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    I Love Paraguay

    4.3 (263 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order I Love Paraguay Takeout or Delivery

    I Love Paraguay Photos

    Business Info

    I LOVE PARAGUAY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Travis T.

    The restaurant inside felt cozy and they had the FIFA World Cup on TV. I had the Paraguayan cheese cornbread which was pretty good. The fried yuca empanada with beef and egg was crispy and filling. When I tried to order the weekend special which was vora vora (fish soup), they were out of it unfortunately. Instead, I ordered the Pollo I Love Paraguay and it could've used a little more salt, but it was plated pretty well. It's nice to have a Paraguayan restaurant since Paraguayan food is very rare in the US.

    Pollo I Love Paraguay
    Mizan R.

    A great gem! Stepped in here and the ambiance is pretty and cozy. there was live music with a harp very romantic. The staff was kind and helpful. the food was even better. come on the weekend to try some vori vori. there was a bit of a wait time with the food but it came out perfect and i'll totally come back here

    Beef gnocchi
    Elizabeth S.

    The vibes of this place are great - it feels like a local small business joint. You can tell it's authentic. The place is small, but there are enough tables for dine in and you probably don't need a reservation. I love the gnocchi here. The first time I had it, I craved it after. The portions are big. We also love the corn cheese empanadas and they have great empanadas. We got the chipa guazu, which is a more egg-centric version of a regular corn bread. I think it was ok, but may not get it again. My friend also got the I Love Paraguay pollo, which she said was mid.

    Menu
    Vincent F.

    Came to order an empanadita platter. We ordered the Picada de empanaditas con salsas. The order came with 3 Beef, 3 chicken, 3 ham & cheese empanaditas, 3 small croquettes, and dipping sauces Also ordered a side of yuca for $3.50. Beef tastes the best, ham and cheese is okay, chicken is kindnof dry but okay with the sauce. Highly recommend as a appetizer/housewarming food.

    Chipa Almidon and empanada

    What a huge surprise to be here after hearing about it for years...I left Paraguay 40 years ago and this is a huge surprise. Ordered traditional finger foods chipa, mbeju and empanada

    Daimian D.

    It's an amazing place for Paraguay food. The food is Authentic and delicious! Staff in the place are very friendly and entertaining. I love the decor in the place. Feel so Paraguay! Highly recommended if you like Paraguay food and drink and life style.

    Samantha C.

    Can I give them 10 stars?!?!? The I Love Paraguay chicken is one of my favorite dishes of all time. Yes, I said it! I didn't know what I was in for. I didn't know what to get. But the friend who took me here for a belated birthday dinner, who often frequents here himself, told me what to get and did not steer me wrong. The place itself is charming and pays homage to it's culture. The sangria was fire and I could have had a pitcher to myself. Don't worry, I behaved. Other stand out dishes were the empanadas with heart of palm and the cheesy rice. Best part was that the servings were huge. Leftovers were had the following day and they were just as good if not better. I love when that happens.

    Picada de carne y chorizo
    Jessica C.

    The boyfriend & I were looking for a dinner spot around 8:40 ish and saw this placed closed at 10pm, so we went in. There were about two servers in the dining area cleaning around. There were no customers. They immediately sat us down and let us know the kitchen closed in a few minutes. So I guess they stop orders by 9pm? Although they closed at 10pm. Due to the time limitations, we had to quickly pick an item. We ordered three empanadas. They were each Spinach, beef, possibly potato/onion. They were a good size and good flavors. Next we got the Picada. This was pretty big and shareable for two. The empanadas actually got us full that we immediately knew we were not going to be able to finish the picada. It was also very greasy so my boyfriend was not taking too many bites. He did get thirsty and unfortunately they didn't give us refills of water. He ended up drinking from my cup. Then I became thirsty. The servers were in the middle of cleaning up and throwing out the trash. They were a little too focused on closing up than checking up on us. When they finally did, we were ready for the check. Would I come back? Not too sure. I focus a lot on customer service. If we don't get checked up on while being the only customers, imagine when it's an earlier time and there are several tables they are serving? I was stuck with a 3 and a 4 star. Wish there was a half of star! I will say the place was nicely decorated :).

    Ensalada I Love Paraguay i.e. Ensalada Russa. Tasty version of this dish
    Glenn C.

    I went to this fun Paraguayan spot a good while ago and our group shared a bunch of dishes. The staff was friendly and to drink I had one of their juices. I'm not sure which juice I had but I remember it being pretty good (possibly passion fruit.) Most of the food came out pretty quickly and the portion sizes for most dishes were decent allowing them to be shared. We mostly ordered picada which translates to chopped along with a few other dishes. The best of the chopped dishes and probably the best dish overall was the Picada de Carne y Chorizo. This consisted of small pieces of skirt steak, sausage, fried yuca, and French fries. The skirt steak was tender and the sausage was slightly smoky while the fried yuca were in small chunks and the fries were served as steak fries. They paired well together and the salsas helped with the richness. Very tasty overall. There was also the Picada de Empanaditas con Salsas for $21 which came with 3 types of mini empanadas (i.e. said empanaditas) along with 3 croquettes/croquetas with some dipping sauces. The empanada fillings included beef, chicken, and ham and cheese with my preference being in that exact order with the ham and cheese/jamon y queso still being pretty good though maybe a tad salty. The presentation was fun also with miniature flags describing the fillings of each one. The final type of picada we ordered was the Picada de Marinerita with steak covered in Paraguayan tortilla dough, sopa paraguaya, and more yuca though plain instead of fried. This was our least favorite of the bunch with the steak not being nearly as tender being actually rather chewy with the tortilla dough not adding much. The yuca was fine in there being more of a starch filler though at least it was a different texture than the other yuca we had. My favorite part was the sopa which essentially was Paraguayan cornbread which was tender with a slightly sweet taste and I would I have preferred that as a side over the entire dish. Outside of the picada, my other favorite dish was the Ensalada I Love Paraguay with white/purple cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, yellow and green peppers, palm, oregano, feta cheese, and red onion (with some mayo also) for $13. This was their version of ensalada rusa i.e. Russian/Olivier salad which I've had it in some other spots. This was refreshing compared to the rest of the meal with a good crunch from the cabbage and helped with all the fried foods. I would recommend. My other least favorite dish was the Pollo I Love Paraguay which consists of chicken in curry sauce served with white rice for $20. I would say this was the only dish that I thought was a bit overpriced. The curry was mild as expected. The chicken was a bit bland and honestly a bit overcooked. I would skip it. After paying for the rest of the meal, I got one of their Pionono for $6 to go. Also listed as a Dulce de Leche Roll, this was a moist sponge cake with said milk caramel swirled all around it. Tasty and a good snack with a good texture and I likely would stop in here just to pick up one of these if I lived in the neighborhood and I was looking for something sweet but not too sweet. Hard to dislike the food here though I would like to try some other things next time and not just primarily the finger food. Mid 3

    Empanadas. Jamon y queso was yum yum yum!!!
    SH C.

    It took me back to Paraguay. Service is superb. Food is authentic. Ambiance nice. Would go there once a week if it was closer to home.

    Picada de carne y chorizo
    Jessica F.

    What a great neighborhood find! It was incredibly cozy and homey. The restaurant isn't too big but all the tables were filled and the service was quick. My friend and I shared everything. We ordered the red sangria which was very good. The sopa paraguaya was springy and tasty. The pollo empanada was good. We also got a mixed grill of beef, chorizo, yucca and fries and it was phenomenal. The beef and yucca being the stars. The whole meal was incredibly affordable. Will certainly come back to try more menu items.

    a basket of bread and a bottle of sauce
    Danesh I.

    You know a restaurant from a particular nation is excellent when it gets love from people in that nation thousands of miles away. Paraguay is one of the nations closest to my heart and whenever I want to mentally be back in Asunción among dear friends, I make my way to Sunnyside on the weekends and order vori vori. It's hard not to be enamored by I Love Paraguay because they deliver on all facets in terms of food, service and ambiance. The space is cozy by vibrant and the staff are very hospitable and helpful, but the food delivers each and every single time no matter what you order. I've visited several times and made my way across the menu but I still have so many things that will keep me coming back. The soups and traditional dishes here are superb and whether you want meat, pasta, small bites, or even dessert, I Love Paraguay hits the spot. The gnocchi are definitely a must try and their chipa guazu is delicious along with any and all of their empanadas! Definitely one of the more unique restaurants in Queens that's far beyond just the novelty of being one of the few Paraguayan spots in town. You'll leave here content and be back time and again. Love this place!

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    2 months ago

    the chipa and mbeju were amazing, tasted very authentic!! the interior was also decorated nicely

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    1 year ago

    Amazing, authentic and delicious. if you love paraguayan food, or a decadent dining experience, it is a must- try!

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    Tikal - # . Chiles rellenos de pollo #36. Pupusas De Loroco

    Tikal

    4.7(35 reviews)
    2.8 miUpper East Side, Yorkville

    Tokal is an adorable Guatemalan restaurant on the upper east side that can be easy to miss walking…read morepast it but you'll be glad you didn't. Tikal holds a special place in my heart because of my Guatemalan heritage and how close the flavors get to feeling like I'm enjoying my family's cooking. I've been to Tikal on two separate occasions, once in the winter and again in the summer. Both experiences have been consistent with how the staff treat their customers and how flavorful the food is. In the winter the Atol de elote is warm and comforting. A recommendation I would give especially in the colder months. In the summer, try the Jamaica. Refreshing and the perfect amount of sweetness. If you want authentic flavors, the majority of the things on the menu will give you a Guatemalan experience, all the way down to the tortillas. I'd love to go back and try more menu items but for now the pepian and chile relleno are solid choices. If you have room for dessert, definitely get the the rellenito!

    Really great authentic food!…read more There aren't many Guatemalan food spots in Manhattan so Tikal is definitely a gem. Yummy, home cooked, family vibes is how I would describe the food and the restaurant. The owner is also very friendly and service is speedy! We had the chicken en pulique and the chicken was so incredibly moist and fall of the bone tender. The tortillas also seem fresh and handmade which is amazing as well. I loved the cuchito. The empanada is very nice in that it's different from the typical wheat empanadas you see in NYC since it is made of corn. The loroco pupusa is something I would definitely come back for too. Essentially, everything was delicious!

    Photos
    Tikal - Inside of resto

    Inside of resto

    Tikal - Kaq'ik de Pavo (comes with rice and tortillas) and frijoles volteados

    Kaq'ik de Pavo (comes with rice and tortillas) and frijoles volteados

    Tikal - Indoor seating

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    Indoor seating

    Empanada Mama - El Jefe

    Empanada Mama

    3.9(29 reviews)
    2.6 miUpper East Side, Yorkville

    For $12 and change for an empanada and fruit milkshake, I actually was fuller than I expected to…read morebe. The light meal wasn't as light as I thought and that's a good thing. The empanada is thin, crispy shell served piping hot and stuffed with meat and cheese while the shake was thick, refreshing and perfectly tart. Service was efficient and the place was clean and bright, perfect for looking out the window and people watching.

    Like a lot of food establishments on the UES, everyone is getting delivery and if you walk in and…read moretry to dine in, your food order takes longer than the stacks of pickups that are being churned out even if you're getting something super simple like a small container of rice and beans. The dine in folks are never prioritized. I have enjoyed shakes, rice and bean combos, veggie and meat empanadas here. Today's service felt off because the air-conditioning wasn't working inside and it was at least 10 degrees hotter inside than the hot sidewalk. The middle-aged cashier/attendant had a hearing issue or was slow on the pickup because they entered my order incorrectly on the cash register and made me repeat everything 1-2 times (what? what?) or speak louder than I typically would. The food itself was fine but the avocado shake I ordered was not tasty at all. I am not sure if it was added ingredients, the quality of the avocado itself, the lack of ice or cold water in the mix but it was undrinkable. I asked for a refund because it tasted SO horrible I did not want another sip and the cashier gave me a look like that wouldn't be possible so I asked for ice but there was no saving the terrible shake. I returned to ask for a refund and you would think that I asked for something never heard before. The cashier said that I can step away because this is going to take awhile. They texted and called a manager and after awhile returned to tell me they couldn't reach that person. I don't understand why they can't issue refunds at point of sale. You have my credit card and the transaction number. After a longer wait, I finally insisted on some method of resolution and they gave me cash back. I generally like their food and would like to support this place but today was an off putting experience.

    Photos
    Empanada Mama - Inside

    Inside

    Empanada Mama - El Jefe

    El Jefe

    Empanada Mama - Bourbon Chicken Melt

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    Bourbon Chicken Melt

    Don Coqui - Coconut Shrimp appetizer

    Don Coqui

    3.4(197 reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $$$

    Food was excellent, ambiance wonderful. We had the rum-glazed pork chop and the rum-glazed salmon…read more-- both delicious and cooked just right. Great service by Kervin, and the entire staff was attentive and made sure the atmosphere was lively. Highly recommend!

    What an excellent spot!…read more I've been here a few times - both for just drinks and most recently for dinner. The vibes here are excellent - the space is beautifully decorated, clean, and the outdoor patio is gorgeous, especially in the summertime. The cocktails are all extremely creative and delicious (although I do think a little on the weak side). The last time I was here was for a birthday dinner. We were a large party of 8 women, and all the staff was very accommodating towards us. The food/drinks came out quickly, and they even gave my friend a big ol' birthday celebration complete with a firework candle and a light-up sign. The food is pretty decent - Spanish and Hispanic mostly, with a Caribbean flair. Standouts were the coconut shrimp (which came on a clothes hanger), the steak and tostones, and the ropa vieja. The only real downside of Don Coqui is the price of everything. The bill (with a 20% tip added for a large party) was just shy of 600 dollars, and this was for a table of appetizers and cocktails. Also, the valet parking for 15 dollars is wild, especially when there is a free lot available mere steps away. if you're feeling a little bougie, this is a great spot to grab a drink and get some great photos!

    Photos
    Don Coqui - Interior

    Interior

    Don Coqui
    Don Coqui - Beautiful view

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    Beautiful view

    Chica & The Don - Quesadilla Short Rib

    Chica & The Don

    4.4(98 reviews)
    3.5 miFlatiron
    $$$

    Need a good vibe, well here's a great spot. From the time you walk in the door you want to just…read moredance. Bar service is get the bartender gave off of few recommendations. We tried The Don and PAPAYA EN LA PLAYA. The Don is on the sweet side and the papaya en la playa is on the less sweet side but still that fruity taste. For the starters we did the ceviche and the blue crab tostada. Both 10/10. The tostada is a tad on the lemony side For the main dish we had the carne Asada and catch of the day. The steak was perfect great flavor but the salt added on at the top was a bit too much. The catch of the day was branzino it was really good the skin had a nice crunch to it the coconut sauce was good but more was needed. The fish comes by its self so ordered a side of rice and pink beans. Most of there dishes don't come with and side and to spend $42-$50 on a plate I should at least get some kind of side.

    Camden was doing her thing running the whole restaurant including seating customers, taking orders,…read morechecking in and even doing the birthday shoutouts. She was very sweet, attentive and kept the wheels running on this thing. Brahim also made the experience super elegant with the presentation and concoction of the drinks. I wouldn't even say they were drinks but more so libations prepared by mixologists. They were pretty impressive especially the drink with the fermented milk. Food was also quite delicious. I noticed the menu was slightly different from a while ago. The shrimp with the tostones was amazing. The flavor of the juice was out of this world and paired perfectly together. The ambiance is also 'chic' and cute so very nice for dates, a night out with the girls, celebrating an event or birthday of course.

    Photos
    Chica & The Don - Bathroom

    Bathroom

    Chica & The Don
    Chica & The Don - Watermelon Margarita

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    Watermelon Margarita

    Inca Paisa - Bandeja Paisa

    Inca Paisa

    3.8(73 reviews)
    1.7 miAstoria
    $$

    This is a Colombian restaurant that is walking distance from The Noguchi Museum. You get to view…read morebeautiful works of art then dine on some delicious Colombian food and good music which does get quite loud especially on weekends since there is a DJ set. Their menu offers an array of dishes ranging from small bites to feast for the eyes and your belly. One dish or rather protein that is a focal point in their menu is chicken since they serve a lean cut of chicken breast or rotisserie chicken paired with rice and other sides. Do prepare your stomach to feast at this restaurant and your ears to listen to some lively music while dining. The servers are very sweet, attentive, and patient for first timer such as myself visiting this restaurant especially in this NYC heat. But I do speak Spanish and part of my family is from Colombia so it was a plus and flex for me since I got to connect more with them. Overall, this restaurant is ideal spot to dine at after visiting The Noguchi Museum. That's my personal recommendation since you get to feed the mind with art history then feed yourself with some delicious Colombian food.

    I've been to Inca Paisa before, and unfortunately it has never been my first choice. The only…read morereason I return is because it's my grandmother's preferred restaurant since she lives nearby. We arrived around 6:20-6:30 p.m. There were plenty of open tables, but we weren't seated until much later. During that time, the male waiter seemed more concerned with other tasks. He was seating a woman whose party of six hadn't yet arrived, going back and forth to the kitchen, handing out receipts, and collecting menus. After all of that, he finally approached us--not to seat us--but to ask, "How long are you going to take?" I replied, "Sir, we're here to eat." He responded that the side tables were for people watching the game. I explained that we were there to dine, as this is a restaurant. Even after we were seated, he avoided our table completely. He took the order of a table that had been seated after us while we continued waiting. About 20 minutes later, a female waitress noticed we had not been helped and took over our table. She was attentive, professional, and the only reason we received service. After placing our order, we waited about an hour for our entrées. The food was also underwhelming. The Papa a la Huancaína came with an excessive amount of sauce and very few potatoes. The Ceviche Mixto lacked the bright citrus flavor that ceviche should have. My grandmother, who is very familiar with Peruvian cuisine, found it bland, and even after taking it home we couldn't improve it. The Bistec Encebollado was slightly too salty for our taste. The beans simply weren't to my liking, though that's a matter of personal preference. Another issue is the dining room layout. The seating is extremely tight, to the point where it feels like you're almost elbow-to-elbow with the tables next to you, making the experience feel cramped. Overall, this visit was disappointing. Between the slow and inattentive service, the long wait for food, the cramped seating, and several disappointing dishes, the experience did not justify the visit. The female waitress deserves recognition for stepping in when we had been overlooked, but unfortunately she couldn't make up for the rest of the experience.

    Photos
    Inca Paisa - Happy Customers

    Happy Customers

    Inca Paisa - Badeja paisa

    Badeja paisa

    Inca Paisa - Nice atmosphere and good decor. Music is varied.

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    Nice atmosphere and good decor. Music is varied.

    I Love Paraguay - latin - Updated September 2026

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