Our guide to the best restaurants in Santiago
Santiago, Chile, has been a slow travel surprise, an invitation to savor, explore, and connect. Nestled between the towering Andes and the broad sweep of the Pacific, this vibrant capital is steadily earning its place on the global culinary map. What makes Santiago memorable isn’t just the bold flavors or beautifully plated meals; it’s each dish’s story. From indigenous Mapuche ingredients to Spanish roots and creative international touches, the city’s cuisine reflects Chile’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Whether it’s wild-caught Pacific seafood, Patagonian lamb, or the fruit of the central valleys, Santiago’s tables offer more than we expected. Over a month of wandering, tasting, and lingering, we discovered restaurants that reflect the heart and soul of this city. Here’s our curated list of the Best Restaurants in Santiago that impressed us the most.
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A Note on Santiago’s Neighborhoods and Best Restaurants
Many of the city’s best restaurants are clustered in some of Santiago’s most charming neighborhoods. Lastarria is known for its artsy vibe, galleries, and wine bars. Providencia offers a blend of urban energy and old-school charm, while Vitacura is chic and upscale, home to some of the city’s finest restaurants. Bellavista delivers bohemian flair, street art, and nightlife, which are great for pairing dinner with an evening out. And just beyond the traditional tourist paths, Barrio Italia, Santiago’s Little Italy, offers a laid-back, creative energy with tree-lined streets, local designer shops, and a growing number of small, artisanal restaurants and cafes perfect for long, leisurely meals.
Dining Tips for Santiago Visitors
- Reservations are recommended at some of Santiago’s best restaurants, especially on weekends.
- Get ready to wait in line because no reservations are needed at some of Santiago’s Best Restaurants, but don’t worry, they’re worth the wait.
- Tipping is customary; 10% is usually added to the bill as a detail, and they will ask you if you want to include it. If they don’t get this question, check before tipping extra.
- Dinner in Santiago tends to start later than many U.S. travelers might expect, tourists and trendier locals often eat after 8:30 PM, especially for special occasions or nights out. However, during our slow travel experience, we noticed a different rhythm among the many locals we engaged with. Breakfast typically happens mid-to-late morning, followed by a late lunch around 4 PM. That hearty lunch is often the day’s main meal, with little or no dinner afterward.
- Vegan or Vegetarian options are increasingly common, but not all menus are plant-forward. Call ahead if you have dietary needs.
Dress codes range from casual (Galindo) to elegant (Boragó or Naoki). When in doubt, opt for smart casual.
Here’s Our List of The Best Restaurants in Santiago
Boragó – 16-course tasting menu
Cuisine: Modern Chilean / Molecular Gastronomy
Location: Av. Nueva Costanera 3467, Vitacura
Why Go: Consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Boragó explores Chile’s biodiversity using native ingredients from across the country.
Signature Experience: Seasonal tasting menus featuring wild foraged ingredients and stunning plating.
Price Range: $$$$
Dress Code: Elegant
Insider Tip: Book well in advance and come hungry; this is a multi-hour culinary journey.
We had the extraordinary opportunity to dine at Boragó in Santiago, Chile. Ranked #10 in Latin America and #29 in the World’s Top 50 Restaurants, Boragó is a shining star in the culinary world. Nestled in the heart of Santiago with the majestic Andes as its backdrop, this restaurant offers a dining experience that transcends food; it truly celebrates Chile’s natural bounty.
For foodies and seafood lovers, Boragó is an unmissable experience that exemplifies the best of culinary innovation and artistry. Add it to your bucket list! If you are planning your visit and looking for more information, we also shared our entire experience at Boragó and what it cost us here on our website as part of another blog post about this city on Facebook and YouTube.
Bocanáriz – Incredible regional Chilean and South American Wines with thoughtful food pairings
Cuisine: Wine Bar & Contemporary Chilean
Location: José Victorino Lastarria 276, Lastarria
Why Go: Bocanáriz was one of our favorite stops in Santiago; it’s not just a wine bar but a deep dive into Chilean terroir. Located in the heart of the Lastarria neighborhood, this cozy yet refined restaurant is built around an all-Chilean wine list featuring over 250 selections, more than 30 of which are available by the glass. The sommeliers didn’t just serve wine; they told stories, walking us through curated flights like “Extreme Vineyards” and “Iconic Chile,” which paired perfectly with a rotating menu of modern Chilean bites.
Signature Experience: Chilean wine flight with crab empanadas or duck confit risotto
Price Range: $$–$$$
Dress Code: Smart casual
Insider Tip: Ask the sommelier to tailor a flight to your preferences; there are over 100 wines by the glass.
Check Out what it costs for one month in Santiago, Chile
La Cabrera Chile Isidora
Cuisine: Argentine Steakhouse
Location: Isidora Goyenechea 2895, Las Condes
Why Go: One of the highest-rated restaurants in Santiago, this spot is a meat-lovers paradise. Thick cuts, premium Argentine beef, and a robust wine list make it a popular carnivore pick. We enjoyed dining at La Cabrera in Santiago, Chile. Thank you to everyone who recommended we try it; I remember it was an experience! From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere, with mobiles hanging from the ceiling, set the tone for the evening. The restaurant exudes a cozy yet lively vibe, making it the perfect spot in Santiago for a slightly different and memorable dinner.
The star of the show was the steak. A perfectly cooked ribeye, each bite reminded us why we have fallen in love with steak from this part of the world. The sides, including creamed corn, mashed potatoes, applesauce, squash, and pickled garlic cloves, beautifully complemented the main course and added to the overall experience. If you are looking for more pictures from this experience, you can check them out here, from this recent post on Facebook.
Signature Experience: Ribeye steak served with a variety of gourmet side dishes and sauces
Price Range: $$$
Dress Code: Smart casual
Insider Tip: It is Popular with tourists and locals; reserve ahead, especially for dinner, and don’t forget your free lollipop.
Amigos del Mar Restaurant – Great seafood and a short walk from Viña Cousiño Macul
Cuisine: Chilean Seafood with Peruvian Influence
Location:
Great seafood and a short walk from Viña Cousiño Macul
Cuisine: Chilean Seafood with Peruvian Influence
Location: Avenida Tobalaba 13727, Peñalolén
Why Go: Tucked away southeast of the city center, Amigos del Mar serves up some of the freshest seafood in Santiago. The menu blends Chilean coastal flavors with Peruvian culinary flair, offering hearty portions and warm hospitality at accessible prices. What made this spot even more appealing for us was its proximity to Viña Cousiño Macul, one of Chile’s oldest family-run wineries. Getting there was easy; no need for a tour or car. We hopped on a local bus and arrived in time for one of the winery’s guided tastings. It’s an ideal slow travel pairing: local transit, great wine, and a flavorful seafood meal, all within a few relaxed kilometers from our apartment.
Fuente Alemana – Lomito sandwiches
Cuisine: Traditional Chilean Sandwiches (Completos and Lomitos)
Location: Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 58, Santiago Centro
Why Go: A Santiago institution since 1954, Fuente Alemana is a must-visit for those looking to taste Chile’s most iconic fast-casual food. The German-influenced diner serves up legendary lomito (pork) sandwiches piled high with avocado, tomato, and sauerkraut. It’s a local experience through and through.
We couldn’t resist stopping by Fuente Alemana in Santiago, Chile, a true local legend since 1954. We watched the cooks assemble our iconic Lomito Completo sandwiches at lightning speed and were glad we only got one to share!
It’s juicy pork loin, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, and a generous mayo stacked high on a freshly baked bun. Honestly, it’s the ultimate comfort food. And the vibe? It’s an old-school diner with all the Chilean flair we’d hoped for.
If you’re ever in Santiago, do yourself a favor and wait in the long line to grab a spot at the counter for a front-row seat to the show. Your taste buds will thank you!
Our Experience: Lomito completo or churrasco Italiano with a schop (draft beer)
Price Range: $–$$
Dress Code: Casual
Insider Tip: Expect a lively lunch crowd and fast service at the bar; sit up front to watch the cooks in action.
Sandwich heaven? Yes, please! Our detailed Facebook post about Fuente Alemana is here if you need more..
Crepes and Waffles – Large savory and sweet waffles
Cuisine: Great Spot for Savory and Sweet Crepes
Location: Multiple locations, including the Costanera Center, where we visited
Why Go: Originally from Colombia, this chain has found a loyal following in Santiago for its creative, generously filled crepes and giant waffles—a solid spot for brunch or a light evening meal.
Our Experience: Spinach and mushroom crepe for savory lovers; Nutella and strawberry waffle for dessert
Price Range: $–$$
Dress Code: Casual
Insider Tip: Because portions are large, splitting one sweet and one savory makes it easy to try more flavors.
Curry & Kabab – Authentic Indian flavors with a warm, local feel
Cuisine: Indian
Location: Manuel Montt 1855, Providencia
Why Go: Recommended by locals, Curry & Kabab is the place that makes you feel like part of the neighborhood from the moment you walk in. This unassuming gem delivers bold, authentic Indian cuisine—think rich curries, tender kebabs, and pillowy naan—with genuine warmth and hospitality. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the menu offers incredible value without sacrificing quality. It’s the perfect place to break up your Chilean culinary tour with something profoundly comforting and beautifully spiced.
Our Experience: Chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and a mango lassi
Price Range: $–$$
Dress Code: Casual
Insider Tip: Ask for their daily specials. There’s often something off the menu that’s worth trying.
Mili Mili – Chinese cuisine
Cuisine: Chinese Cuisine
Location: Las Condes
Why Go: Sometimes, you have a craving for good Asian food. One of Santiago’s most popular spots and our favorite for authentic Chinese food is Mili Mili, which is known for its dumplings, hot pot, and fast, flavorful wok dishes. This may be your pick when the family is in town, and you want to satisfy almost everyone.
Our Experience: Dumpling sampler and Sichuan-style beef noodles
Price Range: $$
Dress Code: Casual
Insider Tip: Go with a group and share several dishes—the portions are generous and meant to be shared.
Bar La Cervecería Providencia – Beers and cocktails with lots of local options
Cuisine: Pub Fare with Chilean and International Beers
Location: Providencia 1388, Providencia
Why Go: This laid-back spot offers an extensive beer selection and hearty local food options, making it ideal for casual evenings and weekend meetups.
Our Experience: Craft beer sampler and the house chorrillana (loaded fries with beef, onion, and egg)
Price Range: $–$$
Dress Code: Casual
Insider Tip: Grab a spot on the terrace for people-watching and a relaxed view of the Providencia buzz.
A City For Every Appitite
Whether you’re in the mood for ancestral cuisine, fine dining, or the best steak this side of the Andes, Santiago has something incredible waiting at the table. With so much diversity in flavors, style, and setting, the city encourages exploration, so be bold, follow your palate, and savor every bite. Please make your reservations early if you need to, and come with an appetite; you won’t be disappointed.
