Vitacura district dining options provide ample seafood dining opportunities. Enjoy dishes like barbecued medusa fish with sake-spiked ponzu and wok-fried caracol trumulco (Chilean sea snails) served with broad beans, mint leaves and pomelo fruit.
Modern takes on Chilean gastronomy featuring traditional recipes and ingredients from Chile’s Aymara and Mapuche indigenous populations are available here, providing diners with an enjoyable dining experience.
El Hoyo
El Hoyo, an iconic Chilean restaurant located in Estacion Central, closed its doors this past Saturday after 112 years serving 100% Chilean cuisine to clients who had become regulars at its doors. Although El Hoyo plans on opening up again at Barrio Italia in March 2025, closing its traditional location on San Vicente Street marked an end to an era defined by sausage rolls and cuchara sandwiches.
Since 1912, this family-run eatery has been feeding hungry Santiaguinos. Sit at communal tables while singing along to folk songs as you feast on regional dishes like porotos con rienda (beans, pasta and chorizo stew), costillar or cazuela de chancho y chuchoca. Finish your meal off with a lorito (three-quarter pitcher) of chicha dulce (fermented grape drink).
One of Santiago’s premier eateries, this hip spot is at the forefront of Santiago’s bistronomy movement. Their menu specializes in locally sourced ingredients and includes classic Chilean dishes like empanadas, lomitos and carnitas plates – pairing their meals perfectly with Chilean wines or chicha in this cozy eatery!
Chef Nicolas Tapia developed his craft at some of the world’s premier kitchens before opening his own cafe. Now, he offers tea-inspired dishes such as barbecued medusa fish with sake-spiked ponzu sauce or wok-fried caracol trumulco with broad beans and mint; or his fresh scallop version of oysters Rockefeller.
La Calma by Fredes
La Calma stands out in Santiago’s bistronomie movement with its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients in an inviting bistro setting. Led by chef Rodolfo Guzman – who cut his teeth at Spain’s two Michelin-star Mugaritz – La Calma boasts plates featuring minimalist flavors such as sweet shrimp with maqui berries or succulent lamb prepared using Patagonian al asador technique.
Chile has a rich sangucheria tradition, and few places do it better than this relaxed bar in barrio Lastarria. Young and hip crowds enjoy sipping pints of craft beers while feasting on pichanga (cubed pork snout with pickled cauliflower, carrot, olives), as well as hearty versions of chorrillana–loaded fries piled high with carne mechada, cheddar sauce onions chopped radish and chiles!
Sarita Colonia’s chefs embrace an eclectic blend of flavors and techniques from Peru, Asia, and Chile in their cuisine, creating imaginative takes on traditional dishes like the playful take on jaiba salad; pink cusk eel tartar with chives-and-lemon zest butter; fresh scallop version of oysters Rockefeller are among their specialities. Additionally, the bar sparkles in Campari red while esteemed mixologists Matias Peredo, Fernando Costa, and Matias Supan craft drinks to excite their guests; try Florentine cocktail or mezcal margarita for added fun.
Europeo
Chile, known for its snow-capped Andes mountains, rugged Pacific coastline and historic sites makes an excellent outdoor adventure destination. Additionally, this South American nation also offers outstanding cuisine. Chefs here traditionally looked towards Europe for inspiration when creating dishes, but in recent years have begun exploring Chile’s plentiful supply of endemic ingredients from Atacama Desert Patagonia right through Santiago city limits.
At present, Chile is home to an emerging community of culinary pioneers – many showcasing traditional Chilean flavors in creative new ways such as mac and jaiba ceviche or fresh scallop oysters Rockefellers.
Chef Francisco Mandiola Camus leads this contemporary bistro in Vitacura’s upscale neighborhood, boasting a menu combining European and Chilean food with an innovative flair. Dishes like raw chochas (shellfish) and erizo (sea urchin) come topped with cilantro granita, roasted aji verde peppercorns, sea beans tossed with mild citrus sauce as well as chopped Chilean abalone served on ceramic plates adorned with creamy seaweed mousse, pickled onions, and dill for an eye-catching visual.
For a less formal meal, head to Plaza Nunoa for a casual Chilean diner experience at Las Lanzas where they serve delicious fuente de soda dishes such as their famous completo Italiano pizza bun stuffed with meaty Viennese sausage, creamy avocado and their signature potato mayonnaise sauce. Or you could sample a range of local botanicals in cocktails at Factoria Franklin; an old factory transformed into over 100 craft gins sourced locally!
Balmaceda
Balmaceda, located south east of Coyhaique in the Aysen Region, boasts both an airport and hotels. Home to 500 people, Balmaceda is famous for its lush Valdivian rainforest and scenic mountains – making it an attractive hiking and mountaineering destination. Furthermore, this village also hosts several cultural attractions that draw hikers.
Balmaceda Bar in Maule offers travelers seeking a nightlife experience an essential stop. Offering cocktails and local beers in an energetic environment, its distinctive cocktails combine traditional flavors with modern mixology techniques for an enjoyable drinking experience that attracts both locals and tourists. Furthermore, live music performances add energy and liven up the environment!
Balmaceda is an ideal location to view marine and forest wildlife, such as birds, penguins, dolphins and sea lions. Furthermore, the village provides an oasis of peace and tranquility tucked into its forest location with only unpaved streets lining it – not to mention stunning views of Cordillera Occidental mountains and Corcovado national Park! Furthermore, visiting Balmaceda allows one to witness incredible ocean and seascapes along its fjord and beach frontage and beyond – making it ideal for hiking or kayaking experiences as well.
