Santiago plays an important role both in Chile and in South America as a whole. It is a center of art, culture and tourism as well as home to several major corporations. This is an incredible city that millions of people plan trips to every year.
Not surprisingly, Santiago has a lot of amazing restaurants to choose from. There are options representing every major food culture in the world in addition to Chile’s own unique culture. Eating in Santiago is a huge part of any vacation there.
La Picantería
Just go to La Picantería ‘s website and take look at the image on the main page. It honestly looks like the perfect plate of food, which is why this spot is respected as one of the best Peruvian joints in all of Santiago.
This is one of celebrated Chef Héctor Solís’s restaurants, so you know you’re in for something truly special. The food is sourced from as many local farmers and fishermen as possible. Choose your catch of the day from the display case and let these amazing chefs do the rest.
Santiago’s Europeo
As the name would suggest, Europeo is a Santiago restaurant that derives a lot of inspiration and influence from the European food scene. More unexpected are the dishes that show more than a little Asian influence, as well.
There’s a reason why this is regarded as one of the top restaurants in the city. The food is amazing, and unique in the region. But be forewarned. This is not a cheap restaurant. It’s the kind of place that most visitors can afford to stop at once on a trip, if that.
Ana María Restaurante
A mainstay of the Santiago food scene for more than three decades, Ana María Restaurante is a place people plan to visit as part of their itinerary. The ambiance and feel of the entire experience is reminiscent of an old school Chilean spot.
The food is equally iconic, made with only the freshest ingredients from the land and sea. Ana María Restaurante works with a wide variety of cuts of meat from a range of traditional animals and so much more.
El Hoyo Tavern
The style of El Hoyo Tavern gives off the traditional feel of 10th century Chile. This is the place to get amazing eats that are traditional to the region, the kind of food you dream about when planning a trips to a place like Santiago.
Reputedly, El Hoyo Tavern is the best picada in the city. Picadas are traditional “mom and pop” style shops that serve great, homecooked food. It’s the kind of meal that will make you feel like it came straight out of an abuela’s kitchen.
Las Lanzas
You can’t have fine dining every night no matter where you’re traveling. But that doesn’t mean that you still can’t eat well while you’re in Santiago. Las Lanzas is the kind of joint that serves good straight up great Chilean food.
This is delicious food cooked the right way and for a respectable price. Plus, Las Lanzas is a place to enjoy a beer with your meal and just chill out. Don’t be put off by the crowds. It’s pretty popular, particularly at peak hours, but well worth the wait.