Located at the intersection of Córdoba and Carlos Thays avenues, in the heart of Puerto Iguazú’s gastronomic district, Aqva Restaurant has established itself as a benchmark for the culinary identity of the Misiones province. Founded in 2006 by the Antonio family, the establishment was created with the purpose of elevating the region’s typical products into a fine-dining experience, moving away from the traditional Argentine steakhouse model to focus on the biodiversity of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers.

The central pillar of its gastronomic offering is river fish. The menu highlights native species such as surubí, pacú, and dorado, which are caught in local basins and prepared using techniques aimed at emphasizing their natural texture and flavor. Among the most representative preparations are surubí ravioli and stuffed pacú with asparagus gratin, served with onion jam and a fresh heart of palm ragout. This use of heart of palm, an iconic product of the area, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to utilizing the resources of the surrounding rainforest environment.

In addition to fish, Aqva’s kitchen systematically integrates other pillars of Misiones’ production. Mandioca (or cassava) appears in various forms, from fried and sautéed to purées, accompanying beef dishes such as the herb-crusted bife de chorizo. The use of yerba mate transcends the traditional infusion to be incorporated into the creation of sophisticated desserts. A notable example is the ‘Caayucayari,’ a creation that combines yerba mate crème brûlée, caramelized cassava with toasted almonds, and a yerba mate and Cointreau foam.

The architecture and interior design of the premises reinforce this connection with the territory. The use of native woods predominates in both the facade and the furniture, creating a warm atmosphere that recalls the architecture of the region’s old houses. The space is designed to offer an intimate experience for individual diners, but it also possesses the logistical capacity to host corporate groups, always maintaining a professional service standard recognized by local tourism authorities.

Aqva plays an active role in the Puerto Iguazú community. It is a fundamental member of the local Gastronomic Circuit and regularly participates in events such as ‘Comer es un Placer’ and the Iguazú Gastronomic Week. Furthermore, the restaurant has provided logistical and gastronomic support to large-scale cultural events like the international ‘Iguazú en Concierto’ festival. Through its network of local suppliers, the establishment supports the regional economy of small-scale cassava and heart of palm producers, as well as artisanal fishermen, positioning gastronomy as a driver of sustainable development in the Triple Frontier area.