Best Restaurants in Santiago Chile: A Complete Food Lover’s Guide

Looking for the best restaurants in Santiago, Chile? You’re in the right place.

During our multiple trips to Chile’s vibrant capital, my husband and I explored the city’s dynamic food scene—from trendy bistros to hidden neighborhood gems.

While he dives deep into reviews and rankings, I trust my instinct and the vibe of a place. Together, our different approaches uncovered some of the most memorable dining experiences in Santiago.

This complete guide shares our top picks and tips for food lovers eager to taste the city at its best.

And if you’re pairing your culinary adventures with wine, don’t miss our independent guide to the Casablanca Valley wine tours—perfect for a day trip from Santiago.

World-Class Fine Dining Experience

Boragó ($$$$$) – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024

Chef Rodolfo Guzmán’s Boragó is quite famous worldwide. This renowned Chilean chef has earned his place – 29th to be exact – among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants according to the 2024 list. But he has been maintaining this recognition for several years already.

This extraordinary restaurant showcases indigenous Chilean ingredients and ancestral cooking techniques reimagined through modern gastronomy.

We were blown away by the degustation menu – it was one of the most interesting culinary experiences we’ve ever encountered. Our plates varied from a flower-bee couple to a real giant tomato plant, and even a dish that looked like a Van Gogh painting. The dessert was so entertaining – we actually breathed out a big amount of smoke from our noses, and we laughed and enjoyed it like kids!

We weren’t lucky enough to see Chef Guzmán, but we watched his amazing team cooking with great admiration, as all the kitchen is completely visible.

What sets Boragó apart from other world-class restaurants is not only their exceptional wine pairings, but also their incredible non-alcoholic cocktail pairings. Each drink was a specialty of its own – crafted with the same indigenous ingredients philosophy as the food. These artisanal non-alcoholic beverages were perfectly matched to each course, creating a complete sensory journey that was just as impressive as traditional wine pairings. The pairing success itself was remarkable!

We tried the tasting menu at Boragó, a journey through Chile’s landscapes and seasons, featuring ingredients like plankton and endemic plants that many food lovers have probably never encountered.

Notes: We managed to reserve a seat only a few days before, and we were confirmed from the waiting list – imagine our anxiety because we were in Santiago for only 3 days! We took an Uber to reach this restaurant as it’s located in a chic residential area of Santiago, far from where tourists usually stay.

The prices were quite similar to a 2-Michelin-star restaurant in Italy. We gave it 5 stars!

There are other fine dining restaurants in Santiago, but we wouldn’t spend a fortune trying all the incredible restaurants – even if we were tempted to – because our plan was to continue to Patagonia, the Atacama desert, and then to Easter Island as well. In these regions, we weren’t able to find restaurants like those in Santiago. There are many accessible restaurants as well, and I will write about all the ones we tried and loved, including the street food ones – keep reading – because you cannot miss those!

Affordable Fine Dining Experiences in Santiago

Peumayén Ancestral Food ($$$) – Bellavista Neighborhood

My personal favorite restaurant in Santiago is Peumayén Ancestral Food, located in the Bellavista Zone (where Pablo Neruda’s house is). It’s cozy, the service is young but expert, and the food is mind-blowing. They offer unique menus featuring dishes from ancient Chilean ancestors.

The food is incredibly delicious. Since we were curious about everything, we chose one meat menu and one fish menu. (We preferred the meat one) but it’s also possible to choose dishes individually from the menu. An amazing option is their Chilean wine pairings, which perfectly complement the unique ancestral experience.

I recommend you reserve a place at this restaurant on the first night you arrive in Santiago, as it creates curiosity and amazement for someone newly arrived in a country and culture. It really gives you a connection to Chile’s indigenous culinary heritage.

We were lucky to eat here only once and could never reserve again – they didn’t have available seats at the time slots we could arrive. So try your best and make the reservation before your arrival.

Bocanáriz ($$$) – In Barrio Lastarria

Bocanáriz is a relatively affordable experience in the Lastarria district that specializes in their nearly infinite Chilean wine options. I think it’s every tourist’s choice when they come to Santiago. This restaurant deserves all the attention it gets from tourists and locals alike. They have a wide range of wines from all over Chile, which is perfect if you don’t have the opportunity to visit the Wine Valley of Casablanca.

Bocanáriz without reservations tip: We visited this popular Lastarria restaurant three times without any reservations. The restaurant seems to operate on a walk-in basis during peak times. Here’s our proven strategy: write your name on the waiting list and be patient. While other visitors got frustrated with the 20-minute wait and left, we enjoyed watching the lovely people and joyful scenery of Lastarria. Every single time, we were seated within 20 minutes. The menu is modestly innovative, expertly prepared, and able to satisfy different palates at the table.

Chipe Libre ($$$) – In Barrio Lastarria

This place is located right next to Bocanáriz and has no reason to be jealous of its neighbor’s success. If Bocanáriz is renowned for its wide wine choices, Chipe Libre is famous for its creative pisco cocktails. (Pisco is the traditional distilled drink native to both Peru and Chile.) If Bocanáriz is sophisticated, Chipe Libre is young and cheerful! It certainly has its own style. The menu is extensive, full of varieties from revisited Chilean junk food to healthy salad recipes and traditional proteins. This is also a perfect spot for aperitifs and late-night drinks.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

Salvador Cocina y Café ($) – Centro

This is a hidden gem in the busy central streets of Santiago. It’s primarily frequented by local white-collar workers during their lunch breaks. In fact, they’re closed on weekends, but they’re open until 7 pm.

Like most of these types of restaurants around the world, they change the menu almost every day. You’ll try authentic Chilean cuisine at very reasonable prices. If you’re indecisive about what to choose, opt for the lunch menu and prepare to pay only 10 USD per person for a 3-course menu including dessert, their special cold tea, and coffee!

The words to describe this place are fresh, delicious, fast, and efficient. Oh, I forgot friendly! It’s excellent for a quick lunch to fuel up while you’re visiting the historical zone of Santiago.

El Portal Ex Bahamondes ($) – Plaza de Armas

Located at Plaza de Armas, previously called Bahamondes, now El Portal ex-Bahamondes.

Eduardo Bahamondes, who went to America for work, tried and loved hot dogs in America in the 1920s. He replicated them once he returned home to Santiago.

The original one is considered “Completo Italiano,” as the ingredients visible from outside – chopped tomatoes, avocado, and mayonnaise – remind you of the Italian flag.

Probably the first Chilean friend you make will ask you if you’ve already tried Completo. Completo is “THE” street food of Chile! They can even get offended if you don’t try one! This is serious – there’s even a Completo Day dedicated to this Chilean street food – I’m not kidding. It’s May 24th. It really deserves it.

Completo is the Chilean hot dog – enriched generously and unmanageably with different ingredients. Each has different varieties like Completo Italiano (the original!), Completo Brasileiro, Chileno, Alemán (German), all with different ingredients and combinations.

It’s so fluffy and so different that you want more and more, even if your face, your hands, and probably your clothes (if you’re not an expert) will get quite messy.

You can find completo anywhere in Chile, but the place where this completo tradition was born is in one of the portico passages behind Plaza de Armas: El Portal Ex Bahamondes.

La Confitería Torres ($$) – Av. O’Higgings – close to La Moneda

Some historical cafes in various cities are a must-visit, like Gambrinus in Naples or Confeitaria Colombo in Rio. La Confitería Torres in Santiago de Chile is one of them. It has this historic atmosphere – it feels like a film set or time travel. Its unique vibe makes you feel the souls who enjoyed coming here.

Politicians used to come here, as it’s very close to La Moneda – The Presidential Palace. The presidents who used to come here are all displayed on the wall with their pictures at the entrance.

One is more special: Ramón Barros Luco, President of Chile between 1910-1915, appreciated for his simplicity and modesty. He only ate the sandwich prepared with meat and melted cheese, now called in his honor “Bocadillo Barros Luco” – Barros Luco Sandwich.

Try as well an interesting drink invented here: “Cola de Mono” (meaning monkey tail). This traditional Chilean Christmas and New Year beverage‘s story is always linked to a president – since we’re close to La Moneda, that’s normal – this time to President Pedro Montt (who served between 1906–1910).

Important Note: La Confitería Torres now has three different locations in Santiago! The historic original we visited is close to La Moneda on the other side of O’Higgins Avenue – this is where you’ll find all the presidential photos and that authentic time-travel atmosphere. They also have a modern location inside the Cultural Center of La Moneda building downstairs, plus another spot. But trust me, if you want the full historical experience and those presidential vibes, head to the original location near O’Higgins!

Sweet Treats

Heladería Emporio La Rosa ($) – Multiple Locations

This ice cream shop was recommended to us by our lovely Chilean guide as the best gelato in the world. Of course, she hasn’t been to Naples, so her enthusiasm is understandable 🙂 But we have to admit that Heladería Emporio La Rosa truly has amazing ice creams.

The shop features pink colors and retro images, offering countless interesting ice cream flavors with ingredients found only in Chile. You’ll find flavors like maqui Chilean berry, ulmo flower honey, or chirimoya – a sweet and soft-textured fruit native to Chile. Ice cream is a perfect way to try native Chilean ingredients in their purest form.

Heladería Emporio La Rosa has several locations throughout Santiago – you’ll probably come across the one in Lastarria.

The Secret Ingredient: Merkén – Chile’s Culinary Soul

Throughout our Santiago food adventure, we discovered the secret ingredient that appeared in many dishes: Merkén! This smoky red pepper powder is Chile’s best-kept culinary secret. Made from smoked ají cacho de cabra peppers, mixed with salt and sometimes coriander seeds, Merkén adds a unique smoky, spicy flavor that’s distinctly Chilean.

We found this magical spice enhancing everything from grilled meats to seafood and even chocolate desserts. For spice lovers, Merkén is the perfect souvenir to bring home – it’s lightweight, authentic, and will transport you back to Chile with every sprinkle. You can find quality Merkén in local markets and specialty food stores throughout Santiago. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dining in Santiago

How much does dinner cost at Boragó? Expect to pay around $250 USD per person for the tasting menu at Boragó. It’s expensive but comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.

Do I need reservations for restaurants in Santiago? For fine dining restaurants like Boragó and Peumayén, absolutely yes – book weeks in advance. For casual spots like Bocanáriz, you can walk in but expect to wait 20-30 minutes during peak times.

What’s the best time to visit Santiago restaurants? Chileans eat dinner late (8-10 PM). For lunch, 1-3 PM is peak time. If you want to avoid crowds, eat slightly earlier than local customs.

Are there vegetarian options in Santiago restaurants? Most upscale restaurants offer vegetarian tasting menus. Street food can be trickier, but places like Salvador Cocina y Café often have daily vegetarian specials.

Where to eat in Santiago Chile on a budget? Salvador Cocina y Café offers 3-course meals for $10 USD. Street food like Completo costs $3-5 USD. Local markets like La Vega or Mercado Central (read security advices) have fresh empanadas for under $2 USD.

What should I try first in Santiago? Start with Completo (Chilean hot dog) at Plaza de Armas, then try pisco sour cocktails. For fine dining, book Peumayén for your first night to understand Chilean indigenous cuisine.

Essential Dining Tips for Santiago:

Try Completo at Plaza de Armas in its birthplace!
Make reservations for fine dining restaurants weeks in advance
Try pisco cocktails – Chile’s national spirit. Other than Chile can only be found in Peru.
Don’t miss wine pairings at upscale restaurants
Local lunch spots offer authentic experiences at great prices
Ice cream is a perfect way to try native Chilean ingredients try Heladeria Emporio La Rosa
Buy Merkén as the perfect spicy souvenir for food lovers!
Eat dinner late (after 8 PM) like locals do
Bring cash for street food vendors and small cafés

You might also be interested in exploring more of Chile with these detailed guides:

Start with the Complete Santiago Chile Travel Guide for essential tips on neighborhoods, stays, and local insights.
Plan your time efficiently with our 4-Day Santiago Itinerary.
Take a scenic day trip to wine country with our Casablanca Valley Wine Tour guide.
Head north to explore the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
Fly west to the mystical Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
And if you’re venturing south, don’t miss our Patagonia Travel Guide, covering Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales.