In 2019, French entrepreneur Eric Zamana opened a restaurant in Asunción with a bold vision: to introduce authentic Italian-style pizza to the capital of Paraguay. The project soon became known as Auténtica Pizzería, a place where families, children, and friends could share meals after games, celebrate birthdays, or simply enjoy good food together. Today, it stands out as a lively meeting point for gatherings of every kind.
How everything started
The entrepreneur recalls that the inspiration came while building a space for children and teenagers to enjoy laser tag, a fun yet safe alternative to paintball. The game brought young people together, but he felt there was something missing. After a round, families and friends wanted a place to sit, eat, and continue the experience. That was when he decided to add a pizzeria alongside the activity centre.
However, the choice was not random. He noticed that despite Paraguay’s Italian heritage, there were very few places where he could enjoy a slice comparable to the ones he had tasted in Europe. Coming from France, one of the largest consumers of this dish worldwide, Eric was determined to fill that gap. “It was incredible,” he says, “to find that such a beloved recipe was not yet prepared in the way I knew it could be.”
Why Auténtica Pizzería?
The name was deliberate. For the founder, the pizzas had to be genuinely authentic, with ingredients sourced carefully to ensure the highest quality. He refused to compromise. A prime example is his decision to introduce a mortadella variety only after finding a supplier whose product met his strict standards. “Many call it mortadella,” he explains, “but to me, if it does not taste right, then it is not.”
This insistence on authenticity set the establishment apart. While Eric admits that there are currently a handful of other places in Asunción making good pizzas, he remains confident that his own creations stand out thanks to the ingredients and care invested in each one.
“A pizza is not just dough, It is the sum of every product placed on top, and if each one is of superior quality, the result will always be outstanding.”
The menu with classics and surprises
At Auténtica Pizzería, customers can enjoy classics such as Margherita, Four Cheese, and Napolitana, all prepared in Roman style. The dough rests for three days before baking, giving each pizza its distinctive thin and crisp base. Among local favourites, pollo catupiry stands out, made with carefully prepared chicken and creamy Brazilian cheese.
A vegetarian option topped with courgette, aubergine, mushrooms, and peppers adds another layer of variety. To meet dietary needs, the menu also includes gluten-free alternatives sourced from a trusted supplier, reflecting the restaurant’s balance of tradition and creativity.
Even so, the enduring favourites remain Margherita and pepperoni, which together account for nearly 90 per cent of sales. While pepperoni is not typical in France, the owner’s homeland, in Paraguay it has become a staple for local enthusiasts. Beyond the main courses, desserts are equally refined, with crème brûlée, brownies, and the famous Nutella pizza creation maintaining the same high standards as the savoury menu.
The restaurant also offers a carefully curated drinks list, featuring Italian, Argentine, and French wines, as well as cocktails that range from timeless classics to inventive house creations. For those who prefer stronger options, whisky, cognac, and gin are available, with several premium labels imported directly from France. Non-alcoholic choices are included as well, ensuring that every visitor finds something to enjoy.
The style and atmosphere
The restaurant’s interior embraces an industrial theme, with exposed brick walls, visible piping, and iron furniture giving the space a modern edge. Wooden details soften the acoustics, ensuring that families can enjoy their meals in a pleasant and comfortable setting.
In addition to its regular operations, the venue can also be reserved for private events such as birthdays or corporate gatherings. This flexibility, combined with its distinctive design and warm atmosphere, makes it a versatile space where guests can relax, celebrate, and share memorable moments together.
What comes next
Although Eric does not plan to open additional branches, he does see room for growth at the current location in Asunción. Plans include expanding the premises and introducing new attractions, such as virtual reality experiences, to complement the dining offer.
For him, the future is about creating more reasons for people to come together, eat well, and celebrate life. “In Paraguay everything is a party, from birthdays to national holidays. I did not know that when I first arrived, but now I do. And Auténtica Pizzería is proud to be part of it.”
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asunción Times, you can enjoy a 10% discount simply by presenting your VIP Member Card, just one of the many VIP Member Benefits. Located at Eusebio Lillo Robles 2871 in the Ykua Sati district of Asunción, Auténtica Pizzería also offers convenient on-site parking for up to 50 vehicles.
Auténtica Pizzería opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 16:00 to 23:00
- Thursday: 16:00 to 23:00
- Friday: 16:00 to 00:00
- Saturday: 16:00 to 00:00
- Sunday: 16:00 to 22:00
For more information, check Auténtica Pizzería on Instagram.
