It’s hard to put into words just how incredible my experience at Ali Pacha was. As a vegan traveling in South America, I’ve been surprised at how many great options I’ve found, but this restaurant is on another level. Ali Pacha is hands down the best vegan dining experience I’ve ever had. The only reason it doesn’t have a Michelin star is that Michelin doesn’t cover Bolivia—because if they did, this place would absolutely have one.
Chef Veronica isn’t just creating incredible food—she personally visits each table, explaining every dish in detail, from the ingredients to the inspiration behind the flavors. You can feel how much passion and care she puts into every plate.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the meal was how certain ingredients made multiple appearances throughout the courses, yet never felt repetitive. A single element—maybe a root vegetable, a spice, or a fermented component—would be transformed and reintroduced in unexpected ways. What was once a crisp garnish might later reappear as a rich puree or an infused broth, revealing layers of depth and creativity in how flavors were built. Rather than being a coincidence, this felt like a quiet, deliberate mission—a commitment to sustainability that went beyond just using local produce. Instead of excess and waste, the menu celebrated the full potential of each ingredient, giving it multiple lives in a way that felt purposeful rather than forced.
I went for the top-tier tasting menu with the drink pairing, and it was the perfect balance of flavors, portions, and drinks. I left feeling satisfied, perfectly buzzed, and just genuinely happy. Every course was beautifully presented, and each bite was a new surprise.
The atmosphere is also spot on—cozy, moody, and inviting, without being the least bit pretentious. It’s a space where you can fully enjoy the meal and the experience without feeling like you need to be on your best behavior.
At the end of the meal, they brought out a small business card with a piece of rolled-up receipt paper tied to it with a natural fiber bow. Expecting the bill, I unrolled it and instead found a list of each course and its ingredients. It was such a thoughtful, almost poetic way to reflect on the meal—a simple keepsake that felt as carefully considered as the food itself. It’s something I’ll hold onto, a reminder of an unforgettable evening.
Ali Pacha is a true gem in La Paz—a restaurant that proves plant-based food can be just as creative and satisfying as anything else. Beyond just an incredible dining experience, it’s a reminder that food can be both indulgent and mindful, luxurious yet deeply connected to its roots. If you’re in the city, this is a must-visit. It’s one of those meals you’ll be thinking about long after...
Read moreThe tasting menu was ceative and original. The two of us ordered the 7 course meal with one alcoholic and one non alcoholic pairing. The tasting menu changes and this one was vegan with exotic ingredients ranging from Lake Titicaca seaweed to six month fermented potatoes. There was a corn polenta style dish with a crunchy side of fried hudks. Many exotic and interesting ingredients and I wish the restaurant would have provided a menu card describing each course...even if in Spanish only because the tried but struggled to explain the dishes in English. I realize a Spanish speaking country but it was VERY disappointing. Often two people would attempt to explain the dishes with limited success. A one page summary and would have been so much appreciated and would have provided a basis for hours of internet research. I say a missed opportunity.
The drinks were amazing. The non alcoholic pairings were very fruity and featured a variety of exotic syrups and Bolivian fruits. The alcohol pairings were a range of wines, a sparkling wine and craft bears and interesting and refreshing cocktails.
Pricey but an experience. One that would be enhanced with a detailed description of the dishes presented with the bill for a souvenir. Also very expensive by...
Read moreI was looking forward to discovering this restaurant for christmas night, drawn in by the enthusiastic reviews and recommendations, but I left quite disappointed, perhaps because I'm not a vegetarian. Although the chef’s creativity and his desire to combine flavors were evident, I found that almost all the dishes lacked depth in terms of taste. There was a clear intention to innovate, but something seemed to be missing in every plate, with the notable exception of the vegetable tartare, which was truly perfect. My companion also particularly enjoyed the last dessert.
We opted for the 10-course surprise menu with wine pairings, for a total of $170 USD ( obviously very expensive compared to the wine pairing) for two people. At this price, and after dining in restaurants offering impeccable gastronomic quality for less than $35 (2 entrances + 2 plate + 2 cocktails) for two like Manqu’a Restaurant. I expected a top-tier culinary experience. Perhaps my expectations were too high, after enjoying excellent meals elsewhere in La Paz.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the service was impeccable: attentive, professional, and pleasant, which certainly made our meal...
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