At first glance, it may appear to be just another cosy restaurant tucked away in Park City, Utah. However, the moment one steps inside, the rich aroma of sizzling lomito árabe, one of the Paraguay’s traditional sandwiches, the vibrant red-white-blue colours of Paraguay, and the welcoming warmth of a community far from home immediately reveal that this is something far more special. Restaurant 2 Hermanos is a taste of Paraguay in the United States.
At the heart of it all is David Amarilla, a chef whose finest recipe lies not only in his food but in the stories and heritage it conveys. Every corner of the restaurant reflects Paraguayan identity. From football jerseys and escarapelas (ribbon badge), to handcrafted piri hats. It is not merely a place to eat; it is a place to remember.
“At my restaurant, we try to recreate emotion through every bite,” David says. “Our goal is for each dish to transport you home, even if just for a fleeting moment.”
How it all began
David’s culinary journey began in 2006 at Hijas de Feliciana Fariña, a cherished traditional restaurant in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. It was there that he developed a profound respect for the soul of Paraguayan cuisine. His path later led him through the kitchens of renowned establishments such as O’Gaucho, Negroni, Taj, and Galpón Criollo, all while balancing demanding shifts with his studies in Business Administration at Universidad del Norte.
Seeking a new challenge, David moved to the United States, where his connection to the kitchen was soon rekindled. While working at a hotel in thr state of Utah, a group of colleagues asked him to prepare some traditional Paraguayan dishes. He made empanadas, and from that moment onwards, everything changed. Word spread quickly, orders came pouring in, and it became clear that his home kitchen was no longer sufficient.
From foodtruck to 2 Hermanos
Driven by increasing demand, David launched a food truck serving Paraguayan street food in Park City. Within a year, he opened his own restaurant: 2 Hermanos.
“Fear was always my biggest obstacle,” he reflects. “Starting over far from home, not knowing whether people would enjoy what you do… it is frightening.” Yet his determination never wavered.
Paraguay in every detail
At 2 Hermanos, David brings the essence of Paraguay to life. His mission is simple yet powerful: to make every guest feel something genuine. “We want the experience to be complete,” he explains.
“One perfect example is our lomito árabe, that iconic staple of Paraguayan nights. After a long day, eating a good lomito feels like being embraced, as if you were on a corner in Asunción, chatting with friends, and tasting a piece of your own story.”
Made for memories
Today, David feels that his work is making a meaningful impact. Local diners who had never encountered Paraguayan food before are now captivated by it. They fall in love with the flavours, authentic, homemade, and full of heart.
“What excites me most is that those who visit us for the first time always return. And they never come alone, they bring friends with them.”
The journey has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. And it all began with a single empanada and a dream that never gave up. For David Amarilla, every returning guest, every word of praise, and every smile at the table is a reminder that he made the right choice: to honour his roots, follow his calling, and turn a piece of Paraguay into a home far from home.
For more information check 2 Hermanos on Instagram.
