unique characteristics of indigenous South American grape varieties such as negra criolla and Vischoqueña. Consider requesting a tour of the cellar or reserving the exclusive eight-person table located there.

Regarded as the finest restaurant in La Paz and a consistent feature on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Gustu was founded by Claus Meyer, co-founder of Noma. He brought innovative cooking techniques from Copenhagen to Bolivia, utilizing local, sustainable, and often overlooked ingredients. Currently led by chef Marsia Taha, the kitchen crafts tasting menus that may feature dishes like llama carpaccio, hibiscus-cured alligator, or watermelon pastrami with granita, along with a la carte selections. Under Andrea Moscoso Weise's guidance, the bar creates cocktails and wine pairings that elevate each dish while showcasing small-batch Bolivian producers.

For an authentic local experience, visit the Irpavi neighborhood, located just north of the teleférico (cable car) station. Open only for lunch on weekends, this counter-service chicharrones establishment serves as a family favorite, where patrons indulge in generous servings of the signature dish in a simple setting. The chicharrones are cooked in large paella pans and infused with chicha (a fermented corn beverage), accompanied by mote (large white corn kernels). Don't forget to try the sorbet flavors next door, such as canela (cinnamon), maracuya (passionfruit), or copoazú (an Amazonian fruit).

Note: Chicharrones de Irpavi has expanded; you can now find the chicharrones at a location across the street from the original storefront with the sign.

If you're in the mood for a delightful dessert, visit Lolo, a charming pastry shop located in Calacoto, just a block away from the bustling Ballivian street. You’ll find it hard to pick between the salted caramel tartlet adorned with brownie pieces, Brazil nuts, and peach compote; the chamomile tartlet featuring a flaky caramelized crust with dried fruits; or the croissant filled with a rich blend of rum, vanilla, and black pepper cream. The intimate upstairs terrace provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy these exquisite pastries.

Drawing on his experience as a triathlete, chef Salvador Bustillos has crafted a menu at Épico that features a wide range of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Highlights include vegetarian chili, hearty salads like the Épica (a mix of greens with avocado, tomato, red bean chili, cheese, and nachos), and at least four varieties of vegetarian burgers. The restaurant is popular among the office crowd for its quick service and affordable lunch prix fixe. It’s also a perfect spot for an afternoon coffee or a house-brewed beer. Don’t miss the chance to try the apple pie for a sweet treat.

Many Peruvian expatriates consider Sach’a Yuntas the finest representation of their cuisine in La Paz. The menu features traditional Nikkei cold dishes such as ceviches, tiraditos, and causas (layered potato salads), alongside savory cooked dishes like lomo saltado (beef stir-fry). Unique sushi rolls, including crispy paiche (a type of white fish) with avocado and topped with fried octopus, add a twist, as do mushroom anticuchos (skewers). Don’t forget to leave space for the Texturas de Baure dessert, which offers a trio of passionfruit caviar, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ice cream crafted from wild Bolivian cacao.

Nestled on the 38th floor of the Green Tower, Cielo offers breathtaking views that alone could draw in guests. However, the bar elevates the experience with expertly crafted classic cocktails like Sazeracs and cosmos, alongside innovative drinks such as the Smokey Old Fashioned, served in its own smoke box. For light bites, the appetizer menu features spicy pink trout crostini and gratinéed oysters. The panoramic vistas are particularly enchanting at sunset.

Nestled in the vibrant San Miguel area, brimming with coffee shops and Mytouries, Macabeo is a standout with its array of delectable facturas, including medialunas (croissants) and various sweet treats. The café also serves empanadas fritas (fried cheese empanadas) for those craving something savory, making it an ideal destination for breakfast or a cozy afternoon coffee break.

This charming Italian Mytoury, brought to La Paz by chef Gabriela Prudencio, is the perfect spot for a comforting plate of pasta. The menu highlights classic noodle dishes, with the carbonara being a standout. Fresh salads are also available, such as the kale duet featuring Parmesan, nuts, green apple, bacon, radish, lemon juice, and pear vinaigrette. Don't miss the desserts made from seasonal and local ingredients, like figs dipped in chocolate and filled with mascarpone.

Chefs Maurício López and Sebastián Giménez enjoy experimenting with fire, ensuring that every dish—including desserts—features at least one element grilled or baked in the brick oven at Ancestral, their parrilla in Achumani. The refined tasting menu includes thrilling options like grilled artichoke with gremolata and seared llama tataki with tumbo sauce, offering excitement at prices that attract locals back for more. The à la carte selections are just as delectable, making it a challenge to choose wrongly.

Once a month, chef Diego Rodas Zurita and sommelier Carla Molina García invite a select group of twelve diners to their home for exclusive culinary events. This intimate communal dining experience showcases dishes crafted from the freshest market ingredients of the week, with modern presentations and flawless pairings. The exact location of this pop-up is revealed only upon securing a reservation, which is necessary to attend.

If you lack a Bolivian grandmother to whip up traditional recipes, dining at Phayawi is the next best choice. Valentina Arteaga prepares delicious sopa de maní (peanut soup), hearty saice tarijeño (a meat and tomato stew from Tarija), and sajta de pollo (chicken with yellow peppers) that truly embody local flavors. The sandwich de chola (pork with pickled onions and carrots) is particularly popular among patrons.

Imilla Alzada specializes in sourdough pizzas, craft beers brewed in-house, and hard apple cider, complemented by an excellent selection of Bolivian wines. Situated in the residential Cota Cota area, this restaurant is somewhat hidden, marked only by its black garage door with the number 50. The atmosphere resembles visiting a friend's place — particularly if that friend served pizzas topped with oyster mushrooms or pesto and ricotta. Vegan options are also on the menu.