Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street in the Ycuá Satí area of Asunción, Karu Café calls itself a health food restaurant, but it’s so much more than that. Just a few minutes from the busy area of Shopping del Sol and Paseo La Galería, this charming spot feels like a peaceful retreat in one of Asunción’s favorite neighborhoods. For those drawn to the elegant restaurants of Villa Morra but seeking more affordable everyday dining options – whether for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – Ycuá Satí offers an attractive alternative. And Karu Café? It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger.
Karu Café: More Than Just a Café
Karu is an artisanal bakery, restaurant, pastry shop, and pantry all rolled into one. From the moment you spot its signature turquoise facade, it’s clear this isn’t your average coffee shop. There’s an eye for detail here – both in the decor and the food – that makes it stand out.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Groups of friends chat over cappuccinos, couples enjoy quiet moments together, and the mix of seating – cozy indoor corners, a shaded garden terrace, and an air-conditioned dining area – offers something for everyone. Depending on where you sit, it can feel romantic, social, or simply relaxing.
The welcome is equally charming. Smiling staff greet you at the door, and to your right, a display case tempts with rich brownies and even some healthy cookies. To your left, a beautifully packaged selection of “Chipa Piru”, a Paraguayan specialty, makes for a perfect gift. As you wander further in, wooden shelves neatly display organic products – local honey, honey vinegar, gourmet dulce de leche, and more. It’s part coffee shop, part boutique, yet it retains the laid-back ease of a Paraguayan café, where you simply pick your own table and settle in.
What to order at Karu Café
If you didn’t miss the menu display out front, you’ll have seen that Karu offers a menú de la semana, available from 11am to 3pm, and again from 5pm to 10:30pm. Each day, there’s a choice of several affordable dishes, ranging from 38,000 to 45,000 Gs (approximately 5 to 6 US dollars), with options including beef, fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals.
Karu is also an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch. The Jugo Verde is a refreshing start – just be aware, it has a hint of celery. Their cappuccino is beautifully crafted, topped with a delicate heart-shaped foam, and comes with a tiny brownie on the side, a lovely touch.
While the Huevos Benedictinos didn’t quite steal the show, the avocado toast with poached egg and tomato was both visually appealing and delicious.
The pizzas, with their irregular, rustic Italian-style crusts, looked incredible – though I didn’t try one this time. The menu also features classic Paraguayan comfort foods like Milanesa de Carne and Roast Beef, alongside vegan options like a hearty plant-based burger.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the empanadas. You can order them baked (“al horno”) or fried (“frita”)—I went for the baked version, and it was a satisfying little bite, filled with fresh basil, pesto, roasted tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
For drinks, Karu offers full bottles of wine as well as individual glasses, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely afternoon sip.
Expect to spend around 50,000 Gs (~US$6) per person for brunch – a fair price for the quality and setting.
A weekly market worth visiting
Step out the back door of Karu Café, and you’ll find yourself in a tranquil garden space, where a large fan offers a welcome breeze on Paraguay’s hot days. Beyond this, a second air-conditioned dining area provides a view of the greenery, making for an even more relaxing experience.
Every Wednesday from 8:30am to 2pm, this garden transforms into a small market showcasing local artisans and organic producers. It’s an intimate affair, but one that’s full of surprises. You might find handmade pottery by Karin Hiebert, who not only sells her work here but also provides the gorgeous ceramic decor used in the café. She’s happy to chat about her creative process, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each piece.
Another highlight is Ruth Ratzlaff, a honey expert who passionately explains her organic honey and bee products. Her stand offers raw honey, honeycomb, and honey-soaked nuts, among other delicacies. A jar of her organic honey infused with 100% cacao costs 38,000 Gs – and unlike many vendors, she accepts credit card payments, making it easy for visitors to indulge in a sweet souvenir. Even if you’re not in the market for honey, her enthusiasm makes for a memorable conversation.
Karu Café: Practical details for your visit
Karu Café also solves one of Asunción’s biggest challenges: parking. Their private lot fits 7-10 cars and has an attendant keeping an eye on things, a rare and welcome convenience in the city.
Before you leave, consider grabbing one of their beautifully packaged gifts, or do what I did and take a few freshly baked cookies to go (just 10,000 Gs each). A sweet way to extend the experience beyond the café’s doors.
Karu Café: Final thoughts
Karu Café offers a blend of thoughtful details, high-quality food, and an inviting atmosphere that makes it stand out in Asunción’s growing culinary scene. Whether you’re a foreigner looking for a new favorite brunch spot, a traveler in search of local flavors, or simply someone who enjoys discovering hidden gems, this is a place worth visiting. And if you happen to be there on a Wednesday, don’t miss the market – it’s a perfect excuse to linger a little longer!
Follow Karu Café on Instagram here.
