Eating & Drinking in Santiago
Santiago has experienced a gastronomic revolution in recent years. The city has more award-winning restaurants than ever, a booming street food scene, and some of the best wine bars in South America.
€ Budget (under 8,000 CLP / 8€)
Fuente Alemana · Av. Pedro de Valdivia 210 — Santiago's most legendary sandwich stand. The "Lomito completo" (pork, avocado, tomato, mayo, sauerkraut) is a colossal sandwich and costs only 6,500 CLP. Always a line — worth it!
Cocinerías La Vega · Av. La Paz 1131 — On the upper floor of the wholesale market: Huge plates of Cazuela, Porotos, or Pastel de Choclo for 3,000–5,000 CLP. Can't get more authentic.
Empanadas Zunino · Puente 801 — Santiago's most famous empanadas since 1930. The Empanada de Pino (2,500 CLP) is perfect: crispy dough, juicy filling. Takeaway only.
Los Buenos Muchachos · Ricardo Cumming 50 — Gigantic Completos (Chilean hot dogs) with avocado, tomato, and mountains of mayo. Completo Italiano 3,000 CLP. Cult status.
€€ Mid-range (8,000–20,000 CLP / 8–20€)
Liguria · Av. Providencia 1373 — THE Chilean traditional restaurant: Huge portions, loud atmosphere, fantastic wine. Pastel de Choclo 8,500 CLP, Lomo a lo Pobre 12,000 CLP, house wine 1l 4,000 CLP. Always full — no reservations, just line up.
Galindo · Dardignac 98, Bellavista — Bohemian restaurant in the heart of Bellavista. Chilean home cooking, good Pisco Sour (5,000 CLP), Cazuela (7,500 CLP). Live music in the evening.
El Hoyo · San Vicente 375 — Santiago's most rustic restaurant since 1912. Huge portions, Arrollado de Huaso (rolled pork), and the infamous Terremoto cocktail. Lunch only. 7,000–10,000 CLP.
Mercado Central (outer stalls) · San Pablo 967 — Ceviche de Reineta 7,000 CLP, Paila Marina 8,000 CLP, Caldillo de Congrio 9,000 CLP. Sit directly by the fishmongers, not at the touristy restaurants in the middle.
€€€ High-end (20,000+ CLP / 20€+)
Boragó · Av. San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 5970 — Chile's most famous restaurant, regularly among the world's top 50. Chef Rodolfo Guzmán uses only Chilean ingredients, many wild foraged: seaweed from Chiloé, wild herbs from Patagonia, Atacama salts. Tasting menu from 120,000 CLP (120€). Reserve weeks in advance.
Astrid y Gastón · Antonio Bellet 201 — The Chilean branch of Peruvian star chef Gastón Acurio. Peruvian-Chilean fusion cuisine at the highest level. Ceviche 16,000 CLP, menu from 45,000 CLP.
De Patio · Barrio Lastarria — Chilean cuisine modernly interpreted, beautiful courtyard. Perfect for a relaxed dinner. Main courses 14,000–22,000 CLP.
Bars & Nightlife
Chipe Libre · José Victorino Lastarria 282 — The "Independent Pisco Republic" serves Chilean and Peruvian Piscos side by side. Creative cocktails, politically incorrect, great. Pisco Sour 5,000 CLP.
Bar The Clinic · Monjitas 578 — Bar of the eponymous satire magazine. Political humor, good cocktails, bohemian atmosphere. Terremoto 4,000 CLP.
Cervecería Kunstmann · Various locations — Chilean craft beer founded by German immigrants. Torobayo and Bock are the best varieties. 0.5l from 4,500 CLP.
💡 Tipp
The best dining rule for Santiago: Have the "Menú del día" (Almuerzo) at simple restaurants for lunch — three courses for 5,000–8,000 CLP, often better than expensive tourist restaurants. In the evening, dine in Bellavista, Lastarria, or Barrio Italia. Many restaurants are closed on Sundays — then the Mercado Central or La Vega is the best option.