Nestled in the Las Mercedes neighbourhood of Asunción, Georges Pâtissier opened in 2021 with the aim of bringing authentic French pastry to local diners. Founded by Jorge Cardozo, who trained in France, Argentina, and Uruguay, the pastry shop combines techniques and flavours from each place. The venue soon earned a reputation for artistic presentation and premium products. Today, its menu reflects the chef’s journey and his passion for the craft.
Blending European refinement with a love for visual design, Cardozo set out to create an atmosphere as memorable as the food itself. From the delicate layers of a croissant to the precision of a macaron shell, every element is carefully considered. Its harmony of flavours and textures invites guests to savour each bite. As the café owner says, “It is not just about sweetness, it is about balance.” A philosophy reflected in every creation.
The roots of Georges Pâtissier
Jorge’s love for French desserts began before he ever touched a whisk. Initially drawn to visual arts, he later found a creative home in pâtisserie. France stood out for him due to its fusion of design, culture, and gastronomy. He studied at Gastronomicom, an institute that caters to international chefs, and honed his skills further during a prestigious internship in Lyon.
At Sébastien Bouillet, one of France’s most respected patisseries, Cardozo did not just refine his recipes, he developed the discipline and speed essential to the craft.
“It is a different level,” he says about the French kitchens. Back home, he faced the challenge of finding quality ingredients and building a trained team. Today, his staff of 12 works to maintain the high standards he brought back from Europe.
French pastry, adapted with intention
One of the most distinctive features of the venue is its approach to French confections. The keyword is not just a trend, it is the core identity of the café. Yet the chef does not aim for blind replication. “I always explain to customers it is French-inspired, not copy-pasted.” That approach shapes each tart, éclair, and mousse presented in the shop.
The sweetness levels, portion sizes, and flavour profiles are adjusted to suit local tastes. Instead of sugary overloads, his pastries focus on the ingredient’s essence, be it fruit, chocolate, or vanilla bean.
“People are surprised it is not too sweet,” he says, “but then they realise they can taste everything else better.” For the mind behind the concept, adaptation does not mean compromise, it means evolution.
Sweet and savoury highlights
The establishment is not only known for its delicate éclairs and elegant tarts, it also offers a robust savoury menu. Signature dishes include croissants filled with Toscano sausage, creamy chicken curry, or the rich Croque Madame served on house-made brioche. Sandwiches made with ciabatta and artisan breads round out the savoury options, with flavours ranging from caprese to slow-cooked pork shoulder with coffee and spice rub.
On the sweet side, the patisserie shines with French classics and seasonal creations. Macarons are available in twelve rotating flavours, while bestsellers include pistachio éclairs and the indulgent Chocolover cake. Tarts -lemon, apple, chocolate, or vanilla- showcase the head chef attention to flavour layering. Everything is made in-house, ensuring freshness and consistency in both the savoury and sweet selections.
Building a French atmosphere
Cardozo wanted the ambience to match the pastry, so he designed the place to evoke Paris. The Salón París features floral decor, soft lighting, and a custom mural showcasing icons like the Eiffel Tower and macarons. Subtle French jazz plays daily, immersing visitors in a sensory journey beyond just taste.
French expressions are scattered throughout the menu, offering charm and cultural depth. Some visitors even come to practise their French over coffee. The founder collaborates with local teachers, hosting conversation groups and themed events. He aims to bring French culture within easy reach, making it enjoyable even thousands of miles from Europe.
Weekend specials
The café does not limit itself to its daily menu, it also hosts weekend events that regularly attract a loyal crowd. On Fridays from 7 to 11 PM, the space transforms into a casual pizza spot, serving hand-stretched, Neapolitan-style pizzas. Guests can choose between à la carte options or the popular pizza corrida, a tasting format offering unlimited slices at a fixed price.
Sundays are reserved for brunch, served from 10 AM to 3 PM, with a wide variety of generous dishes. From eggs Benedict on house-made ciabatta to soft hotcakes and four-cheese omelettes, the selection is both refined and comforting. It is a relaxed yet flavourful way to close the week, and a tradition many customers now look forward to.
Looking forward, expanding slowly
Although expansion is in the long-term plan, Jorge’s focus remains on strengthening the foundation. Currently, renovations are underway to improve outdoor seating with a covered space. “You need to have a strong home before building more,” he reflects. For now, keeping service excellent is top priority.
Asunción’s culinary scene may be growing, but Georges Pâtissier has carved out its own quiet space: elegant, intentional, and distinct. With a focus on flavour over excess, and detail over speed, the establishment stands as proof that excellence does not need to shout. For anyone who arrives, the reward is not noise or spectacle, but the quiet satisfaction of true quality.
VIP Card benefits
VIP Members of The Asuncion Times enjoy a 10% discount at Georges Pâtissier simply by presenting their VIP card, just one of the many VIP Member Benefits. The establishment is located at Pitiantuta 1246, Las Mercedes in Asunción.
Georges Pâtissier opening hours
Monday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
For more information check Georges Pâtissier on Instagram.
