BoliviaSeptember 20, 2025, by Margot van Heijst

Restaurant Gustu in La Paz: a culinary must-visit in Bolivia

Bolivia, September 20, 2025, by Margot van Heijst

Restaurant Gustu in La Paz: a culinary must-visit in Bolivia

Gustu opened its doors in 2012, founded by none other than Claus Meyer—a major player in the gastronomy world, but if you don't know him: he's the man behind Noma, also known as the world-famous restaurant that was voted the best in the world an impressive five times (!). Sadly, it closed in 2025. But his mission in Bolivia? To put Bolivian cuisine on the map worldwide, and Restaurant Gustu is succeeding quite well.

Straight from Bolivian soil

Straight from Bolivian soil

The name says it all: Gustu means "taste" in Quechua, the indigenous language of the Andes. Everything you'll find on your plate comes straight from Bolivian soil. Think Amazon fish, Andean tubers (aka, a vast variety of potatoes), llama, tumbo (a type of passion fruit), and native herbs and flowers like kiswara and chamomile. Gustu operates according to the Kilometre Cero principle: all ingredients are sourced locally from producers and farmers in the region. This way, you get a taste of Bolivia in its purest form.

Exciting, different and a bit scary

Exciting, different and a bit scary

The menu is an adventure in itself. It features several dishes you won't encounter every day, and you really have to be brave enough to try them: duck embryo, caiman tail, and… guinea pig. Exciting, unusual, and sometimes a little scary, but definitely an experience you'll remember. Best of all: what would cost you an arm and a leg in Europe, you can eat for next to nothing here.

More than a good restaurant

More than a good restaurant

But Gustu is more than just a good restaurant. Farmers are personally invited to see (and taste!) what's made with their produce—all at Gustu's expense. Young people also receive professional instruction and training through projects like Manq'a Schools, Sabores Silvestres, and the Boot Camps in Service Program. This way, Gustu helps them grow and simultaneously creates sustainable food projects. It strengthens Bolivian culinary identity and actively involves local communities in everything that ends up on your plate. Doing good tastes even better.

In short: Gustu is a place where taste, innovation, and social impact converge. For both connoisseurs and daredevils: this is an experience you won't soon forget.