In the heart of Asunción, Paraguay, Unaghi Sushi Bar brings a slice of Buenos Aires’ vibrant culinary scene to a new audience. Established in 2004 in a modest corner of the Argentine capital, Unaghi has grown over two decades into a beloved brand, now making its mark in Paraguay.
In an engaging interview, Nico Irigoin, one of the partners behind Unaghi’s Paraguayan venture, shares the story, vision, and ambitions of this dynamic sushi restaurant.
From Buenos Aires to Asunción
Unaghi’s story began in a small Buenos Aires establishment, where it tapped into the city’s evolving palate. “Unaghi was born in Buenos Aires in 2004, and gradually grew,” Irigoin recounts. The brand expanded alongside the increasing appreciation for Japanese sushi among porteños, eventually operating eight restaurants simultaneously.
Today, Unaghi in Paraguay focuses on a single, carefully curated restaurant and a robust delivery distribution centre. This strategic shift reflects a keen understanding of market demands: “The idea behind this was recognising, as merchants and entrepreneurs, that delivery was truly the centre and the heart of the business,” Irigoin explains.
The inspiration for Unaghi stemmed from Irigoin’s business partner, a former lawyer who, after travelling the world, fell in love with sushi. “Moving away from his profession as a lawyer, he decided to dedicate himself to it with a friend.”
This passion project, born from two friends’ ambition to “take on the world,” has evolved into a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.
Unique aesthetic, and culinary vision
Unaghi’s concept is a blend of aesthetic innovation and culinary precision, drawing heavily from its Buenos Aires roots. “Our objective here in Paraguay, specifically, is to bring a bit of the general concept in aesthetic and culinary terms from Buenos Aires,” Irigoin notes.
The restaurant embraces a 1990s-inspired aesthetic, characterised by vibrant lighting and visually striking elements, from sushi presentations to intricately designed wall coverings and bar backdrops.
“The visual aspect is achieved through precise cuts that provide good textures. For example, in the pieces, the proportions are carefully balanced,” Irigoin says, highlighting how a piece with two ingredients, such as avocado and salmon, is crafted so that each comprises exactly 50% of the bite. Offering both visual appeal and balanced flavour.
Over 70 sushi varieties
Unaghi’s menu is as diverse as its clientele, offering over 70 sushi varieties, from classic rolls to signature creations like the Tony Stark, a favourite of Irigoin’s. “It has a strong impact both visually and in taste. It has texture, colour, cooked salmon, breaded interior, caramelised red onion, and is decorated on the outside of the rice with almond praline,” he describes.
Beyond sushi, Unaghi caters to varied tastes with vegan, vegetarian, and hot dish options, alongside an impressive cocktail menu featuring both classic and original creations.
The heart of Unaghi: Community and consistency
What Irigoin cherishes most about leading Unaghi is the daily renewal inherent in gastronomy. “The magic of gastronomy is that every day you start from scratch,” he says, noting that each night, whether a triumph or a challenge, demands the same dedication the next day. This resilience defines the restaurant’s ethos.
Unaghi also fosters a human-centred approach, prioritising genuine connections with staff and customers. “We try to focus on people and their characteristics as individuals, beyond the technical aspects of the kitchen or the bar,” Irigoin shares, underscoring the warmth and loyalty this approach cultivates.
Looking ahead
With just three months in Asunción, Unaghi is still in its early stages, focusing on building relationships with its new Paraguayan clientele. “Paraguayans in general have been extremely courteous and warm with us,” Irigoin notes, expressing gratitude for the welcoming environment.
The restaurant has completed its initial phases, opening the dining room and refining delivery operations, and now plans to make use of its expansive outdoor space for events such as corporate gatherings and private celebrations. Irigoin’s invitation to potential diners is heartfelt: “If you are someone who enjoys going out with friends, having a good time, eating something delicious, and being well looked after, we believe we are an excellent proposal.”
Unaghi Sushi Bar stands ready to welcome Asunción’s food lovers, offering a consistent, vibrant, and inclusive dining experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asuncion Times, you receive a 10% discount at Unaghi Sushi and one complimentary cocktail; simply by showing your VIP Member card, one of many VIP Member Benefits. Operating daily from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Unaghi sees peak hours between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. The restaurant accepts all payment methods. Tipping is discretionary, with Irigoin emphasising, “The tip is strictly at the consumer’s discretion and optional.” A modest table service charge, similar to Buenos Aires’ cubierto, is applied.
Unaghi Sushi opening hours
Monday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
Tuesday: 7:30 OM–12:30 AM.
Wednesday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
Thursday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
Friday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
Saturday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
Sunday: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM.
For more information check Unaghi Sushi on Instagram.
