Chile has long been known for its abundant seafood offerings and vegetarians can relish this cuisine by getting creative in their approach. Stop by vibrant markets de mariscos across Chile to sample oysters or pick up some fried picorocos as delicious snacks!
Ana Maria Restaurant provides classic compltos dishes including wild boar, Cornish hen, lamb, rabbit and frog’s legs in its old house setting – a local favorite due to its exotic menu and welcoming atmosphere.
1. Ana Maria
ANA Restaurant provides delightful breakfast, lunch and dinner choices – from seasonal lunch buffets to fresh pizzas, authentic tacos and craft bars with coffee and pastries – for every meal of the day.
Ana Maria Reyes may live under the impression that she hails from royalty, yet sixth-grader Ana Maria lives in an overly cozy apartment shared by both of her parents (far too loving) and two sisters (way too dramatic), along with all their friends – barely finding time to practice her piano!
Ana Maria believes she has finally found paradise when she is suddenly transported into the world of the telenovela Pasion Sin Limites by an unexpected lightning bolt. At first, Ana Maria exuberantly exclaims over her favorite characters and rubs shoulders with handsome actors; soon however she begins to find that fiction is no less cruel than real life and falls victim to soap-opera villains; only when Tia Nona arrives from Dominican Republic does Ana Maria start feeling welcome and accepted at her new home.
2. Bocanariz
At this rustic, upscale restaurant in Chile’s Andean region lies an eclectic wine list that captures Chile’s many agricultural regions and varietals. Owner Hidalgo strives to introduce guests to Chilean “hidden treasures,” featuring everything from well-established producers like Casa Concha or Vina San Vitor to lesser-known boutique growers and vanguard producers; in his cellar you’ll also find rare vintages of indigenous grapes like Carignan and Cinsault!
Pulperia Santa Elvira manages an amazing feat: it serves up both upmarket and cozy grandma-house fare! Settle in for sopaipillas (chilean corn fritters) or try their irresistibly tender pork hock.
At this cozy, casual sangucheria, brick walls and heavy tables have been carefully constructed to set an intimate, casual ambiance perfect for wine tasting. Choose one of 11 chorrillanas – Mexico’s version of loaded fries – including Bellavista with carne mechada, cheddar cheese sauce and chopped bacon!
3. Borago
At Borago, chef Rodolfo Guzman has taken those traditions to another level by creating an “Endemica” tasting menu of 16 to 20 courses that showcases them all.
He forages ingredients from Chile’s Atacama Desert to Patagonia’s cold waters, working closely with local farmers and producers to source only the freshest produce available for his kitchen. As a result, his menu embodies both Chilean tradition and contemporary flair; from barbecued medusa fish tossed with sake-spiked ponzu sauce to wok-fried caracol trumulco (Chilean sea snail) served up with broad beans and mint leaves.
Peumayen, designed as a traditional Mapuche home, features ingredients and cooking techniques used by indigenous hunter-gatherers in a space filled with traditional tapestries and Native religious icons. Guzman took inspiration from their cuisine by including horse meat and monkey puzzle tree nuts for inclusion into their dishes such as Pulmay de Rocas: stone soup served in a bowl decorated with crackly paste made of black beans with seaweeds on top for inclusion into Pulmay de Rocas soup bowl.
4. Casa Luz
Casa Luz goes beyond being just a restaurant; their mission is to facilitate a shift in consciousness through food as medicine, connection and community-building. They recognize that family is at the core of everything and encourage gatherings both within their restaurants and across home kitchens across America.
The six-story restaurant at Hotel Palace is one of its signature features. Though Barcelona boasts a relatively modest skyline, being perched high up makes one feel as though perched atop a treetop overlooking all that goes on below you. Offering both healthy breakfast buffet options as well as Latin American specialties that are locally sourced.
Sonder Casa Luz is a boutique hotel, and each of the spacious and well-equipped rooms feature modern amenities. Additionally, there’s a rooftop terrace where guests can take in breathtaking views while sipping on their beverage (they offer beer too!). Some nights feature live music performances.
5. De Patio
Family-run picada in Lastarria serves up delicious Chilean-influenced fare that would satisfy their grandparents with an eye toward kitsch. Photographs of regulars line the walls at this charming Lastarria spot where items like pickled rabbit, plateada al horno (roasted brisket), and pillowy Chilean sea urchin can be enjoyed.
Chef Ignacio Ovalle of the flagship of a small chain has elevated Chilean seafood at this white tablecloth eatery. Dishes such as fried picorocos (giant barnacles), caldo de congrio (fish stew beloved of poet Pablo Neruda), and machas a la parmesana (saltwater clams baked with Parmesan on half shell) can be found alongside an extensive wine selection.
A contemporary bistro that embraces its past, this contemporary bistro was one of the first restaurants to introduce Chilean cuisine to Santiago’s new generation. Situated in Providencia neighborhood, their short menu highlights native ingredients and recipes; one dish stands out in particular – chochas and erizo with bright contrasts of cilantro granita, aji verde sauce and sea beans.
6. Restaurant 040
Chef Rodolfo Guzman perfected his craft in Europe before returning home to showcase Chilean ingredients and techniques, which he sources through his team of collectors and foragers scouring mountains, forests, and coastlines for fresh local produce. Dishes such as an experimental take on classic Chilean crab pie pastel de jaiba as well as fresh scallop oysters Rockefeller showcase his innovative approach.
Tapia chef Nicolas Tapia spent years honing his craft at some of the world’s premier restaurants before opening his tea-driven eatery. Here diners can experience 10 courses with Asian influences paired with pots of aromatic tea brews and signature pots of coffee brewing machines. Signature dishes such as barbecued medusa fish in sake-spiked ponzu and wok-fried Chilean sea snail (caracol) served alongside broad beans, mint leaves and pomelo are fan favorites at Tapia.
Restaurant 040’s hidden rooftop bar features an inviting Prohibition-era feel, providing stunning views over Bellavista neighborhood and San Cristobal Hill. Enjoy cocktails that smoke while tasting smoked duck hearts topped with maqui berries and venison tartare made with rockfish–all while listening to smooth jazz in the background.
