Quick answers — eating in Santiago
- Best restaurant overall
- Boragó
- Best value
- Bocanáriz (CLP 30,000 - 50,000 / USD 35 - 55 (à la carte))
- Strongest cuisines
- Mexican & Latin, Asian fusion, Seafood, Steak & grill
- Dishes to try
- Pastel de Choclo, Empanadas, Caldillo de Congrio, Cazuela
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book 3-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations, as tables fill quickly.
Booking several weeks in advance is advisable for top establishments, particularly on weekends. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to business casual. Tipping is generally 10% for good service. Dinner hours usually commence around 7:30 PM, with most guests arriving between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in Santiago
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
Boragó
Acclaimed local fine diningChilean Avant-Garde · Vitacura · CLP 160,000 - 200,000 / USD 170 - 210 (tasting menu)
Rodolfo Guzmán
Boragó is a seminal force in Latin American gastronomy, dedicated to showcasing Chile's unique biodiversity. Chef Guzmán's 'Endemic Chilean' tasting menu is a journey through landscapes and seasons, utilizing ingredients often foraged from remote regions. The minimalist, earth-toned decor complements the natural focus of the cuisine, making it an essential Santiago experience.
Order: Territorial 'Kolla' Milk Ice Cream, Patagonia Rosehip Soup
Ambrosía
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Chilean · Vitacura · CLP 45,000 - 70,000 / USD 50 - 75 (à la carte)
Carolina Bazán
Ambrosía presents a sophisticated, yet approachable, take on modern Chilean cuisine. Chef Bazán's dishes are characterized by precise technique and vibrant flavors, often reinterpreting traditional recipes with a contemporary flair. The warm, inviting ambiance and attentive service make it a local favorite for both special occasions and refined everyday dining. The menu adapts seasonally.
Order: Grilled Octopus with Potato Cream, Ravioli with Truffle and Parmesan
Sarita Colonia
Acclaimed local fine diningPeruvian-Chilean Fusion · Barrio Bellavista · CLP 35,000 - 55,000 / USD 40 - 60 (à la carte)
Juan Manuel Pena Passadore
Sarita Colonia offers a vibrant, eclectic dining experience with a strong Peruvian influence, fused with Chilean flavors and a touch of Asian inspiration. The decor is whimsical and colorful, reflecting the namesake's cult figure status. Dishes are bold, creative, and generously portioned, making it a lively and memorable culinary adventure in a unique setting.
Order: Tiradito Aji Amarillo, Lomo Saltado del Pacífico
Bocanáriz
Acclaimed local fine diningChilean with Wine Pairing · Barrio Lastarria · CLP 30,000 - 50,000 / USD 35 - 55 (à la carte)
Benjamín Galecio
Primarily a wine bar with an extensive selection of Chilean wines, Bocanáriz also offers a thoughtful menu of small plates and larger dishes designed to complement its viticultural offerings. The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, with knowledgeable sommeliers, makes it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking fine food.
Order: Selection of Chilean Cheeses, Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
La Mesa Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Chilean · Providencia · CLP 40,000 - 65,000 / USD 45 - 70 (à la carte)
Renato Peralta
La Mesa offers a contemporary dining experience focused on reinventing Chilean classics with modern techniques and a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The elegant and minimalist interior provides a refined backdrop for a menu that balances tradition with innovation. It's known for its consistent quality and a well-curated wine list featuring Chilean producers.
Order: Pescado a la Plancha with Risotto, Ossobuco with Polenta
Asian fusion
Best Asian fusion restaurants in Santiago
Fusion kitchens work across Asian traditions rather than inside one — best judged on whether the combinations actually taste deliberate.
040 Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Fusion · Barrio Bellavista · CLP 60,000 - 90,000 / USD 65 - 95 (tasting menu)
Álvaro Romero
Located discreetly above a speakeasy bar, 040 offers an intimate and theatrical dining experience. The tasting menu, focusing on seasonal ingredients, blends European techniques with Latin American influences, creating innovative flavor combinations. The dimly lit, urban-chic setting enhances the sense of discovery, making it a compelling choice for adventurous palates.
Order: Scallops with Cauliflower Cream, Pigeon with Beetroot and Berries
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Santiago
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
La Calma
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood · Vitacura · CLP 50,000 - 80,000 / USD 55 - 85 (à la carte)
Ignacio Ovalle
La Calma is revered for its exceptional focus on Chilean seafood, sourced directly from the country's extensive coastline. The cooking prioritizes freshness and clean flavors, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. The elegant, understated setting provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying exquisitely prepared fish and shellfish, reflecting the bounty of the Pacific.
Order: Ceviche of the Day, Grilled Congrio (Chilean Sea Eel)
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Santiago
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
Cuerovaca
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse · Vitacura · CLP 40,000 - 70,000 / USD 45 - 75 (à la carte)
Cuerovaca is Santiago's premier destination for high-quality grilled meats, particularly Argentine and local cuts. The restaurant prides itself on perfectly cooked steaks, accompanied by a comprehensive wine list. The rustic-chic decor, with leather accents and warm lighting, creates an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere ideal for savoring robust flavors and generous portions.
Order: Ojo de Bife (Ribeye), Entraña (Skirt Steak)
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Santiago
Fuente Alemana
Famous for its hearty lomitos (pork sandwiches) and Barros Luco (beef and cheese) sandwiches, served with a selection of condiments. Expect generous portions and a lively atmosphere for around CLP 8,000 - 12,000 per sandwich.
La Piojera
An iconic, boisterous dive bar known for its 'Terremoto' cocktail (fermented wine, pineapple ice cream, grenadine). Enjoy empanadas or choripán alongside the local drink for approximately CLP 3,000 - 6,000 per item.
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering fresh seafood dishes, especially at restaurants like 'Donde Augusto'. Try the Paila Marina (seafood stew) or fried fish, with prices typically ranging from CLP 10,000 - 20,000 per plate.
El Hoyo
A traditional Chilean 'picada' serving classic comfort food like 'Plateada' (slow-cooked beef) and 'Lengua' (beef tongue). It’s an authentic experience for around CLP 8,000 - 15,000 per main dish.
Liguria
A beloved Santiago institution with multiple locations, offering a mix of traditional Chilean dishes, pasta, and excellent sandwiches in a vibrant, old-world pub setting. Dishes are typically CLP 9,000 - 18,000.
Local dishes
What to eat in Santiago
Pastel de Choclo
A comforting Chilean casserole featuring a sweet corn purée topping over a savory filling of ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Baked until golden, it’s a staple of traditional home cooking, especially hearty during cooler months. Find excellent versions at establishments like Juan y Medio, known for its traditional Chilean fare.
Empanadas
Chilean empanadas are typically larger and baked, not fried. The most common variety is 'pino,' filled with ground beef, onions, olives, and a hard-boiled egg. Other popular fillings include cheese or seafood. They are a ubiquitous snack or light meal. El Emporio Zunino is famed for its delicious and generously filled empanadas.
Caldillo de Congrio
A flavorful fish stew made with conger eel, potatoes, onions, carrots, and a touch of cream. Immortalized by Pablo Neruda in an ode, it's a beloved Chilean dish, especially popular in coastal areas and Santiago's seafood markets. Donde Augusto in Mercado Central is a classic spot to savor this traditional preparation.
Cazuela
A robust and warming Chilean stew, typically featuring a large piece of meat (beef, chicken, or pork), a potato, half a corn on the cob, green beans, and rice, all simmered in a rich broth. It's deeply satisfying and considered comfort food, perfect for a hearty lunch. La Piojera offers a rustic, authentic experience for this dish.
Choripán
A simple yet delicious street food staple: grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll, often topped with pebre (a fresh salsa of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili). It's a popular snack at barbecues, markets, and football matches. You can find excellent choripán at roadside stands or local ferias across the city.
Completo
Chile's highly embellished hot dog. A grilled sausage in a bun piled high with toppings such as mayonnaise, chopped tomatoes, and sauerkraut ('completo italiano' with avocado, tomato, and mayo). It's a beloved fast food, providing a substantial and flavorful bite. Dominó is a classic institution famous for its consistent and delicious completos.
Curanto al Hoyo
Though traditionally from Chiloé, some specialized restaurants in Santiago offer this unique cooking method. It involves slow-cooking seafood, meats, and vegetables in a pit in the ground, covered with hot stones and leaves. It's a communal, earthy feast, rich in smoky flavors. Look for specialty restaurants or cultural centers that host 'curanto' events.
Churrasco Sandwich
Thinly sliced grilled beef steak, typically served in a marraqueta bread roll. It can be prepared 'italiano' (with avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise), 'a lo pobre' (with a fried egg, sautéed onions), or simply with cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying sandwich, a popular choice at any 'fuente de soda' (soda fountain). Fuente Alemana is renowned for its generous churrasco sandwiches.
How to book a table in Santiago
- · For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book 3-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations, as tables fill quickly.
- · Some restaurants may request a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or peak times; confirm policies when booking.
- · Consider dining at lunch for a more affordable fine-dining experience. Many acclaimed restaurants offer multi-course lunch menus at a fraction of the dinner price, often with similar culinary standards.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; many high-demand restaurants enforce strict no-show or late cancellation fees due to the limited number of covers they serve nightly.
FAQ
Santiago restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Santiago?
Boragó in Vitacura is the benchmark table — Chilean Avant-Garde, led by Rodolfo Guzmán, acclaimed local fine dining, around CLP 160,000 - 200,000 / USD 170 - 210 (tasting menu) per person. Order the Territorial 'Kolla' Milk Ice Cream, Patagonia Rosehip Soup
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Santiago?
Boragó in Vitacura is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in Santiago (CLP 160,000 - 200,000 / USD 170 - 210 (tasting menu) per person). Other strong options: Ambrosía, Sarita Colonia, Bocanáriz.
Where is the best Asian fusion restaurant in Santiago?
040 Restaurant in Barrio Bellavista is the Asian fusion table to book in Santiago (CLP 60,000 - 90,000 / USD 65 - 95 (tasting menu) per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Santiago?
La Calma in Vitacura is the seafood table to book in Santiago (CLP 50,000 - 80,000 / USD 55 - 85 (à la carte) per person).
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Santiago?
Cuerovaca in Vitacura is the steak and grill table to book in Santiago (CLP 40,000 - 70,000 / USD 45 - 75 (à la carte) per person).
Where can I eat well in Santiago without spending a fortune?
Bocanáriz is the best-value table on this list at roughly CLP 30,000 - 50,000 / USD 35 - 55 (à la carte) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Fuente Alemana, La Piojera, Mercado Central.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Santiago?
For top fine-dining establishments, aim to book 3-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations, as tables fill quickly. Some restaurants may request a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or peak times; confirm policies when booking.
What food is Santiago famous for?
Pastel de Choclo, Empanadas, Caldillo de Congrio, Cazuela, Choripán — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A comforting Chilean casserole featuring a sweet corn purée topping over a savory filling of ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Baked until golden, it’s a staple of traditional home cooking, especially hearty during cooler months. Find excellent versions at establishments like Juan y Medio, known for its traditional Chilean fare.
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