In this guide
For lunch or dinner in Mariano Roque Alonso you have three clear areas: the places along Route PY03 (the old Transchaco), the mall food courts, and the fish eateries of Remanso on the Paraguay River. Choose by the plan (quick lunch, family dinner or a riverside meal) and check today's hours before you head out.
Where should you eat in Mariano Roque Alonso?
- Along Route PY03: the old Transchaco runs through the city, lined with businesses on both sides (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). It's the practical choice if you're passing through toward Limpio, the north or the Chaco, or leaving work.
- In the malls: the city has two shopping centers that draw people from Limpio, Luque, Villa Hayes and Asunción (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Shopping Mariano, at km 14 of Route PY03, had a food court with more than 14 outlets and over 1,000 seats in 2023 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Handy for groups who can't agree and on rainy days.
- In Remanso: the San Rafael barrio, near the Remanso bridge, is known for its fish eateries (see below).
What do people eat in Remanso?
ABC Color calls Remanso a must-stop in the city: eateries with a view of the Paraguay River and sometimes musicians playing polkas while you eat (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Surubí (a large river catfish) stew is one of the most ordered dishes; there is usually milanesa, chupín (fish stew), grilled surubí, empanadas and croquettes too. Many of these eateries grew out of fishing families, and you can also buy fish to take home.
It's the place for a long weekend lunch. Ask about the fish of the day and whether a dish is meant for sharing.
Where should you have dinner in Mariano Roque Alonso?
For dinner, think first about how you'll get back. Places on the route and in the malls are the easiest to reach at night and usually have parking. If you want dinner in Remanso, check first whether they open in the evening, since lunch is their strong suit.
With kids, the food court is quick: everyone picks their own, and there are restrooms and plenty of seats.
What changes in July during the Expo?
The Expo run by the Asociación Rural del Paraguay and the Unión Industrial Paraguaya takes place in Mariano Roque Alonso, traditionally in July; in 2024 it ran July 6 to 21 (Prensa Mercosur (opens in a new tab)) and organizers expected about 800,000 visitors over its 21 days (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). During those weeks the route gets congested and nearby restaurants fill up. If you're not going to the Expo, eat early or pick a place away from the grounds.
How do you avoid the route traffic?
PY03 links the city with Limpio and with San Pedro, Amambay and Cordillera, and the stretch toward Limpio was widened with viaducts and a roundabout (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). At rush hour, a restaurant on the side of the road you'll drive home on saves a U-turn. Coming from Asunción, leave before the evening peak or stay for dinner until it clears.
What should you check before you go?
- Today's hours: Sundays and public holidays differ, especially at lunchtime.
- Booking: for large groups or Sunday lunch, send a WhatsApp message first.
- Payment: ask whether they take cards or QR; carry some cash in guaraníes.
- Covered or air-conditioned seating: it matters in summer and when it rains.
- Kids' or vegetarian options, if someone in your group needs them.
- Recent reviews, not just star ratings from years ago.
FAQ
Where can I have dinner in Mariano Roque Alonso?
Places along Route PY03 and the mall food courts are the easiest at night and usually have parking. In Remanso, check first whether they open in the evening.
Where can I eat fish in Mariano Roque Alonso?
In Remanso, San Rafael barrio, near the bridge: riverside eateries where surubí stew is a favorite.
Do I need to book a restaurant in Mariano Roque Alonso?
For large groups, Sunday lunch or Expo weeks in July, yes: send a WhatsApp message first.
When are restaurants busiest?
During the Expo, traditionally held in July, and at rush hour on Route PY03.
