In the heart of Asunción, the urban hustle fades away, making room for the gentle breeze rustling through the trees and the sizzling sounds of a kitchen full of stories. Here, chef Geovanni Guillén from Ecuador transforms each dish into a unique experience, as the essence of Sabores del Pacífico.
“The most sincere act of love is cooking”
The kitchen called to him from a young age, when he used to help his mother prepare thousands of homemade snacks for sale. Among doughs, fillings and long days of work, he learned not only recipes, but values that remain alive today as part of his family’s tradition. Now, his eldest son works alongside him, repeating the story with new ingredients.
After nearly twenty years of culinary training in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and professional experience as a chef in a Peruvian restaurant, Geovanni arrived in Paraguay in 2018. He was invited by the Ecuadorian Embassy to represent his country’s culinary culture at official Paraguayan fairs. His mission: to bring a piece of Ecuador to the Paraguayan palate.
The power of hard work beyond limits
During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, Sabores del Pacífico was born as a small business. Meals were offered via delivery or pick-up, under strict health protocols. Yet the flavours quickly won over the local crowd, and just a year later, the restaurant opened its doors to the public.
“We don’t limit ourselves to the cuisine of just one country, we love food from many cultures. That’s why the name Sabores del Pacífico (Flavours of the Pacific) was born,” the chef explains.
No flight needed to travel
Thanks to its fusion cuisine, Sabores del Pacífico invites diners to travel without boarding a plane. The experience not only sparks interest in Paraguayan culture but also highlights the rich culinary heritage of Ecuador and Peru.
Among the most popular dishes are one of the fourteen types of ceviche the house offers, as well as preparations with octopus or bluefin tuna.
Chef’s recommendations include fish and prawn encocado, surubí in seafood sauce, and fried fish with moro and lentils. For dessert, the apple strudel with ice cream and the classic suspiro limeño are crowd favourites.
Once a month, the restaurant hosts its much-anticipated “Cena Maridaje” which is a wine pairing dinner, a type of event that features a special menu, including starter, main course, and dessert. All paired with selected wines and accompanied by live music. All guests dine at the same time, while the pairings between dishes and drinks are explained.
Additionally, a three-course menu with a glass of wine is available weekly. As part of its commitment to quality, Sabores del Pacífico uses only fresh ingredients, avoiding canned or preserved products altogether.
More than a restaurant, a family
“The part I enjoy most about working here, is letting myself get creative in the kitchen. But even more than that, it’s seeing how our clients become friends. Sabores del Pacífico is not just a restaurant, it is a family,” the chef shares.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asuncion Times, you get a 10% discount at Sabores del Pacífico, just by showing your VIP Member card – one of many VIP Member Benefits. The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 PM to midnight, and is located at Heriberto Gómez de la Fuente 279, Asunción.
Sabores del Pacífico opening hours
Monday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Tuesday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Wednesday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Thursday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Friday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Saturday: 7 PM to 12 AM
Sunday: Closed
It is a hidden gem in the city. Anyone visiting Paraguay should not leave without trying the best octopus in Asunción, because here, you do not just eat: you live an experience that nourishes the soul.
For more information, check Sabores del Pacífico on Instagram.
