Some of the most beautiful things in life begin at the table. For Viviana Estigarribia Ortiz, Sobremesa was born fittingly, during a long family lunch, in the quiet joy that follows a meal shared with loved ones. That moment of connection, laughter, and lingering conversation gave the café its name, its heart, and its mission.
“Sobremesa is about sharing,” says Viviana.
A professional marketer and pastry chef, Viviana’s path to founding Sobremesa began not with a business plan, but with a diagnosis, two, in fact. “My sister was diagnosed with coeliac disease, and I found out I was gluten-intolerant,” she shares. That discovery changed her kitchen forever.
From diagnosis to passion: a personal journey
“In 2018, I switched all of my gluten-based recipes to gluten-free. At that time, I was still working as a Brand Manager for a beauty company, but I knew I wanted to do something that mattered to me. I wanted to show that our products could be delicious and suitable for the whole family, not just for someone with a restriction.”
Her inspiration came from combining her own dietary restriction with her deep love for going out for coffee and having afternoon treats. “Particularly, I love going out for a coffee, and there are no coffee shops in Paraguay where everything is gluten-free, with the freedom to choose what to eat. I wanted to create a place that had everything I enjoy, along with a good cup of speciality coffee”, she explains.
With studies completed at O’Hara and in Buenos Aires, and now pursuing a master’s degree in gluten-free baking from a Spanish culinary school, Viviana has poured her knowledge, heart and ambition into every product served at Sobremesa.
A space that feels like home
The first small Sobremesa shop opened its doors in 2022. “It was just a small model, but the demand grew quickly,” Viviana recalls. In 2024, she launched a larger café in the Bernardino Caballero neighbourhood of Asunción, and in March 2025, a second branch opened at Paseo Manantiales.
What sets Sobremesa apart, is not just its 100% gluten-free menu, but the warmth that fills the space. “The concept is for everything to feel handmade, like something you’d eat at home, in a fresh and relaxed atmosphere,” she explains. With music playing softly in the background and open patios where customers can sit surrounded by greenery, both cafés feel more like cosy living rooms than commercial businesses.
“We want people to feel safe, comfortable and welcome. That’s why we take cross-contamination very seriously. Everything is truly gluten-free.”
A menu everyone can enjoy
At Sobremesa, the food is made for everyone, coeliac or not. “I want people to try something new, a different dessert, and not feel excluded. Our food invites others in,” Viviana says.
The café’s bestsellers include its signature gluten-free breads, chicken sandwiches, cheese puffs, and buttery medialunas. “Our pizzas and empanadas are prepared fresh daily and only take ten minutes to serve hot,” she adds. Birthday cakes are also a top choice, often ordered days in advance.
Every bite is a blend of comfort and craftsmanship. “I love developing new recipes,” Viviana says. “It’s challenging, but so rewarding, to create something, package it, do the photo shoot, and then release it with full confidence in its quality.”
Made with intention, served with care
Sobremesa’s values go beyond ingredients. “Honesty, empathy, service, and responsibility, those are our core values,” Viviana says. “We know we’re dealing with special food, and it requires special care.”
The café has also become a hub for community events. From Valentine’s Day and Spring Day gatherings to partnerships with medical labs, coffee brands and the Coeliac Foundation, Sobremesa welcomes collaborations that align with its ethos. “We’re always open to brands that want to create something meaningful here.”
All ingredients used are either locally sourced or imported through registered distributors, ensuring safety and traceability.
Sobremesa’s journey is only just beginning. “We would love to open more cafés across the country,” Viviana says. “We want to reach more people and more cities with what we believe in.”
What makes the coffee shop truly unique is the way it turns dietary restrictions into joyful, inclusive experiences. “We offer flavour, safety, top-quality coffee, and even serve our drinks in beautiful Paraguayan handmade ceramic cups,” says Viviana. “It’s good food, at a good price, in a good place.”
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP Member of The Asuncion Times, you get a 15% discount at Sobremesa, just by showing your VIP Member card – one of many VIP Member Benefits. The coffee shop opens Monday to Saturday, opening hours differ depending on the locations. It typically closes on public holidays unless stated otherwise on their social media.
Sobremesa opening hours and locations
📍 33 Orientales 394, esquina 25 de Mayo – Bernardino Caballero
Mon–Tues 9:00–19:30 | Wed–Sat 9:00–19:30
Sucursal Paseo Manantiales
📍 Perinciolo Merlo – Barrio San Jorge – Paseo Manantiales
Mon–Sat 7:00–20:30
In Paraguay, those living with coeliac disease still face limited dining options compared to those without the diagnosis. But at Sobremesa no one has to second-guess a menu or feel excluded at the table.
Sobremesa offers something far more meaningful than a meal, it offers peace of mind, and the simple joy of enjoying food, freely and fully.
For more information check Sobremesa on Instagram.
